ther's early-morning demands. Miraculously, I hadn't been disturbed by the anxiety-inducing nightmares that usually plagued

rd to breathe deeply. I couldn't pinpoint the exact source of my anxiety, but it was undeniable that it had everything to do with this drea

't have been a big deal. However, the ball would see every pack in America in attendance. The thought of my mate being among them made my anxiety spike.

s unfolding between my father and Valen. Aria and Astr

ed with awe as she nervously twisted a lock of her curly blonde hai

e ball," my father confirmed, casting a glance at my mother, who was setting plates on the table. The aroma

neasy silence. Instantly, the room fell silent, and my father's face

my chair, trying to maintain a neutral expression, though my eyes betrayed the same fear as every

ever seen them or their Alpha. The Silver Moon pack was al

mors suggest," my father said gravely, locking eyes

ven coming?" Valen's voice wa

Ragnar has met Alpha Dominic Grimstone once, and it left a lasting impression,"

chill run down my spine at the thought of sharing space with the Silver Moon pack

g," my father confirmed, hi

go!" Aria ga

h fear flickered in her eyes. "You both need to attend. You're old enough to meet yo

s. I caught Aria's anxious gaze, and we shared a look of shared dread. It felt like we were being sent into a den of wo

ned the door, revealing Raven's bright smile. Her cheerful demeanor cut thro

r makeup! I have so much planned," Raven

ulness betraying her concern. As Raven and I headed up

the door of my room as she unloaded her makeup supplies onto my

my voice steady despite the shiver of fear that ran through me

e raked a hand through her hair, a rare sign of her own nervous

" Raven's voice

ith someone from the Silver Moon pack were slim. I forced myself to focus on the present, pushing aside my fear. I wouldn

t all costs," I declared firmly, my face set with resolve. My v

tell Gideon?" Raven aske

I replied, rolling my eyes. A small smirk played on my lips as I not

oing to meet my mate!" Raven's excitement was infectious as her grin widened. I attempted to match

ted her expertise completely. If Raven weren't the Delta's daughter, she could easily have become a top-notch cosmetologist or fashio

as she applied eyeshadow. "Why do you seem

ach. I took a deep breath, ready to

ok. "I know what you say, but I do

..." Rose's voice

ain," I responded menta

on't try, Katarina," Rose s

heal. Sometimes we stay

t brought. The soft sand beneath my toes and the cool breeze were vivid in my memory. I recalled familiar voices calling my name, and images of someone with moss-gr

ice pulled me from my reverie. I jerked my head

breaths, forcing those thoughts away. I wasn't ready to confront them. They had left me so broken that

her excitement barely contained. I groaned, feeling as if I had been sit

e had spent a lot of time curling my long hair, and to my surprise, the curls held perfec

pinning them back. The simple yet beautiful hairstyle highlighted my features. With the eye makeup she had applied, my eyes n

ing off her teeth. I looked at her in confusion as she handed me my

y. My slim waist and fuller hips were highlighted, and the low-cut, off-shoulder design of the dress showed just a hint of

dramatically, and Raven's eyes sparkled

amazing," Raven declared with a s

d to fade into the background, overshadowed by Raven's triu