The Omni-Wolf’s Choice novel Chapter 37

Chapter 37 And then they walked in…

Ryder’s POV

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Bridget is curled up against me, tucked into the space my arms make for her. The party is still roaring downstairs-half celebration, half announcement that she’s my mate-but none of that matters up here. Tonight her gift has been acting off, unpredictable, and until she feels steady again, I’m keeping her right here in this bed, wrapped tight in me.

I’m supposed to put the pack first. I know that.

And still-she comes before everything.

I drag my fingertips along her cheekbone, slow and careful. She rests back into my chest, and I lock my arm around her middle, pulling her in until there’s no gap left to breathe between us. The bond between us is buzzing, sparks skittering over my skin like electricity. Part of me wants to sink my teeth into her again while I’m buried inside her, to drive the point home: mine, safe, chosen.

“How do you feel?” I ask.

“Better here.” She lets out a long breath, and the steady rhythm of her heart tells me she means it. “It’s just… it was so strange. When It Chapter Unlocked, Enjoy Reading! und of metal. That darkness. It felt real. I can’t tell if it was something that already happened, something happening, or something

that’s coming.”

“Then we treat it like all three,” I tell her. “Security goes up. He’s not alone here-not once. And you

won’t be either.”

She twists slightly, enough to look at me. “No. I might need to touch him again. Finish it. Maybe I’m meant to do something with what I’m seeing. My gift can’t be for hiding from him.”

I narrow my eyes. “You’re sure about that?”

“Yes.” Determination hardens her voice. “I was given this for a reason. I can’t stay in our room all night, even if these arms make it tempting.” She slides out of my hold, and pride hits me so sharp it almost hurts. “I’ve got legends and tall tales to live up to.”

She steps back, already shifting into action. “Tonight, we watch the King. Tomorrow, we talk to Dr. Yvette and see what she’s got for me. So come on, handsome. We need to get dressed and go downstairs. People are going to lose their minds when they realize you’re officially taken.”

She smiles-bright, unstoppable-while she strips as she backs toward the shower.

“Oh, we’ve got time,” I say, voice dropping.

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< Chapter 37 And then they walked in

I’m out of my clothes in seconds. I catch her, lift her like she weighs nothing, and toss her over my shoulder. She shrieks, laughing, as I carry her into the bathroom. The shower steam hasn’t even started before I’ve got her pinned to the tile. I take her-again and again-until her throat is raw from screaming my name.

We descend the staircase together, and the music crashes over us the moment we hit the landing. The main hall is packed-wolves dancing, flirting, searching, hoping the night gives them what the moon has promised.

Bridget at my side looks like she was built for this. She’s in emerald green, the slit cut criminally high. It should have revealed the scar on her thigh, but since I’ve claimed her and we’ve completed the bond, the bruise and scar have faded down to almost nothing-just a faint memory in her skin.

The dress clings where it should, dipping low in front, thin straps framing her shoulders and the curve

of her breasts. The back falls away, and I can’t resist tracing one finger down her bare spine. The bond

answers instantly-tingles, heat-and I feel her react.

She shoots me that look. The warning.

Don’t.

I almost laugh.

Sweet mate. Trouble is my natural state, and I plan on torturing her with it all night until she’s begging

me to drag her upstairs.

The moment we step into the room, everything dies.

Conversations cut off. The music stops. A bright spotlight swings and lands on us like the whole place

has been waiting.

Whispers ripple through the crowd.

Who is she?

Where did she come from?

Is that really his mate?

Did someone finally manage to tame the Alpha?

I grip her hand, amused, and watch her lift her chin like she was born wearing a crown. A few weeks

ago she didn’t even know she was a werewolf-never mind a hybrid, never mind the Omni-Wolf. And

yet she has slid into this life with an ease that still stuns me: training with the elders, Luna lessons

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with my mother, learning names after a single meeting like she’s cataloging a whole pack in her head.

She fits.

I thank the moon goddess for her more times a day than I can count.

We push through the crowd toward the raised front area where my parents sit beside the King and

Queen, surrounded by officials. My father stands, and I don’t take my eyes off Griffin and Eleanor for

long.

The King looks relaxed-too relaxed-but I catch the way his gaze keeps flicking to Bridget’s mark, like

he’s bothered by its existence.

My father reaches for Bridget’s hand to help her step up. The guards nearest the platform don’t so much as twitch. Good. They understand the rules.

Touch my mate and you die.

I greet the officials one by one, shaking hands. Bridget stays close as my parents guide her through introductions. When we reach the King and Queen, I give a respectful nod. Bridget follows with a

graceful bow and curtsy.

Then my father turns to the microphone. Bridget and I take our place beside him; my mother stands on

his other side.

“Good evening,” my father says, voice carrying cleanly. “Thank you for joining us tonight. This celebration is for several reasons. First, we are honoring my daughter Evelyn’s eighteenth birthday, and we hope she finds her mate before the evening is over.”

He gestures toward Evelyn. She offers a tight smile and scans the crowd. I try to see who she’s looking for, but I lose the trail. What I do see clearly: my Beta Connor, Gamma Lucas, and Delta Pierce

in the front row, alert as ever.

My father continues. “Second, I’m proud to announce that my son-our future Alpha, Ryder-has been blessed by the moon goddess and has found his mate.”

The hall shifts, leaning in.

“We would like to present the future Luna, Bridget. Her coronation will take place within the coming

week, and we hope you’ll stand with us then.”

The reaction is immediate-cheering, calling, overlapping voices. I catch smirks from women I used to

know too well. I also see genuine warmth from others.

None of it matters.

< Chapter 37 And then they walked in..

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All I track is Bridget: her calm pulse, the steady set of her shoulders, the way she keeps hold of my hand like it anchors her. She looks at my father with soft gratitude, and I can tell she truly wants this- wants us.

My father raises both hands until the room settles.

“And,” he adds, “we are also honored to welcome King Griffin and Queen Eleanor, who have blessed us with their presence. Your Highness, would you care to say a few words?”

Griffin rises, buttoning his black suit jacket as he stands. He walks with purpose, nodding at me and Bridget as he reaches the front.

“Thank you for the welcome,” he says smoothly. “Alpha Marcus, thank you for hosting us. Your pack has treated us with exceptional care while we’ve been here.”

He sweeps his gaze across the room.

“We’ve come to meet with our people. This is sacred land, and this pack holds gifts beyond what many of you ever imagined. I’m pleased to see visiting packs discovering their own powers as well. The more we learn from one another, the stronger we become.”

He pauses, letting the words land.

“But I won’t trap you in a speech. Tonight is for enjoyment-eat, dance, celebrate.” His smile sharpens. “And Alpha Ryder-congratulations. Before the night ends, I would be honored to share a dance with your future Luna.”

I keep my expression polite even as my wolf bristles.

“King Griffin,” I say evenly, “that’s Bridget’s choice. Always.

I glance at her, asking without demanding. She tilts her head and smiles, giving a small nod. She

squeezes my hand, approval humming through the bond.

My father steps back in. “Excellent. Maestro-play.”

The music surges back to life. My father leads my mother onto the floor.

Griffin approaches us, and something in his eyes makes my stomach tighten. He looks at Bridget like she’s an object with a price tag-something rare he wants to claim and add to his collection because

of what she is.

I press a kiss to Bridget’s temple. She inhales, steadying herself, then places her hand in Griffin’s.

I wait for the flare-another surge of whatever her gift did earlier.

< Chapter 37 And then they walked in.

Nothing.

No chill. No shock. No darkness.

Confusion knots in my chest.

I turn to Queen Eleanor and offer my hand. “May I?”

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She accepts with practiced grace. Her off-the-shoulder gown is royal blue, and she looks every inch a

queen as we move into a simple waltz.

“I’d say your mate is the most sought-after person here tonight,” she remarks, watching the room. “By those who know what she is… and those who just want to be her.”

I keep my attention locked on Bridget even as I guide the Queen through a turn. “It should be the other way around,” I say, letting out a short laugh. “I’m the one who got lucky.”

Eleanor’s expression softens. “Young love is a beautiful thing,” she says, almost to herself.

Bridget’s POV

Nothing.

Absolutely nothing.

That should have relieved me. Instead it makes my blood boil.

The King’s hand rests on my back, the other holding mine, and he guides me across the floor like he’s done this a thousand times. At least the dance lessons with Adrian and Evelyn have kept me from looking like I’m stumbling through it.

“So,” Griffin says, voice low, “how did you end up with this pack?”

“I was passing through,” I answer carefully, “and this place called to me.”

He hums as if amused. “Interesting. Had you landed on my territory, perhaps your path would’ve been… different. You might have served on my council.”

“I’m exactly where I’m meant to be,” I say.

His smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “You’re young. There’s still so much you don’t know. Our castle, our staff-we have thousands of years of knowledge. The Elders reside on our land. If you ever need anything, or simply wish to visit, our doors will be open to you.”

“Thank you, Your Highness,” I reply.

His hand shifts, inching lower, and my spine goes rigid.

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<Chapter 37 And then they walked in.

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Then he leans in with a quiet confidence that feels like a hook. “That said… I could make use of

someone like you. Together, we could do real good. With you at my side-my right hand-we could

reshape the world. Consider it.”

My first instinct is to mind-link Ryder.

Before I can, the song ends-and Ryder is suddenly there, close enough that the air changes.

“I’d like to dance with my mate now, Your Highness,” Ryder says, eyes on mine, smile gentle but edged. “If you don’t mind.”

“But of course.” Griffin steps back easily. “Enjoy each other. Live in the present. Tomorrow is never

guaranteed.”

He walks away toward his Queen like he hasn’t just dropped a threat into a blessing.

Did he really say that? I send through the link, my grip tightening on Ryder.

Yes, Ryder answers. We’re calling a family meeting. Your safety comes first.

The fear hits late, like a wave catching me from behind.

I don’t let it turn into panic.

I swallow it down and let it harden into anger.

If Griffin thinks he can circle me like prey, he’s about to learn I’m not something that gets collected.

< The Omni Wolf’s Choice