Page 74 of Alpha's Hated Mate

The royal decree changed everything. Within days of the Alpha King’s visit, every pack in Clarion received an official declaration outlining the new protections for all wolf bloodlines. Scarlets, Neutrals, hybrids—all suddenly found themselves with legal standing that had been denied for generations.

My heart fills with warmth when I think about our visit to the Royal House during Spring Break. The Luna Queen wasn’t at all what I expected, embracing me with tears in her eyes like I was a long-lost daughter. It’s hard to imagine she was raised in the Outer Lands as a human.

And my cousins—Goddess, I have cousins!—three royal wolves who insisted on showing me every corner of their home. They proudly introduced me as “our cousin, the beautiful Scarlet Princess,” to everyone we passed.

My phone buzzes and look down at a text from Yarra:You ready? Nervous?

I think so?I text back.

Of course I am!I text back.I’ve never done anything like this before. I’ve gotta be breaking some kind of ancient protocol or . . . something.

Three dots appear almost immediately. I can almost hear Yarra laughing at me.I’ve never known you to be embarrassed about anything! I think the Moon Goddess will forgive you for this one. After all, it’s her fault you’re in this mess in the first place, right?

I sigh.Interesting logic.

“Who’re you texting?” Aydan finally asks me since my phone keeps buzzing. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, it’s just Yarra.”

“Where is she?” Aydan looks around. “I haven’t seen her for a while.”

“She’s around here somewhere with Chad . . . making fun of me.”

Aydan chuckles. “Sounds about right.”

Thank Chad for me,I text Yarra, thinking immediately of his contribution.

He’s happy to help, Yarra texts back.He might not seem like it, but he’s really just a big softy at heart.

Don’t let that get out,I text back, chuckling to myself.Wouldn’t want to ruin his rep as a hard-ass.

Showtime, Yarra texts.Good luck, bestie!

Thank you.

At that moment, Chad struts onto the stage at the front of the dance floor and gives the microphone a quick tap. The blaring music fades to background noise as party-goers begin to turn their attention to him.

“Good evening, everyone,” Chad says into the mic. “I have a special announcement to make.”

Murmurs ripple through the students and most of the faculty, their curiosity filling the air.

“Aydan Vaultmore and Saffron Kamaria, can you please come to the stage?” Chad gazes straight at us.

“What the . . . “ Aydan gives me a confused look.

I try to look as surprised as he is and shrug. “I have no idea.”

We walk toward the front together, passing Yarra on the way there, giving me an excited and not-suspicious-at-all thumbs-up. It feels like we’re in some cheesy high school movie, about to be crowned Homecoming King and Queen.

By the time we’re on stage, my heart pounds in my rib cage. I can’t believe what I’m about to do.

A few of the butterflies in my stomach settle down when I glance at Aydan. His golden hair under the spotlight, his slacks neatly pressed and his dark dress shirt outlining his pecs. He almost looks like the first day I saw him in the dorm. No . . . he’seven hottertonight.

Chad hands me the mic with a wink and steps aside, leaving Aydan and me center stage with everyone’s eyes on us. My palms start to sweat. I’ve faced down a Blood Lycan, but somehow this feels more terrifying.

“Um, hi everyone.” My voice sounds so shaky. “So, I know this isn’t exactly traditional but . . . hey, when have I ever been known to be traditional?”

A few nervous chuckles ripple through the crowd. I clear my throat before returning my gaze to Aydan, whose blue and green eyes hold equal parts confusion and curiosity.

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