~ODETTE’S POV~
Snow fell in thin layers all around . It was a beautiful winter wonderland outside.
All around us, the festival thrumd. Lanterns flickered in the night, dyed paper flags whipped in the breeze, and long tables overflowed with roast venison, wine, and fresh bread steaming in the cold.
At the heart of the festivities stood Ambrose, the Alpha King himself. His dark hair brushed with frost, his amber eyes bright with victory, he looked every inch the predator and the monarch. Yet beside him, he stole the breath from every creature who dared glance his way.
I moved like a breeze in the night; I wore the colors of the ColdMoon Pack. Blue and black. Wearing warm black leggings and a blue knitted sweater with silver threads that shined against my porcelain skin. My white hair spilled in soft waves, catching snowflakes as they fell from the sky.
Ambrose’s gaze rarely left .
When he extended his hand, I took it without hesitation, my fingers were cool as frost.
"It suits you," he murmured, leaning close enough that I could feel the heat of him despite the biting cold.
"What does?" I asked, with a teasing voice tilting my chin to et his gaze.
"The snow," he said simply. "And the blue. You look like sothing the goddess painted to haunt my dreams."
My lips curved, my fangs barely peeking giving him a look equal parts playful yet dangerous. "Careful, Alpha King. Flattery can be a dangerous ga."
Ambrose only chuckled, a deep, resonant sound that made her bones hum. "I like dangerous gas," he said, tugging closer.
Wolves danced in the snow, so in human form and others half-shifted, their claws and fangs on full display as they leaped through the drifts in wild, joyous movents.
I watched them, my eyes softening. "They’re so free," I said quietly.
Ambrose followed her gaze. "They’re born to the snow and the wild," he replied. "Tonight is for release as wild animals at heart, we need this from ti to ti."
He squeezed her hand. "You should try it," he urged.
I gave him a look of mild horror. "Dance? With wolves?"
Ambrose grinned. "Exactly."
Before I could argue, he scooped into the air and was swirling along. Wolves in both forms parted around us.
At first, I moved stiffly, my grace stifled by the nerves. But Ambrose was patient, his movents guiding mine, his laughter echoing like rolling thunder.
"Relax," he coaxed, his breath hot against my ear despite the freezing air. "Feel the moon. The snow. Stop thinking."
My lips parted, I finally gave in. I shifted my weight, letting body sway with his, and soon my steps matched the beat. My hair flew wildly in the wind.
When I finally stumbled, panting and flushed, Ambrose caught around the waist, his golden eyes devouring .
"There," he murmured. "There you are."
I couldn’t help but laugh, leaning into his chest, my fingers curling into the fur lining of his coat. "I hate you, I hate how alive this makes feel."
Ambrose lowered his forehead to mine, his fangs visible now too. "Then hate forever," he whispered.
The music changed then, signaling the ceremonial procession. Ambrose slipped an arm around and led toward the great bonfire. The flas roared, cracking and spitting embers into the sky.
"I’ll be back."
At the center he stood, his golden eyes were sharp and unwavering as he watched her pack kneel before her in reverence.
I studied Jaylin for a long mont. "She’s different," I murmured. "Not just strong... but wise."
"I stand as your alpha king," he called, his voice echoing in the wind. "I co to you to announce your new Alpha."
Ambrose began to pace lightly, "Jaylin Monroe, please co forward."
Jaylin moved with confidence and radiated power with each step she took.
"Jaylin having passed the trials I laid before her, has agreed to accept the position of ColdMoon Pack Alpha, and it is effective imdiately."
A wild, collective howl rose in answer, the wolves shifting dropping to four legs and throwing back their heads, their voices in raw, primal unity. I felt it vibrate deep in my bones.
Ambrose’s tilted his head back, releasing his own howl from his chest, deep and shaking the air around them. For a mont, I simply watched him, marveling at the raw beauty.
When he finally lowered his head, his eyes caught mine, hot and burning.
"I also arranged so entertainnt for you all later tonight, so dance, drink, eat and enjoy." Ambrose said leaving the center stage and walking straight over to where he left standing.
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"You don’t regret it?" I asked softly.
Ambrose’s brow furrowed. "Regret what?"
"Choosing her. Allowing a female alpha. So would call it... weakness. Or scandal."
Ambrose snorted, stepping closer so she could feel the heat radiating from him. "Those people know nothing of strength. Jaylin earned it, clawed her way up by tooth and claw. Weakness is denying true strength because it frightens you."
My lips curved into a smile. "I suppose you and I share that philosophy."
Ambrose tilted his head, studying . "Do we?"
I t his gaze squarely. "I wasn’t chosen to rule by birthright. I clawed my way up too. Among vampires, that is... a cri worthy of assassination attempts."
His lips twitched. "I’ll kill anyone who tries."
A silence stretched between us charged, electric. The snow settled on my hair and lashes.
Ambrose lifted a hand, brushing the flakes from my cheek with surprising gentleness for a king known for tearing throats with his teeth.
"You belong here tonight," he murmured.
My breath hitched. "Here? In this cold? Among wolves?"
"Among the stars. In the snow. With ."
Sothing trembled , a rare vulnerability. Then, I charged forward, capturing his lips with mine.
The kiss was ferocious, raw and hungry. His hands locked around my waist, pulling flush against him. My hands buried themselves in his hair, tugging, demanding.
When we finally broke apart, I was panting, my lips already felt red and bruised.
"You’re too warm," I gasped, half-laughing.
"You’re too cold," he shot back, his forehead pressing against mine, a low growl thrumming in his chest. "But I like it."
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