Chapter 3 THE UNEXPECTED MATE

ELARA'S POV

I winced as I slipped through the back door of the cafeteria, my shoulder aching from the bruises I hadn't yet allowed to fully heal. Uncle Caleb was already inside, wiping down the counter and humming softly. The moment he saw me, his smile disappeared.

"What happened?" he asked, his tone sharp with concern.

"Nothing serious," I said quickly, brushing past him. "I got hurt while training. It'll heal soon."

Caleb stepped closer, his brows furrowed in worry. "Elara, don't lie to me. You've been coming back with bruises more often than I'd like. If someone is hurting you-"

"No one's hurting me, Uncle," I interrupted gently. "I can take care of myself."

He sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping. "You shouldn't have to. You've been through enough."

I reached into my pocket and pulled out an envelope. "Here," I said, placing it on the counter. "Take it. It's rent."

Caleb shook his head, pushing the envelope back toward me. "I told you before, I'm not taking your money. I failed your father when he needed me most. I can't change the past, but I can take care of you now. This is your home, Elara. You don't pay to live here."

My throat tightened. I wanted to argue, but I knew it was pointless. Caleb's guilt over his past decisions weighed heavily on him, and this was his way of atonement.

---

Later that evening, my phone buzzed. It was my editor, Michael, who worked for the publishing company that handled my books.

"Elara, we need to talk," Michael said, his voice sounding unusually tense.

"What's wrong?" I asked, already dreading the answer.

"The company wants to hold a fan meeting," he explained. "They've already announced it."

"What?" My heart sank. "Michael, you know I don't do public appearances. That was part of our deal."

"I know," he said, sounding apologetic. "But they didn't consult me before making the announcement. They're pushing hard for this."

"Then push back," I said firmly. "Tell them I'm sick. Tell them anything, but I'm not going."

Michael sighed. "I'll try, but it's not looking good."

I hung up, anxiety bubbling in my chest. My pen name was an inversion of my old alias, Xander, and my books were based on my past experiences. I had even used elements of real people, including Micah and my ex, Liam, in my stories. If anyone connected the dots, my carefully constructed life could unravel.

---

As the evening wore on, I stayed late to clean up the cafeteria. I was just finishing up when I heard the low growl of an engine outside. A sleek car pulled up, its black paint glinting under the streetlights.

Micah stepped out, his presence as commanding as ever. My wolf stirred immediately, whispering, "Mate." I pushed the thought aside, determined to stay composed.

Micah walked in, his sharp blue eyes locking onto me. "I'd like a pizza," he said casually, taking a seat at one of the tables.

"We're closed," I replied, wiping my hands on a towel.

He raised an eyebrow, a small smirk playing at his lips. "Do you want me to come back tomorrow?"

I hesitated, then sighed. "I saved some for myself. I'll warm it up for you."

My wolf chuckled in my mind. "An Alpha eating leftover pizza. Who would've thought?"

I ignored her and set to work. As I placed the reheated pizza in front of Micah, the front door banged open. Dorian stormed in, his expression sour.

"I'm starving. Get me something to eat," he demanded, not even looking at me.

Micah's eyes darkened as he leaned back in his chair, watching the scene unfold.

Dorian turned, his gaze landing on Micah. His face paled, and he instinctively cradled his arm-the same arm Micah had broken days ago. "N-never mind," Dorian stammered. "I'm not hungry." He turned and fled without another word.

I blinked, surprised. Dorian hadn't given me any trouble for the past two days, but I hadn't realized it was because of Micah.

"Interesting," Micah said, his voice low and amused.

I rolled my eyes and turned to leave, but Micah stopped me. "Wait."

I froze, not trusting myself to look at him.

"I need to tell you something," he said, his tone serious now. "My father has arranged for me to have a mating ceremony with another Alpha's daughter."

My heart sank, though I tried not to show it. The mate bond tugged painfully at my chest, but I forced myself to stay calm. "So you're rejecting me first," I said quietly.

Micah frowned. "That's not-"

"It's fine," I interrupted, keeping my voice steady. "I'll be there on time."

Micah looked like he wanted to say more, but I turned and walked away before he could.

---

The day of the mating ceremony arrived quickly. I stood among the gathered crowd, my heart heavy but my face expressionless. I had been through this before. When Liam, my ex and now the Alpha of the new pack, rejected me, it had nearly broken me. I wouldn't let myself fall apart this time.

Micah stood on stage, looking calm and collected. His family stood off to the side, along with the Alpha of the other pack and his daughter, a strikingly beautiful she-wolf named Celeste.

Micah began to speak. "Our packs have supported each other for years," he said, his deep voice carrying over the crowd. "Today, we will strengthen that bond further."

I braced myself, expecting him to announce the political union.

"As Alpha, I am proud to announce a new agreement between our packs," Micah continued. "If one pack is attacked, the other will provide unconditional support."

The other Alpha looked surprised, clearly not expecting such generosity. Micah's father, too, seemed taken aback but quickly masked his shock with a smile.

Micah's gaze swept over the crowd, finally landing on me. My stomach twisted as he said, "It is also my honor to announce my mate."

Celeste stood, ready to walk onto the stage. I closed my eyes, bracing myself for the pain of rejection.

"My mate is Elara."

The words hit me like a thunderclap. My eyes snapped open, and the entire crowd fell silent.

Micah extended his hand toward me, his gaze steady and unwavering.

My legs felt like they were made of lead, but I forced myself to move. The crowd erupted into applause as I stepped forward, my heart pounding in my chest.

Micah's father smiled through clenched teeth, leading the cheers. The other Alpha, though clearly displeased, didn't protest. He couldn't afford to offend Micah after the mutual protection agreement had been announced.

As I reached the stage, Micah's hand closed around mine, sending sparks shooting up my arm. His voice was low as he leaned in and whispered, "You're mine, Elara. Don't forget that."

I looked up at him, my emotions a whirlwind of confusion and disbelief. Whatever came next, I knew my life had just changed forever.