The packhouse was alive with excitement. Wolves from Crescent Howl and neighboring packs mingled, the air filled with laughter and the scent of freshly prepared food. Fairy lights hung from the high beams, casting a warm glow over the crowd as they eagerly awaited the arrival of the evening’s star: Rosalie.
Kael stood near the entrance, arms crossed, scanning the crowd with the sharp gaze of an Alpha. Though his pack was full of loyal wolves, and the allied guests had been carefully vetted, he couldn’t shake the tension in his chest. Tonight wasn’t just about Rosalie’s birthday—it was her debut as the Crescent Howl heir.
“Relax, Kael,” Bella said as she approached him, adjusting the cuff of his blazer. She was radiant in a shimmering gold gown, her presence commanding yet warm. “It’s a celebration. Try to enjoy it.”
Kael huffed. “I am enjoying it. I’m just… keeping an eye out.”
“For Alec, I’m guessing?” Bella smirked, her tone teasing but affectionate.
Kael didn’t respond, his jaw tightening.
Bella chuckled softly, patting his arm. “You know, she’s not our little girl anymore. She’s grown into an incredible young woman. You can’t protect her forever.”
Kael sighed, his shoulders relaxing slightly. “I know. But that doesn’t mean I have to like it.”
Before Bella could respond, the crowd erupted into applause as Rosalie descended the staircase. She was breathtaking in her flowing emerald gown, her medallion catching the light as she moved. Her presence was magnetic, and every wolf in the room seemed drawn to her.
Kael felt a lump in his throat as he watched her. She was no longer the small pup he used to carry on his shoulders. She was strong, confident, and more capable than he could have ever imagined.
Alec was the first to approach her, his usual confident demeanor softened by genuine admiration. “You look… incredible,” he said, offering his hand.
Rosalie smiled, her cheeks flushing. “Thank you.”
Kael’s protective instincts flared as Alec led Rosalie to the center of the room. The music shifted, and the two began to dance, their movements graceful and perfectly in sync.
“I’m going to kill him,” Kael muttered under his breath.
Bella laughed, looping her arm through his. “No, you’re not. You’re going to let her have her moment. Trust her, Kael. She’s smarter than you give her credit for.”
Kael grumbled something inaudible but stayed rooted in place, his eyes never leaving Rosalie and Alec.
As the dance ended, Alec escorted Rosalie back to the main table, where Kael was waiting. Clearing his throat, Alec squared his shoulders and addressed Kael directly.
“Alpha Kael,” Alec began, his tone formal yet sincere. “I’d like to formally ask for your permission to court Rosalie.”
The room fell silent, all eyes turning to the exchange.
Kael’s eyes narrowed, his stance stiffening. “And why should I allow that?”
Alec held his ground, his voice unwavering. “Because I respect her, and I see her for who she truly is—a strong, capable future Alpha. I want to stand by her side, not just because of who she is but because of who she inspires me to be.”
Kael stared at him, his expression unreadable. The tension in the room was unbearable .
Bella stepped forward, placing a hand on Kael’s arm. “Kael,” she said softly, her voice full of love and reason. “It’s her choice. Let her decide.”
Kael exhaled deeply, his gaze shifting to Rosalie. Her eyes met his, full of determination and hope.
“Fine,” Kael said gruffly. “But if you hurt her—”
“I won’t,” Alec interrupted, his tone resolute. “You have my word.”
The tension eased as the room erupted into cheers. Kael, though still wary, nodded curtly before stepping back.
The celebration continued in full swing. Rosalie glowed with confidence, her laughter ringing out as she danced and mingled with the pack. Bella watched her daughter with pride, leaning into Kael’s side.
“See? She’s happy,” Bella said, squeezing his arm.
“For now,” Kael muttered, though a small smile tugged at his lips.
As the night wore on, Rosalie found herself once again dancing with Alec. The two moved effortlessly across the floor, their connection undeniable.
“You’re amazing, you know that?” Alec said, his voice low enough for only her to hear.
Rosalie laughed softly. “You don’t have to flatter me, Alec. I already agreed to dance with you.”
“I’m not flattering you,” he said, his gaze intense. “I mean it.”
Before Rosalie could respond, the packhouse doors burst open with a loud crash. The music stopped abruptly as all eyes turned toward the entrance.
A commanding figure stepped inside, his presence radiating authority and power. His voice boomed through the silence, filled with a mix of anger and disdain.
“Stop this nonsense at once.”