From His Luna to His Rival's Mate

Chapter 5

SELENE

The next morning sunlight streamed through the dorm window and landed on my face. I sat on the edge of my bed, slowly brushing my hair, trying to calm my racing thoughts from last night.

My phone rang suddenly. Mom’s name lit up the screen. I took a deep breath and answered.

“Selene, darling,” my mother’s voice came through, bright and excited. “I have wonderful news! Alpha Calder has formally proposed a marriage alliance between our families. He spoke to your father last night, this is perfect timing. Our pack really needs this connection. The ceremony could happen in just a few months!”

My stomach twisted painfully and my grip tightened on the phone until my knuckles turned white. “No,” I said clearly. “I’m not marrying him.”

There was a long pause. “What? Selene, be reasonable, this is a strong match. Calder is powerful. He can protect you and our family...”

“I said no, Mom,” I cut in, my voice steady but firm. “I don’t love him. I don’t even like him anymore, tell Father I refuse. End of discussion.”

She started arguing, her voice rising, but I hung up before she could say anything else. I dropped the phone on the bed and rubbed my face with both hands.

My heart pounded hard against my ribs. I could feel the walls closing in again, family pressure, pack politics, Calder’s growing obsession. I had to do something fast.

A knock sounded on the door and before I could answer, it swung open. Elara peeked inside with a bright smile, but I saw a tall figure standing behind her in the hallway.

Calder, he stepped into the room, his broad shoulders filling the doorway. He wore a dark shirt and pants that made him look every bit the powerful Alpha he was.

His silver-gray eyes locked onto me right away. There was a new intensity in them, possessive and determined. His jaw was tight, and he carried himself with that quiet confidence that used to make my knees weak.

“Selene,” he said, his deep voice filling the small room. “We need to talk, alone.”

Elara glanced between us, biting her lip. “I’ll… give you two some space.” She slipped out quickly and closed the door behind her.

I stood up slowly, my body tense. I could smell his scent, woodsmoke and raw dominance filling the air. My wolf stirred uneasily inside me.

“There’s nothing to talk about, Calder,” I said. “I already told my parents no.”

He stepped closer, his boots quiet on the floor. He stopped just a foot away, towering over me. His hand reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair from my face, the touch was soft, almost tender, but his eyes burned with something much stronger.

“You humiliated me in front of the entire pack,” he said, his voice low and rough. “You slapped me. Rejected me publicly, and now you think you can just say no to a marriage I want?” He leaned in closer. “I don’t accept that. You’re going to be my mate, Selene. Whether you fight it or not.”

My pulse raced. I could see the obsession growing in him, the way his body leaned toward mine, the slight flare of his nostrils as he breathed me in. In my old life, this kind of attention would have made me so happy I could cry.

Now it only terrified me, it reminded me too much of the man who had traded me and our baby away without hesitation.

I glanced toward the open dorm window that looked out over the courtyard. Students were walking between classes down below, and there, leaning against a tree near the path, was Kael. He held his tablet, scrolling, but his posture looked alert, like he was waiting for something.

This was my chance, without saying another word, I pushed past Calder and hurried out of the room. I heard him call my name, surprised, but I didn’t stop.

My feet flew down the stairs and out into the bright morning sunlight, students turned to stare as I ran across the courtyard grass, my heart hammering in my chest.

Kael looked up just as I reached him, his dark eyes widened slightly in surprise.

I didn’t hesitate, I grabbed the front of his shirt with both hands, rose onto my toes, and pressed my lips firmly against his.

The kiss was sudden and desperate and for a split second, Kael’s body went completely still. Then his hands came up to my waist, holding me steady, his mouth moved against mine, warm, firm, and surprisingly gentle at first.

But something seemed to snap inside him and the kiss deepened. Heat rushed through my entire body, his scent, clean rain mixed with something darker and more dangerous wrapped around me like a warm blanket.

For one perfect moment, the whole world disappeared, there was only the press of his lips, the strength of his hands on my sides, and the wild beating of my own heart.

When we finally pulled apart, both of us breathing hard, I kept my hands on his chest. Kael’s eyes had grown darker, locked on mine with shock and something much hotter, his fingers stayed gripping my waist, like he wasn’t ready to let me go.

Calder had followed me outside. He stood a few yards away, frozen in place. His face had gone pale with rage, his fists were clenched tight at his sides. The air around him felt heavy with Alpha power, pressing down on everyone nearby.

I turned my head and looked straight at him. My voice came out loud and clear, loud enough for him and the growing crowd of curious students to hear.

“I’ve already mated with Kael,” I said, my words sharp and final. “I can’t be your mate anymore.”