Oops Alpha, Wrong Luna-Chapter 13

Aria’s POV.

My thighs trembled, a warm, pulsing ache spreading through me as Alpha Kael’s gaze burned into mine.

His onyx eyes were molten, dark and dangerous, pulling me in like a storm I couldn’t escape. He was hot, every inch of him radiating raw power—his sharp jaw, the way his leather clung to his broad chest, the low growl humming in his throat.

My cheeks flushed, heat crawling up my neck as I fought to steady my breath. Kyra, my inner wolf, stirred, her growl loud and needy, clawing at my control.

"Mate," she purred, desperate for his touch, for him to claim us right there against the wall. I shoved her back, my voice sharp in my mind.

"Not now, Kyra. Let him want us first." She whined, but I held firm, my heart racing.

I needed Kael to crave me, to fall so deep he’d never let me go, even when he learned I was Aria, not Celeste.

His hand moved, slow and deliberate, his fingers brushing my chin. My skin sparked where he touched, a rush of fire flooding my veins.

He leaned closer, his breath warm against my lips, his eyes locking me in place. I stopped breathing, my body screaming to close the gap, to let him kiss me.

Just as his lips grazed mine, a sharp knock shattered the moment, loud and jarring. I flinched, my heart lurching, and Kael pulled back, his jaw tightening.

The room turned awkward, heavy with what hadn’t happened. I pressed a hand to my chest, willing my pulse to slow, as the door creaked open.

Beta Brian stepped inside, his warm brown eyes flickering between us. "Alpha Kael," he said, his voice steady but with a hint of apology.

"It’s time for the welcome party." His gaze lingered on me for a second, and I looked away, my cheeks still burning.

Kael nodded, his expression unreadable, and turned to me. "Get changed," he said, his voice gruff, like he was fighting his own storm.

I nodded, my throat tight, and he left with Brian, the door clicking shut behind them.

I stood there, my legs shaky, my mind spinning. That moment—his touch, his almost-kiss—had set me on fire. Only the Moon Goddess knew what tonight would bring.

I crossed to the wardrobe, my hands trembling as I pulled out a silver gown, its fabric shimmering like moonlight.

It was tight, hugging my curves, with a low neckline that made me feel bold, like the Luna I was pretending to be.

I slipped it on, the silk cool against my heated skin, and let my hair fall in loose waves. My reflection in the mirror was Celeste’s, but my eyes were mine—wide, nervous, holding secrets I couldn’t share.

Kael returned, now in a black suit with silver trim, his presence filling the room. He offered his hand, and I took it, the touch electric, sending a shiver through me.

His grip was firm, possessive, and I fought the urge to lean into him. We left the room, his arm steadying me as we walked through the Fang Pack’s halls, their stone walls lit by golden torches.

The air was thick with the scent of pine and wine, the hum of voices growing louder as we neared the throne chamber.

My heart pounded, Kyra stirring again, her excitement mixing with my nerves. I had to be perfect tonight. I had to make Kael see me.

The guards announced us, their voices booming. "Alpha Kael Draven and Luna Celeste of the Shadow Claw Pack!" The heavy doors creaked open, revealing the grand throne chamber aglow with chandeliers and firelight.

Tables overflowed with food—roast meats, fruits, gleaming goblets of wine. Wolves from the Fang Pack turned to us, their eyes wide with awe and envy, whispering about how we looked, how they wished to be us.

Kael’s hand tightened on mine, and I lifted my chin, forcing a smile. But as we stepped inside, one gaze cut through the rest, heavy and unyielding.

Alpha Nicholas, seated on a throne carved with snarling wolves, stared at me. His dark eyes were sharp, unblinking, like he was peeling back my skin to see the truth.

He was older than Kael, his face weathered but handsome, with silver-streaked hair and a smirk that sent a chill down my spine.

I shifted uncomfortably, my smile faltering, but his gaze didn’t waver. It followed me as Kael led me to our seats, his hand still firm on mine.

My stomach twisted, the weight of Nicholas’s stare making my skin crawl. What did he want? Why wouldn’t he look away?

The event began, the chamber filling with music and laughter. Dancers spun across the floor, their movements graceful, while actors performed a play about the Fang Pack’s history, their voices loud and dramatic.

It was fun, the kind of night that should’ve made me forget my worries. But Nicholas’s eyes stayed on me, piercing through the crowd, never letting up. My chest tightened, my breath shallow. I needed air. I needed to escape that stare.

"Excuse me," I whispered to Kael, my voice barely audible over the music. He frowned, his eyes searching mine, but I forced a smile.

"I just need a moment." He nodded, reluctant, and I slipped away, my gown rustling as I wove through the crowd.

The chamber’s doors were heavy, but I pushed them open, the cool night air hitting my face like a balm.

I stepped outside, the palace’s stone walls looming around me, and hid behind a tall pillar in a dark corner, its shadow swallowing me.

I pressed a hand to my chest, my heart racing, trying to steady my breath. Nicholas’s gaze had felt like a trap, like he knew something I didn’t.

I leaned against the pillar, the stone cold against my back, and closed my eyes. The sounds of the party—music, laughter—drifted faintly, but out here, it was quiet, the air sharp with the scent of pine and earth.

I just needed a moment, I told myself. A moment to breathe, to gather my strength.

But then a deep voice echoed behind me, low and smooth, sending a jolt through me. "Feeling bored?"

I spun around, my heart leaping, and froze. Alpha Nicholas stood there, his tall frame blocking the faint torchlight, his dark eyes glinting like a predator’s.

My breath caught, my hands clutching my gown. I dipped my head, my voice stuttering. "Alpha Nicholas," I said, forcing a curtsy, my knees shaky. "I... I was just getting air."

He stepped closer, too close, his scent—leather and smoke—filling the air. My pulse thundered, Kyra growling warily, but I silenced her, my eyes fixed on the ground.

His hand moved, his finger brushing under my chin, tilting my face up. My skin burned where he touched, but it wasn’t like Kael’s touch—warm, electric.

This was cold, calculating, and it made my stomach churn. His eyes locked onto mine, sharp and knowing, and my blood turned to ice.

"I see through you, Luna Aria," he said, his voice low, each word a blade. "You are not Celeste Thorne."

The world stopped. My heart slammed against my ribs, my breath gone. How did he know? My mind raced, panic clawing at me.

No one knew.

Not Kael, not the pack, only Celeste and Marissa. How could he...? I forced a smile, my lips trembling, and bowed again, deeper this time.

"You’re mistaken, Alpha," I said, my voice barely steady.

"I’m Celeste. I need to go back now." I stepped to the side, lifting my gown to walk past him, my heart pounding so loud I was sure he could hear it.

But his hand shot out, grabbing my wrist, pulling me back. I gasped, stumbling as he wrapped his arm around my waist, pinning me against him.

His grip was firm, unyielding, his body hard and unmovable. My gown bunched in my hands, my breath shallow as his eyes bore into mine, dark and relentless.

"Why avoid me?" he whispered, his voice a low grunt, his breath hot against my ear.

"I’m right, aren’t I? You know what I’m talking about." He leaned closer, his lips curling into a smirk.

"Where’s Celeste?"

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