POV: Aira Moonstone
The mansion buzzed like a hive, the laughter and bass pulsing through her skin. The pool glittered outside like a moonlit lake, but Aira felt no peace within her. The crowd, the clashing scents of wolves, and the weight of unspoken glances—it was suffocating.
Even Lila's bright energy couldn't drown the heavy coil in her chest.
"I'll be right back," she whispered, gently brushing Lila's arm.
She didn't wait for a reply.
Aira walked down the marbled hallway, past half-open doors and golden chandeliers. Her flip-flops were silent on the tile. She stopped at the far end, where a bathroom door stood slightly ajar. She glanced around—no one in sight.
Just a minute. Breathe.
She stepped inside.
Dim lighting painted shadows on the walls. The mirror reflected a pale version of herself—cheeks flushed, curls sticking to her forehead. She turned on the tap, letting the cool water run over her fingers before splashing it onto her face.
"Get a grip, Aira," she whispered to herself. "It's just a party."
She reached for the towel, patting her cheeks dry. Her heart was finally starting to slow down.
Then she heard it.
The door clicked shut behind her.
She turned halfway—only halfway—before strong arms snaked around her waist, yanking her backwards against a broad, muscular chest.
She gasped, the air leaving her lungs as fear surged like ice in her veins.
"Wait—!"
"You couldn't wait, could you?" a low voice growled into her ear, breath hot against her neck. "Such a good slut. You know all my needs, and you obey like a perfect one."
Her body went rigid.
She knew that voice.
Knew that scent. That commanding presence.
Asher Thorne.
But he didn't know it was her.
He thought she was—
Irene. He thinks I'm Irene.
She tried to speak, to tell him, but her voice died in her throat. The shock and confusion pressed down on her like a wave.
His lips brushed her jawline. His breath hitched.
Then his hands grabbed her roughly, and her breath caught in her throat. She froze completely.
No, no, no… this isn't real.
"Stop—please—" she whispered, her voice trembling.
She pushed against his arms, but he held her too tightly. She couldn't move. Couldn't think.
My first kiss… not like this. Not like this.
His strength was overwhelming. His body surrounded her, pressing into her space, stealing her air.
Tears stung her eyes.
Why me? Why now?
Suddenly—
BANG BANG BANG
"Yo! Get out, man! I gotta pee!"
Asher pulled away, just a little, breathing heavy.
Confusion crossed his features. He turned toward the door, and in that moment—
Aira ran.
She burst through the door, almost tripping on the hallway rug, and sprinted down the corridor. Her heart slammed against her ribs like a caged animal.
Get out. Get out. Get out.
She didn't stop until she saw the patio lights again, until she was sure she was surrounded by people. She didn't even know where Lila was—just that she needed space. Air. Control.
She ducked into a shadowy corner, her breath shaky, tears threatening to fall.
Back in the hallway…
Asher stood frozen.
His brows furrowed, his pulse racing—not from desire anymore, but confusion.
"Irene?" he called toward the empty hall.
But no one answered.
The voice in his head—his wolf, Orbit—growled low.
That wasn't Irene.
Asher frowned. He'd felt something different. Not lust. Not habit.
Something real.
Soft skin. A shaky breath. Fear.She didn't want that.She wasn't ready.
And yet… Orbit wasn't agitated. In fact, for the first time in months, his wolf was calm.
She felt right, Orbit whispered again.
Asher's chest tightened with something he couldn't name—guilt, shame, unease.
"What did I do?" he whispered to himself.
He didn't even know who she was.
But something in his gut told him…
He would find out.
And when he did—everything would change.