Feral Bonds: Claimed By Rogue Alpha Brothers

Evaline:

It wasn't just my heart that skipped a beat.

The entire ballroom seemed to freeze with me. Conversations faltered. Music dimmed into the background. It felt like someone had snatched the air from the room. I wasn't sure if it was my imagination or if I actually heard someone's wine glass clink against the marble floor nearby.

But my gaze remained locked on River.

He didn't look the least bit bothered by the eyes now shamelessly staring at us. He simply stared down at me as if this room full of nobles, alphas, and their heirs didn't exist... like he hadn't just single-handedly caused the most attention-grabbing moment of the entire evening.

"River," I breathed, finally finding my voice. "What… what are you doing?"

It wasn't panic in my voice. Not really. But it was definitely confusion. I wasn't expecting this, not from him. River wasn't the type to cause a scene, and he certainly wasn't the type to touch me in public unless necessary. Yet here he was, holding me like we were much more than just friends, or a boss and assistant.

To my relief, his hand loosened almost instantly, and he took a small step back, allowing me to do the same. The warmth of his palm lingered on my waist, and I could still feel his fingers like phantom heat through the silky fabric of my dress. The space between us returned, but the attention didn't fade.

I quickly glanced around the room and noticed something else - the Crescent Pack's Alpha and Luna, who were speaking with River just moments ago, had tactfully excused themselves. How convenient. Or maybe how intentional. They were probably smart enough to pick up on the shift in tension... or whatever this strange, quiet pull between me and River was.

He let out a small exhale, brushing a hand through his dark hair before meeting my gaze again.

"I'm sorry," he said softly.

My heart stopped. Again.

Had I heard that right?

I blinked at him, wide-eyed. "What did you say?"

He tilted his head slightly and gave me a look, like I was overreacting. But I wasn't. Absolutely not. That word - sorry - it just didn't belong in River's usual vocabulary. I had known this man for nearly half a year now, and I could count on one hand the number of times I had seen him show vulnerability. And yet… this was the second time he had apologized to me.

That alone was enough to leave me breathless.

He looked at me with unreadable eyes and added, "I didn't mean to startle you. I just… wanted to remind you to be cautious tonight. With your food and drinks."

I frowned. "Why would I need to be cautious? It's not like anyone's trying to drug me."

His expression didn't change, but the pause before his response said enough. That unreadable look sharpened slightly, and he glanced around the ballroom once, like he could see every potential danger tucked behind the glittering smiles and graceful gowns.

I followed his gaze, still confused. "I mean… nobody here would have a reason to-" I stopped mid-sentence.

He didn't say a word. He just looked at me.

And then it clicked.

Celeste.

The venom in the girl's glare had felt sharp enough to slice through my spine. I could still feel it tingling at the back of my neck, like a ghost refusing to let go. I had brushed it off earlier, but now that River had pointed it out, I realized how careless I had almost been.

"I… see your point," I muttered, lowering my gaze.

He didn't look smug about it. He simply nodded, as if he had said what needed to be said. Nothing more.

I placed my untouched glass of apple juice on the nearest table and added under my breath, "I suddenly don't feel like eating or drinking anything anymore."

River gave a soft sound of agreement and was about to respond, but the music shifted at that moment. A change in tempo swept across the hall, slowing everything to a delicate rhythm. It was enough to draw every head toward the ballroom's open center, where the first official dance of the evening was about to begin.

I turned toward the sound, only to catch River already speaking to someone behind me.

The Luna of Blue Moon Pack, dressed in an elegant sapphire gown that matched her house's sigil, was standing gracefully beside us. I had heard of her - Lady Alina, one of the few respected women in the northern territories. She was known for her diplomacy and her strong pack alliances.

"My Lord," the Luna said, smiling warmly. "Would you do me the honor of a dance?"

I took a step back out of instinct, preparing to excuse myself. River had more important people to entertain than me. But his answer stopped me in my tracks.

"I'm flattered, Lady Alina," he replied with a respectful nod. "But I came here with a partner tonight. My first dance belongs to her."

It wasn't just what he said... it was how he said it.

No hesitation. No doubt. No second glance toward me.

Just… truth.

Lady Alina raised an elegant brow and then laughed softly, clearly impressed. "A gentleman, I see. Don't forget to save me one later then, Lord Alpha."

"I'll look forward to it," he answered.

And with that, she vanished back into the crowd.

As for me, I was frozen in place.

I didn't know how to describe the feeling blooming in my chest. It wasn't giddiness. It wasn't desire. It wasn't even the fluttery nervousness I often associated with Draven's or Oscar's flirting or touches.

No, this was something else.

Warmth.

That was the only word for it.

I didn't think River was capable of making me feel something as soft as warmth. But he had. Just now. With nothing more than words and a small act of consideration that no one else would have noticed... except me.

He turned to face me then, taking a slow step closer.

And in front of all the powerful wolves of the continent, he extended his hand to me, eyes steady and voice low.

"May I have this dance?"