I had just sunk into my office chair when the door swung open. Mia strolled in, a triumphant smirk dancing on her lips. She stopped in the center of the room, crossing her arms. "So, how was last night with your mate? Did you actually manage to talk, or were you both... too preoccupied for words?" She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.
The jab hit me like a physical blow. The memory of last night surged back—standing outside Artemis's door, the heavy silence of the hallway mocking me. I had stood there like an idiot, debating an apology I wasn't even sure I owed. I was the Alpha; questioning a stranger was my duty to the pack. Yet, the sound of her rhythmic breathing through the wood had kept me rooted there until my pride finally dragged me back to my own bed to toss and turn until dawn.
I let out a harsh snort. "Trust me, you don't want to know what happened." Mia stepped closer, stopping right in front of my desk. She narrowed her eyes, studying me. After a pause, she said, "You look like shit. Did you get any sleep at all?" I scoffed, rubbing a hand over my face to mask the exhaustion. I already felt like I hadn't slept in days.
"I told you to have fun with your mate," she began, her voice firm, dropping into a lecture. "But don't do it so much that you—" I cut her off with a low growl. She froze, surprised. "Just stop! I already told you it wasn't like that." I leaned back in my chair, the weight of everything pressing down on me, trying to crush me into the floor.
Mia's smirk vanished. She stepped closer, her eyes narrowing as she scanned my face. After a beat of heavy silence, her expression shifted to concern. "You look like hell, Kayden. Did you sleep at all?" Guilt twisted in my chest, but I forced my expression into stone. I sat up straighter. "I don't know what you're referring to."She pursed her lips, crossing her arms. "I know you, Kayden. So... what did you do?" I rolled my eyes. "I don't know what you're trying to say, but I didn't do anything." She said nothing, just stared, as if daring me to crack and spill all my secrets like some guilty child. I met her gaze, unwavering. There was no way I was losing this battle of wills.
Before either of us could react, the door to my office burst open. We both turned to see who it was. Standing in the doorway was Luca, papers in hand—probably the report that should have been on my desk hours ago. His eyes widened when he saw me, but they widened even more at the sight of his mate standing there. His shoulders slumped, though the anger in his gaze didn't fade.
Mia froze. "What are you doing here?" she asked. Luca hesitated, glancing at her. "You're late," I said coldly, crossing my arms. He turned to me, still tense. "Well, if you weren't so unreasonable, it could've been on time." I raised an eyebrow. "That wouldn't make it an affiance punishment, now, would it?"
Confusion flickered across Mia's face as she looked between the two of us. Then her gaze dropped to the papers in Luca's hands. I could almost hear the gears clicking into place. Before either of us could react, she snatched the documents from his grip and started reading. I sighed. Luca reached for them, but Mia leveled a glare at him. "Don't even think about it." That one line turned the Beta into a scolded pup. He instantly recoiled, his shoulders slumping. His tail tucked between his legs, and his gaze fell to the floor.
As she read, the temperature in the room seemed to drop. Her brow furrowed, and her jaw set into a hard, angry line. When she finally looked up, her green eyes were flashing fury blazing in her eyes. "You falsified documents!" she shouted. Luca flinched. "Everything in the first report was still accurate." She dragged a hand through her hair, the other clutching the papers as she planted it on her hip. "Yeah? With missing—or deliberately misleading—information." Mia sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose before fixing him with a glare. "You're the beta, for goodness' sake. You know better than anyone else. No matter how much you dislike someone, you don't do this."
"But she—" She cut him off. "Oh, grow up. Don't start whining to me about how she's a tiger shifter." My eyebrows shot up at her harsh words. "God, you both need to grow the hell up," Mia continued. "She's your best friend's mate, for goodness' sake—and your future Luna." She shook her head. "I swear to the goddess, if I have to tell either of you again to get to know her and give her a chance..." Her gaze hardened. "She is your Alpha's mate. Your future Luna. The Goddess didn't pair them together by mistake, but you'll never see why if you keep treating her like an enemy."
Luca and I exchanged a glance. The shock on his face mirrored my own. Mia turned on me, slamming the report onto my desk. She leaned forward, glaring down at me, and my heartbeat kicked up as shock—and a flicker of fear—tightened my chest. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Luca stiffen. He looked just as startled as I felt. "Now what did you do, Kayden?" she demanded. "And don't you dare leave out a single detail." I let out a slow breath before meeting her eyes. There was no getting out of this.
When I finished, Mia didn't scream. She paced. Back and forth, like a predator in a cage. Then she turned away, walking to the window and staring out into the distance. Her rigid posture told me everything I needed to know—she was furious. Yet she didn't say a word. She didn't interrupt me once. Luca and I exchanged uneasy glances. We both knew what it meant when Mia went quiet. Silence was the warning before the storm. The moment I stopped talking, I knew it was coming. And I dreaded it.
The moment I finished speaking, it happened—just as I knew it would. Finally, she whirled around. "God, why are you such an idiot? What the hell is wrong with you?!" I recoiled at her words. "Do you not take anything I say seriously?" she demanded. "How is accusing her of being some spiteful tiger—someone you can't even trust—remotely close to getting to know her?"
I opened my mouth to argue, but she lifted a hand, cutting me off. "Save the excuses. I don't want to hear it." I snapped my mouth shut. "Did you at least apologize?" Before I could answer, she took one look at my face and snorted. "Of course not. God forbid the Great Alpha admits he's wrong." Her eyes burned into mine. "You hide behind the title of Alpha as if it makes you infallible."
"I don't—" She cut me off. "Oh, please. I don't want to hear it. You're using excuses to justify mistreating your mate just because she's a tiger shifter. Do you honestly think that's okay in any way?" She dragged her fingers through her hair, lips pressed tight as she looked at me with pure disappointment. "How can you even look at yourself right now? Because I can't stand looking at you."
My eyes widened in shock. Mia had never spoken to me like this before. "Seriously," she continued. "You waited over a century to meet your mate, and you're really willing to risk losing her because of your stupid pride?" She shook her head. "And who do you think knows more about her culture—someone who's lived it, or someone like you who's only read about it? Research can be misleading. Or flat-out wrong. And you know that."
I felt like a child being dressed down by his mother. I couldn't argue—not when she was right. The realization only made the weight in my chest sink deeper. Mia pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. "We'll be lucky if she's even willing to stay and give you another chance—let alone forgive you for your stupidity." Her gaze locked onto mine. "You'd better do everything you can to make her see that staying here is worth it. That you are worth it."
"But she—" Luca tried to interject. Mia silenced him with a glare. "And you." She took a slow, steady breath. "You are extremely lucky you're my mate. But I don't want to see you for the rest of the day." His eyes widened in alarm. "But I—"
She raised a hand, cutting him off. "I don't even want to hear your voice right now." Her gaze hardened. "You will apologize to Artemis the next time you see her. And you'd better hope to the goddess that she's willing to accept it—for your sake." Luca blinked. "Artemis?" Mia rolled her eyes. "Yes. Artemis. Kayden's mate."
He glanced at me for confirmation. When I nodded, he simply shrugged. "And I don't want to hear any of you mistreating her because she's a tiger shifter," Mia continued. "I don't want to hear it mentioned. Not once."She leaned forward slightly. "You will treat her with the same respect and fairness you'd give her if she were a wolf—or anything else." Her voice dropped, deadly calm. "And if you don't, I will go stay with my parents for a while."
His eyes widened as he shot to his feet, fear written all over his face. Mia's parents lived in another country, and he'd never met them. Every time she visited, she was gone for a month—sometimes longer. "Please, Mia. Baby, you can't be serious," he pleaded. "Oh, I am," she said flatly. "So you'd better fix your act. I won't stand for this anymore."
Luca dropped to his knees in front of her. "Mia, sweetheart, I love you. You can't leave me." He reached for her hand, but she pulled away, her expression unreadable. "Then do exactly what I said. Apologize to her the next time you see her—and make sure you mean it." She turned to me. "And you too, mister. You'd better start begging her to stay. Because if you aren't careful, she'll leave one day and never look back."
My heart clenched, a sudden lump forming in my throat at the thought of her leaving me. Mia turned and walked straight past her kneeling mate. Luca stared up at her like his world had just shattered, his eyes wide and pleading, as if he still hoped she might turn back and give him a chance to make things right. She didn't.
When she reached the door, she paused and looked back at us. "I mean every word I said. I don't want to see either of you until you've apologized to Artemis—with complete sincerity." Her gaze hardened. "I'm going to do damage control. And you'd better hope to the Moon Goddess that she doesn't leave. Because if she does, you'll only have yourselves to blame." Without another word, she left. The door shut behind her, and Luca and I didn't move. We just sat there in stunned silence, the weight of everything she'd said pressing down on us long after she was gone.
*
I woke up curled by the fireplace in my tiger form. The shift always made me feel safer, more grounded. Footsteps approached the door. I didn't sense a threat—just a familiar, bright energy. When the steps stopped in front of my door, I finally looked up. A knock followed. "Artemis, it's me, Mia," came her voice from the other side. "I would really love to talk to you."
I hesitated, debating whether to get up. Then she added, "I heard about what happened between you and Kayden." I sighed, stretching my large feline limbs with a yawn. Before I even moved, I heard her ask, a hint of confusion in her voice, "You were in tiger form?" I couldn't help but roll my eyes.
I shifted back, bones popping and skin stretching until I was human again. I stood in the center of the room, then walked to the door and grabbed a robe from the back of it, tying it tightly around me. Mia waited patiently on the other side, relief evident on her face. "Thank you for opening the door. Do you mind if I come in so we can talk more comfortably?" I sighed. I wasn't sure I was in the mood for company, but I stepped aside and let her in. She entered with a small, reassuring smile.
As soon as I closed the door behind her, Mia reached out, holding a neatly folded black cloth. "Here." I raised an eyebrow. "I already have plenty of clothes from when we went shopping yesterday. I don't really need anything else." She chuckled softly, shaking her head. "No, this is one of your mate's favorite shirts. His scent is all over it—but don't worry, it's clean."
I frowned, confused. Mia noticed immediately and began explaining. "I know that whenever I'm mad at my mate—even when I don't want to see him—I feel calmer being surrounded by his scent. And I realized you didn't have any of Kayden's clothes anymore. You left them in my room yesterday when you were getting ready for the mall, and I already sent them to be washed. So I brought you another one." I still felt skeptical, but I took the shirt from her. "Thanks..." I drew out the word, my tone hesitant. The situation still made me uneasy.
Mia smiled as I turned away and walked toward the nightstand near the bed. I set the folded black shirt down, still confused. "As I said earlier," she began, "Kayden told me about what happened between the two of you yesterday, and I just wanted to say I'm so sorry." I froze, unsure why she was apologizing. She hadn't done anything wrong. "I know I didn't do anything to you directly," Mia continued, "and it was Kayden's actions and accusations that angered you. But part of the blame does fall on Luca—my mate—even if he is an idiot. I should have done more to rein them in sooner."
I couldn't help but smirk at the way she called her mate an idiot. I raised an eyebrow at her mention of reining them in sooner. "You're his mate, not his mother, Amelia." She smirked. "Yeah, you're right about that. I feel for his mother, though. Can you imagine what a nightmare child he must have been?" We both burst out laughing at her terrible joke. And just like that, some of the tension in the room eased. I felt a little more at ease with her—and I could tell she felt it too.
When our laughter finally died down, we smiled at each other. "Look," I said softly, "you don't have to apologize for them. This isn't your fault. Not even a little." She sighed. "I know. I just feel like I could've done more to stop them." Then her eyes hardened slightly. "But don't worry—I already yelled at both of them. Hopefully they won't pull something like this again." A small, dangerous smile curved her lips. "And if they do? Just tell me. I'll gladly put them in their place again."
"Will you now?" I asked, raising an eyebrow and smirking. She chuckled. "Oh yes. You should have seen their faces. It was priceless." I couldn't help but chuckle at the thought. "I bet that was quite a sight." Her green eyes twinkled with delight. "Oh my god, yes! And I know the perfect place where we can discuss it all—in glorious detail." I hesitated. I didn't really feel like going anywhere, not yet, and the thought of dealing with other people made me pause. She caught it immediately. "Come on," she said, smiling. "I want to show you around the pack this time. And this place? It has the best desserts in the world."
I bit my lip, thinking it over. The mention of desserts was the deciding factor—I've always had a sweet tooth, and I couldn't even remember the last time I had anything really sweet. I sighed. "Okay, but it better be good, or I'm leaving you sitting there all by yourself." She smiled. "Deal. Now get dressed so we can leave."
I rolled my eyes but headed toward the walk-in closet to pick something to wear. As I rifled through my clothes, I heard Mia's voice. "Do you normally sleep in your tiger form?" I peeked out from the closet. She was looking around the room where I'd moved the furniture to accommodate my tiger self. I noticed her eyes linger on a few white hairs scattered across the floor—the remnants of last night's shift. "Usually," I called out from the closet. "Better reflexes. If someone attacks, I don't want to spend three seconds shifting before I can fight back."
"Sweetie," she said softly, "I promise you're safe here. We won't let anything happen to you. And as long as I'm around, I will never allow anyone to hurt you." My heart swelled at her words. "That's kind," I said, turning slightly toward her, "but I can protect myself just fine—probably better than most. Still, I appreciate the sentiment. I just don't want anyone getting dragged into my mess." I heard her moving around the room before she spoke again. "That's really sweet of you, but you are our future Luna and the Alpha's mate. Anything involving you involves us. And we'll do everything in our power to protect you—and the pack."
My heart clenched at her words as the reality of my situation settled in. Staying here could put everyone in danger, and the thought alone made my chest tighten. Yet the idea of leaving—of walking away from my mate after waiting so long to find him—hurt almost physically. I had waited a lifetime for this bond. I didn't know if I could leave without at least trying to know him, even if part of me feared it might be safer for everyone if I did. Especially after what happened last night. If that was any indication of what staying here would be like, maybe leaving would be the smarter choice. The safer one.
Mia peeked her head into the closet and smiled. "Need any help in there?" I quickly straightened myself, hiding any sign of unease. Putting on a lighthearted grin, I said, "I think I've got it handled. Be honest—you just wanted another chance to play dress-up, like I'm some kind of doll for you to dress." She smirked and shrugged. "You got me. I can't help it. You're so beautiful, I just want to make sure no one else even thinks of challenging you."
I rolled my eyes, smirking. "That's sweet, but I've been dressing myself for years. I don't really need help." She smiled, shrugging again. "You never know. One day, you might." I chuckled. "Sure. If that day comes, I'll be sure to let you know." She winked at me, smirking. "Thanks. I appreciate it."
She walked away from the closet, and I couldn't help but chuckle at her teasing antics—they were childish, but somehow endearing. I grabbed the clothes I'd decided to change into and stepped out of the closet. Yesterday's dress-up session had been enough for a lifetime—I wasn't giving her another chance. I laid my clothes on the bed and untied the robe. Mia was standing in the bathroom connected to the room, quietly watching. I pulled on my underwear and pants, and then... I heard her audible gasp. Turning my head, I caught her staring at my back. "I can't believe it," she whispered.
She muttered something under her breath. I sighed but ignored it, reaching for my bra and continuing to get dressed. Just as I slid the straps over my shoulders, she spoke again. "How is your bruise already healed? It was bad. Even with fast healing, it shouldn't be completely gone yet—at best, it should still be fading." I'd seen that look before. I was all too familiar with the suspicion that followed my healing.
"Maybe it wasn't as bad as you thought," I said lightly as I fastened the bra behind my back. I glanced over my shoulder at her. The skepticism on her face told me she didn't believe a word of it. I sighed and turned away, grabbing the sweater I'd picked out and pulling it over my head. I had no intention of explaining myself—especially when I didn't even know if I'd be staying here much longer. Some things were better left unsaid.
Once I was dressed, I grabbed the brush from the nightstand and walked to the floor-length mirror attached to the closet door. I ran the bristles through my long silver hair, studying my reflection to make sure I didn't look awful. I was wearing black skinny jeans that showed off my long legs and an off-the-shoulder red sweater that hugged my curves. It even had thumb holes. Simple, comfortable, and just right for today. I gave a small nod to my reflection and set the brush down on the dresser.
Then I turned to Amelia. "Okay, I'm dressed." She studied me up and down, her eyes scanning every detail. Then she sighed. "It's missing something." I rolled my eyes, about to argue, but she held a hand up. "Go brush your teeth while I figure out what it is." I groaned but complied, heading to the bathroom as she disappeared into the closet, determined to find whatever she thought my outfit lacked.
As soon as I finished brushing my teeth, I turned around—and Mia was standing behind me, a large grin on her face. I raised an eyebrow. Before I could say anything, she lifted her arms and placed something on my head. I knelt slightly, figuring it was easier to let her do her thing. If I didn't like it, I could always toss it before we left. Mia's smile widened as I leaned forward. She carefully adjusted my hair, then set the item back on my head. Next, she pulled a necklace from her pocket and fastened it around my neck—a simple back choker with a large silver heart. Once she stepped back, I stood and turned toward the mirror. On my head sat a white hat with a small brown belt-like band wrapped around it.
I sighed, glancing at Amelia. "Okay, happy now?" She looked me up and down, then smiled and nodded. "Yes. Much better." I rolled my eyes, a smile creeping onto my lips. She was sweet—and somehow entertaining at the same time. Then she grabbed my hand. "Come on. I can't wait to show you around the pack." She tugged me forward, chatting eagerly about all the things she wanted to show me. I half-listened, but I couldn't help smiling. Her kindness made my chest feel warm, and for the first time in a long while, it felt like I had a true friend.
*
Amelia and I sat across from each other in a cozy booth inside a charming bakery. According to her, it had the best sweets in the world. It was the kind of place where concerns seemed to melt away into the flour-dusted air. We had wandered around the pack for a while before finding this place, and the warm, soothing atmosphere immediately made my worries fade. Amelia sipped a French vanilla latte while I settled for a simple cup of hot chocolate.
After a moment, the woman who had taken our order appeared at our table. She was an older woman with a presence so calm it was almost hypnotic. Though she was a werewolf—meaning she didn't look a day over thirty—the depth of wisdom in her eyes betrayed her true age. She placed a slice of pumpkin pie in front of me and a New York-style cherry cheesecake in front of Amelia. We both smiled and thanked her before she returned behind the counter. Amelia continued chatting, and I couldn't resist picking up my fork to try the pie.
The moment the first bite hit my tongue, I closed my eyes, unable to suppress a moan of delight. It was perfect. When I opened my eyes, Amelia wore a triumphant grin. "See? I told you they have the best desserts. I always come here when I need a pick-me-up after work—or just for a lunch break, depending on how rough my day's been. But this place... it always makes me feel better, no matter what." I nodded, still savoring the spices. "I can certainly see what you mean. This is delicious."
The woman behind the counter chimed in with a warm smile. "I'm glad you like them. You're both too kind, though—I know there are better pastry chefs out there." Amelia shook her head. "No, yours is certainly better. And if there really are others, I'd hate to meet them. They could never compare to you." The baker's eyes softened at her words. I added, "These are truly delicious, ma'am. Don't worry about comparing yourself to others—just be proud that you made something everyone can enjoy."
She smiled at me, a charming yet all-knowing curve to her lips. "That is truly kind, dear. And you don't need to worry about me—I take a lot of pride in what I do. But I'm not afraid to admit there's always someone better than myself. There will always be someone who can do something better than you." I smiled to myself at the wisdom of her words and nodded. "My bad, I didn't think of that." She chuckled softly. "Don't worry, dear. I didn't take offense to your words. But thank you for your kindness."
I nodded again. "I'll be right back," she added. "If you need me at any point, just ring the bell on the counter, and I'll come immediately." We both nodded, and she turned and disappeared into the back of the bakery. Amelia smiled at me. "See? I told you it was a great place." I smiled back, taking another bite of my pie as she did the same. "You were right."
She leaned forward slightly, a mischievous glint lighting up her green eyes. "Okay, now for the real reason I brought you here. You wanted to know how I went off on your mate—and mine." A smirk tugged at my lips. I couldn't help it. Amelia was charming, endlessly entertaining, and somehow comforting all at once. Sitting here with her, just listening, I felt an unexpected pull—a sense of kinship I hadn't felt in a long time. It felt like we were becoming fast friends.
As we talked about her day and our interactions with our mates, we couldn't stop cracking jokes and enjoying ourselves. Time seemed to slip away without notice, and before we knew it, Amelia had already bought us more drinks and desserts to keep us fueled. It wasn't until the bell above the door jingled that we looked up. Nearly four o'clock in the afternoon had arrived without either of us realizing it. As the door swung open, the woman behind the counter called out cheerfully, "Hello, honey! How was school today?"
At first, we couldn't see who the woman was speaking to—the side of the booth blocked our view, and the person was too short. As the figure walked further into the room, we saw it was a young child. She was a young girl with medium-length brown hair and a purple backpack that flapped against her shoulders with every skip. The girl ran behind the counter and threw her arms around her mother in a hug, chattering excitedly about her day at school. Her voice sounded familiar, but I didn't pay much attention, focusing instead on Amelia, who had resumed talking. I took another sip of my drink and let the warmth of the bakery and the lively scene wash over me.
But all of that changed when a loud, excited squeal came from my left. I turned to see the girl tugging on her mother's apron. "Mommy! Mommy! That's her! That's the nice lady who helped me that day. See, I told you she was real!" Her mother looked just as taken aback as I was. And then the little girl turned her head toward me. That's when it clicked—the voice, the eyes... it was Hope, the little girl I had found in the woods near the park, the one being bullied that day. I smiled at her. "It's Hope, right?" She practically leapt for joy. "She remembered my name!" she exclaimed to her mother. Her mother's expression was bewildered but amused, while Amelia looked between us with a curious, amused smirk.
Then, without warning, Hope suddenly sprang forward. I had to twist in my seat to catch her before she collided with the table as she leapt into my arms. Her mother's expression shifted instantly from surprise to concern as she watched her daughter launch herself at me. The moment Hope landed safely, I felt the weight of her little body in my arms and sighed in relief. I could see her mother exhale too—relieved that her daughter hadn't hurt herself on the table, though I also detected a hint of irritation. I completely understood. Hope could have injured herself, and I was still a stranger. Who knew what might have happened if she'd tried this with someone else? I let her hug me for a moment, feeling her small arms squeeze around me. When she finally pulled away, I set her gently back on the ground.
She grinned up at me, her eyes shining. "I'm so glad I got to see you again. Mommy said there was no way you could exist—she said no one could have silver hair unless they dyed it. But I told her you were real, and there was no way your hair was dyed because it was too pretty and shiny to be fake." I couldn't help but smile at the adorable little girl, so full of energy and wonder. I glanced up at her mother and saw the shock on her face as her daughter spoke, though a small smile curved her lips as well—probably feeling the same affection I did.
"Yes, I am real," I said gently, smiling back down at Hope. "And now your mommy knows that too." My expression softened, but my tone turned just a little more serious. "But you shouldn't do that again, okay? You could have gotten hurt if I hadn't caught you in time. And you should never run toward someone you don't know or without your mommy saying it's okay. Something bad could have happened if I weren't a nice person." Hope tilted her head and pursed her lips, confusion written all over her face. "But you're a nice person, so why does it matter?"
I smiled softly at her sweet comment. "Yes, I know I am, but your mommy doesn't know that. She's always thinking of what's best for you, so you should listen to her. You wouldn't want to make her sad, would you?" Hope's gaze dropped to the floor, a little pout forming. "No, I don't want Mommy to be sad." I reached out and gently patted her head. She looked up at me with wide, innocent eyes. "Good girl. Now promise me you won't do this again to anyone without your mommy's approval." A bright smile spread across her face as she nodded. "I promise."
I smiled down at her, then glanced at her mother. She was looking at Hope with happiness and pride, and when her eyes met mine, I could see her silent thanks. I understood—this small moment had saved her from having to be the "bad guy," and it seemed to lift a little weight off her shoulders. I nodded to Hope's mother before looking back down at the little girl. A smile spread across my face. "Alright now, back to your mother. We don't need her worrying about you any longer." Hope beamed. "Okay." She turned around, and I placed my hand lightly on her back, giving just a tiny push—enough to guide her, but not enough to move her if she decided to stay.
She bounced happily toward her mother, who looked at me and smiled before quietly mouthing a thank you. I nodded in return. Then she led Hope behind the counter and into the back of the store, disappearing from view. I finally dared to turn back to Amelia, who was watching me with a mischievous glint in her eyes and a goofy grin on her face. I sighed, shaking my head slightly. "Go ahead, say it. Whatever it is that's going on in that mischievous brain of yours."
"I have no idea what you're talking about," she said, feigning ignorance—but it was all over her face. I rolled my eyes. "If you want to try lying, maybe next time you should wipe that goofy grin off your face first." She chuckled softly. "It's nothing. I just... didn't know you were so good with kids." I shrugged. "It comes with the profession. It helps that I've always liked children. They tend to flock to me, which is always... convenient." Amelia raised an eyebrow, curiosity shining in her green eyes. "And what profession would that be?"
"It doesn't matter now." I could see her eyes twinkle with intrigue at my vague answer. "So mysterious," she said playfully. I sighed and leaned back in my seat. "Not really. I just don't think it matters when I don't even know how much longer I'll be staying here." Amelia's expression softened, shifting into something sadder—concern etched clearly across her face. "I understand why you feel that way," she said gently. "But could you just... stick it out a little longer?"
I looked at her, surprised as she continued, her voice quieter now. "I know Kayden—and Luca too—can be a pain. But I'd really like to get to know you more. I want to spend more time with you." She hesitated before adding, "I know I don't have the right to ask you to stay, but... I'd really like you to. Even if it's just for me." I let out a slow breath. "I don't know if I can, Amelia. As much as I might want to... I don't know if I can." My gaze dropped to the table. "I don't want to put anyone in danger. And if I stay here, that might very well happen." She looked at me with pleading eyes. "But he needs you. Even if he doesn't realize it yet, he will." Her voice softened further. "And you'll need him just as much. Otherwise, the fates wouldn't have bonded the two of you together."
I was about to disagree with her, but I froze when she mentioned the fates. All wolf shifters I knew believed only in the Moon Goddess, so it felt... strange, hearing someone talk about fates. My heart clenched, a warning flaring inside me that something was off. I opened my mouth to confront her, but before I could speak, someone cleared their throat. I turned my head and saw Hope's mother standing just a few inches from our table. She offered an apologetic smile, but her discomfort was obvious—her hands fidgeted nervously as she shifted from foot to foot.
She sighed before looking at me. "Sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop on your conversation, but if she can't convince you to stay, then maybe I can." I glanced at Amelia, who was watching the woman with clear interest—and more than a little hope that she might succeed where Amelia hadn't. A heavy pressure settled in my chest, making it hard to breathe, and I pinched the bridge of my nose as I felt a stress headache beginning to form. I looked back at the woman and sighed. "I don't—"
She gently but firmly cut me off. "Look, I know this is none of my business, and I swear I won't pry into your situation. But the least you could do is let me invite you to dinner." She hesitated briefly before continuing, her voice softening. "I'd like to thank you—for helping my daughter the other day, and for helping me with her today as well." I shook my head. "No, you don't have to—" She raised her hand, stopping me once more. "No, I insist. It's the least I can do." Then, with a small, knowing smile, she added, "Besides, it would make Hope very happy."
I sighed. "Fine. I guess it can't hurt." Her face lit up with a smile. "That's good to hear. Okay, I've got to make the best dinner possible." I shook my head. "That's truly not necessary. I'm fine with anything." She waved me off. "No, it has to be the best." I sighed again, a small smile tugging at my lips despite myself. "So," she continued, her eyes sparkling with determination, "to ensure that everything is perfect, I'll need a week to prepare. Let's meet at my house again one week from today."
My jaw went slack, and my heart thudded painfully against my ribs. "No, that's not—" She ignored me completely, walking away while muttering to herself, and I felt a wave of dread roll through me. I slumped in my seat, letting out a long, defeated sigh as I rubbed my hands over my face, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down.
I could hear Amelia chuckling softly behind me, and I shot her a narrowed-eyed glare. "You are enjoying this way too much." She smirked. "Oh my, whatever gave you that impression?" I rolled my eyes. "You truly need a better poker face if you want me to believe your lies." She smiled and shrugged. "Who says I want to get a better poker face?" I shook my head. "You truly are something else." Her smirk widened. "I know. But you like it. Admit it." A small smile tugged at the corner of my lips as I raised an eyebrow and shot back playfully, "You wish."
She hid a smile behind her hand and faked a gasp. The moment I raised an eyebrow as if to say 'Stop faking,' she stuck her tongue out at me playfully. We both burst into another fit of laughter, and when it finally subsided, the moment was interrupted. Hope's mother suddenly popped her head back through the door—she had just left a moment ago.
"Oh, Mia dear," she said kindly, "would you be so good as to give your friend our address?" Mia's smile was warm. "I'll do you one better. Just let me know when, and I'll even show her the way to your house." Hope's mother beamed. "Oh, wonderful. I'll even make an extra plate for you." "I would be honored," Mia replied with a nod and a kind smile. After that, the woman disappeared from view again. I leaned back in my seat, still feeling a bit baffled by everything that had just happened.
Before I could say anything, Amelia stood up. "Oh dear, I didn't realize how late it had gotten. We should start heading back." I glanced out the window and saw the sky bathed in a soft pink hue, the sun beginning its slow descent. I was shocked—so much time had passed at the bakery, yet it felt like barely a moment. I chuckled softly. "Time really does fly when you're having fun."
Amelia smiled at me. "It would seem so." We both stood, and she grabbed her purse from the booth. Just as we reached the door, Hope's mother appeared from the back of the store. "I hope you girls enjoy the rest of your night, and do feel free to come back anytime." We smiled and waved goodbye, gratitude warm in our chests. Amelia opened the door and stepped outside, the cool evening air brushing against us.
Amelia had just stepped out the door when she suddenly froze, causing me to nearly bump into her—but I stopped just in time. Ahead of us, my mate's beta, Luca, was standing in our path, blocking the way. Amelia planted her hands on her hips. "What do you want?" The annoyance in her voice was unmistakable, and I could see it hit him like a physical blow—he winced, bowing his head in shame. "I heard that you were over here," he muttered, his voice low.
I leaned against the railing, silently watching, noting the way Amelia rolled her eyes. "So?" He ran a hand through his hair in frustration. "I... I only came here to apologize." She scoffed, her green eyes flashing. "And yet I don't hear you actually apologizing, despite claiming that's why you came."
He looked exasperated. "Can't you just... cut me a break already?" Amelia folded her arms over her chest, her green eyes sharp. "Have you actually bothered to apologize yet? No, you haven't. Do you know why I know you haven't? Because I've been with Artemis all day, and I haven't seen you until now. You can't say you came here to apologize when you've yet to actually apologize. So no, I cannot give you a break—or else you'll never learn from your mistakes." I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing. His ever-changing expressions were too much—one moment flustered, the next like a depressed, pouting puppy with his tail tucked between his legs.
He suddenly turned his head to look at me, pursing his lips as he glared. I raised an eyebrow, a slight smirk tugging at my lips. Amelia's nostrils flared as she fixed him with a deadly glare. "Are you serious right now, Luca?" His eyes went wide. "What—" She cut him off sharply. "I swear, if you don't get it together right this instant, I will pack my bags and get on the next flight to stay with my parents."
His mouth opened in a silent protest, but Amelia refused to even look at him. Luca sagged, utterly defeated. He let out a long sigh and finally turned toward me. His eyes fell to the ground, and I could see the sadness swimming in their brown depths. "I'm sorry," he said quietly. "For the way I've been behaving toward you since the moment you arrived. I promise I won't let my prejudice affect you again. I'll give you a fair chance, like anyone else in the pack."
When he finished, he glanced back at Amelia—but she wasn't looking at him. The moment he realized that, his expression fell. Sadness settled over his face like a shadow. I rolled my eyes, unable to resist. "Honestly... why bother apologizing when you're not even a little sincere? You're just saying it to get approval from your mate, not because you actually mean it. I don't accept your apology, not in the slightest." His eyes went wide, and he glanced nervously between Amelia and me, fear written across his face—as if he couldn't believe I'd said that, and worried it would only make her angrier.
"You can't—" Luca began, but Amelia cut him off. "Artemis has every right to not accept your apology as long as she wants," she said firmly. "So you better keep trying... and pray she does." His mouth fell open, shock written all over his face. I shook my head. "No. I'd rather not see you at all unless it's sincere. Anything else is a waste of time—and I don't have time to waste on this."
Amelia smiled at me, looping her arm through mine. "Then why don't we do something else? That way, we don't waste any more of your time." I could see shock and hurt flash across Luca's face as Amelia walked beside me, leading us down the stairs. As we neared him, he reached out, trying to grab her arm. His eyes pleaded, desperate for her to listen, to stay. But Amelia jerked her arm away sharply, her voice cutting through the air like a whip. "Don't!"
His shoulders slumped, his expression a mix of hurt and disbelief. "Not until you apologize," she added firmly, not giving him an inch. "But she—" Luca started, but Amelia shook her head and cut him off. "I don't want to hear it," she said firmly. Then, turning to me with a warm smile, she added, "Shall we go now?"
I couldn't help but glance between them, shocked at how coldly she was treating her own mate—all for my sake. But it wasn't my business. I shrugged, meeting Amelia's eyes and smiling. "Sure. Let's go." With her arm still linked through mine, she led the way forward without ever looking back at him. Part of me felt bad for her mate, but another part didn't. Maybe next time, he'd think twice about whom he disrespects.
*
*
The office fell into a heavy, suffocating silence after Mia left. I stood by the window, watching the driveway. My heart stopped when I saw Artemis walking alongside Luca's mate. They didn't look back. Not once. They didn't even bother to tell anyone where they were going. I alerted Luca, but it was too late. By the time he reached the driveway, they had disappeared into the tree line.
He didn't hesitate. He bolted, desperate to catch Mia before her anger hardened into something permanent. I stayed behind, leaning against the cold glass, chest tight with the memory of Artemis threatening to leave for good. I watched him shrink in the distance, swallowed by the forest, before I forced myself back to my desk.
I pulled out my phone, thumbs hovering over the screen. Where are you going with my mate? I tapped send, then set it down and tried to focus on the documents in front of me. I stared at the same paragraph five times. Five times, the words blurred into meaningless ink. I pinched the bridge of my nose and growled, snatching my phone again. I asked you a question.
Minutes ticked by. The "read" receipt mocked me. Normally, Mia would have snarked back immediately. Now, she was deliberately icing me out. My grip tightened on the device, the plastic casing creaking under my strength. My jaw clenched as heat rose in my chest. I snatched up my phone and typed furiously: I am your alpha, and I expect you to answer me when I message you! I slammed the phone down, closed my eyes, and focused on controlling my breathing, trying to tame the anger roaring through me. My fingers curled tightly around the device, knuckles white. Then it buzzed. Finally.
It was a text message from Mia. My fingers trembled slightly as I opened the app, eager—and anxious—to see what she had finally sent. But what I read made my teeth grind together, stoking my anger even further: We both know if it's not a work-related text, I don't have to answer you if I don't want to.
I closed my eyes and inhaled sharply, forcing myself to take deep, measured breaths, so I wouldn't crush—or fling—my phone in a blind rage. A few calming breaths later, I opened my eyes and stared down at the screen, my thumb hovering over the keyboard. That was before you decided to leave with my mate without informing me about it.
It barely took her a minute to reply this time. My phone buzzed again, and I opened it to read: Last I checked, she wasn't a prisoner and doesn't need your permission to leave if she wants to. And even if you tried to keep her as a prisoner, she would just escape again, as you still have no idea how she escaped in the first place, so good luck trying to keep her contained. Her words made my blood boil. Even though she was technically correct, it didn't stop my anger from spiking. I knew, without a doubt, that was exactly her intention.
Mia has always had a talent for pushing my buttons at precisely the wrong moments. Back when we were kids, it was a constant source of friction between us. It wasn't until early high school that I truly learned to appreciate her unique abilities—and over the years, that skill has proven unexpectedly useful. Still... it doesn't make it any less infuriating when she uses it against me.
I growled in anger, even though she wasn't here to hear it, as I typed out, Don't test my patience! It didn't even take a full minute for her to respond. An eye‑rolling emoji appeared on my screen. That was it.
A low, furious growl tore from my chest as I slammed my phone down onto the desk. The last shred of control I had snapped. In a blur of superhuman speed, I spun around and seized my desk chair, lifting it high over my head before hurling it across the room. It slammed into the door with a deafening crash, the impact rattling the walls. I stood there, chest heaving, claws itching beneath my skin as the echo of the thud faded into heavy silence.
My canines lengthened, aching to tear into something. My breaths came in ragged gasps, each inhale and exhale a battle to hold back the beast clawing at my mind. My wolf was trying to demand to find Artemis, to claim her, to force her to stay. My vision swam in a sea of red. I found myself at the far wall, my fist connecting with the drywall again and again. Punch. Crack. Punch. I welcomed the pain in my knuckles; it was a healthier outlet than letting the wolf take the reins. Only stopping when my knuckles stung with every nerve screaming, when the pounding in my chest slowed, and when my vision finally cleared. The wolf retreated, leaving me exhausted, but in control—for now.
When the red haze finally cleared, I slid down the wall, my breath coming in ragged gasps. I pulled my knees close and rested my head on my arms, focusing on steadying my breathing. I repeated my mother's old mantras about patience, letting them anchor me as my claws retracted. Even after my canines shrank back to their normal size, I kept going until a deep, deliberate calm finally settled over me. Only then did I take a slow, steady breath and rise to my feet. I walked back to my desk, picked up my phone, and inhaled again to steel myself—I wouldn't let my anger take control a second time.
Instead of sending another text, I began thinking over exactly what I wanted to say. I turned to the window and watched the sun dip toward the horizon, painting the sky in bruises of purple and gold. Mia's words repeated over and over in my mind, each one driving home just how pathetic I felt. My wolf stirred beneath the surface, restless and impatient, but I forced it down. With each repetition, I couldn't stop thinking about my mate—and just how badly I had messed up. I sank to the floor, back against the desk, letting my head rest there as well. Staring up at the ceiling, I ran through every possible way to apologize. Hoping she would forgive me. Hoping she would stay. Hoping I still had a chance to make things right.
I was an Alpha, yet I didn't even know how to apologize to my own mate without sounding like a script. She had made it clear—no "bullshit apologies." But what else could I say besides "sorry"? It sounded pathetic, unoriginal, hollow. Every time I thought about the words, I could hear her voice from last night, telling me she didn't want to hear some half-assed apology before I stormed out of her room. And before that, she'd said she didn't even want to see me unless I was ready to apologize. How was I supposed to do that when I didn't even know how to say it in a way that wouldn't make her shut me out?
I ran my hands down my face in frustration, then rested my elbows on my knees and buried my head in my hands. I felt completely useless—helpless at handling my mate and this entire mess. A sudden ping made me snap upright. My phone lit up—it was a message from Mia. Confusion twisted in my chest. After everything she had said, why was she texting me? I opened it, and the moment I read her words, a flicker of irritation sparked, quickly swelling into anger.
I just wanted to let you know that you fucked up. The words hit me like a physical blow. The air around me seemed to thicken, heavy with dread, and a tight knot formed in my stomach. I swallowed hard, forcing myself to respond. Excuse me? What are you talking about? Almost immediately, the three dots appeared on my screen—the telltale sign that she was already typing a reply. My pulse quickened. It barely took a moment for her text to appear—Mia had always been a fast typer. The instant I read it, my blood ran cold. I jumped to my feet, my heartbeat hammering as a wave of fear gripped me. Your mate is planning on leaving, and it's all your fault.
Cold sweat broke out across the back of my neck, and a heavy knot of regret settled deep in my stomach. The world seemed to tilt and spin, everything around me fading until all that remained was the dread clawing at my chest and the ringing in my ears. I felt my breathing become uneven, my chest rising and falling in ragged pants as I stared at my phone. It wasn't until another text from Mia appeared that I finally snapped back to reality.
I hope you're happy with yourself now. Her words were sharp, cutting straight through me. I knew she understood that this wasn't what I truly wanted—but my stubbornness had refused to let me admit it. Without a second thought, I typed back, my fingers trembling slightly. Tell me where you are right now, Mia.
As I waited for Mia to respond, I couldn't help but pace back and forth in front of the window. Each tick of the clock only seemed to make the silence heavier, and with every passing second, a knot of helplessness and anxiety coiled tighter in my chest. Time stretched on, and frustration began to boil beneath the surface. I let out a low, guttural growl, my wolf clawing at the edges of my patience. Without another thought, I typed a sharp message, my fingers trembling slightly. Mia... I'm not playing. Tell me where you are right now.
My wolf was practically clawing at the edges of my consciousness, desperate to take control and find our mate. I could feel his anger and fear bleeding into me, a low, desperate whine echoing in the back of my mind at the thought of losing her—and not being able to do anything to stop it. My heart ached, a heavy, twisting weight in my chest, while every fiber of my body grew jittery and restless. I couldn't stand here, frozen, doing nothing, while my mate slipped further and further from my life without a word, without a chance for me to make things right.
With that thought burning through me, I didn't hesitate. I bolted for my office door and flung it open, already moving before it could slam back against the wall. I was halfway down the stairs when the crash echoed behind me, the sound barely registering as my feet pounded against the steps. I burst through the front door and broke into a run, no destination in mind—only the certainty that I had to find my mate, no matter where Mia had taken her. The world blurred around me as I ran, my phone clenched tightly in my hand, afraid to miss even a second in case Mia finally answered. Each breath burned in my chest as I silently prayed to the moon goddess, begging her not to let me be too late—not to let my mate disappear from my life before I could reach her, before I could make things right.