Anastasia:

Skybound Pack

“Princess, please smile a little bit. Your father is watching you, and he c…

“Can cause a scene? He owns the party, remember.” I snorted, and she inhaled before giving me one of her puppy eyes.

She knew me too well and definitely knows how to get my attention with those puppy eyes.

“Don't do that now, Riley.” I shrugged, practicing one of my fake smiles, and when she was gone, I rolled my eyes.

I stood at the edge of the ballroom, a silver goblet of wine held tightly in my hand as nobles and Alphas from every allied pack danced under the grand chandelier. The full Moon Fiesta Reunion, meant to unify and to celebrate harmony, felt more like a masquerade of deceit and politics.

And I was drowning in it.

Another sip. Bitter. But not enough to drown the ache still lodged in my chest.

I hadn’t slept. Not really. My body had lain in bed, yes, but my mind had replayed Soren’s betrayal over and over. The words. His face. The way he said I’d make a good slave. That he’d kill my parents. The soft, filthy giggles of that woman tangled in his sheets. Like knives scraping inside me.

My eyes still burned with tears. Swollen. No amount of powder had hidden the red rims, no matter how much Riley tried to brush my hair or dab the tears away with tissue.

Leigh wasn't here. My parents barely looked at me except when I stood too slouched or didn't smile wide enough.

I downed the rest of my wine and slipped quietly out the side doors of the ballroom.

No one noticed, and I was glad Riley didn't.

The cold night air coursed through me like a slap, sharp against my cheeks. I needed it anyway. My eyes narrowed up at the sky, staring deep into the stars that stretched endlessly above the courtyard, and I found myself stumbling toward one of the private balconies overlooking the Skybound cliffs.

I gripped the edge of the stone rail and stared at the moon, full and fat above us, the source of everything we were… and everything I wasn’t.

“Stupid Moon Goddess,” I yelled. “You had one job.”

I laughed. Bitter and void.

“Just one. A mate. That's all I wanted. Someone to see me. Not Luna-to-be. Not the perfect heir. Just…me. Just Ana. Was that too much to ask? And what do I get? A fiancé I don't know. A cold father. And a bastard who planned to chain me like a mutt in heat.

The breeze carried my voice away.

I sighed, lifting the goblet again. Empty.

“Figures.”

“Is that how you flirt, or do I just have terrible timing?”

The voice was smooth. Low and a little amused.

I turned too quickly and stumbled a step. There, a man stood in the shadows of the archway.

I was literally leaping, staring at the man that stood tall in front of me, his chiseled physique oozing out nothing but handsome confidence, with broad shoulders and an athletic build that hinted at a life of fitness and how disciplined he was with his body. His strong jawline and sharp features were accentuated by piercing green eyes that seemed to see right through me, sparking with seduction and intelligence. His dark hair was perfectly messy, framing his face with a hint of ruggedness, and a small scar was above his neck. He wore a fitted shirt that went well with his physique, paired with dark jeans.

His presence was commanding, drawing attention without seeming to try, and his confidence and charisma were not to joke with. When he smiled, his eyes lit up, and a small dimple in his cheek added a touch of charm, making him impossible to ignore.

He stepped closer. Confidence. Like he belonged everywhere, or didn’t care if he didn’t. His grin was lazy, but his gaze was razor-sharp.

“No offense,” I said warily, brushing hair from my face, “but I’m really not in the mood. You can leave now.”

He tilted his head. “Clearly. You’ve been shouting at the moon for the past five minutes.”

“Not shouting. Just…venting.”

He moved beside me, not touching, just resting his arms on the railing like he was admiring the same view.

“And what’s she done now?” he asked, nodding at the moon.

“She failed.”

“Damn. Rough review for the deity of destiny. Get this once in a while.”

I snorted despite myself. “She paired wolves with their soulmates. Or at least, that’s the fairy tale. I guess I got skipped.”

He looked at me then. Really looked.

“Maybe you didn’t get skipped,” he said slowly. “Maybe she’s just waiting for the right time.”

“Right,” I muttered. “Because betrayal and being sold off for politics is such perfect timing.”

He didn’t respond to that. But he didn’t look away either.

“What’s your name?” I asked.

His lips quirked. “Kiel.”

“Kiel?”

“That’s what my friends call me.”

“Do you have any?”

He laughed. A soft, real sound. “Debatable.”

I rolled my eyes, but it was the first real smile I’d managed all night. My chest still ached, but the tightness was loosening.

“I’m Anastasia,” I offered, clearing my throat. ”

“Well, let's spice things up a little bit. How about I call you Sii? Or nasty?”

My eyes widened in disbelief as I hesitated.

Sii? It was only my wolf, Lia, that called me that, and now he…he opted for Sii?

Leigh always called me Ana, and Riley called me Stacy, but it all felt…distant tonight.

He nodded once, like it was sacred.

“Alright then. Sii.”

Gods, I shouldn’t like the way it sounded from his lips.

Like a temptation.

“Dance with me?” he asked suddenly.

I blinked. “There’s no music.”

“There’s always music.” He tapped his temple. “You just have to listen.”

“Poetic,” I murmured, but let him take my hand anyway.

His fingers were warm and rough with calluses. Not a noble’s hands. A fighter’s. A wolf who bled for what he wanted.

He pulled me gently into his arms. We swayed in rhythms. And for a moment, I forgot where I was. Who I was. The pain. The weight. Everything.

He spun me and then caught me again.

The balcony, the world, disappeared.

I couldn’t feel his scent.

But my wolf stirred.

He leaned down, lips near my ear. “You don’t have to smile for them, you know.”

I stiffened.

“You saw?”

“I saw you before you stepped out. The mask slipped. You looked like a drowning girl at a table of sharks. Your smile—they look so fake. Something I used to do.”

I didn’t answer. I couldn’t.

His thumb brushed my cheek. “Let them drown first. Don't be a people pleaser.”

It was reckless. Wild. The kind of thing Soren never said. He wanted safety. Kiel offered a storm.

And I wanted it. I suddenly wanted him around.

Could it be the alcohol working?

As he leaned in close, his voice sent shivers down my spine. “You're so beautiful, he whispered, his deep, rich tone making my heart skip a beat. “I want to get to know you better.” His smooth, sultry voice was like a caress, making me feel desired and wanted, and as he came closer, I felt the heat starting to rise up.

“I want to get to know you but not as a princess. On my bed, screaming my name while I make you the woman you deserve to be. Just one right word and you would get me rolling on your side.” His teasing voice made me shiver as I could feel myself getting wet down there.

“Shit!” I moaned out subconsciously as I tried to get back to my right senses. “Leave! You are crazy.” I muttered out, finding my way out of his sight to the corridor that led into the party. I didn't want to be involved with a reckless person. Not only was I ruining my father's reputation, but even as I made my way rushly, his strong hand held onto me, causing me to slam my back against the wall with my eyes staring directly into his piercing, inviting eyes.

His hand slowly blocked my path, slamming on the wall behind me as I could only concentrate on him.

“Stop hiding it. Stop running away from it. You want me as much as I crave you. Admit it.” His hoarse voice came again, and I suddenly found it hard to breathe.

“You're crazy.”

I closed my eyes tightly, trying to fight the stupid heat all over me, but it was inevitable. I wanted it. I wanted him all over me. I wanted his lips on my body. My whole body was reacting to his voice, his breath, and his voice. All of it.

But was I meant to beg for it?

“Just one right word, Sii. Don't fight it.” He repeated as he got over me with his breath sending electricity down my soul.

I felt his lips down my collarbone, hot, sweet, and tempting.

“Ohh.” I moaned subconsciously, my eyes widened, realizing what I had just done, and I placed my hand on my lips.

“Don’t fight it.”

“I’m drawn to you.” I cried out, and I felt it.

The bond. He smashed his lips on my lips, and the heated bond that identified he was my ‘mate’ came through.