Violet's POV
Time seemed to slow the moment Mateo and I locked eyes. However, the moment didn't last because he soon tore his eyes away, focusing them on the lady that clung to his side desperately. My body reacted to the scene reflexively, the mate pull between us growing stronger when it shouldn't be. It burned, my body and soul recognized two men who were supposed to be one. But they weren't, and they never would be.
I stumbled, just a fraction, my heel caught on the edge of the marble floor, but Mark's fingers clamped down quickly to prevent me from falling. He had caught me and Mateo, and I was certain he had felt the pull, even if his had been faint.
His breath was hot against my ear,
"Eyes on me, Violet," he hissed. "Don't make me remind you again."
The warning sent ice through my veins. I forced my gaze back to him, but the pull toward Mateo refused to fade. Mark dragged me forward, parading me through the sea of Alphas like a prized trophy on display. Lust rolled off some of them in sickening pulses, their eyes lingering too long on the curve of my neck, the olive gown clinging to my frame. Others carried the sharp tang of pity, as if they could smell the fear still clinging to my skin despite the maids' efforts to mask it with rosewater and powder.
I plastered on smiles, murmuring polite responses when spoken to. "Thank you…." "It's an honor." It was a difficult act to maintain, and it didn't help that my gaze kept drifting back to the far side of the room where Mateo stood.
He looked every bit the charming prince tonight, dark hair swept back, suit tailored to perfection, an easy smile that could make any woman's heart melt. He was flawless, and even though I didn't want to admit it, so was the woman beside him. She had golden hair cascading in perfect waves, posture straight and confident, the kind of highborn grace that screamed alliance. Daughter of some powerful Alpha, no doubt. She laughed at something he said, her hand resting lightly on his arm as if she belonged there.
My mind spun with questions I didn't want answers to. Is she his chosen? Did he accept her to forget me? Or is this just another game, the same way mine is forced on me? The bond twisted painfully, jealousy mixing with confusion until I felt sick.
Mark's grip tightened again, a silent reprimand. I tore my eyes away, but the damage was done. I needed air. Space. Anything to stop the room from closing in.
"Excuse me," I murmured to the group we were speaking with, pressing a hand to my temple. "A slight headache. I'll return shortly."
Mark's eyes narrowed, suspicious, but he released my arm with a curt nod, probably because too many eyes were on us, and he couldn't afford a scene. "Five minutes," he growled under his breath. "Don't test me."
I slipped away as quickly as my trembling legs would allow. I headed outside, I needed some air to calm my nerves. One more minute inside there and I might have genuinely lost my mind.
I hadn't gotten halfway through the hall when my eyes caught sight of Mateo again. He was alone, leaning against the wall as if he'd been waiting. Or perhaps he'd followed. His eyes locked on mine, and I immediately felt my heart skip a beat.
I approached before I could talk myself out of it, steps hesitant but determined. "Mateo—"
He straightened, cutting me off with a sharp shake of his head. "Not tonight, Violet." His voice was low, strained, nothing like the warmth I'd once heard in it. "I don't want trouble. Not here."
The words stung worse than Mark's threats. "Trouble?" I echoed, voice cracking. "I just wanted to—"
"I have someone else now." He said it flatly, dismissively even.
The words landed like a slap. I opened my mouth to argue, to demand answers, but movement caught my eye.
She stepped into view from a side doorway, elegant and composed, as if she'd been summoned by the very mention of her. The woman from the ballroom. Up close, she was even more striking, flawless skin, a smile that was polite but edged with possession.
"Mateo, darling," she said smoothly, sliding her arm through his without hesitation. Then her gaze shifted to me, cool and assessing. "And you must be the new Luna. Violet, isn't it?"
I nodded mutely, throat too tight to speak.
She extended a manicured hand. "I'm Madeline. Alpha Mateo's bride-to-be."
"Ohh…" I worded without even realizing it. Had she always been in the picture before my arrival? I wondered. It didn't seem like they just got to know each other.
I saw Mateo's jaw clench, but he didn't pull away from her touch. He didn't correct her. He just stood there, eyes fixed somewhere over my shoulder, as if looking at me directly would cause trouble like he'd said.
Madeline's smile widened, sweet as poison. "It's wonderful to finally meet you properly. Mark has been so... proud in his introductions. The pack is lucky to have such a devoted Luna."
The words dripped with false warmth, but I heard the undercurrent, he's mine now, and you're not welcome here
I forced my lips to curve, though it felt more like a grimace. "Congratulations," I managed, the word tasting bitter. "You two seem... well-matched."
Mateo's eyes flicked to mine, then swiftly he returned them to Madeline.
"We should get back," he said to her, "The elders will be looking for us."
Madeline flashed me one last smile before she and Mateo walked away. I stood still, unsure of why I was so bothered by the two of them. I barely knew Mateo, yet I felt like I would die if he got with someone else. Perhaps it was the mate bond, or the simple fact that he was the better of the two I felt a connection to.
"Get yourself together." I said to myself. It didn't matter, it shouldn't. I didn't need a man to make me feel complete, I shouldn't be this desperate for their attention or affection. I was Luna now, and I should act like it.
.