Moonbound: The Alpha's Chosen

Emily's fingers trembled as she traced the address scribbled on the mysterious note. After that dream—so visceral she could still feel phantom touches on her skin—she needed answers more than ever. The anonymous tip had directed her to "Timeless Treasures," an antique shop supposedly connected to the attacks.

Rain pelted down as she approached the Tudor-style building nestled between modern storefronts. A bell tinkled softly as she pushed open the heavy oak door, releasing the scent of old books, polished wood, and something else—something primal that made her wolf pendant warm against her skin.

"Welcome to my humble establishment," a rich, cultured voice called from the shadows.

Emily squinted, her eyes adjusting to the dim interior. Alexander Stone emerged from behind a display of ancient weapons, more imposing than he'd appeared at the café. Today he wore a charcoal suit that emphasized his broad shoulders, moving with predatory grace that seemed impossible for a man his apparent age.

"Your text was cryptic," Emily said, fighting to keep her voice steady. The dream's images flashed unbidden—emerald eyes, sharp teeth, searing pleasure. Heat bloomed across her cheeks.

Alexander's nostrils flared slightly. A knowing smile curved his lips. "You've been dreaming." Not a question.

Emily stiffened. "How could you possibly—"

"The change affects dreams first," he interrupted, moving closer. "Your mother experienced the same process."

"My mother? What does she have to do with this?" Emily demanded, pulse quickening.

Alexander gestured toward a sitting area with two leather armchairs. Between them sat a small table holding an ornate wooden box. "Please."

Emily hesitated, then sat. Alexander settled opposite her, his knees nearly touching hers in the intimate space.

"Your mother was what we call a half-blood," he explained, opening the box. Inside lay a silver dagger, its hilt shaped like a wolf's head—a perfect match to her pendant. "Half human, half lycanthrope. She chose a human life, suppressed her nature, married your father. But blood always tells, Emily."

"That's not possible," she whispered, even as her pendant grew warmer.

"Touch the dagger," Alexander urged.

Against her better judgment, Emily reached out. The moment her fingers contacted silver, pain seared through her hand. She jerked back with a cry, staring in horror at the angry red mark already forming.

"Pure silver burns those with wolf blood," Alexander explained gently. "You're experiencing the awakening—your hereditary traits emerging. The dreams, heightened senses, physical changes... soon you'll experience your first transformation."

Emily closed her eyes, remembering the momentary appearance of silver fur on her arm. "And Lucas? He's like you?"

"He's preparing to become Alpha of our main pack," Alexander confirmed, lips thinning with displeasure. "His father was injured by hunters—rendering him unfit to lead. Lucas will take control during the next full moon... unless he's stopped."

"Why tell me this?"

Alexander leaned forward, his gaze intense. "Because you're special, Emily. Your mixed blood gives you unique abilities. In the right hands, you could help maintain balance between humans and our kind."

"And in the wrong hands?" she asked, already suspecting the answer.

"You become a weapon." Alexander's fingers brushed her wrist, lingering over her pulse point. "Lucas senses what you are. That's why he's drawn to you. Why he wants to claim you."

The word "claim" sent a shiver through her that wasn't entirely fear. "And you? What do you want from me?"

Alexander's smile was dangerous, promising. "To show you your true potential. To guide you through the change." His thumb caressed the sensitive inside of her wrist. "To give you choice when Lucas would give you none."

Emily's breath caught as Alexander raised her wrist to his lips, inhaling deeply. "Your scent is changing," he murmured against her skin. "Becoming more wolf. More... fertile."

The word hung between them, laden with meaning. Emily tried to pull away, but his grip tightened—not painfully, but with unmistakable strength.

"What happened to my mother?" she asked, desperate to change the subject from her apparent fertility.

"She died protecting you," Alexander said, his expression softening slightly. "Hunters discovered her nature. Your father hid you, changed your name."

"My father never said—"

"He wouldn't. He loved her too much to taint her memory." Alexander finally released her wrist. "But time grows short. The Stone pack fractures. Lucas seeks to consolidate power. And you, dear Emily, sit at the center of it all."

A sudden crash from the front of the shop made Emily jump. Alexander was on his feet in an instant, moving with inhuman speed.

"We have company," he growled, and for an instant, his eyes flashed emerald green.