DAMIEN'S POV
The cool breeze on the rooftop brushed against my face as Nathan and I clinked our glasses together.
The city stretched out in twinkling lights below us, but all I could think about was her, Anna.
"So," Nathan said, swirling the amber liquid in his glass, "how's life being a soon-to-be husband?"
I laughed, leaning against the railing. "Feels like everything I've ever wanted is finally coming together."
He chuckled. "You look like a damn fool in love."
"That's because I am," I admitted with no shame. "She's everything to me."
Nathan grinned and took a sip. "I can see that. The entire Pack’s been buzzing since they got the news."
"Good." I set my glass down on the ledge. "Did you tell them to start preparing to receive their Luna properly."
"I did." Nathan nodded, his tone turning more serious. "They're excited... but also cautious."
I raised a brow. "Cautious? Why?"
Nathan shrugged. "You know how it is. New Luna. Human. Different world. Some old wolves are stuck in their ways."
I blew out a breath. "Yeah, well, they'll have to adapt. Anna's stronger than any wolf I know."
"Speaking of," he said carefully, "have you told her about her duties as Luna yet?"
I shook my head. "Not yet. I didn’t want to overwhelm her. She’s still settling into everything. Plus... I haven’t even told her about meeting her dad."
Nathan chuckled. "You're scared."
I scoffed. "I'm not scared."
"You are," he teased. "You’re worried her father’s gonna hate you. You, an Alpha, but not just any Alpha. A werewolf Alpha."
"Maybe a little," I muttered, rubbing the back of my neck. "I just... want everything to be perfect."
"You love her that much?"
"I'd burn down the world for her," I said without hesitation.
Nathan’s eyes softened. "Good. Because you’ll need that kind of fire."
There was a short silence as we both watched the cars below.
"When's the wedding?" Nathan asked after a moment.
"The last Saturday of April," I answered with a grin. "Anna picked the date herself."
Nathan nodded approvingly. "Good choice. Spring wedding."
He fell quiet again, and I turned to look at him. "What’s wrong?"
Nathan hesitated before answering. "Just... are you sure she's ready?"
I frowned. "What do you mean?"
He sighed. "Being a Luna... it’s not just wearing a crown and attending parties. It's dangerous. She'll be a target."
"I know that," I said firmly. "I’ll protect her. Always."
He still looked uncertain. "Damien, you can’t watch her every second."
"I’ll find a way," I said, more to myself than him.
Nathan gave a low chuckle. "You're stubborn as hell."
"Anna insisted on continuing work," I said, trying to lighten the mood. "Said she’d go crazy staying at home."
Nathan shook his head in disbelief. "So she's still your assistant."
I nodded.
"I still think you should’ve locked her in a tower somewhere," he joked. “I'm glad she understood and accepted you the way you are.”
"Yeah. She’d probably climb out herself," I laughed.
Just then, my phone buzzed on the ledge.
I grinned, grabbing it. "Speak of the devil."
Nathan peered over my shoulder and smirked when he saw the caller ID — "My Love" flashing on the screen.
"You're whipped," he teased.
"And proud," I said as I answered. "My sweet, what's up? Bored without me?"
Instead of Anna’s soft laughter, a deep, gravelly voice echoed through the line.
"Check the video I just sent to you."
My entire body went rigid.
Nathan immediately picked up on my shift in energy. "Damien? What's wrong?"
I didn’t answer. My thumb trembled slightly as I pulled down the notification bar. A new video file glowed at the top of the screen.
I tapped it open.
My breath caught.
Anna.
Anna was lying on the floor, her hands bound cruelly behind her back, her mouth sealed with duct tape. Her beautiful eyes were closed, her face pale. She looked so lifeless.
A savage roar built in my chest.
The video was short, only fifteen seconds, but it felt like it lasted forever. The last frame froze on her unconscious body.
The call ended abruptly, and another buzz lit up my phone. A text message.
"Follow the instructions if you want her back. We’ll be in touch."
I clenched the phone so tightly it cracked.
"Damien," Nathan said urgently, grabbing my arm. "Talk to me!"
"They got Anna," I croaked out, showing him the screen.
Nathan cursed under his breath. "What the fuck?!"