The Lost Wolf

Ariana's POV

Three sharp knocks echoed through the house, making me freeze.

Who could that be?

I was the only one home. Father and Elena had left for the pack house just minutes ago, and they weren't supposed to return anytime soon.

My heart lurched.

I reached for the wooden mopping stick leaning against my bedroom wall. As I turned, my gaze accidentally caught my reflection in the mirror.

Round cheek… thick waist… the same plus-size body everyone loved to ridicule.

I quickly looked away.

Every glance at my reflection brought back the cruel words, the mocking laughter, and the endless body shaming I had endured throughout my life… but there was one person who had always accepted me exactly as I was.

The knock came again, louder this time, pulling me from my thoughts.

Gripping the stick tightly, I hurried through the living room and yanked the door open, raising it high above my head.

My eyes widened. "Logan?"

His brows knitted together in concern. "Are you alright?"

Heat rushed to my cheeks.

I awkwardly lowered the stick and hid it behind my back before noticing the paper bag in his hand.

Logan Drake was the future Alpha of Silver Moon Pack. My best friend, and the only person who had never judged me for my size.

Whenever others laughed at me, he was always the first to stand between me and their cruel words.

A teasing smile curved his lips.

"So..." he said, raising an eyebrow. "Can I come in? Or are you planning to beat me with that stick first?"

A laugh escaped me.

"I... sorry." I stepped aside. "Of course."

He walked inside, and I closed the door behind him before joining him on the couch opposite.

"I thought Father and Elena would be at the pack house," I teased. "So, what is the future Alpha doing here?"

He smiled. "Can't I come say hello to my best friend?"

I rolled my eyes, unable to stop myself from smiling. "I suppose you can."

Logan had been the man of my dreams for years. Tomorrow was his Alpha Ceremony and if the Moon Goddess blessed me enough to make him my mate… I didn't think I could ever ask for anything else.

He extended the paper bag toward me but I hesitated.

"Go on," he encouraged softly.

Curious, I accepted it and peeked inside.

My eyes lit up instantly.

"Moonberry pastries!" A delighted gasp escaped my lips.

"I remembered they're your favorite," he said with a grin.

Father and Elena hated seeing me eat sweets. They were convinced I was already too overweight to deserve them.

But Logan never cared. Ever since college, whenever someone mocked my appearance, he'd secretly buy me Moonberry pastries just to see me smile again. It has become our little tradition.

I eagerly took one and bit into its soft, sweet filling. "Mmm… this is amazing."

His smile widened. "I'm glad you like them."

I finished one far too quickly before looking back at him. "Thank you, Logan."

He nodded before leaning forward, resting his forearms on his knees.

"Ariana..." His voice turned serious. "I need you to do something for me."

I blinked. "What is it?"

His smile vanished. "I need you to retrieve the Moon Crystal from Kasha Forest."

Everything inside me froze.

"Kasha Forest?" I whispered. "The forbidden Witch Forest?"

He gave a single nod. "Yes."

My mouth fell open.

"Logan... have you lost your mind?" I stared at him in disbelief. "Do you know how many rogue wolves roam that forest? I don't even have a wolf to protect me!"

He slipped a small silver vial from his pocket and placed it gently on the table.

"This is Shadow Scent."

I picked it up carefully as the liquid inside shimmered like silver mist.

"Apply a little to your skin before entering the forest," he explained. "It masks your scent and the rogues won't detect you."

Relief washed over me.

"If this really works..."

"It does." He answered immediately.

I smiled, believing every word.

Then, Logan dropped onto both knees before me as he clasped his hands dramatically.

"Please, Ariana. I've never asked you for anything before, I really need your help."

I stared at him, then burst into laughter. "An Alpha... begging me?"

"I'll never let you forget this." He laughed too. "So... you'll do it?"

I sighed dramatically.

"Fine, I'll go." I lifted the vial. "At least Shadow Scent will keep me safe."

The next second, Logan wrapped his arms around me. "Thank you, I knew I could count on you."

A smile spread across my face.

Nothing made me happier than seeing him smile.

He pulled away, still grinning. "And when you come back I'll buy you enough Moonberry pastries to last a month."

I laughed. "You're trying to bribe me."

"Is it working?"

"A little."

My smile slowly faded. "But… what do you even need the Moon Crystal for?"

He sat back down, his eyes locking with mine. "My Alpha Ceremony is tomorrow."

"I know."

"I want to give it to the person who means the most to me. The one person who stood by my side when everyone else turned away."

My heart skipped.

Was he talking about… me? Who else had always been there for him? Could this be the Moon Goddess's way of testing me?

If I proved how far I was willing to go for him… would she make us mates tomorrow?

"But..." His voice pulled me back. "I need you to leave today."

A knot tightened in my stomach.

If risking my life could make Logan happy, then I would do it without hesitation.