Klain's POV
"Alpha Klain, Desdemona from the Moon Pack is here," my Beta announced.
But even as he spoke, I couldn't tear my eyes away from her. I hadn't looked away since the moment she walked through my doors.
My gaze narrowed, searching for something I couldn't name. There was no mate bond tugging at my core—no strong pull—but still, every part of me wanted to claim her.
From the first moment I saw her, I knew she would be trouble. Now, I was certain.
"Jackson," I said, addressing my Beta, who still lingered at the door. He knew the rules—I didn't care if I had someone in my bed. He was to report everything, no matter what.
"Tell her to wait for me in the throne room," I ordered, my eyes never leaving Kristian. Her head remained bowed, and I was left staring at the spill of her thick, ebony hair, gleaming like silk in the candlelight.
"She said if you waste any more time, she'll come here herself and drag you away."
My gaze snapped to Jackson. He gave a nervous smile and added, "Even if you're on top of a woman.' Those were her exact words, Alpha Klain."
"Very well." I waved him off, and he left.
The Moon Pack was nothing but trouble, but I knew better than to get on their bad side. If the truce ever broke, war would follow. And war was the one thing I couldn't afford—not after it had already destroyed me once.
I stepped closer to her. And because I couldn't stop myself, I reached out and brushed my hand gently against her cheek. Her skin was warm, soft—too soft. I whispered her name like a prayer to the goddess.
"Kristina."
She slowly raised her head, and the moment her deep blue eyes locked with mine, every instinct I had screamed to take her—right there, right then.
Mercy.
Did she know?
Did she have any idea what I wanted to do to her?
"You should go, Alpha Klain," she said slowly, her gaze flickering about the room.
"Tell me," I said with a slow smile, savoring how nervous she looked, "why should I leave—when I could stay here with you?"
She gave a small shrug, carefully avoiding my eyes.
"You're my new harem, Kristina. You'll be with me during your first days. It's how I train you... slowly."
Her head snapped up, eyes wide in disbelief. Her lips parted. "Well—" she gave a breathless laugh, "that's not necessary. I'll need a few days to…"
She cleared her throat and glanced away. "Some days to prepare."
I leaned in, my voice dropping to a husky whisper by her ear. "Seeing how eager you came, I thought you were already prepared."
"I am," she said quickly, like I was something to be feared. "It's just... I'm still pure, so I'm adjusting."
Which only made me more curious.
I traced my fingers along the hollow of her neck, and felt her stiffen beneath my touch.
"Strange," I murmured. The scent of lavender drifted over me like a fine silk sheet. The beat of her heart pulsed into something deep inside me.
She could keep that stoic mask, but I knew she was afraid. And all I wanted was to pull her into my arms and whisper that she was safe here—with me.
A frown creased my brow as I leaned back.
It made no sense, this pull I felt. I'd never been drawn to anyone like this before.
Is my wolf broken? Why do I feel this way around her?
"Don't go anywhere," I said, backing away but keeping my gaze locked on hers.
My eyes roamed over her—hungry, searching. The velvet dress clung to her frame, modest and close-fitting, revealing nothing but her hands and neck.
"You'll get a new set of clothes."
With that, I turned and walked out. But I knew—she was watching me.
The moment I stepped into the warmly lit hallway, my wolf growled low and deep.
But I couldn't tell what troubled him more—
Leaving Kristina…
Or meeting Desdemona.
••••••
"Alpha Klain," she said with a smile, rising from her seat the moment I walked in.
"Desdemona," I replied, flashing my ever-charming smile.
She stood tall and radiant in a wrapped golden skirt and matching top, her red curls cascading perfectly around her shoulders.
When she moved, her hips swayed with grace, and her hazel eyes could lure any man in with a single glance.
Desdemona wasn't part of my harem—she was the woman promised to me. The one chosen to be my Luna.
I had accepted the offer. She was strong, beautiful, commanding—and the entire pack adored her.
But after seeing Kristina today...
I found myself wanting to give it all back.
Desdemona reached me and placed a hand on my chest. She looked up, her red-smudged lips curling into a slow smile.
"Enjoying your night? Heard you've taken in a new harem."
"You pry too much into matters that don't concern you," I said, taking her hand and pressing a kiss to her knuckles. "You told me it wouldn't be a problem after we marry."
A glint flashed in her hazel eyes, but she smiled sweetly. "Of course it won't."
I cupped her chin, lifting it so I could meet her gaze.
"Tell me—why have you come all the way here, and so late? Is your pack in trouble?"
"Of course not," she said with a quick shake of her head. "My father is one of the strongest Alphas. The pack is safe."
Her lips curved, and my eyes narrowed. "What is it?"
"Shouldn't we…" she said softly, her voice low and seductive, "go somewhere?"
"Not tonight." I let out a low growl and stepped away from her. "Go home, Mona."
Her gaze sharpened. "You always dismiss your harems when I'm around. Why not this time?"
I exhaled, watching her carefully. "I don't like too many questions."
She glared at me, but when she saw the seriousness in my eyes, her expression softened.
"Klain," she murmured, stepping closer, "why don't we go to your room tonight? Why can't we just get this over with…"
My brows drew together. "Get what over with?"
She reached for my hands, clasping them in hers. Her gaze locked on mine.
"Claim me, Alpha Klain. Make me completely yours."