I was Kidnapped for Revenge by a Ruthless Alpha-Chapter 77: A festival in the moonlight

~ODETTE’S POV~

Snow fell in thin layers all around me. It was a beautiful winter wonderland outside.

All around us, the festival thrummed. Lanterns flickered in the night, dyed paper flags whipped in the breeze, and long tables overflowed with roast venison, wine, and fresh bread steaming in the cold.

At the heart of the festivities stood Ambrose, the Alpha King himself. His dark hair brushed with frost, his amber eyes bright with victory, he looked every inch the predator and the monarch. Yet beside him, he stole the breath from every creature who dared glance his way.

I moved like a breeze in the night; I wore the colors of the ColdMoon Pack. Blue and black. Wearing warm black leggings and a blue knitted sweater with silver threads that shined against my porcelain skin. My white hair spilled in soft waves, catching snowflakes as they fell from the sky.

Ambrose’s gaze rarely left me.

When he extended his hand, I took it without hesitation, my fingers were cool as frost.

"It suits you," he murmured, leaning close enough that I could feel the heat of him despite the biting cold.

"What does?" I asked, with a teasing voice tilting my chin to meet his gaze.

"The snow," he said simply. "And the blue. You look like something the goddess painted to haunt my dreams."

My lips curved, my fangs barely peeking giving him a look equal parts playful yet dangerous. "Careful, Alpha King. Flattery can be a dangerous game."

Ambrose only chuckled, a deep, resonant sound that made her bones hum. "I like dangerous games," he said, tugging me closer.

Wolves danced in the snow, some in human form and others half-shifted, their claws and fangs on full display as they leaped through the drifts in wild, joyous movements.

I watched them, my eyes softening. "They’re so free," I said quietly.

Ambrose followed her gaze. "They’re born to the snow and the wild," he replied. "Tonight is for release as wild animals at heart, we need this from time to time."

He squeezed her hand. "You should try it," he urged.

I gave him a look of mild horror. "Dance? With wolves?"

Ambrose grinned. "Exactly."

Before I could argue, he scooped into the air and was swirling me along. Wolves in both forms parted around us.

At first, I moved stiffly, my grace stifled by the nerves. But Ambrose was patient, his movements guiding mine, his laughter echoing like rolling thunder.

"Relax," he coaxed, his breath hot against my ear despite the freezing air. "Feel the moon. The snow. Stop thinking."

My lips parted, I finally gave in. I shifted my weight, letting body sway with his, and soon my steps matched the beat. My hair flew wildly in the wind.

When I finally stumbled, panting and flushed, Ambrose caught me around the waist, his golden eyes devouring me.

"There," he murmured. "There you are."

I couldn’t help but laugh, leaning into his chest, my fingers curling into the fur lining of his coat. "I hate you, I hate how alive this makes me feel."

Ambrose lowered his forehead to mine, his fangs visible now too. "Then hate me forever," he whispered.

The music changed then, signaling the ceremonial procession. Ambrose slipped an arm around me and led me toward the great bonfire. The flames roared, cracking and spitting embers into the sky.

"I’ll be back."

At the center he stood, his golden eyes were sharp and unwavering as he watched her pack kneel before her in reverence.

I studied Jaylin for a long moment. "She’s different," I murmured. "Not just strong... but wise."

"I stand as your alpha king," he called, his voice echoing in the wind. "I come to you to announce your new Alpha."

Ambrose began to pace lightly, "Jaylin Monroe, please come forward."

Jaylin moved with confidence and radiated power with each step she took.

"Jaylin having passed the trials I laid before her, has agreed to accept the position of ColdMoon Pack Alpha, and it is effective immediately."

A wild, collective howl rose in answer, the wolves shifting dropping to four legs and throwing back their heads, their voices in raw, primal unity. I felt it vibrate deep in my bones.

Ambrose’s tilted his head back, releasing his own howl from his chest, deep and shaking the air around them. For a moment, I simply watched him, marveling at the raw beauty.

When he finally lowered his head, his eyes caught mine, hot and burning.

"I also arranged some entertainment for you all later tonight, so dance, drink, eat and enjoy." Ambrose said leaving the center stage and walking straight over to where he left me standing.

"You don’t regret it?" I asked softly.

Ambrose’s brow furrowed. "Regret what?"

"Choosing her. Allowing a female alpha. Some would call it... weakness. Or scandal."

Ambrose snorted, stepping closer so she could feel the heat radiating from him. "Those people know nothing of strength. Jaylin earned it, clawed her way up by tooth and claw. Weakness is denying true strength because it frightens you."

My lips curved into a smile. "I suppose you and I share that philosophy."

Ambrose tilted his head, studying me. "Do we?"

I met his gaze squarely. "I wasn’t chosen to rule by birthright. I clawed my way up too. Among vampires, that is... a crime worthy of assassination attempts."

His lips twitched. "I’ll kill anyone who tries."

A silence stretched between us charged, electric. The snow settled on my hair and lashes.

Ambrose lifted a hand, brushing the flakes from my cheek with surprising gentleness for a king known for tearing throats with his teeth.

"You belong here tonight," he murmured.

My breath hitched. "Here? In this cold? Among wolves?"

"Among the stars. In the snow. With me."

Something trembled me, a rare vulnerability. Then, I charged forward, capturing his lips with mine.

The kiss was ferocious, raw and hungry. His hands locked around my waist, pulling me flush against him. My hands buried themselves in his hair, tugging, demanding.

When we finally broke apart, I was panting, my lips already felt red and bruised.

"You’re too warm," I gasped, half-laughing.

"You’re too cold," he shot back, his forehead pressing against mine, a low growl thrumming in his chest. "But I like it."

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