Emma paused behind you, hands resting gently on your shoulders as you stared at yourself in the mirror. The red dress really did fit you perfectly—soft where it needed to be, hugging your curves instead of hiding them. But all you could see were the things people had spent your whole life pointing out.

“This is pointless,” you muttered again, your fingers nervously picking at the fabric near your waist. “My mate isn’t gonna want me anyway.”

Emma’s reflection frowned instantly, her brows pulling together. “Hey. Don’t do that.”

You let out a small, humorless laugh. “I’m just being realistic, Em. You’ve seen it. Everyone has. Wolves aren’t supposed to look like me. Strong, fast, intimidating… not…” You gestured vaguely at yourself, unable to finish the sentence.

Emma turned you around firmly so you had no choice but to look at her instead of your reflection. “Not what?” she challenged softly. “Beautiful? Because that’s what I see. Not weak—because you trained harder than anyone else in the Silver Ridge Pack just to keep up. Not unworthy—because your wolf chose you, and the Moon Goddess doesn’t make mistakes.”

You swallowed, your throat tight. “Then why do I feel like one?”

Before Emma could answer, there was a soft, warm presence in the back of your mind—familiar, steady.

Because you keep listening to them instead of me, Arya’s voice murmured.

You closed your eyes for a second, letting your wolf’s presence settle you. Arya had been with you since your first shift earlier that week—strong, confident, everything you felt like you weren’t. She had been so proud of you… even when you weren’t proud of yourself.

She’s our mate, Arya continued gently. And she will see us.

Your heart stuttered at that.

Kaytlyne Blackwood.

The name alone sent a rush of nerves through you. Alpha of the Blood Moon Pack. The strongest, richest, most feared pack in the country. And her… your mate.

It didn’t make sense. It didn’t feel real.

Why would someone like her—someone perfect—be tied to someone like you?

Emma squeezed your hands, pulling you back to the moment. “Listen to me,” she said, her voice softer now but no less serious. “When I met my mate, I thought the same thing. I thought she’d take one look at me and regret it.” She smiled faintly. “And you know what she did instead?”

You shook your head slightly.

“She looked at me like I was the best thing she’d ever seen,” Emma said. “Like the bond wasn’t a burden… it was a gift.”

You hesitated. “That’s you, though. You’re… you.”

“And you’re you,” Emma shot back immediately. “And that matters. More than you think.”

You glanced back at the mirror, your reflection staring back at you—same body, same insecurities… but something in your chest felt a little less heavy.

Still unsure. Still scared.

But not completely hopeless.

Emma stepped back, giving you a small, encouraging smile. “Now come on. The Blue Moon Pack Gala is waiting, and whether you believe it or not…” Her eyes sparkled slightly. “Your mate is going to be there.”

Your heart began to race again, nerves twisting with something dangerously close to anticipation.

Kaytlyne Blackwood.

Your mate.

You took a shaky breath, smoothing down your dress one last time.

“Okay,” you whispered, more to yourself than anyone else. “Okay… let’s go.”

But deep down, doubt still lingered—

What if she really didn’t want you?

And at the same time… a quieter voice, softer but stubborn, refused to disappear.

What if she does?