The Three Who Chose Me

Kiel

I arrived at the birthday party slightly tired and entirely out of sorts.

I hadn’t wanted to come in the first place. My head was a mess, my wolf wasn’t his usual self, and I felt strangely disconnected from my surroundings. The chatter of the pack, the sound of laughter and music—it all grated on my nerves. I turned toward the car, intending to leave before anyone noticed me.

But I wasn’t fast enough.

"Alpha Kiel!" a woman’s voice called behind me, and I tensed.

I turned, managing a polite smile. It was the celebrant’s mother. She grabbed my arm gently, ushering me toward the house with enthusiasm that made my head pound.

"Oh no, you don’t," she chided cheerfully. "You came all the way here, you’re not turning back now."

I wanted to tell her I really didn’t have the energy for this, but something about her maternal insistence made it hard to argue. I let her drag me in.

The house was full—too full. Pack members of all ranks gathered, and immediately I felt dozens of eyes turn to me. Their gazes weren’t just curious. It was intense. Too intense.

"What the hell..." I muttered under my breath.

"It’s not you," the woman said with a chuckle. "Well, it is you, but it’s not your fault. Everyone just loves when the Alphas show up at these things. Especially you, Alpha Kiel."

I gave a tight smile. "Feels like it’s your son’s party, but I’m stealing the show."