Bound to the Alpha.

III. Whispers in the Woods.

I turn to my sisters, Sage and Aurora, who are both surrounded by a group of wolves from the nearby Crimson Dawn pack. They are laughing and chatting, completely at ease in the company of these strangers.

I can't help but smile as I watch them joking with their new friends. They are both so outgoing and charming, it's no wonder they've already made such an impression on the other wolves.

As I scan the crowd, I notice the lack of interest directed my way. It's not entirely surprising, given my unique position within the pack. Here, I'm just the one who hasn't shifted, somewhat of an anomaly. Yet, I know this doesn't define my entire being. Away from these woods, in the world of people, my looks often draw second glances, though my forthright personality might not always charm everyone. Among the wolves tonight, that part of my identity seems muted, overshadowed by what I lack. I try not to let it get to me, deciding to take a stroll through the woods. 

As I walk, visions of the rogue wolf with noble blue eyes from my dreams continue to haunt me. Though I'm not sure who he is or what he desires, there's something about him that feels intensely real. Yet, despite the intensity of these visions, a part of me can't help but wonder if they're merely reflections of my deepest desires. 

I'm not from a lineage like the Moonlight or Moonstone packs, famed for their prophetic insights, which leaves me questioning the validity of my own intuitions. Could these vivid dreams simply be the creations of a hopeful heart? Fantasies of what could never be but what I yearn for deeply? This thought darkens my mood, casting a shadow over the flickering hope that maybe, just maybe, these dreams might lead to something real.

Lost in my thoughts, I almost don't hear the approaching footsteps behind me. "Hey there, beautiful," a voice says, and I turn to see a wolf from the nearby Evergreen pack. He's handsome, with dark hair and piercing green eyes. "I couldn't help but notice you were all alone out here. Mind if I join you?"

I roll my eyes, already knowing where this is going. "Let me guess, you want me to introduce you to one of my sisters?"

The wolf grins, his sharp teeth glinting in the moonlight. "You caught me. I've had my eye on your sister Aurora all night. Think you could put in a good word for me?"

I scoff, feeling a wave of annoyance wash over me. "Sure, let me just go fetch her. Oh wait, I'm not your personal wingman. Go talk to her yourself."

The wolf's smile fades, replaced by a look of confusion. "What's your problem? I was just trying to be friendly."

I tilt my head, amused by his audacity. "Friendly? Is that what you call it when you're using me to get to my sister? I don't think Aurora would be interested in someone who cowers behind me instead of having the courage to approach her himself." The wolf bristles at my words, but I don't back down. "I don't have time for your games. Why don't you grow a spine and go talk to my sister like a real wolf would?"

With that, I turn and walk away, feeling a sense of empowerment wash over me.

As I take another step forward, the visions flood my mind once again, like a torrential downpour that refuses to let up. The rogue wolf, a constant figure in these dreams, never comes into full clarity except for his voice and those striking eyes that shift between violent violet and deep blue. Last night, the dream took a new turn—he bit me, marking me as his mate, which has only deepened my confusion.

As I try to make sense of these visions, I can't help but wonder if they're trying to tell me something. Is the wolf a warning of some kind? Or is he a messenger, trying to show me the way? Whatever it is, I know that I need to keep searching for the answer.

I make my way deeper into the woods, the sound of my footsteps echoing through the trees. My mind is preoccupied when, out of nowhere, a voice startles me from behind.

"Ghost." 

I turn to see Reid standing behind me. His golden eyes are fixed on me, and I feel a flutter of nervousness in my chest. "What are you doing here? Don't you know how important tonight is?"

I roll my eyes, still annoyed with him for the way he rejected me as a mate a few weeks back. "I'm well aware. I just needed some fresh air and a break from all the wolves trying to use me as a pawn in their little games."

Reid takes a step too close, and I can smell the familiar scent of our pack on him. A smell of fresh pine needles, musky earth, and a hint of leather, mingled with the subtle sweetness of wildflowers in bloom. "I doubt anyone is interested in a mutt like you, Ghost. You're lucky to even be allowed at this gathering."

I take a deep breath, trying to quell the anger that bubbles within me. I can feel Reid's disdain for me like a weight on my shoulders, but I refuse to let it get to me.

"Reid," I say, my voice steady and controlled. "I may not fit into your perfect little world, but that doesn't mean I don't belong here. Tonight is important to me, and I won't let anyone, not even you, bring me down. Who knows, maybe someone will see me for who I am, not just a mutt, but a strong and capable woman."

I hold his gaze for a moment, willing him to see me as more than just a disappointment. But when he looks away, I know that tonight, I am on my own.

A/N : Thank you for reading this chapter! Your support as a reader means a lot to me as an author. Also, how do you feel about Reid's attitude towards Serene? And what do you think about Serene's encounter with the wolf from the Evergreen pack? Would you be your sister's wingman?