Chapter 3 - Falling for Her Selene's POV When Lars slammed his palm against the car window, a deep, icy fear gripped me. I drew in a shaky breath, forcing myself to stay composed before lowering the glass. His eyes locked on mine, veins throbbing visibly at his temples. "You-" he hissed, his voice vibrating with barely restrained malice. Before he could say more, I cut him off, blurting, "I've found my mate. I can't marry Damien Hale." Leaning toward the Uber driver, I clutched his arm like it was my lifeline. "He's my mate!" I declared. Lars's nostrils flared as his face darkened. His gaze flicked between the driver and the luxury car, then he let out a cruel, mocking laugh. "Your mark, then? I don't see one on his neck. You think you can fool me with this pathetic act?" Cold sweat trickled down my spine. My mind scrambled for a way out, but came up blank. "Alpha Lars," the driver interjected smoothly, his voice low and steady. "Vanessa isn't lying. We haven't performed the mark yet. In my pack, it's tradition to officially register first." His calm, confident tone was like a warm blanket over my panic, soothing the storm raging inside me. But when Lars heard the name Vanessa, his eyes narrowed into dangerous slits. My heart thudded wildly as I shifted in my seat. No one here knew me by name-everyone thought today's wedding was for Vanessa. The driver must've assumed that was who I was. "And which pack do you belong to?" Lars demanded. Before the driver could answer, a towering man emerged from one of the black cars behind us. He was built like a fortress, his muscular arms covered in intricate, swirling tattoos that radiated danger beneath the tight stretch of his black T-shirt. The moment Lars saw him, his entire demeanor shifted. A sycophantic smile spread across his face. "Beta Matthew! My apologies for the delay. My daughter is... having a little tantrum, but it'll be resolved quickly." I barely managed to stop myself from rolling my eyes. Matthew's sharp gaze swept past Lars and landed on me through the window. I froze, breath caught in my throat-until the driver's warm hand gave mine a reassuring squeeze, grounding me. "Is that so?" Matthew said coldly. His voice carried a dangerous edge. "But didn't Ms. Vanessa claim she already had a mate? How could our Alpha take another man's mate as his bride?" His words sliced through the tense air, impossible to misinterpret. Every wolf here heard him clearly. 15:12 "She hasn't mated," Lars blurted, panicked, "Look, there's no mark on her! She's lying." "I won't risk Alpha Damien's honor on a lie." Matthew's tone was ice. After cutting Lars down with his words, he turned his attention to me. "Ms. Vanessa, why not simply register your bond? That way, I can return to Alpha Damien with proof." My mind spun. If I revealed my true identity now, Lars would explode-and Fiona, my grandmother, could pay the price for his wrath. Desperate, I glanced at the driver, silently pleading. To my relief, he gave a barely perceptible nod. "Yes, that's exactly what we plan to do," he said smoothly, flashing a devastatingly charming smile that revealed perfect white teeth. My breath hitched for half a second, but I quickly scolded myself. Now is not the time to notice his smile, Selene. Lars's glare could have set me on fire. I rolled my eyes and hit the button to raise the window. The engine purred to life, and we sped off toward the Werewolf Council Hall. "Thank you... for stepping in back there," I murmured, still shaken. He gave a casual shrug, lips curving into a smile that warmed something deep inside me-a place that had been cold for so long. Why was it that a stranger could show me kindness, yet my own father treated me like nothing? "What's your name?" I asked. "I, uh... dropped my phone earlier when I tripped, and it broke. I can't check the app." "No problem. I'm Aaron Scott," he replied easily. "Mr. Scott, this is just an act," I said firmly. "Once things calm down, we'll... 'divorce.' You'll be free to find your true mate someday. I promise, I won't stand in your way." Everyone dreams of finding their destined mate. Even me, a wolf without a wolf spirit. Deep down, I still wondered if fate would ever be kind enough to grant me that miracle. "No worries," Aaron said warmly. "But please, just call me Aaron." "Deal," I said softly. Moments later, he announced, "We're here." The Council Hall loomed ahead as he parked. Aaron hopped out and came around to my side, but I stayed put, fumbling awkwardly with the sleek, unfamiliar handle. Why wouldn't this stupid door open? 15.12 16.99% My cпeeks flushed in embarrassment just as the door swung open effortlessly. Aaron stood there, one hand braced against the car, the other extended toward me like a true gentleman. Wow. Luxury service indeed. Now I was panicking about how much to tip him later. Hesitant, I placed my trembling hand in his and stepped out. My jaw dropped. A fleet of gleaming luxury cars lined the entrance, and beside them stood a row of men in perfectly tailored black-and-white suits. Their mere presence radiated menace and power. They were unmistakably from the Blood Shade Pack-the same chilling energy I'd felt from Beta Matthew rolled off of them in waves. I was so distracted that I didn't see the attack coming. A warrior lunged at me, claws flashing. His strike shredded a massive section of my skirt, exposing the deep crimson birthmark snaking across my skin. A raw scream tore from my throat as I clutched the fabric desperately, trying to hide it. Rage and humiliation blurred my vision. In an instant, Aaron's jacket was around my shoulders, his strong arms encircling me protectively. When I looked up, his eyes were a storm of barely contained violence, his expression dark enough to send shivers down my spine. The next moment, a sickening crack rang out. Beta Matthew had seized the attacker's wrist and flung him to the ground like a ragdoll. Lars's smug grin faltered, draining the color from his face. "Cut off his hand," Matthew ordered, his voice a blade of cold fury. Lars went sheet-white. "What's all this noise?" a Council Elder demanded, emerging from the hall. Matthew's warriors ignored the Elder completely. A bloodcurdling scream followed as they obeyed their Beta's command, severing the offender's hand. I flinched, burying my face against Aaron's chest as the horrific sound sliced through the air. The Council was supposed to be the highest authority, a place of law and order. And yet, here the Blood Shade Pack acted with terrifying impunity. Of course, the warrior deserved it-I didn't pity him. But the sheer power they wielded made me tremble. 01512 7.84% Damien Hale. Just thinking of the infamous Alpha sent an icy chill racing down my spine. "Shall we go?" Aaron's deep voice rumbled at my ear, calm and grounding. He extended his hand once more, a stark contrast to my own shaky legs. If Alpha Damien discovered the truth-that I wasn't Vanessa-would he spare me? Would Aaron be dragged down with me? My heart pounded wildly as uncertainty rooted me to the spot. Could I keep this ruse going... or was it all about to come crashing down? The game had begun. Leave a comment 1512 < Dangerous Stand In Bride: A Luna on the Run.