Chapter 23

Sorin’s boots echoed loudly against the temple steps, each footfall a testament to his anger. He wasn’t a regular visitor to the temple, nor did he often pay homage to Mother Luna. Yet, despite his lack of devotion, she had bestowed upon him his destined.

Reaching the top of the steps, Sorin entered the temple. He found Selene kneeling before her altar, tending to her plants. He’d never really interacted with her, never really been in her company.

The sound of his footsteps drew her attention. She turned to look at him, and upon seeing his furious expression, she quickly stood and stumbled backward.

Given the behavior of the males in his pack, Sorin was sure she feared he was there to harm her.

“I just need to talk to you,” he said, his voice as gentle as he could manage, hoping to ease her fear.

She regarded him warily, maintaining a safe distance between them.

Sorin knew that Selene had remained untouched by any of the men in the pack. She had dedicated her life to Mother Luna and was determined to save herself for her mate, no matter how long it took to find him.

She didn’t respond immediately, shifting uncomfortably from one foot to the other. Finally, she spoke, her soft voice echoing through the temple. “What is it that you need, Sorin?”

He was surprised that she knew his name. Everyone knew who Selene was—she was one of the few she-wolves of breeding age and the only temple priestess. “I need your help.”

She seemed hesitant. “I’m very busy here with my temple duties.” She studied his face, tilting her head in curiosity. “You must be very desperate to come to me. I never see you here.”

He nodded. “I found my mate.”

Selene’s large, silver eyes widened. “You found your mate,” she echoed.

He nodded again. “She’s not just a wolf. The alpha is keeping her in a separate cell until the next full moon. I don’t trust that he will care for her—” His fists clenched at his side. “—the way I need,” he managed to say.

Selene gave him a sweet smile, a look he’d never seen on her face before. “I will make sure your destined is cared for properly.” She nodded.

A heavy burden lifted from him. “Thank you,” he said, his voice rough.

Feeling more comfortable, knowing a mated male wouldn’t try to claim her, Selene left the corner and returned to her plant.

“What are you doing now, Sorin?” she asked over her shoulder, kneeling to tend to her offerings.

“I…I need to find something to distract myself with until I can see her tomorrow,” he said, his fists clenching and unclenching.

“What’s her name?” she asked softly.

“Colette,” he murmured, his head bowed.

“That’s beautiful,” she replied. “Why don’t you stay here with me?” she suggested. “I would recommend thanking Mother Luna for your mate. You don’t worship regularly, but at least today, Sorin.”

He supposed she was right. “I don’t think I’d be any good…and I don’t think it’d be a good distraction.” He shrugged.

She nodded understandingly. Even though she was a devout follower of their Goddess, others were not. She could feel her presence sometimes, warm and comforting, guiding her emotions.

“I see. I do hope to see you again here, Sorin,” she said gently.

After Sorin left, Selene packed a bag, said one last prayer to Mother Luna, and headed to Alpha Dancescu’s house. Unlike the others, his house was much larger and primarily served as a meeting place.

Selene rarely left her temple, preferring to stay hidden from the lustful gazes of men. She was saving herself for her destined and was firm in her decision.

Selene moved quickly, not stopping to chat with anyone. She was safe in the temple but lacked protection elsewhere.

She offered small smiles to the older women and managed to reach the alpha’s house unharmed. Everyone made way for her to enter.

She stopped at the front waiting area, where an older pack member sat behind a desk to alert Dancescu of any arrivals. The woman smiled up at Selene.

Selene felt like smiling too, but only because of Colette. Selene had waited her entire life to be told she’d find her mate. She was a devout follower of Mother Luna and had assumed she would’ve found her mate earlier—and before anyone else.

She knew where Dancescu was keeping Colette and found her way there on her own. The door was heavy and creaked as she pushed it open.

In the middle of the cage sat a tiny woman. Small for a she-wolf. She was curled up on the bed against the wall. “Colette,” she said softly.

The woman’s icy blue eyes snapped up at Selene’s entrance.

Selene moved across the room and squatted in front of the bars. “My name is Selene. I am the temple priestess,” she introduced herself.

Colette was frail compared to the average she-wolf. She remained silent. Everything was probably too overwhelming.

Selene looked around the room and frowned at the living conditions. A simple metal bed with a thin cushion, a bucket for bodily functions, and a small gap below the metal bars for someone to push a plate of food through.

“I’ll make sure your accommodations are improved. Sorin can’t wait to see you,” she said, trying to sound cheerful.

Colette’s mood brightened at his name. “When can I see him?” she asked hopefully.

Selene smiled sadly. She wasn’t sure they were destined. There currently wasn’t a way to test their link, but she knew Sorin cared deeply for her. “Not until tomorrow morning.”

Colette’s eyes widened, but she said nothing.

Colette smelled human, but as far as any of the wolves knew, mates could only be between creatures that contained a little wolf.

Selene paced around the room. She tried to remain unbiased, but she couldn’t stop thinking about how unfair it felt. Selene was Mother Luna’s most faithful follower. She should’ve found her mate first.

Selene and Colette sat in silence, but Selene didn’t leave. She felt a pull to stay with Colette, to be there for her. She could feel the tension radiating off Colette. The woman didn’t want to be alone, and Selene couldn’t predict who might show up if she wasn’t there.

Her eyes landed on a large, dark bruise on Colette’s upper arm. She couldn’t help but think about Sorin’s reaction. “Let me help you,” she suggested, moving closer to the bars. “You’re hurt.”

Colette flinched, pulling back from Selene’s sudden movement. Her gaze followed Selene’s to the bruise on her arm, and she gasped.

Memories of her struggle with Ionut flooded back. He had grabbed her roughly, and Shemika had lunged at him in response. He must’ve hurt her badly, but right now, Colette didn’t want anyone’s touch but Sorin’s.

Selene recognized Colette’s discomfort and backed away. She wanted to heal her before Sorin saw the bruise. If Colette was his mate, all hell would break loose.

“Do you need anything, Colette?” she asked, knowing that Sorin would move mountains to fulfill any of her desires.

Tears welled up in Colette’s eyes, but she fought them back. “Sorin,” she managed to whisper.