Chapter 3
Norah Hoffman and Capri Warren entered the pack reunion hall, the air thick with the mingling scents of wolves. The room buzzed with energy, but it was Otto Sanchez and Zaria Wallace who drew the most attention. The two stood at the center of a crowd, their fingers intertwined, Zaria’s scent—a mix of jasmine and something sharper—piercing through the room.
Otto, ever the showman, introduced Zaria with a confident grin, his alpha-like presence commanding the room. “This is Zaria, my mate.”
The crowd erupted in murmurs of approval. “She’s even more stunning in person,” a Delta remarked, his tone respectful but edged with envy.
“Otto’s never brought a mate to a pack gathering before,” another added, their voice tinged with awe. “She must be special.”
Zaria’s smile was sweet, her dimples deepening as she spoke, her voice soft but carrying. “Doesn’t Norah count?” she asked, her words dripping with faux innocence.
The room fell silent for a moment before a Gamma chuckled nervously. “The new Luna’s got a sharp tongue! Otto, you’ve got your hands full.”
Otto smirked, his arm tightening around Zaria’s waist. “I can explain myself to anyone else, but explaining to Norah is pointless. After all, I could mark any female as my mate—except her.”
Capri’s fists clenched, her Healer’s instincts flaring as she stepped forward, but Norah’s hand on her arm stopped her. “Don’t,” Norah whispered, her voice steady despite the storm brewing inside her.
Just then, a Delta spotted Norah. “Speak of the Moon Goddess, there she is!” he called, his tone teasing but not unkind. “Norah, Otto just said he’d mark anyone but you. What’s your take?”
Norah forced a smile, her wolf stirring faintly in the back of her mind. “He’s right,” she said, her voice calm but firm. “No self-respecting werewolf would mark their sibling. That’s just... unnatural.”
Otto’s gaze flicked to Norah, his expression unreadable, but he said nothing.
Norah guided Capri to a long table laden with traditional pack fare—spiced venison, honey-glazed rolls, and mugs of steaming coffee. The others gradually took their seats, the hierarchy of the pack subtly reflected in their placement. Otto, as a rogue, still carried the aura of a former Delta, and the packmates instinctively deferred to him.
As usual, Otto took the seat beside Norah, but Zaria stepped forward, her voice soft but insistent. “Norah, can I sit in your spot?” she asked, her eyes wide with feigned innocence.
“No,” Norah replied, not even glancing at her.
Zaria’s smile faltered, her scent shifting slightly, betraying her irritation. “I’m sorry, I just wanted to sit next to my mate. I didn’t mean to upset you...”
“Sister-in-law, here, take my seat,” a Gamma quickly offered, rising to his feet.
“Norah, move,” Otto ordered, his voice cold and commanding, the alpha tone slipping through despite his rogue status.
Norah’s jaw tightened, but before she could respond, Capri snapped, “Norah was here first! If you two want to sit together, find another spot. Otto, you don’t get to order her around anymore.”
Otto’s eyes narrowed, his voice low and dangerous. “Norah, if you’re a friend, don’t make this harder than it needs to be.”
Norah stood without a word, her wolf growling faintly in her mind, but she silenced it, moving to a seat at the far end of the table.
Capri shot Otto a glare, her protective instincts as a Healer flaring. She hated seeing Norah treated like this, especially in front of the pack.
As the meal began, the conversation flowed, but the tension lingered. Otto intercepted when a packmate offered Norah coffee, his tone sharp. “Norah shouldn’t drink too much. She can’t handle it. I’ll take it for her.”
A Beta chuckled, his words loosened by the alcohol. “Otto, you’ve always looked out for Norah. We all thought you two would end up as mates. It’s surprising how things turned out.”
Otto’s smirk returned, his voice laced with disdain. “What are you implying?”
As he reached for the drink, Norah stood, her voice cutting through the room. “I’ll drink for myself.”
Otto’s gaze hardened, frustration flickering in his eyes. “Don’t blame me if you overdo it. Remember last Moon Feast? You spilled coffee all over me, ruined my best leather jacket...”
“Keep your mate in check,” Norah interrupted, her tone icy.
“Don’t worry, I’m here tonight. No need to trouble the big rogue,” Capri added, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Otto’s expression darkened, but Zaria tugged at his sleeve, her voice soft but pointed. “Otto, don’t drink too much. I’ll worry about you.”
The room erupted in laughter, the packmates teasing the pair, but Norah’s wolf stirred again, a low growl of pain echoing in her mind. She pushed it down, focusing on the moment, determined to maintain her composure.