The Wolf God's Unwanted Luna

Vivian’s POV

What stunned me most was not Zahliver’s heavy command, but the eerie, absolute silence that followed right after it. Not a single alpha in the room dared speak out against him. Not even a whisper of real protest echoed through the hall. Maybe it was pure fear that sealed their lips tightly, or maybe... maybe they all knew deep down that what he’d said wasn’t just a threat. It was the undeniable truth.

Some nervous wolves near the back began to shift uncomfortably, edging slowly toward the grand exit. Panic was a powerful, bitter scent, and it clung to them now thick, heavy, and obvious. But before they could even reach the massive doors, one of the visiting alphas stepped directly in front of them, his stance protective as he pulled his mate closer to his side.

"Move!" he thundered, his loud voice cracking across the large room like a whip.

I felt the sudden pulse of his power even from all the way up here, brushing against my skin like warm wind before a massive storm. It stirred the air around us, but it was not nearly enough to stop anyone who was truly determined. Still, the fleeing wolves froze instantly, their teeth bared, bodies stiff and tense. They didn’t move. Not even a single step forward.

The stunned faces around them told me they hadn’t expected any real resistance, especially not here, and certainly not tonight. I turned back toward Zahliver, just in time to catch the quiet chuckle rumbling deep from his chest. It echoed softly in the dead silence like thunder inside a quiet tomb.

The entire moment was completely his again.

The young alpha who had tried to challenge the exiting wolves hesitated, looking confused now that no one else stood with him.

Zahliver let his deep voice cut through the thick tension once more. Smooth. Unshakably confident. Lethal.

"As I was saying," he drawled lazily, resting his broad palms casually on the balcony railing again, "I am your Alpha. But most of you only know me by another name... Lupus Deus." He arched a single brow, the dark sarcasm completely unmistakable. "Does that ring any faint bells?"

A collective murmur broke out across the wide crowd below, swelling quickly like a rising tide. From behind their fancy masks, eyes widened in sudden, horrifying realization. I heard heartbeats skip wildly and heavy breaths catch in throats as his legendary name finally clicked in their minds. Some looked like they had been struck by lightning. Others looked like they were trying their best not to collapse under the sheer weight of it.

Had they honestly thought this grand gathering was just some elaborate joke? And yet they had all shown up, followed his strict dress code, and bowed low when commanded. That alone said everything.

Zahliver continued, his tone taking on a slightly lighter note as he glanced over his shoulder down at me. "Tonight’s masked ball is in honor of my mate someone I have searched for far longer than most of you have ruled your little packs."

His dark eyes softened instantly when they met mine, and he reached his large hand out toward me. I didn’t hesitate for a second. I stepped forward gracefully, slipping my fingers into his warm grip.

"Your Luna... Vivian," he announced to the hall with a quiet, powerful pride. "Clap."

At first, the applause was scattered and deeply hesitant. Then, a wave of applause rippled straight through the room. I saw guests glance nervously at one another, completely uncertain, their hands slapping together more out of survival instinct than real celebration. But I didn’t look away from them. I met their eyes head-on not with petty defiance, but with calm, unyielding strength. Zahliver did not claim weak mates.

I turned my head to him, catching the brilliant gleam in his dark eyes. He was thriving off all of this the sheer power, the dramatic performance, the unspoken message that tonight would completely reshape the old rules.

Then, with another casual flick of his wrist, he willingly gave me the entire stage.

I could feel him channeling his immense strength directly into me through our mate bond, steadying my posture. I drew deeply from it, pulling it in like a fresh breath of air. My inner wolf stirred within me, her ancient presence merging seamlessly with my own. My voice came out soft, but it sliced clean through the room like smooth silk over sharp steel.

"I look forward to speaking with each of you personally," I said, smiling faintly at the crowd. "I hope you all enjoy your night."

Even in a massive room full of dominant alphas, my words held undeniable weight.

"So do I," Zahliver added darkly, his voice carrying over the floor. "It seems... certain things in our community desperately need to change. Enjoy yourselves."

And just like that, he drew me smoothly back to his side. We stepped away from the very edge of the balcony, watching the crowd try to follow our movements from down below, only able to catch tiny glimpses of us between the thick rails.

The background music returned, tentative and slow, but it did very little to soothe the thick tension still tangled tight in the air.

I turned to him with a soft laugh, the high buzz of adrenaline still running strong through my veins.

I knew it, I teased him gently through our mind link. You’re secretly so dramatic under all those brooding expressions.

His response was lightning swift. He grabbed my waist firmly and pulled me flush against his hard chest. I gasped softly, my hands instantly bracing against his dark suit jacket.

"That’s not the only thing that’s hard right now," he murmured into my ear, his voice low, rough, and deeply teasing.

I rolled my eyes up at him, but I didn’t step away from his touch.

"So..." I said after a short beat, turning slightly in his arms to glance back down at the mixed crowd of guests. "Shall we go down and mingle?"

He rested his chin lightly on top of my head and slowly shook it.

No. I don’t trust them not to try something stupid, he answered grimly through the bond. There are at least three hidden guns in this room right now.

My body tensed up immediately against him.

The long night was only just beginning, and already, the wolves were showing their sharp teeth.