The euphoria of claiming Harper publicly still coursed through Dorian's veins like liquid fire as he watched her disappear into the crowd with Lila. The pack's thunderous approval of their Alpha finally finding happiness echoed in his ears, their cheers and whistles a validation he hadn't realized he'd been craving for eighteen years. His wolf basked in the recognition, in the scent of his mate still clinging to his formal jacket, in the knowledge that Harper belonged to him now in the eyes of his people.
But as the seconds stretched into minutes, Dorian's protective instincts began to override his contentment. The sudden urgency in Lila's voice when she'd pulled Harper away nagged at him like a splinter under his skin. His sister had been radiant moments before, glowing with the kind of joy he'd feared he'd never see again after her attack.
What could have shifted so quickly? Should I follow them?
The thoughts clawed at his control even as Dorian forced himself to remain rooted near the dance floor. Harper had proven herself capable of handling Lila's emotional needs—better than capable, if he was being honest. The bond his sister and Harper had forged over the past week had been remarkableto witness, like watching two wounded souls recognize something essential in each other.
Dorian's hands flexed at his sides, the urge to protect warring with his growing trust in his mate's abilities. Harper wasn't just Lila's former therapist anymore—she was becoming the sister Lila had never had, filling a void that Dorian's masculine presence, no matter how devoted, could never quite bridge.
Let her handle it,he commanded himself, though his wolf prowled restlessly.Trust her.
The crowd swirled around him in a kaleidoscope of formal wear and laughter, but Dorian barely registered the celebration. His mind was already racing toward the future—toward the moment later tonight when he could finally lay his heart completely bare. He'd tell Harper he loved her with every fiber of his being. He'd ask her to stay forever, to complete their bond, to let him spend the rest of his life proving how precious she was to him.
Past wounds and all,he thought fiercely.
Harper's strength in surviving her childhood, her dedication to healing others despite her own scars—it only made him love her more desperately.
Finally, the crowd parted, and Harper appeared like an answered prayer, her emerald gown catching the warm light as she approached. Relief flooded through him so powerfully that his knees nearly buckled.
"Everything alright?" he asked as she reached his side near the refreshment table.
Harper's smile held that warmth reserved only for him. "Just a little teenage girl problem. Nothing I couldn't handle."
Before Dorian could probe deeper, movement across the dance floor caught his attention. Lila emerged from the crowd, her cheeks flushed pink with nervous excitement as she approached a lanky young man with sandy hair and kind eyes.Dorian recognized him immediately—Tobias Miller, the son of one of his most trusted pack members.
So that's what this was about.
His wolf's protective instincts flared like a struck match as Tobias extended his hand to Lila with the careful respect of a young man who understood he was being watched by an Alpha. Lila glanced toward Dorian once, seeking permission or perhaps courage, before placing her smaller hand in Tobias's.
The sight of another male touching his sister—even in such an innocent gesture—sent possessiveness roaring through Dorian's veins. His muscles tensed, his jaw clenched, and he took an involuntary step forward before Harper's hand closed firmly around his forearm.
Through their growing bond, he felt her calm certainty wash over him like cool water on flames. "Relax," she murmured, her voice carrying that soothing authority. "Lila is fine."
She's seventeen,his rational mind argued even as his wolf snarled.She's been through hell. She's not ready for?—
But as Tobias led Lila onto the dance floor with reverent care, as if she were made of spun glass, Dorian's protests died in his throat. His sister's face transformed as they began to sway together—the guarded tension melting away to reveal the bright, vivacious girl she'd been before the attack. Her smile was radiant, her laughter genuine as Tobias whispered something that made her duck her head shyly.
She looks happy,Dorian realized with a jolt of wonder.Actually, truly happy.
"She looks like the girl from before the attack," he said quietly, his voice thick with emotion. "More than that—she looks truly alive. Something I was afraid I could never fully teach her being her brother and guardian, and not knowing exactly how to raise a girl."
Harper's hand squeezed his arm gently. "You did a really good job raising Lila, you know. She turned out to be smart, brave, and incredibly artistic. That was clearly your influence, and you should be proud of yourself for being such a wonderful guardian."
The praise hit him hard, stirring emotions he'd buried for years. Pride, yes, but also a deep relief. He had done his best with an impossible situation—becoming father, brother, and Alpha all at once when he'd been barely more than a boy himself.
"I was eighteen when she was a baby," he admitted, his gaze never leaving his sister's glowing face. "I had no idea what I was doing half the time."
"But you never gave up," Harper said softly. "You never stopped trying to give her the best life possible. That matters more than you know."
Warmth spread through his chest as he watched Lila laugh at something Tobias said, her whole body relaxed in a way he hadn't seen in months. This was what healing looked like—not the absence of scars, but the courage to reach for joy despite them.
"Why don't we get some air?" Harper suggested, her fingers trailing down his arm to capture his hand.
Dorian nodded, suddenly craving the quiet intimacy of being alone with his mate. They began moving toward the exit, weaving through clusters of celebrating pack members who called out greetings and congratulations. The night air would be crisp and clean, perfect for the conversation that had been building between them all evening.
But three steps from the door, Dorian's wolf suddenly went rigid with alarm as a disturbing scent hit him like an arrow.
Smoke.
