Chapter 4: Fated to the Enemy

"That has got to be the most ridiculously stupid thing I've ever heard."

I glare at Aidan, taking a step back, my hand gripping my knife. "How can I be your Luna? Does that even make sense to you? Or-wait-is this some new mind trick you wolves have developed to hunt your prey? Because I'm not falling for it."

Aidan steps forward, reaching out like he's about to take my hand. Instinct kicks in before I can stop myself. My blade slices across his cheek in a clean, sharp motion.

For a second, he doesn't move. His expression remains unreadable, and I almost think he didn't feel it. But then, a thin line of crimson appears across his skin.

I exhale, trying to steady my breathing. But before I can say anything, the wound disappears-just like that, as if I never touched him.

Of course. Werewolf healing.

But then I frown. "That was silver," I mutter. "You shouldn't have healed that fast. Unless... oh. I get it now. It's because you're the Alpha's son, isn't it?"

Aidan sighs, rubbing his jaw. "Why don't you just hear me out?"

I scoff. "Hear you out? Do you even hear yourself? How can I be your Luna? I'm human for crying out loud! How does that even work?"

Aidan's jaw tightens. His golden eyes darken as he suddenly snaps, "Do you think I wanted this? Do you think I want to settle down with someone I don't even know? I didn't choose this, Roxanne. This is destiny. You are my mate. And there's nothing I can do about it-nothing you can do about it."

"Oh, screw destiny." I fold my arms. "I don't want to hear a single word about fate or mates or any of that supernatural bullshit. I hunt monsters like you. There is no way in hell I'm going to be your Luna. That is not happening. End of discussion."

His eyes flicker with something unreadable-frustration? Amusement? I don't care.

"You know what?" I continue, stepping back. "Just stay away from me. I don't ever want to see your face again. Because next time, I won't just be slicing your face I'll be aiming for your throat. Alpha's son or not, I'll take you down."

And with that, I spin around and run.

By the time I get back to my apartment, my entire body aches. My arms are sore, my legs are burning, and my head is pounding. But nothing compares to the mess running wild in my brain.

I push the door open, and the moment I step inside, I see Elena pacing back and forth. She looks up, eyes wide with panic.

"Oh my god, Rox!" She rushes toward me. "Where have you been? I called Jackson, and he said you'd already left his place. I thought something happened to you-"

She suddenly stops, eyes dropping to my arm.

"You're bleeding."

"Yeah," I say dryly. "I'm aware."

Elena exhales sharply. "What the hell happened?"

I drop onto the couch, running a hand through my tangled hair. "So many ridiculous things happened tonight."

Elena shakes her head. "Okay, okay, wait. Let's get you treated first. Then you can tell me everything."

She grabs the first aid kit and starts

patching me up. It stings, but I barely react. I'm too busy replaying everything in my head.

Once she's done, she sits beside me. "Alright. Spill."

I tell her everything.

From the werewolves attacking me. To Aidan showing up. To him saving my ass. To the insane revelation that he's a werewolf. And finally, to the part that really messes with my head-Aidan Thorne calling me his Luna.

When I finish, Elena is staring at me like I just told her the world is ending.

"So, not only is Mr. Mysterious Aidan a werewolf," she says slowly, "but he claims you're his fated mate?"

"Yep," I say, popping the 'p' loudly.

Elena runs a hand down her face. "That doesn't make any sense. A werewolf and a human? Does it even work like that?"

"Exactly my point." I groan. "None of this makes sense."

"But why would he even say that? What does he gain from it?"

I shrug. "He said something about his pack's tradition. Apparently, he has to marry his Luna before he can take over as Alpha."

Elena's brows furrow. "Wait. What pack is he from?"

"The Crimson Pack."

Silence.

Elena suddenly goes pale. "The Crimson Pack? Rox, that's one of the most powerful packs in the entire city."

"I know." I exhale. "It gets worse. His name-Aidan Thorne. I heard about him before. From a werewolf I killed a few weeks back. That was why I thought his name sounded so familiar when I heard it."

Elena looks at me, wide-eyed. "This is insane."

I lean back against the couch, closing my eyes. "Tell me about it."

The next day, I step out, hoping to clear my head. I need coffee. A lot of it. But

guess who I run into instead?

Aidan Thorne.

Standing across the street.

I stop dead in my tracks.

"You've got to be kidding me." I glare at him. "I thought I told you to stay the hell away from me. Are you stalking me now?"

Aidan raises a brow. "Stalking you?" He lets out a low chuckle. "I didn't plan to see you today. This is a total coincidence."

"Yeah, of course. Total coincidence." I roll my eyes. " Have you forgotten what I said I'll do it I ever laid my eyes on you again?"

He takes a step closer. "Look, Roxanne. Just hear me out. Let's talk this out. I'm sure we can come to an understanding."

I groan. "Oh my god. I don't want to hear a single thing you have to say. I'm not even supposed to be talking to a-" I lower my voice, leaning in, -a werewolf."

Aidan smirks. "You're so stubborn." His golden eyes flash with amusement. "But I like it."

I make a gagging sound. "That is so cringe. What are you even trying to do right now?"

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a card, handing it to me.

"When you change your mind," he says, "call me. But don't keep me waiting too long. I don't like being kept waiting."

I stare at the card, then at him. "Yeah. I don't think you're getting a call."

Aidan grins. "We'll see about that." And with that, he walks away.

I sigh, looking down at the card. I want to tear it up. But instead, I hesitate-just for a second-before shoving it into my pocket.

Later that day, I head to Jackson's place.

He's waiting for me with new intel. "We've got another werewolf to hunt."

But before he can say more, Marcus bursts in, panting. "We have a lead."

My heart stops.

"We know which pack was behind Roxanne's family's murder," Marcus says. "It was the Crimson Pack."

Everything inside me freezes.

Crimson Pack.

Aidan's pack.

No. No way.

"Roxanne?" Jackson looks at me. "Are you okay?"

"There's something I haven't told you Jackson..." I started " A few days ago I happened to meet this mysterious guy named Aidan..Aidan Thorne. Yesterday after leaving your place I was attacked by werewolves and he saved my ass but he turns out to also be a werewolf and not only that he is next in line for Alpha of the Crimson pack."

He was speechless for some seconds before finally responding " Why are you just telling me all this?"

"I didn't think it was important."

Jackson placed a hand on my shoulder his eyes filled with an emotion I couldn't quite place " Every single thing about you is important to me okay? I want you to know that."

"Okay" i replied " but that's not all the craziest thing was that he asked me to be his Luna. Can you imagine that? Now it turns out his pack was the one that......" I paused for a while before continuing " Well what sort of coincidence is this I feel like there's a bigger picture here that I'm not seeing."

My mind is spinning.

And then, just like that a plan forms.

I straighten.

"I'll be his Luna," I say suddenly.

Jackson's eyes widen. "What?"

I smirk. "I'll marry Aidan Thorne. And I'll take them down from the inside."

"No way" Jackson shouted " There's absolutely no way I'm letting you do that. Do you have any idea of all the risks involved? You could get yourself killed."

I let out a little laugh " Life itself is a risk isn't it? This is a golden opportunity Jackson there's no chance I'm letting this pass me by."

He sighed " There's no stopping you I guess. But if you're going to do this you need a solid plan. I'm sure the pack is already worried enough that their Alpha's son has a human mate. They probably already see you as a threat before even getting to know you. So you've got to get them to trust you one hundred percent. Since your plan is to infiltrate and take them down from the inside then you've got to amass power for yourself that way no one can stand in your way. Also you've got to come up with something to tell Aidan a good reason as to why you're suddenly agreeing to be his Luna.

" Whoa okay you know I'm the best at what I do so, leave the whole trust and power part to me just help me figure out a good story and I'll stick to the script."

And just like that, I pull out Aidan's card and dial the number.

The line clicks.

"Hello?" Aidan's voice comes through.

I don't give him time to speak.

"I'll be your Luna," I say.

A pause.

"What?"

"You heard me. Let's get married."