Chapter One
Sienna
Champagne bubbles dance on my tongue as I take a sip from my glass, the warm buzz of alcohol making everything feel pleasantly soft around the edges.
I’m several glasses in, and the world has taken on a gentle, golden glow. But I don’t mind. I’m not as strict with myself as I usually would be because tonight deserves celebrating.
Chief strategic advisor at twenty-six. The youngest person ever to head a division in Moonvale’s history.
That’s me, as of today.
The first thing I did was send a message to my parents. They have been away for almost a year, cruising the world, but they’re my biggest support system, and I knew they would be proud of me.
The thought makes me smile so wide, my cheeks hurt.
When Alpha Darius and the previous chief strategic advisor, Roman, who is retiring due to age, announced my promotion at the office earlier today, it felt like a dream.
But that dream quickly became reality when I was told to attend this welcome party for the delegation from Silvercrest. My first task in my new position.
My wolf preens inside me, satisfied and honored. We’re good at what we do. We proved it.
The party flows around me, a mix of Moonvale and Silvercrest pack members mingling in Darius and Violet’s beautifully decorated mansion. The sparkling chandeliers above paint the large ballroom with light. Music plays softly in the background, just loud enough to create ambiance without drowning out conversation.
Anne outdid herself with this welcome party. Her division is in charge of planning events like this, and she led the team that arranged the whole evening. Everything is elegant but warm, impressive without being intimidating. Exactly the kind of atmosphere that makes visiting delegations feel valued rather than scrutinized.
I spot her across the room, laughing at something Violet just said. Warmth blooms in my chest at the sight of them smiling together. My best friends, blissfully happy in ways I’m still getting used to seeing.
They are both married and bonded to their fated mates.
To me, it’s like something out of a fairy tale. My grandparents were fated mates, and watching them used to leave me in awe when I was younger. So in sync, so perfect for each other. Grandma used to say being bonded to your fated mate feels like you’ve been gifted with telepathy.
I always wanted that. I used to daydream about it as a teenager, and now, as an adult, watching my friends find it, the fantasy has awoken in me again.
My wolf preens proudly in my head, and I smile at the visual. Maybe we’ll meet our fated mate someday, or maybe we won’t and we’ll find love on our own. But while we wait for either ofthose things to happen, I’ll be busy building ourselves up to be the best version of us possible.
I turn to drop my empty champagne flute on the tray of a passing server and smoothly pick up another. I spot a group of some of the Silvercrest delegation sitting by themselves and talking. I immediately make a beeline for them.
“I hope you’re all enjoying the evening,” I start warmly once I’m close enough.
All three turn to me, and I’m met with friendly smiles.
“Certainly, Miss Carter,” Sarah says.
I remember all of their names, having introduced myself to them when they arrived. Sarah is in charge of pack relations.
“Please, call me Sienna,” I urge them all as I take an empty chair at their table.
“Sienna, then,” Marcus, Silvercrest’s chief strategic advisor chimes in. “We were just talking about how this is such a lovely party. Moonvale really knows how to welcome guests.”
Thomas, the quiet analyst, nods in agreement.
“I’m glad to hear that. It’s all thanks to our planning committee,” I say lightly, taking a sip of my champagne before joking, “and our alpha’s credit card.”
Laughter bounces around the group.
“We actually met the head of that committee, Mrs. Ashford, as well as your luna,” Sarah mentions. “They were lovely, as well. Wouldn’t stop singing your praises.”
“Oh,” I chuckle. “Anne and Violet are my friends. They’re the best.”
