Matilda Anderson's POV
Tonight was the party the celebration for the Alpha who had found his mate.
Elera and Ana spent all day dressing me up, making sure every detail was perfect. My hair fell in soft waves, my makeup was subtle but highlighted my features, and the dress they picked a deep blue silk gown hugged my figure in a way that made me feel both elegant and slightly nervous.
When I stepped out of my room, Marco was already waiting near the entrance. The moment his golden eyes landed on me, his expression changed. His jaw literally dropped, and for the first time, I saw him stunned into silence.
A slow smirk tugged at Ana's lips as she whispered, "Told you he'd lose it."
Marco finally blinked and took a step forward, his voice deep and full of something I couldn't quite place.
"You look stunning."
My cheeks warmed, and I looked away. "Thank you."
Without another word, he offered me his arm. I hesitated before slipping my hand through, the warmth of his skin sending tiny sparks through me.
As we stepped outside, the sleek black car was already waiting. Marco opened the door for me, his eyes never leaving mine as I slid inside. Moments later, he joined me, and the door shut behind him.
The ride was quiet at first. The air felt charged, as if there were a million things we both wanted to say but weren't sure how.
"You're nervous," Marco finally said, his voice gentle.
"A little," I admitted, playing with the fabric of my dress. "I don't really… know what to expect."
He reached over, taking my hand in his. "Just stay by my side. You're with me, Matilda. No one will dare disrespect you."
I swallowed, nodding.
The way he said it, so certain, so possessive—it made my heart pound in a way I wasn't ready to admit.
The rest of the car ride was filled with a comfortable silence, Marco's warm hand still holding mine. Every time I glanced at him, he was already watching me, his golden eyes unreadable.
When we finally arrived at the grand estate where the party was being held, my breath hitched. The mansion was massive, glowing under the moonlight, with guards stationed at every entrance. The driveway was filled with luxury cars, and well-dressed werewolves mingled near the entrance.
Marco stepped out first, then turned to offer me his hand. I hesitated for just a second before placing my fingers in his. The moment I did, he pulled me close, whispering, "I've got you."
With his hand resting protectively on the small of my back, we walked into the grand hall. The moment we stepped inside, all eyes turned to us. Conversations paused, heads tilted, and I could hear the whispers.
"Is that her?"
"Marco finally brought his mate in public?"
"She's human?"
I instinctively stepped closer to Marco, and he immediately tightened his hold on me.
Darius was already inside, waiting for us. "You're late," he teased before his gaze flickered to me. "But it was worth the wait. Matilda, you look breathtaking."
I smiled shyly. "Thank you, Darius."
Marco, however, let out a low growl, his arm pulling me even closer. "Enough," he muttered, making Darius chuckle.
We moved further into the hall, greeted by Alphas and their mates. Marco introduced me, his voice filled with authority, making it clear that I was his. Some Alphas were welcoming, others wary, and a few looked outright displeased.
"Not everyone will be happy that a human is your Luna," I whispered to Marco as we walked further in.
He smirked. "They don't have to be happy. They just have to accept it."
I was about to respond when a voice called out, "Marco, you finally decided to show up."
We turned, and I found myself staring at an unfamiliar Alpha and his mate. The Alpha was tall, with sharp green eyes, and his mate—a beautiful brunette—smiled warmly at me.
"I had to bring my mate to her first official event," Marco said smoothly, pulling me closer. "Matilda, this is Alpha dominic and his mate, Celeste."
Celeste stepped forward, taking my hands in hers. "It's wonderful to meet you," she said sincerely. "If you need anything, just ask. The first event is always the hardest."
I let out a small breath of relief and smiled. "Thank you."
Marco and dominic began discussing pack matters, and Celeste leaned in. "So… how are you handling being mated to the Lycan King?"
I glanced at Marco, who was deep in conversation, then back at her. "It's… intense."
Celeste laughed softly. "Oh, trust me, I know."
For the first time that night, I felt like maybe, just maybe, I wasn't so alone in this.
I was beginning to relax, enjoying my conversation with Celeste, when a woman suddenly approached Marco, placing her hands on his arm as if she belonged there.
I froze.
She was tall, elegant, with long dark hair and piercing blue eyes. Her dress clung to her curves, and the way she leaned into Marco made my blood boil.
"Marco," she purred, ignoring everyone else. "It's been so long. You should have come to see me sooner."
I clenched my fists, a strange, unfamiliar feeling rushing through me jealousy.
Marco's jaw tightened. Without hesitation, he grabbed her hands and pushed them off him. "Don't touch me, Olivia," he said coldly.
My heart skipped. He didn't just push her away he made it clear he wanted nothing to do with her.
Olivia's eyes flickered between us, finally acknowledging my presence. "And who is this?" she asked, her tone laced with condescension.
Marco didn't hesitate. He pulled me to his side, his hand possessively resting on my waist. "This is Matilda," he announced, his voice firm. "My mate. My Luna."
The people around us, including Olivia, stilled. I felt every pair of eyes shift toward me, and suddenly, I wasn't just Marco's date for the night I was his official Luna in front of the most powerful Alphas.
I straightened my back, lifting my chin slightly. Marco was making a statement, and I wasn't going to shrink away.
Darius smirked, clearly enjoying the moment as Marco continued, introducing me to every Alpha and Luna standing nearby. Each one either nodded in respect or offered polite words of welcome except Olivia, who looked like she had swallowed something sour.
"Pleasure to meet you," I said, my voice steady.
Marco's grip on my waist tightened as if he could feel my emotions. Leaning down, he whispered near my ear, "You're doing great, little one."
And just like that, I felt a surge of confidence.
Olivia, however, wasn't done. "A human Luna? That's… unexpected."
Marco's expression darkened. "Watch your words, Olivia."
She huffed, clearly irritated, but she didn't say more. Instead, she turned on her heels and walked away, her shoulders stiff.
The moment she was gone, Celeste leaned in, whispering, "That was entertaining."
I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding.
Marco turned me to face him, searching my expression. "You okay?"
I nodded, but I couldn't stop myself from asking, "Who was she?"
He sighed, brushing his thumb across my cheek. "No one important anymore."
After Olivia left, Marco kept me close, his hand never leaving my waist as he continued introducing me to the other Alphas and their mates. The respect in their eyes was something I hadn't expected. Despite being human, they acknowledged me as Marco's Luna. It made my heart swell with emotions I couldn't fully understand.
As the evening went on, I relaxed a little. The event was grand huge chandeliers hung from the ceiling, the air was filled with the scent of rich foods and expensive wine, and soft music played in the background. Marco had barely left my side, always ensuring I was comfortable.
At some point, Celeste leaned in with a mischievous grin. "So… how does it feel to make Olivia furious?"
I chuckled nervously. "I wasn't trying to."
"Maybe not, but you did," she said, winking. "And Marco made sure everyone knew you were his."
A warm feeling settled in my chest at her words. I glanced up at Marco, who was speaking with another Alpha but still kept a protective hold on me.
Just then, the music changed, and couples began making their way to the dance floor. My stomach twisted dancing in front of so many people wasn't something I had ever done.
Marco turned to me, his golden eyes locking onto mine. "Dance with me."
I hesitated. "Marco, "
Before I could protest, he took my hand, leading me toward the center of the ballroom. The moment he pulled me close, my heart pounded. His warmth, his strength, the way he held me it was overwhelming.
"You don't have to be nervous," he whispered, his lips brushing against my ear.
"I don't know how to dance like this," I admitted.
His lips curved into a small smirk. "Then let me lead."
He moved effortlessly, guiding me with ease. At first, I was stiff, but as the music swayed, I found myself melting into him. Marco's gaze never left mine, and for a moment, it felt like it was just the two of us.
"You look breathtaking tonight," he murmured.
A blush crept up my cheeks, and I looked away, but he gently tilted my chin back toward him.
"Don't hide from me," he said, his voice deep and commanding.
I swallowed hard, feeling lightheaded from the intensity of his stare. Before I could say anything, he dipped me, bringing his face closer to mine. My breath hitched, and I was sure he was going to kiss me right here in front of everyone.
But just as our lips were about to touch
A loud, ear-splitting boom shook the entire ballroom. The music stopped. Gasps and screams filled the air.
Marco's grip on me tightened, and his golden eyes instantly darkened.
"What the hell was that?" Darius growled, already on high alert.
Marco straightened, shielding me with his body as warriors flooded into the room.
Then someone shouted
"We're under attack!"