"Taking care of her is only keeping a promise to her late mother, who died years ago when rogues invaded the town. Don't let this upset you."
Zora nodded, remorseful. "He's right; we're treating each other like siblings. Alpha and I had known each other since we were kids when his mom and stepdad still lived in town. Please don't be in a rage just because of me, Luna."
My brows furrowed, and I stared at both of them. "I just drank wine. I'm not upset."
I stood after drinking, about to walk away, but halted as I added, "Oh, I'll pay the bill. You guys, please take time to eat. Don't let me spoil your fun."
As promised, I paid the bill and walked out of Wolf's Den, not looking back at the so-called childhood sweethearts, even if deep inside, my wolf was falling short of expectations.
I walked along the path beneath the old lamppost, feeling the chilly autumn breeze.
With my high heels in one hand, I walked barefoot along the riverside promenade, feeling a bit tipsy as I looked ahead.
Oh, right. It was the same route I used to follow Alpha Austin at Lunar Crest Academy during our university days, the same time I chose him over my pack and settled here in the Silver Moonlight pack.
It was a constant reminder of the heavy decision I would soon regret….
Flashback….
On my 18th birthday celebration, my loving father, the Alpha of our pack, Atticus Morgan, together with the elder, widened their eyes when they saw what the Astral orb revealed.
"It can't be. My daughter should not be mated to him!" Dad roared, stood up from his seat, and gazed at me with terror. "Your mate…"
"What about him? Is he an Alpha, and why are you scared? I once dreamed my fated mate was Alpha," I said, unable to anticipate meeting him.
While I was cheerful and curious, Dad looked hot under the collar. He was down in the lumps, observing how ecstatic I was.
"Don't get your hopes up. Your mate will soon be an Alpha, as you expected." Dad paused and made me feel on edge. "But he came from a pack our ancestors long loathed, from a bloodline who almost vanished our pack's existence."
I was dumbfounded and was taken aback by the discovery.
"Ten long years since they once invaded our pack. To save you, both my parents and your mother, my dearest, died," he said, clenching his fist. "And there's no way I'll let you choose him as a mate. You must reject him."