In the city of Moonhaven, the Nightshade family, a highly respected family leading the Nightshade Pack, was holding a grand celebration. This wasn't just an ordinary party, but a sacred tradition to honor the Alpha bloodline and find a true mate for the next Alpha, Rowan Nightshade.
All eligible young women in Moonhaven between the ages of 18 and 21 were invited to participate, hoping one would be chosen as the Luna or Alpha's mate to help lead the Nightshade Pack.
Adeline, a beautiful girl who had just turned 18 this year, also received an invitation. This would be her first time attending such a lavish party and banquet.
Her simple life made her very excited. She didn't expect to be chosen as a mate. She just wanted to experience the luxurious party atmosphere, taste delicious food, and get a glimpse of the elite world.
"I can't wait. I even skipped eating at home so I could fit more delicious food in my stomach," said Adeline.
Evelyn, walking beside Adeline, chuckled at her friend's comment. They had been together since childhood.
"You're always thinking about food. Think about Alpha Rowan too, who they say is handsome," said Evelyn. "Who knows, he might like one of us."
Adeline shook her head. "I dare not hope for much. So my goal is just the delicious food."
Having no money, they both walked the entire 2 kilometers.
Upon arriving at the Nightshade mansion, a magnificent house surrounded by gardens with sparkling lights welcomed them. Adeline, in her simple dress, stepped inside with awe.
"Wow, incredible!" praised Adeline while admiring the vast front yard where the party was taking place. "I never thought I'd come to a place like this. Look, Evelyn. The food displays are so beautifully decorated." Adeline pointed to the food tables.
"Such a foodie." Evelyn could only shake her head at her friend's behavior.
Not far from where Adeline stood, Rowan Nightshade stood on the second-floor balcony, observing the arriving guests with a calm expression. As the future Alpha, he had reached 21 years of age, making it necessary to find his Luna soon.
Usually, Alphas mate at 18, but Rowan had passed that age as he hadn't found the right partner.
As part of tradition, he needed to find a mate who could support him in leading the pack. Tonight, he had to be ready to fulfill this role.
"Boring," he complained. "For 4 years straight, they've always thrown this stupid party."
"Come on, Friend. Enjoy the party. Don't you want to bed at least one of the girls here?" whispered Gabriel, Rowan's good friend. "Every year you always lose to me."
Rowan just shook his head, annoyed by his friend's silly attitude. He chose to chat with his other friends instead.
From her position, Adeline was observing the guests. However, her eyes fixed on a man with a strong posture and striking aura standing on the second-floor balcony.
The man appeared to be chatting with his friends. Though she didn't know him, Adeline felt something that made it impossible to look away from him. Something quite difficult to resist.
"Who is he?" Adeline mumbled softly, not knowing that man was Rowan Nightshade, the next Alpha. She could only stare in admiration, smiling slightly with strange feelings she didn't understand.
Meanwhile, Rowan, who was talking with his friends, suddenly felt an unusual headache. He frowned, as if his entire body was being pulled by something calling him.
An intoxicating aroma invaded his senses, like wildflowers in bloom attracting bees to come closer.
What is this? I've never smelled this scent before and why is it so hard to control myself? Rowan mumbled quietly.
Without Rowan realizing it, this intoxicating aroma was one that only an Alpha could sense when meeting their true mate.
"Rowan? Are you alright?" Gabriel approached while patting his shoulder with concern.
Rowan nodded, trying to calm himself, though his body felt burned by the pheromones that made it difficult to maintain control.
"I feel something. There's a strong pheromone scent nearby, Gabriel." His voice was almost a whisper, shocked by the depth of feeling suddenly attacking him.
Gabriel, knowing about these signs, smiled understandingly. "Could it be your mate's pheromones? Maybe this is the night you've been waiting for, Rowan," he said, patting his friend's shoulder supportively. "Go find her."
Without answering, Rowan left the second-floor balcony and followed that call. His blue eyes instantly lit up as he searched for the source of the aroma. He let his sense of smell guide his steps through the crowd of guests.
Meanwhile, Adeline, who had been struggling to resist something she didn't understand, was pulled by Evelyn toward the dining table.
"What's wrong with you, Adeline?" asked Evelyn.
"I don't know, Evelyn. I suddenly–"
"Ah, never mind. Maybe you're just tired." Evelyn cut off her friend's words. "We better eat. Others have already started tasting the dishes."
"Alright." Adeline nodded firmly. "Let's fill our stomachs with that delicious food."
Adeline then tasted a piece of cake that was very delicious to her tongue. However, she again felt a pull much stronger than before and it made her restless. Something she had been trying to avoid since earlier.
Her body began to feel hot, her breathing became rapid. Slowly she turned her body toward something that felt like it was pulling her strongly, and that's when her eyes met Rowan's sharp gaze.
Adeline was quite surprised, as the man before her was the same one she had seen on the second-floor balcony.
Rowan walked closer, stopping right in front of Adeline, as if the world around them had stopped. They stared at each other in silence, each feeling a strong connection.
"What's your name?" Rowan asked in a deep voice, his gaze never leaving Adeline's eyes. Like a predator locking onto its target.
"A-Adeline," answered Adeline with a trembling voice, feeling her heart pounding under Rowan's intense gaze.
Rowan smiled slightly, his blue eyes glowing even more with deep emotion. "Adeline, I know this might sound strange, but... do you feel it too?"
Adeline nodded slowly, amidst the foreign feelings enveloping her. "Yes, I feel a strong pull coming from you. Who are you?"
Rowan laughed softly, a meaningful laugh. "You might not realize it, Adeline, but I'm certain this is our destiny. I am Rowan Nightshade, the future Alpha of the Nightshade pack, and you seem to be my destiny."
Adeline's eyes widened, not yet fully comprehending Rowan's words. "What do you mean by destiny?"
Rowan gazed at her deeply, his hand slowly reaching out, touching Adeline's shoulder gently. "As the future Alpha, I must find my Luna. It seems tonight, I've found her."
Rowan looked at Adeline's naturally beautiful face, something he really liked. Though his life was filled with wealth, Rowan preferred things that were natural and simple.
It wasn't just the pheromone scent that attracted him, but Adeline's beauty and simplicity had captured his heart. Yes, Rowan fell in love with Adeline at first sight.
Adeline, still confused, could only bow her head shyly, followed by a hint of hope that suddenly appeared. Strange feelings that seemed to tickle her heart. Making her face feel hot.
Adeline raised her face again to look at Rowan, and found that the man with the strong build and sharp blue eyes was still watching her. His face looked serious, but his smile was friendly. This was her first time facing Rowan Nightshade, the future Alpha everyone talked about.
"Follow me," said Rowan. That pull felt like it was burning his body even more.
Without thinking twice, Adeline nodded, following Rowan's steps to wherever he would take her. Her breathing quickened when she realized that Rowan was actually taking her to his private room.
Adeline felt her heart beating faster. The room was filled with a distinctive masculine scent, making her feelings more uncertain. Rowan closed the door slowly, and for a moment, only silence accompanied them.
Rowan moved closer, his sharp blue gaze never leaving Adeline's face. His warm hand touched Adeline's cheek gently, making Adeline close her eyes, feeling the increasingly unbridled vibrations.
"Open your eyes," Rowan commanded. "Look at me, the man destined to be your mate."
Adeline opened her eyes again, which immediately turned to Rowan's face. She couldn't look away. The attraction between them was so strong, making her emotions surge.
"Adeline..." Rowan whispered softly, moving closer until the space between them was thin. "I've never felt like this before. You make me powerless."
Adeline could only return his gaze, her lips trembling slightly without words. She felt Rowan's hand slowly caress her shoulder, pulling aside the fabric covering that smooth white shoulder, until the fabric slowly fell helplessly to the floor.
That touch slowly transmitted warmth that seeped in, making Adeline feel protected yet also enchanted by the intimacy she was experiencing for the first time.
Neither cared about anything else, except diving into the turmoil that continued to burn their bodies. Sweat poured between them.
"You are the missing part of my soul," said Rowan. His voice sounded hoarse, full of emotion.
"Rowan, I–"
"Shhh... Isn't this beautiful, Adeline."
Adeline nodded, not continuing her words, choosing to feel every bit of Rowan's power over her. Rowan hugged Adeline gently, feeling the increasingly wild tingles between them.
His warm touch felt so comfortable, making Adeline feel as if her world was only Rowan.
Meanwhile, during the party, Mirabel, Rowan's mother, appeared to be scanning every corner of the party. She approached Gabriel who was talking to a girl who looked naive.
"Do you know where Rowan is? The main event will begin soon," said Mirabel.
Gabriel appeared to think for a moment. He knew Rowan was looking for his mate earlier. "I think he–"
"I'm here, Mom."
Mirabel and Gabriel turned toward the voice and saw Rowan appearing while holding tightly to a girl's hand. Mirabel observed her son's slightly disheveled appearance, though it didn't diminish his handsomeness.
Mirabel's gaze shifted to the girl standing with her head bowed behind Rowan. "Who is she, Rowan?"
Rowan smiled while pulling Adeline forward. "Didn't you want me to find my mate soon, Mom? I've found her. She is the woman who will be my mate."
Mirabel was silent for a moment while looking at Adeline and the appearance of this beautiful-faced girl, though with a very simple appearance.
Soon she smiled widely, warmly welcoming her son's decision.
"Alright, if that's what you want, my Son."
Rowan didn't expect it would be that easy for his mother to give her blessing, without looking at who Adeline was and where she came from.
Rowan smiled with relief, taking Adeline's hand and kissing it with full respect. "In that case, Adeline, allow me to do something very important tonight."
"What is it, Rowan?" asked Adeline, holding back a million heartbeats in her chest.
Rowan slowly knelt before Adeline, in the middle of the party. Making all eyes at the party turn to them. The guests whispered, and quite a few girls looked disappointed. However, Rowan only focused on Adeline.
"Adeline, will you be my Luna? Will you marry me, live life as my mate, and together lead the Nightshade Pack?"
Adeline was surprised and covered her mouth with her hand, holding back tears of joy that began to flow. She nodded while smiling happily. "Yes, Rowan. I will."
Besides, they had already united. There was no reason for Adeline to refuse Rowan's proposal.
Thunderous applause echoed through the party, although there was a small portion that didn't seem happy with Adeline's selection. Some other girls looked at her with disappointment, while others whispered enviously. But for Adeline, that night was the greatest happiness in her life.
***
News of their engagement spread quickly throughout Moonhaven. Rowan and Adeline planned to marry next month, and both were very happy awaiting that day to arrive.
All this time, Adeline's life had been miserable. Since becoming an orphan, Lena and Victor, who were her aunt and uncle, had taken Adeline into their home. However, they treated Adeline poorly and always looked down on her.
Rowan's parents, Alpha Leonard Nightshade and Mirabel, actually didn't quite agree with their son's relationship with Adeline, especially after they learned about Adeline's background coming from a poor family and felt this was not appropriate for their son who was the future pack leader.
One night, Leonard and Mirabel visited Victor and Lena's house. Leonard immediately opened the conversation with a cold tone.
"There's something we want to discuss with you, Adeline," Leonard said firmly. Leonard looked at Adeline sharply. "Adeline, we know that Rowan loves you, but we feel you're not the right partner for him."
Adeline bowed her head, trying to stay calm. "I love Rowan, Mr. Leonard. I want to be by his side not because of his status, but because of my sincere feelings for him."
Mirabel rolled her eyes then reached for her bag and took out a check and placed it on the table, in front of Adeline. "This check contains a very large amount of money, enough to change your life with your aunt and uncle, Adeline. Leave my son. Leave Moonhaven tonight."
Adeline looked at the check, then shook her head firmly. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Mirabel, but I cannot accept this. I love Rowan sincerely. I won't leave him just for money."
Leonard looked angry, but Mirabel held her husband back. "If that's your choice, then we cannot force you."
After the Nightshade family left, the cunning Victor and Lena kept the check without Adeline's knowledge. That night, when Adeline was asleep, they tied her hands and feet, put her in the car, and took her out of town.
When morning arrived, at the Nightshade mansion, Leonard and Mirabel approached Rowan with serious expressions. Leonard was about to hand over the letter that had been prepared by Victor and Lena to create the impression that Adeline had written it.
"Rowan, last night Adeline came to me. I didn't tell you because she said she just wanted to talk to me. She wanted to break your bond by asking for a large sum of money from me. She also said she would leave with her lover." Leonard took out a piece of paper and handed it to his son. "This is Adeline's letter for you."
Rowan read the letter with trembling hands, not believing what he saw. "No! This is impossible! Adeline is not a woman who would ask for money or leave me like this for another man! We love each other."
Mirabel tried to calm her son, "I know this is painful, Rowan. But you must realize that this is reality. You must move on with your life."
Rowan's eyes glowed with anger, filled with disappointment. With a trembling voice, he said, "I will never forgive Adeline for this betrayal. I will find her, and she will know what kind of heartache I'm feeling now."