Feral Bonds: Claimed By Rogue Alpha Brothers

Evaline:

For a moment, I just stared at the hand he had extended toward me, unsure if I should really take it.

The golden ballroom was still lit up in sparkle and grandeur, filled with the finest people of the werewolf elite. And here I was... standing like a statue, questioning a simple invitation to dance.

I hadn't expected him to ask me. Sure, he brought me here, held my arm when we entered, stayed close through the chaos of whispers and glares... but dancing?

My hesitation must have been obvious, because his brows lifted just a little under the elegant mask. "You don't know how to dance?" he asked, his voice low but still audible over the music.

"No, it's not that," I admitted quickly, tugging at my gloves. "I have learned. Years ago. But... I'm not sure I can keep up with you now." I wasn't lying. From what I had seen of River's public appearances, mostly through clips or mentions online, he wasn't just graceful, he was flawless. Everything about him was precision, power, and control.

To my surprise, he smiled.

Not the smirk he used on others. Not the cold, knowing twist of his lips I had gotten used to. This was... soft. Almost tender. "Don't worry," he said, gently taking my hand in his. "Just follow my lead, I'll take care of the rest."

Then, in one swift movement, he leaned in - so close that his breath fanned the curve of my ear. "Trust me, Evaline."

My breath caught. My heart slammed against my ribs once, twice, before skipping altogether.

Then he was pulling me toward the center of the grand ballroom, our joined hands slicing through the sea of eyes and whispers like we were parting it on command.

I didn't even have to look up to know people were watching. The silence that fell across the room was enough.

And then something strange happened - couples started stepping aside, parting around us until River and I were the only two left in the center of the dance floor.

My mouth felt dry.

His hand gently settled at the curve of my waist. My other hand remained in his as he slowly guided me into position. The music began again - a lively, upbeat piece that demanded rhythm and flair.

And River delivered.

He spun, dipped, guided, and pulled me through the steps like we were born to dance together. Every move was fluid, seamless. He didn't rush, didn't dominate. He simply led, and I... I followed. Effortlessly.

For the first few seconds, I was too focused on not stepping on his foot. But when I realized I was moving in perfect sync with him, without thinking, I let go of the panic. I let the music sink into my bones. I let the energy of the room fuel my limbs.

We earned a round of applause before the song faded and melted into a slow, romantic melody.

The crowd returned to the dance floor, blending into pairs, but I barely noticed.

Because he hadn't let go of me.

His movements softened, slowed. His hand at my waist remained, holding me with the gentleness of someone who knew how fragile I was, even when I wore masks and fake confidence. His other hand held mine securely.

And suddenly... I wasn't dancing anymore.

I was feeling.

I could feel the warmth of his touch through the fabric. The way his thumb lightly brushed over my knuckles. The way his body leaned ever so slightly closer than necessary. And when I finally dared to look up at him... I almost gasped.

He wasn't looking around.

He wasn't aware of the crowd anymore.

He was looking at me. Entirely. Like I was the only person that existed.

My throat tightened.

This wasn't supposed to happen.

Not with him.

Not when it was him.

My thoughts began to blur, sinking into something heavier, deeper than confusion. Attraction. Admiration. Something so dangerous that I didn't even dare to name it.

What made it worse was that he looked like he belonged in every fairytale I ever read. The sharpness of his jaw was softened only by the shadows from the chandeliers. His mask covered the top half of his face, but nothing could hide the intensity in his eyes. They were glowing ever so faintly, something only I seemed to notice.

"You are staring," he murmured, his voice low and quiet.

"I'm not," I whispered, tearing my eyes away.

"You are," he insisted, and I could feel the smirk even if I couldn't see it fully. "Not that I mind."

My cheeks burned. And then I realized - he wasn't letting go either. We were still swaying slowly to the music, the world a blur of gold and white light, and this man, this forbidden man, was holding me like I meant something to him.

I shouldn't feel anything for River.

He was the Rogue Alpha King. Dangerous. Elusive. Calculated. And most importantly, he wasn't supposed to be the one who made me feel... safe. Yet here I was - melting under his gaze, aching for his touch, wanting this moment to never end.

And it wasn't like he was unaffected either. He hadn't looked away once. Not even to acknowledge the people around us. Not even when Celeste passed nearby with another Alpha on her arm, shooting daggers in my direction.

He only had eyes for me.

My mind was screaming. I didn't know if it was to run or to stay. To protect myself... or to fall.

Because somewhere deep down, I knew. Something was changing between us.

And maybe… just maybe… a small, forbidden part of me didn't hate the idea of this change.

But that part didn't get to linger for long.

A sudden presence approached from our side, and River finally broke his gaze from mine to glance toward the interruption. I turned slightly, following his eyes...

And found Kieran standing there.

"Mind if I cut in?" Kieran asked, his voice light and charming. He offered a smile as he extended a hand toward me.

My stomach did a full flip.

Not because I didn't want to dance with Kieran. But because of the way River's body went tense beside me.

Still, I stepped back. more out of instinct than decision. River let go. His jaw was set tight, and eyes unreadable now.

"Sure," I said, taking Kieran's hand.

Kieran shot his brother a pointed look, then turned back to me with a smile.

River stepped away, his gaze lingering just a second longer before he turned and disappeared into the crowd.

And just like that, the spell was broken.