Chapter 6 The Moon Goddess's Favor

Stephanie's POV

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Thorn." My heart skipped a beat, and before I could think, I extended my hand with practiced grace.

The moment his palm closed over mine, a jolt shot through me—sharp, electric, and all-consuming.

But what truly startled me was my wolf. At the instant our skin touched, she let out a low, satisfied hum deep inside me.

I had never felt anything like it.

He reached into his jacket and produced a small, elegant box. "A gift for you."

I accepted it, lifting the lid with deliberate care.

Inside rested an ancient crest—silver, shaped like a crescent moon, with a sapphire set at its heart. The Moon Goddess emblem.

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

"That's the Thorn family's heirloom!" someone whispered.

I removed the emblem and pinned it to my dress. No wide-eyed awe, no trembling hands—just a calm, deliberate motion, as if it belonged there all along. That composure made people look at me differently.

"Thank you, Mr. Thorn." I inclined my head slightly. "I'll treasure it."

Karon's eyes warmed with approval.

Then the first notes of the traditional Moonlit Waltz floated through the air. The crowd parted instinctively.

Bennett stepped forward, wearing that smile he thought was irresistible. He extended his hand toward me. "Stephanie, may I have this dance?"

The guests murmured with anticipation. They all expected me to glow with delight.

Strange. I felt nothing when I looked at him now. No rush of heat, no flutter in my chest. Good. No more pretending.

Without even glancing at him, I turned, picked up a cup of coffee from the nearby table, and took a slow sip.

Bennett's hand hung awkwardly in the air. The smile on his face began to crack.

"Stephanie?" he tried again, as if I hadn't heard.

Whispers stirred around us.

"What's going on? Bennett just asked her to dance and she ignored him?"

"Didn't she used to be obsessed with him? Guess that was all a lie."

Bennett's jaw tightened, his pride taking visible damage.

"I'm fine," I said at last, my voice cool. "I'm just not interested in that dance."

The room fell silent. His face darkened completely. The tension was thick enough to choke on.

Then a deep voice broke through it.

"In that case, Miss Valerius… may I have the honor?"

Karon Thorn was walking toward me.

His gaze locked on mine, unwavering, and he extended his hand with effortless elegance. The ballroom erupted in a low, excited buzz.

I set my coffee aside and met his eyes. "It would be my honor."

His hand was warm, broad, and enveloped mine completely as he led me toward the center of the dance floor. The sheer presence of him—his Alpha dominance, the subtle pull of his scent—made me want to lean closer without thinking.

The music swelled, and we began to move.

He was a flawless dancer, every step precise, every turn smooth. When his hand settled at my waist, heat seeped through the thin silk of my gown, making my breath catch.

"You look beautiful tonight."

His voice brushed my ear as we turned, his breath warm against my skin. Cedar and something darker in his scent wrapped around me, heady as aged wine. My wolf strained against my control, aching for him to Mark me.

I tilted my head up, meeting his gaze. The intensity in his eyes sent a flush racing to my cheeks.

As we drew closer, I could feel the steady rise and fall of his chest, the solid strength beneath the tailored suit.

In a sweeping turn, his arm pulled me fully into his embrace. My body aligned with his, every contour of him pressed against me. The raw male power radiating from him was almost dizzying.

"Your heart's racing," he murmured, a knowing curve to his lips.

I bit my lower lip, not realizing the gesture made me look even more inviting. "That's because this dance is… intense."

His eyes darkened, his palm gliding lightly over my waist. "It is."

He spun me, the skirt of my gown flaring around us, drawing every gaze in the room. The air between us hummed with something unspoken, something dangerous.

The women watched with envy. The men watched with awe.

At the peak of the music, Karon dipped me low, his face so close I could feel the whisper of his breath against my lips. The world seemed to hold its breath with us.

"Careful, Stephanie," he said, voice low and rough.

Then, with a quiet chuckle near my ear, "Your timing is impeccable. Far better than most dancers."

My cheeks warmed. "I might have practiced in secret a few times. Didn't think it would come in handy tonight."

The final note faded, and the room erupted into applause.

Karon pulled me upright, but his hand lingered at my waist as if reluctant to let go.

Clara's POV

Bennett stood among the crowd, his expression dark enough to curdle wine.

His eyes were fixed on Karon's hand at Stephanie's waist, and there was something in his gaze I had never seen before—pure, unfiltered possession.

I followed his line of sight, and my stomach tightened. Then I stepped closer to him, pressing my chest against his arm, hoping to pull his attention back to me.

He didn't move. Didn't even glance my way.

I masked my irritation with a sweet smile, sliding an arm around his waist. My fingertips traced the line of muscle beneath his suit jacket. "Why are you staring at her? I thought you didn't like her."

"Shut up." The words were cold, his eyes finally cutting to mine.

The tone made me flinch, but I refused to back down. Rising onto my toes, I let my lips graze the sharp line of his jaw. "I'm just worried about you. She used to be so… close to you."

I pressed myself more firmly against him as I spoke.

His brow furrowed, clearly disliking the public display, but he didn't push me away when my hand slid up to his chest, fingers brushing over the hard muscle beneath his shirt.

"Not here," he warned in a low growl. But still, he didn't stop me.

I cast a quick, triumphant glance toward the dance floor, making sure Stephanie saw the smile I wore—one that told her exactly who had Bennett's attention.