Chapter Nine

Five Years Ago

"Zenia!"

Someone called her name and she turned, seeing Layton rush toward them. Her friend looked Greyden up and down, a flirtatious smile popping out to show off her dimples.

"Who's your handsome friend, Z?"

Zenia's wolf growled a low warning. "Stop that, Layton. He's my mate."

Surprise flittered across her face. "Your mate? Wait, you found your mate? Here? Already? That quickly?"

Zenia smiled up at Greyden. "We've been blessed by the High Luna."

He ran his knuckles over her cheek. "You're so beautiful. I'm a lucky man."

A throat cleared, reminding Zenia they had an audience. When she looked at her friend with chagrin, a flash of darkness passed over Layton's face before it disappeared and was replaced with a happy expression.

"How amazing is this?" Layton gushed. She sidled up to Greyden and batted her eyelashes. "So, best-friend's-mate, what's your name?"

"I'm Greyden James," he said formally.

He didn't offer his hand, knowing Zenia's wolf wouldn't like that at all.

Layton cocked her head and her brow furrowed. "Wait. Aren't you the alpha's son from Kaudiff Pack?"

"Yes. How did you know?"

"My uncle is on the planning committee. I'm Layton, by the way."

"Nice to meet you."

Layton looked at Zenia. "Are we still going to the dance tonight?"

"I kind of thought I'd go with Greyden," Zenia replied. "I'm sorry, but you know how it is..."

Her voice trailed off, knowing she didn't need to explain. Shifters who hadn't found their moon-fated mates yearned every day to find each other. There was nothing more sacred. Didn't matter if it was an alpha or omega, all hoped to feel the love for a mate. It was one reason why there was an annual meet-up, to give shifters a chance to meet theirs.

"Of course," Layton said sweetly, looking between them.

Zenia saw something that looked a lot like anger flash in her eyes, but it was gone so quickly she figured she'd been mistaken. Greyden squeezed her hand and smiled down at her, and all thoughts of Layton faded away.