Chapter 4

Isabella

The bar was both elegant and primal—silver pine decorated with moon motifs. Werewolves of various ranks mingled, some clearly paired, others seeking mates.

"This is our social area," Violet said, guiding me to the bar. "The perfect place to learn about potential mates through scent and posture. Upstairs is the Moonlight Hall, open only to certain individuals."

I sat on a leather barstool, acutely aware of its texture against my thighs.

"At Erotic Paradise, we have rules to ensure our members' safety," Violet continued. "Control of one's aura during the three days before and after the full moon is crucial. Uncontrolled wolf nature can lead to unnecessary harm, which we do not allow. Anyone who disregards the rules will be immediately expelled from pack territory. No second chances."

At least they take safety seriously. Though right now, I was the one feeling out of control.

"That area is our post-bonding recovery zone," she pointed to a softly lit alcove. "After the mate bonding ceremony, werewolves care for their mates there. If you're in that space, only accept your mate's aura. Maintaining silence is important so newly bonded pairs can stabilize their mental connection under the moonlight."

She studied me carefully. "We don't need to go in—if you decide to become a member, you'll have the opportunity to experience it. Especially since... your reactions seem stronger than the average omega."

Stronger? Is that why I feel like I'm about to burst into flames?

Just as I tried to calm my heartbeat, a powerful wave of energy washed over me, making me spin around. At the end of the bar stood three male werewolves, their gazes locked on me.

The air thickened with their presence, like invisible chains wrapping around me, making it difficult to breathe. My body responded immediately—nipples hardening painfully, core clenching, skin feeling licked by flames. They watched me with an intensity that made my heart race, as if peeling away my soul.

A blond man with amber eyes exuding authority; beside him, a man with sandy shoulder-length hair, calm yet concealing sharp edges; the third, with hard muscle lines and tribal tattoos faintly visible on his skin, emanating a dangerous magnetism. They were breathtakingly handsome, like warriors stepped from myth, every detail triggering my nerves.

God, their auras... like they could devour everything.

My wolf howled within, awakened by their presence, longing to approach yet afraid of being consumed. I stood frozen, legs weak, heart pounding deafeningly. Could all three be my destined mates? How was that possible?

Violet's voice broke through my thoughts: "They're not for you, Isabella."

"What?" I whispered, cheeks flushing with embarrassment at being caught staring at the three men.

She nodded slightly toward the trio at the bar's end: "They're too... radiant for you to approach right now."

Radiant. The word stung like a needle in my heart. I glanced at them again—the blond man with knife-like eyes, the sandy-haired man calm yet sharp, the tattooed man like a silent volcano. The space around them seemed separated by invisible force, with even other werewolves unconsciously giving way. I felt as insignificant as an ant, standing in the shadow of their brilliance.

What am I? A lowly omega, not even worthy of approaching them.

My body betrayed me, wetness spreading beneath my dress, mocking my dignity. I hated this feeling, hated this body that betrayed me, hated that I couldn't maintain even basic control. Tonight was my eighteenth birthday, when my wolf should awaken, yet here I stood, a ridiculous outsider, yearning for something forever beyond my reach.

I'm so fucking disgusting, can't even control my own instincts.

"I don't know much about what happens here," I forced myself to turn back to Violet, trying to hide my inner turmoil, "there's not much information online, could you tell me more?"

She smiled, fine lines appearing at the corners of her eyes: "Erotic Paradise isn't for just anyone. Our manager is selective, screening for... special werewolves. Everything here—from décor to atmosphere—is designed for high-ranking experiences."

I looked around, truly seeing the place for the first time. Silver pine bar carved with moon patterns, wolf totems on the walls exuding ancient majesty, crystal chandeliers refracting cold light like real moonlight frozen in air. Surrounding werewolves wore expensive leather and silk, their demeanor radiating confidence and power. Unlike me, they seemed born to belong here, unburdened by lowly origins.

And me? An omega crawling out of the forest territory, wearing a cheap dress, foolishly imagining I could fit in here?

Violet continued: "There are rules to remember. Don't touch others' mates without permission, communicate clearly before ceremonies. Safety signals are mandatory for everyone. Don't disturb others' scenes, and dress appropriate to your status—your outfit is good, exposing your neck is smart, werewolves like to see marking spots."

"Thank you," I said quietly, fingers unconsciously touching my neck, the empty skin making me feel even more out of place.

"You look beautiful, Isabella," she smiled, "I bet at least twenty pairs of eyes haven't looked away since you walked in."

Twenty pairs of eyes? Staring at me? I froze, fingers gripping my dress hem, the fabric clinging to my curves, exposing all my insecurities. In the forest territory, no one would give me a second glance, yet here, I was the focus? This was absurd.

They were probably just laughing—a lowly omega stupidly wandering into high-ranking werewolf territory. Yet my body betrayed me again, excited by this attention, the wetness becoming more noticeable.

Fuck, I hate this body, hate how easily it ignites.

"Are there other rules?" I asked, trying to divert attention.

"Those are the basics," Violet shrugged, "maintain respect, protect each other's safety. The rest, you'll learn gradually after joining."

"Joining..." I repeated softly, my heart sinking, "what are the requirements?"

She tilted her head: "Didn't Diana tell you? You need a certain status, or... an invitation from a high-ranking werewolf to enter."

My stomach tightened, as if doused with cold water. My legs nearly gave way, fortunate I was sitting. Status? What status did I have? A low-ranking omega from the lowest family. That black card—the invitation that brought me here—must have been a mistake.

I'm so stupid. Stupid enough to think I could belong here? Look at these people, each like born royalty, and me? Garbage crawled from the mud, even standing here feels stolen.

My parents always said I could break the family curse, could be a different kind of omega. But now? I didn't even have the basic qualifications, couldn't even control my own body. Coming-of-age ceremony? My wolf was probably as pathetic as me, too lowly to even touch moonlight.

"I... I need to go," I stood up, voice trembling, cheeks burning with humiliation.

"Isabella?" Violet frowned, concern flashing in her eyes.

"I don't belong here," I whispered, throat constricted, "thank you for the tour."

"Don't say that," she said softly, "you have your own path, Isabella."

I stood ramrod straight, gaze fixed ahead, clinging to my last shred of dignity as I left. But inside I was crumbling, shame cutting like knives. I'd found a place that could awaken my wolf nature, only to discover I couldn't even enter the door.

I don't belong here, never did.

Passing the exit, I could still feel the gaze of those three men burning into my back. My body screamed to turn around, to drown in their attention, but my reason told me their world was too far from mine. My eighteenth birthday, which should have been my rebirth, became a complete humiliation.

I hate myself so much.