Bound by the Alpha's Veil

ettled over the village. The town square was alive with activity, the air filled with the scent of roasted meats, spiced cider, and fre

ing market, her boots making soft, deliberate steps against the uneven stones. She had been i

lowed her li

is

t smell lik

ger? At

ed scrutiny-newcomers were rare in a place as isolated as Moonglade. But something about the way

d inside its folds felt heavier than it should have, its edges worn from constant handling. Her mother's

r heart, Seraphina. The

pu

nce she crossed the border into Moonglade, an invisible tether leading her deeper into unknown territory. H

art sk

move, shifting as though something

ce laced with an edge of caution. He was an older man, his hands rough and weat

id nothing. Cursed or not, th

e. She turned just in time to see a group of fire-dancers begin their perfo

for a moment, it was easy to forget

hush fell ov

faded. The mu

lt it before

ir. A sudden, ch

tu

cing emerald gaz

orld

imposing frame draped in dark leather that fit his powerful form like a sec

breath hit

niable. The air between them crackled, something

traying no emotion, but she saw the flicker

bo

t come here looking for a mate. She had come for answers. For refuge. But now, stan

around them

is

looking at he

d she

. He turned to his Beta, Darius, a broad-shouldered man with a j

fly, assessing her with sharp calc

disappeared into the crowd, his powerful s

d, but the weigh

rself. She had expected obstacles when she arr

e was t

d just wa

pped into a quieter alleyway. The cobblestones soon gave way to soft dirt as

nside her

he rough bark of an ancient oak. Her instincts screamed at her to g

h

re you

s low, edged

na spun

The way he looked at her sent a shiver down her spine-not just because of t

ing da

owed. "I came

on hardened. "R

r fists. "A past I'd

ng her in the way only an Alpha could-measuring wh

d between them. Then, t

n. It was sharp, edged wit

fer refuge," he said q

efusing to be intimidated. "

gered on her for a fraction too

" he said, voice gruff.

ord, he turned and disa

spot, the mate bond thrumming bet

y a

a ch

planned, she was