I stepped out of the car, flashing the room key before heading inside. The moment I entered the lobby, exhaustion weighed heavily on me. The elevator ride was a blur. My mind was fogged, my body sluggish from the alcohol.

I reached my floor and walked down the hallway, my vision swimming as I tried to read the numbers. Room 1823. I swiped the key card, but the door didn’t unlock. Frowning, I tried again. Still nothing.

Before I could knock, the door suddenly swung open, and a strong hand yanked me inside.

"What the—?"

The door slammed shut, plunging the room into darkness. A deep, growling voice filled the space between us. "You walked into the wrong room, little wolf."

My breath hitched as a familiar scent filled my nose—smoke and cedarwood, intoxicating and dangerous. My stomach twisted. I knew this scent.

Then I felt him—his presence overwhelming, his body heat rolling off in waves as he pinned me against the door. His breath ghosted over my skin, making my wolf stir in unease and something else I refused to name.

"Let me go," I said, my voice firm despite the alcohol dulling my senses.

He chuckled, the sound low and mocking. "You're in my territory now, Felicia. Shouldn’t you be more careful where you wander?"

I stiffened, my fingers curling into fists. I recognized the voice now. Elias Blackwood. The Alpha of the neighboring pack. Ruthless, cunning, and the last person I wanted to see tonight.

The dim glow from the city lights filtered through the curtains, casting shadows across his sharp features. His dark hair was tousled, his golden eyes gleaming with something unreadable.

I swallowed hard. "I made a mistake. Just let me leave."

He tilted his head, as if studying me. "Benedict doesn’t deserve you."

My heart lurched. "How do you—"

"News travels fast, Luna." His voice dripped with something I couldn’t place. "Or should I say, former Luna?"

Anger flared inside me. "I didn’t come here for this. I don’t need your pity, Elias."

"Good." He stepped back, giving me just enough space to breathe. "Because I don’t offer pity. I offer revenge."

I blinked. "What?"

A slow smirk tugged at his lips. "Benedict betrayed you. You could run and hide. Or... You could make him regret it."

My pulse pounded in my ears. "And how exactly would I do that?"