I had to see him. Had to.
Finally, I reached the oak outside the estate. My secret spot. For ten years, every banquet I got shut out of, I'd sneak here. Through branches, glimpse a corner of happiness not mine.
I leaned on the thickest oak, on tiptoes.
Terrace packed. Sophia was chatting with girls, champagne in hand. Elder Bennett was with the Alpha, deep in serious talk.
No Kayden.
Fine, maybe inside. Mobbed by elites. Maybe he wouldn't show.
"Damn," I muttered. Risked everything for nothing. Diana whined inside. "I know," I told her. "Let's go."
I stepped back, ready to bail—crack. A branch snapped underfoot, loud as thunder in the quiet night.
I froze.
"Looking for something?" A voice behind me.
My heart stopped. Slowly, like a rusted gear, I turned.
Kayden Blackwood stood three steps away.
Moonlight hit him. Black hair, deep silver eyes, tall frame, and that scent—thickening the air. Alpha aura. It crashed over me like a net, stealing my breath. My knees buckled; Diana shrank inside, instinct screaming submit.
He wore a dark suit, collar loose, cheeks flushed.
He'd been drinking.
But those silver eyes—the ones I'd dreamed of—locked on me now, dead serious like never before.
"Layla." He said my name. Not Miss Gray, not you—my name. It hit like a weight, slamming my chest.
"Mr. Kayden." My voice shook. I backed up, hit the tree. "You... Why are you here?"
No answer. He just stepped closer.
I wanted to run. Brain screamed: Run, Layla, now! But my legs were lead, stuck.
"You need something?" I heard myself say. "I... I was just passing, I'll—"
"Your scent." Another step, now one away.
He dipped his head, nose nearly at my neck. I felt his breath, warm, boozy.
"So unique." Low, rumbling from his chest. "Have I... smelled it before?"
Then his fingers brushed my cheek.
The world shattered.
Not metaphor—real. Something exploded inside, a caged beast breaking free, hot, fierce, unstoppable. Diana roared within, nearly bursting through my skin, thrilled like never before.
I stared wide-eyed at Kayden.
His pupils dilated. Silver irises edged in gold—wolf color. Breathing ragged, chest heaving.
He felt it too.
