Chapter 30
Chapter 30
Siena’s POV
The music fades, and so does Raiden’s touch.
His hands leave me as though my skin burns him, as though the very act of holding me is unbearable.
His movements sharp and deliberate, create a gulf between us that feels wider than the entire ballroom. My wolf growls low in my chest, restless and hurt, but I force her down, locking away the ache threatening to surface.
Not now Aaliyah.
“Siena, think about what you are doing. Think about Alpha Xeno-
I lift my chin, keeping my expression neutral, regal even, growling internally, trying my best to ignore her.
The ballroom is full of wolves–predators, judges, opportunists–watching our every move. Waiting for me to falter. I refuse to give them the satisfaction. Even as my stomach twists and my chest tightens, I maintain the façade. I’ve had years to perfect it..
But then, as if summoned by the tension between us, she
Lila.
appears.
She glides into place at Raiden’s side, her dress shimmering under the chandelier lights, every step calculated and poised.
Her beauty is the kind that commands attention, her every movement soft and deliberate, designed to make her look untouchable.
She’s effortlessly submissive. Always in tune with teh wants and needs of her mate.
But I know better.
Beneath her polished exterior lies something sharp and predatory, something that thrives on tearing others down so she can stand taller.
She cannot fool me as she fools my King.
“Alpha King,” she purrs, her voice dripping with sweetness. She tilts her head just slightly, enough to expose the mark on her neck–the perfect crescent that mocks everything I thought I understood about the mate bond.
My wolf bristles, her snarl vibrating through me, “That mark shouldn’t exist. It can’t exist.”
“Would honor
you
me
with the next dance?” Lila continues, her words smooth as silk.
Her fingers brush Raiden’s arm lightly–a possessive touch, deliberate and unmistakable. The glance she throws my way is quick, dismissive, but its meaning is clear: You don’t matter.
Not anymore.
“Roles must be filled.”
His words, an eternal lake of fire that I fear may burn my soul for all of eternity.
I stand still, rooted in place, my nails digging into my palms as I wait for his response. My wolf is a storm inside me, snarling and pacing, demanding I fight back. But I don’t move.
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Chapter 30
I don’t speak.
Raiden hesitates,
Before he can answer, my phone vibrates in my clutch, the sudden buzz breaking the tension. I glance down at the screen, grateful for the distraction. The name flashing across it is my beta.
“Luna,” her voice comes through the line, breathless and excited. “I’ve got incredible news! After your presentation, sponsors are calling non–stop. Three major corporations want to partner with Windhowl immediately!”
Her words hit me like a burst of sunlight breaking through storm clouds. Pride surges through me, fierce and undeniable, momentarily eclipsing the ache in my chest.
This is what I’ve been fighting for. This is why I’ve endured everything–Raiden’s indifference, the whispers, the doubts.
“That’s wonderful,” I say, my voice steady despite the emotions swirling inside me. “Email me the details. I’ll review them in the morning.”
“Yes, Luna. Congratulations!”
I hang up, the faint smile that lingers on my lips feeling more genuine than anything I’ve felt in weeks. This is validation, proof that my vision for Windhowl isn’t just a dream.
It’s real.
As I slip my phone back into my clutch, I glance back toward the ballroom. My gaze instinctively finds Raiden, still standing where I left him. His hands hang loosely at his sides, and his face is unreadable, but his eyes… his eyes are on me.
For a moment, something sharp and raw passes between us. I can’t name it, but I can feel it, heavy and unrelenting.
I square my shoulders and turn away, refusing to let him see how much his presence affects me. I won’t stay here, subject to Lila’s gloating smirk or Raiden’s cold indifference.
I have more important things to focus on.
The cool night air brushes against my skin as I step onto the terrace, the hum of the ballroom fading behind me.
The city stretches out before me in a glittering sea of lights, each one shimmering like a distant promise.
I take a deep breath, letting the crisp air fill my lungs and clear my mind.
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My wolf stirs uneasily, still restless, still growling at the memory of Lila’s mark. She doesn’t understand why we’re here, why we’re tolerating this. She doesn’t understand why Raiden looks at Lila the way he used to look at me.
Neither do I.
I grip the stone railing tightly, my knuckles whitening as I stare out into the night.
The phone call replays in my mind, the excitement in my assistant’s voice, the pride that surged through me. For the first time in weeks, I feel a glimmer of hope.
But even that hope is tinged with bitterness. Raiden’s absence is a shadow in every victory. He should be the one standing beside me, sharing these moments, celebrating what I’ve accomplished.
Instead, he’s inside, with her.
My chest tightens, and I close my eyes, forcing the thought away. I can’t afford to dwell on him. Not tonight. Windhowl needs me, and I won’t let anyone take this moment from me.
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Chapter 20
“Siena”
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The voice stares me, low and wndardier. 1 torn to find Rickard standing low feet away, his expression warm and open
I hope I’m not intruding he says, his tome polite bant curion. I fout wanted to say how impressed I was with your presentation cartier. It’s rare to see that kind of vision and dedication?
The compliment catches me off guard. For a moment, I don’t know how to respond
“Thank you,” I say finally, my voice steady despite the flicker of uncertainty in my chest.
He steps dower, offering a small smile. “Windhowl is lucky to have you. If there’s ever anything I can do to support your efforts, please don’t hesitate to ank”
“Thank you,” I repeat, more firmly this time. “That mean a great deal Kickard
He nods, his smile widening slightly. “Would you allow me to escort you back inside?
I hesitate. The thought of returning to that room, of facing Raiden and Lila, is almost unbearable. But the alternative- lingering out here, alone with my thoughts–is no better.
“Of course, I say finally, slipping my arm through his.
The weight of the stares hits me the moment we reenter the ballroom. Wolves from every pack watch us, their gazes curious and calculating, their whispers buzzing faintly in the background.
I keep my head high, my expression calm and composed.
Rickard is just a frind, a guide, a mentor; let them watch.
Let them wonder.
My eyes drawn to him like a moth to a flame, Raiden is on the dance floor now, Lila in his arms, her body pressed too close to his. But his focus isn’t on her.
It’s on me.
Our eyes meet across the room, and for a moment, the noise and the crowd fade away. There’s something in his expression I can’t quite place–something raw, almost possessive.
It lasts only a second before he looks away, his jaw tightening as he focuses back on Lila. But the flicker of emotion lingers, etched into my mind like a brand.
As Rickard at my side leads me toward the edge of the room, I feel a strange sense of triumph.
Let Raiden watch. Let him wonder.
I am Siena of Windhowl.
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