3. "My Mate"

Lucas’s POV

I gazed from a distance at the grand mansion belonging to the Alpha family of Moon Walker Pack.

‘Even from here, her scent is captivating,’ my wolf, Isha, remarked.

Lost in the aroma that filled the air, I was interrupted by a voice calling out to me.

"Alpha.”

I turned around to find my Beta, Calix, standing behind me.

“Haven’t I told you not to address me like that while we’re still in the Moon Walker Pack?” I pointed out.

Calix bowed his head and apologized, “I’m sorry, Sir Lucas. It’s difficult to change the way I refer to you. By the way, I’ve prepared the car. Alpha Connor is waiting for you at the restaurant.”

"Got it. We'll be there in a bit," I responded, shifting my focus back to the mansion.

Calix, not wanting to leave me alone, chimed in, "Alpha, can I ask you something?"

"Sure, go ahead," I gave him the green light.

"You met your mate last night. And you two mated. But why did you let her go?" he inquired.

"She's a half breed," I explained. "She couldn't recognize me as her mate."

"Then why did she suggest sleeping with you? That's strange," Calix pointed out.

I was taken aback as well. I had been trailing her from a distance, and when she suddenly approached me, I thought she recognized me. But that wasn't the case.

"I think she's dealing with some serious issues in her life. To the extent that she even planned on sleeping with any wolves," I said through clenched teeth.

I thought I would lose my mind when my mate mentioned that she would consider sleeping with other wolves if I turned her down. As if I would ever let that happen.

“Does it mean that she just used you?” Calix went on, rubbing salt on the wound.

I looked at him with a smile that isn’t a real smile at all.

Calix stiffened and said, “W-Well, I guess the reason why she couldn’t remember you is because you changed so much, Alpha. I mean, Sir Lucas.”

Sighing, I looked back at the mansion where she lives.

It’s not about whether she didn’t remember me or she failed to recognize our bonds. The most important matter is that my mate gave her virginity because she wanted to die.

What does she mean by that?

Until now, I couldn't get the image of her lifeless eyes out of my head. They were so empty, like she had already made the decision to end it all.

I glanced at Calix, saying, “Time to get this show on the road.”

** ** **

Inside a posh restaurant, I sat across from Mr. Connor, the Alpha of Moon Walker Pack.

"Mr. Lucas, take a look at this." he said, sliding some papers my way. "The legal department has verified the location. I guarantee the resort will be a hit! We plan to include a hotel, casino, and sky lounge. Investing in this project will surely bring great returns."

I took a sip of my wine as I observed Alpha Connor.

From the report, it seemed like he was facing some challenges in his company, which is why he was seeking investors for his new project.

He seemed so desperate that he was willing to ask for my investment even though I had introduced myself as a rogue.

“What do you think, Mr. Lucas?” he inquired.

Setting down my glass, I replied, “Are you going to be okay?”

“What do you mean?” he questioned.

"Positions hold great significance for all wolves. If news of a potential partnership with someone like me were to circulate, there may be individuals who speak ill of you," I remarked.

Connor chuckled. "Mr. Lucas, that's not important! Who concerns themselves with positions? You may be a rogue, but your wealth surpasses that of any Alpha! Your riches rival even those of Alpha Alex!"

Alpha Alex, the Alpha of the affluent Shadow Pack, was a name that stirred anger within me.

"Ignore the naysayers. Place your trust in me. Let us collaborate and achieve success," Connor persisted.

I crossed my legs and reclined in my chair. "Give me some time to think."

"Of course, take all the time you need," he assured.

Connor glanced at Calix as he approached.

I clarified, "He's my secretary. He's also a rogue I brought on board."

"Oh, I get it," Connor responded, giving Calix a once-over with a look of disdain.

It was amusing how he was treating Calix and me differently, despite me admitting to being a rogue as well. This guy was all about the money.

"What's up, Calix?" I inquired.

Calix explained, "I called the Pack hotel, but there was an issue with the booking. They misunderstood our request to change the room as a cancellation."

"If you need a place to stay, why not come to my house?" Connor suggested, falling right into my plan.

"Your house?" I questioned.

"Yes! If you're interested, my mansion is the largest in the Pack. You can stay there for as long as you need," he offered.

"What about your family?" I asked. "Won't they be comfortable living with a rogue?"

"Oh, no. I'm the head of the family and the Pack. My words are their rules. Plus, I have a lovely, obedient wife. I'll just go make a call. As for my son, he's got some attitude. But I can handle it."

I picked up my wine glass and whispered, "What about your daughter?" I locked eyes with him. "I heard you have a daughter."

Connor snorted. "Don't worry about her. She's not even important. You can just ignore her."

Upon hearing that, I almost break the glass I was holding. I managed to conceal my annoyance and smiled back. "Alright then, it's a deal. I'll stay in your house with your family while I make my decision. Shall we go now? I really need to rest. I'm jet-lagged."

“Definitely. We can go right now!”

As we approached the mansion, I couldn't wait to see how my mate would react when she saw me again.

She promised to hold onto her life before meeting again,  but I knew she would be shocked to see me as a guest of her father.

And I was right. When she saw me, her face went pale and her eyes widened in surprise.

I could tell she had so many questions just by looking at her expression.

Why are you here?

How did you end up as our guest?

Did you know who I was all along?

Feeling a twinge of guilt for surprising her, I took her hand and said, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Harriet." Then, I boldly kissed the back of her hand in front of her Alpha family.