I smile, moving on without waiting for his verdict.
“Next!”
By now, the routine is muscle memory.
Smile, greet, get sniffed, get rejected.
Like a merry-go-round from hell. Except no one is merry, and my patience is the only thing going around.
“Maybe I should try a new perfume, something like ‘Eau de Lone Wolf,’” I quip, casting my words into the air. Deep down, I still cling to the hope of finding that elusive match—someone who can look past my scars and see the real me.
Someone who will love me just for being myself.
I’m about to slip backstage to change for the dreaded final round when a voice calls out to me.
“Miss Woods, is it?” A tall, muscular alpha stands before me, his jawline sharp enough to make my insides feel like jelly. He extends his hand, a half-smile playing on his lips. “Heard a lot about you.”
“Only the scandalous bits, I hope,” I reply, shaking his hand firmly enough to catch him off guard. His eyebrow lifts, amusement flickering in his gaze.
“Of course,” he chuckles. “Who wants to waste time on boring stuff?”
“Right? Who does these days?” I shrug, taking in every inch of this fine specimen. And I don’t mean regular fine. I meanfineeeee.
His dirty blond hair is cut short, complementing the light beard that outlines a strong jaw. I’d place him in his mid-thirties—mature, but still very much in his prime. A dark dress shirt clings to his broad shoulders, the top button undone just enough to be tempting.
His warm brown eyes study me with an intensity that makes my skin tingle. Not in the creepy way most males do, but like he’s genuinely interested in having a meaningful conversation.
As I glance around, something feels off.
This alpha isn’t flexing his dominance like the others usually do. My wolf never manifested, but typically, when alphas are present, they make damn sure everyone knows it.
It’s all about proving they’ve got the biggest dick in the room, imposing their energy until it crushes everyone else. Typically, it’s suffocating, especially for the females who have shifted—pure, overwhelming alpha dominance that makes your knees buckle and your palms sweat.
But right now?
Everyone looks at ease. No one’s struggling to stand, no nervous shifting or side glances. This guy isn’t flexing his power, and for an alpha of his stature… that’s rare.
“Tell me, Miss Woods—” he begins, but Headmistress Gray interrupts with a dismissive wave.
“Move along, Alpha Hudson. Luna needs to meet all the potential suitors, not just charm the pants off you.”
“Charmed or not, pants should ideally stay on during this part of the ceremony,” I shoot back dryly, earning a surprised snort from a nearby lady who quickly stifles it with a cough.
“Quite right, Miss Woods.” Alpha Hudson grins, nodding at me before stepping aside.
Clearly, Headmistress Gray doesn’t want me near this prized male.
Oh well, watching the other females go feral over him should be entertaining.
2
Luna
Notebook: Never let them see you break.
It’s the final round: swimsuit.
I glance at the headmistress, hoping for a reprieve to snag some desserts and escape this nightmare, but she shakes her head firmly.
