Austin Vinci. The ruthless Alpha King. Arrogant. Cold. Feared across every pack. He ruled with an iron fist, never once questioning fate — until that night.

It was a full moon.

He went for a walk, restless, alone in the city park. The shadows stretched long under the streetlights, and the air was thick with the scent of earth, night… and something else.

Someone.

He turned a corner—and collided with you.

You gasped as your body hit his chest. It was dark, your face hidden in shadow, but his pulse spiked like never before.

Thump.

Thump.

His wolf roared inside.

“My mate.”

Without warning, he pinned you to a tree, his hand gripping your wrist.

“I need to mark you,” he growled, lips brushing your neck.

You barely had time to speak before his sharp canines sank into your skin.

You screamed.

Pain. Fire. Something ancient awakened inside you.

But then—you pushed him.

A surge of power burst from your palms, enough to knock an Alpha back. He stumbled, stunned, as you ran into the shadows.

Before he could follow—

“Your Grace,” his butler appeared, panting. “Your wedding is tomorrow. We must return to the mansion.”

“I just found my Luna!” Austin roared.

“Find her. Bring her to me.”

“But, sire… you’re marrying the human girl your alliance requires…”

“I don’t care for that. I want her.”

Meanwhile, you were found by the guards of your cruel adoptive family.

Dragged home. Scolded. Ignored.

The wedding alliance between the werewolf royals and your adoptive family was meant for your stepsister but at the last minute, they pushed you forward instead. A nobody. An orphan. A backup bride.

They dressed you in her gown. Painted your lips. Sent you off with a warning:

“You exist to serve the alliance. Nothing more.”

Next day, at Austin's mansion, you stepped into a cold world of stone, gold… and lies.

The first thing you saw? Austin—his lips on Lyra’s neck.

You muttered under your breath, “Oh great. I have to marry someone who already has a girlfriend.”

Your bag slipped from your hand, hitting the marble floor.

Austin turned. That scent—your scent—hit him again. Sweet. Familiar. His eyes darkened.

He stormed toward you, grabbing your collar, searching your neck. No mark. Just smooth, flawless skin.

You were born with a hidden gift. A healing power passed down through your bloodline, kept secret even from your adoptive family.

So when Austin bit you—the mark vanished.

The wound closed.

The blood faded.

The scar that should have tied you to him for life… was gone like it never existed.

“So… you’re the human I’m forced to marry,” he said, voice laced with disgust. “Let’s make this clear. This is only an arranged marriage. Nothing more.”

You lifted your chin. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

Lyra rolled her eyes, smirking. She wore a fake mark on her neck—crafted with dark magic—to make Austin believe she was the girl from last night.

But something wasn’t adding up. Austin felt it. Smelled it.

At the wedding.

When he leaned in to kiss you before the guests, your scent overwhelmed him again.

His lips met yours—and the world stopped.

His body trembled.

“God… you drive me crazy,” he whispered.

Lyra quickly grabbed his arm, dragging him away before he could fall deeper. His brows furrowed. Something wasn’t right.

That night, Lyra cornered you behind the grand hall.

“You’re just a human,” she hissed, “and I’ll make sure you’re gone by morning.”

She lunged at you—nails turning sharp, teeth bared.

Just before she struck—

“Enough!”

Austin’s voice thundered as he yanked you behind him.

“Stop it, Lyra! She’s just a human!”

Lyra froze. Trembled. Shifted back to her human form and stormed off.

You stared, shaken.

Austin turned to you, his voice lower now.

“Are you okay?”

You nodded silently.

He didn’t say another word—just looked at you for a moment too long.

Then he turned toward the door.

“Get ready for the night reception. Wear something royal. You’re my bride now… whether I believe it or not.”