Bound To The Wolfless Alpha

Tomorrow marks my seventeenth birthday and the event I have dreaded: my first transformation. Despite reassurances from those who say it will be for the best, I worry about the pain and the threat of monster harvesters pursuing young wolves during this vulnerable time. My mother has always insisted they're just tall tales, and I cling to hope that her words are true.

My boyfriend, Felix, assured me this was the case, but lately, he had been acting distant and unusually quiet. Two days ago, he refused to meet me after school without a valid explanation, and yesterday, when I was dealing with a flat tire due to small nails, he declined to give me a ride home. He also acted strangely whenever I tried to borrow his phone for a selfie.

I managed to convince him to come to the cafe with me, where I urged him to try some delectable shrimp balls. He politely dropped me back home, but he didn't flash his adorable dimples as he usually did. It was becoming quite odd; despite the fact that our relationship had never been strained, I couldn't help but notice his abnormal behavior. He seemed like a completely different person from the charming individual I had first met.

"Hey, what's up, babe?" I asked him, my voice laced with concern.

Felix spoke in an enigmatic tone, his amber eyes staring right through me as he said, "Kate, I believe our relationship isn't in a good place right now. We're not on the same wavelengths anymore."

Confusion swamped my mind, and I stared at him questioningly. "Felix, what are you talking about? Where is all this coming from?"

"I don't feel comfortable anymore," Felix began, his tone slightly cold, "You're acting like a spoiled little girl, even though you're almost seventeen. You're childish, and the worst part is, you're the weakest omega I've ever seen."

"Wait, hold on," I interjected, my voice filled with confusion. "But wasn't it you who always said it was okay to be childish? You even encouraged me to be more carefree and fun-loving. Why are you suddenly saying this now?"

"I did say that before," Felix acknowledged, "and at the time, I didn't think it was such a major issue. But honestly, you're almost seventeen now. You can't expect to act like a child all the time. It's time for you to grow up a little bit."

"On top of that, you're lazy and have no ambition," Felix added, his intense, amber eyes drifting away from my face. "I can't be the only one taking care of you all the time. It's exhausting."

I sniffed, my voice wavering as I tried to hold back my tears. "Is this some kind of joke, Felix? You're just messing with me, aren't you? You don't really mean any of this, right?"

Felix exhaled deeply, his eyes darting away from me, avoiding my gaze.

"Kate, I'm not joking around here," he insisted, his voice firm. "This isn't the time to treat this situation like it's some kind of game."

"Surely there must be more to this than just my perceived childishness and laziness. We've been together for two years, and during that time, we've never even had a single argument. So, if you're serious about ending this relationship, there must be a more substantial reason behind it, don't you think?"

Felix took a long, deep breath as he spoke, his tone firm but weary. He tightly grasped my hand and looked directly at me, his breath labored as if he had just run a marathon.

"Listen carefully, Kate," he began, "I have now been promoted to the highest level of werewolf rank. I am one of the strongest wolves in our pack."

"Well, then?" I raised my eyebrow, waiting for the continuation.

"If destiny has it that we are meant to be true mates," Felix explained, his voice filled with determination, "then I can't be solely responsible for looking after you. I want you to begin training in whatever way you can. This is not just about physical strength, but about cultivating your skills and abilities."

A frustrated breath escaped me, and my heart felt heavy in my chest. I turned my gaze away from Felix, feeling utterly betrayed and dumbfounded by his words.

"Growing up in a broken family makes me feel weak and inadequate, Felix," I explained, my voice quivering with emotion. "I'm sorry I didn't start training until now... I should have started as soon as I turned thirteen..."

"You could have begun training a year ago, too, Kate," Felix pointed out, his tone firm yet somewhat exasperated, "but you refused, didn't you? I understand your reasons, but there are ways to be strong, not just physically, and you chose not to embrace those opportunities."

I bowed my head, sensing a pang of guilt in my heart. "I know I could have done more..."

Felix exhaled deeply, shaking his head in resignation. "I suspected this conversation would go on indefinitely if I didn't shut it down sooner."

"But why feel you have a relationship with other girl. Which girl can make you fall in love so quickly?"

"Why do you think I have feelings for another girl all of a sudden?" Felix defended himself, stepping closer to me. "Please don't accuse me of having an affair, because I don't have any feelings for anyone else. I swear."

With a gentle smile, Felix tenderly stroked my hair, then straightened up in front of me, his eyes meeting mine.

My mom abruptly opened the front door, a look of bewilderment on her face as she observed the scene between Felix and me.

Mom appeared at the front door, puzzled by the situation.

"Why are you here?" she asked, eyeing Felix and me. "Kate, why don't you invite Felix in? It's freezing outside, and you could catch a cold just standing around chatting."

"Lady, I'm sorry for dropping her off this late," Felix apologised, his words sounding a bit awkward as he addressed my mother.

My mom smiled warmly at him and replied, "Oh, don't worry about it, dear. I know you two are lovebirds. How about you come in and have a cup of black tea or hot chocolate to warm up?"

Felix fidgeted a bit awkwardly at my mother's invitation, his voice sheepish. "Actually, I have to head over to Elder James' house for a quick meeting. I should probably take my leave now."

"Ah, I see. You're going to undergo the highest ranking training as a werewolf, right? It makes sense that you need to go to Elder James' house then." My mom nodded in understanding, a look of recognition crossing her face.

Felix nodded, a soft smile on his lips as he gently caresses my head. He said, "You should head to bed as soon as I leave, okay? Tomorrow is a big day for you."

My heart fluttered at his words, but I had to laugh at his innocence. "Felix, take care."

Felix grinned widely, giving a wink. I wrapped my arms around his torso and whispered, "I hope this is just a joke; tomorrow is a big day for me. I know you're lying, right? You'll prank on me again like last month. You know that I never joke."

***

I woke up feeling rushed once again, having overslept and missed my usual early wake-up time. In a hurry, I quickly got ready, grabbing the freshly tailored suit I had recently acquired - a vibrant jumpsuit featuring a cheerful sunflower pattern, contrasted by a sunny denim outer layer.

I happily started applying a light touch of makeup, determined not to look like a sickly wolf in front of everyone. I gathered half of my hair and tied it up in a half-up do, wanting to look presentable despite the anxiety building inside me.

I skipped down the stairs with a lighthearted stride, feeling a mixture of anticipation and nerves but pushing down any negative thoughts.

"Sweetie, are you up?" my mother called from downstairs, her voice carrying through the house as she heard the sound of my footsteps approaching.

I quickened my pace, hurrying to meet my mother with an eagerness to get to the soul-mate meeting on time, not wanting to delay the start of this crucial day.

As I reached her, my mother called out, "Why don't you sit next to me for a moment, honey?"

I hurried over to my mother's side and enveloped her in a tight hug, feeling the need for comfort and reassurance before the big day.

"Happy birthday, sweetheart," my mother said, her voice filled with warmth and affection. "I hope you have a wonderful day and that fate brings you together with your true soulmate."

I beamed at my mother, feeling both thankful and proud to be her daughter.

"Thank you, Mom," I replied, my voice brimming with sincerity. "For everything. I'm so grateful to have you as my mother."

With a gentle smile, my mother handed me a cute, neatly wrapped package.

She then planted a loving kiss on my forehead and said, "I'm the one who's more grateful, sweetheart. You're the best daughter any mother could ask for."

"I love you, Mom," I said, my voice gentle and sincere.

My mother looked at me kindly and responded, "I hope you become a wiser and better person in your young adult years. Remember to always make smart choices."

I smiled at my mother and wrapped my arms around her in a tight embrace.

She then reminded me, "Don't forget to open the cute package, sweetie."

I quickly unwrapped the package, eyes widening in surprise as I revealed a box full of sweet and fruit-flavored candies inside.

"Oh my goodness, these are perfect!" I exclaimed, a huge grin spreading across my face.

My mother playfully ruffled my hair and suggested, "You should share those candies with your best friends, Brittney and Nina. They'll be delighted."

"Thanks a bunch, mom." I carefully placed the box of candies into my backpack, making sure they wouldn't get squished or damaged.

After packing the candies, we sat down together and enjoyed a breakfast of my favorite meal - spaghetti - sharing laughs and conversation.

I hopped onto the electric scooter that my sister Elizabeth had given me, feeling grateful for the convenient transportation. With a final wave to my mother, I set off, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement about the day ahead.

I lived with my mother, in a house devoid of any hint of my father's presence. He had once been a loathsome presence in our lives, a mere human existence that caused nothing but irritation and disdain.

He had lived with us for several years until mysteriously disappearing a few years ago. However, despite the uncertainty surrounding his whereabouts, my mother and I were both quietly relieved to be free from his disturbing presence.

Despite the typical love and devotion seen in human-werewolf relationships, my mother's story was a tragic tale of sacrifice. While she had loved my dad deeply and was willing to go to great lengths to spend a lifetime with her soul mate, fate had conspired against them.

My father had become another cliché, succumbing to the temptation of another woman's embrace, shattering my mother's dreams. It was a cycle that continued to repeat itself, leaving me with a sense of disgust and revulsion.

I harbored a profound hatred for my father, a burning desire to unleash my wrath upon him if I ever got the chance.

My wolf half yearned to pounce on him, tearing into his neck and making him experience the same agony he had caused in us. Unconsciously, this anger had deeply ingrained itself within me as I grew up, creating an everlasting grudge that festomed in my heart.

My mother, in her unfortunate circumstances, had been one of those given a second chance at finding her mate, a tragedy that only deepened my resentment.

My mother devoted her time and energy to raising my older sister, Elizabeth, and me. Now, Elizabeth had chosen her own Alpha, Gustov, and started a life of her own.

I pulled up in the school parking lot on my electric scooter and heard a faint whisper carry through the air. Curiously, I paused and strained to listen, wondering what the hushed voices were saying.

"Soulmate."

I couldn't help but chuckle as I spotted Felix sitting in a park, his arm resting nonchalantly against a comic book. I drew closer, curious and amused at the sight.

"Darling!"

As I approached, Felix shot me an irked glance, his usually friendly demeanor replaced by a furrowed brow and an annoyed expression. Lately, he had been acting a bit out of sorts, leaving me perplexed and confused by his unexpected behavior.

Why was he acting so irritable all of a sudden? I couldn't understand what had changed between us in just a few days.

With a hint of concern, I asked gently, "Are you still upset? Can you tell me what's going on? Why the sudden change, honey?"

Felix stood up, placing his comic aside and sliding his hands into his pants pockets.

He looked at me intently and said firmly, "Listen. I want to say it clearly. I, Felix Klein Ramirez, reject you as my mate, Katherine Rosemary."

I stood there bewildered and shocked, my body feeling as if a bolt of lightning had struck me. How could he do this to me?

I had believed that Felix would be just as happy and excited as I was. Yet, here he stood, refusing to accept me as his mate.

The realization hit me like a tonne of rocks - something must be horrifically wrong with me. What on earth had happened to change his feelings so drastically?

He rejected me.

I stood there, mind in a haze and utterly dazed. Watching Felix walk away from me, I felt foolish and devastated, tears streaming down my face. I couldn't bear to take my eyes off him, even as his back disappeared from view.

"Why, Felix?" I whispered hoarsely, tears spilling over my cheeks as I hastily sought a secluded spot to release my pent-up emotions. "What happened? Why did you reject me?"

My lunch seemed insufferably meager today as I sat at the table with Nina and Brittney, who had both already found their mates since they were a year ahead of me.

Everything felt even more awful now that I had learned Felix had rejected me, refusing to accept me as his Luna. It was especially hurtful after I had excitedly told him how special this day was supposed to be.

Nina looked at me, a gentle smile playing on her lips as she asked, "So, Kate, have you met your mate yet?"

I nodded, a hint of sadness in my eyes, trying to hold back any sign of my recent heartbreak.

Both Brittney and Nina reacted with excitement, their voices filled with disbelief and joy. "Oh my god, are you serious?! You found your mate?!"

I looked down, my voice filled with sadness and confusion.

"He rejected me," I said quietly. "I don't understand why. Today was supposed to be the day I finally found my mate, but instead, he turned me down, and I just don't know why. It's left me feeling devastated."

Brittney leaned in, her curiosity piqued. "Who is he?" she asked. "Does he go to school here too?"

I focused on my food, refusing to respond to Brittney's relentless questioning. Determined as she was, she continued firing off questions, speculating aloud about the type of Alpha who could reject an innocent Omega like myself. As I sat there, Nina noticed my discomfort and, with a soft touch, gently squeezed my hand, attempting to provide some comfort.

"Is he Felix?" Nina looked at me with a concerned expression, speaking carefully. "Hey, I hope I'm not crossing any lines here by mentioning this, but there's a rumor going around that Felix is very close to Rafflesia and Giselle. They're both student council members, and heavily involved in the upcoming event next week. Some people are gossiping about how Felix might have a special thing going on with one of them."

Brittney couldn't contain her anger, her words coming out in a rush. "Hang on, are you telling us that Felix is your fated mate? Seriously? You've been dating him for almost three years, and now you're being set up by the moon goddess, and he turns you down for those annoying drama queens? That's so incredibly unfair!"

"I don't know."

Nina and Britney's heads whipped around in unison as Felix and Giselle emerged from the classroom, strolling side by side, chatting animatedly.

I sighed deeply and stood up, feeling a pang of sadness as I couldn't help but notice how much time they had been spending together lately.

It made me wonder if there was something more than mere coincidence between them. As I pondered, a nagging thought crept into my mind – am I not good enough for Felix?

Brittney leaned in and silently whispered, "Let's not get into any fights here at school, or Ms. Rogue will discipline you severely."

Nina chimed in with a knowing nod, "And between you and me, Ms. Rogue absolutely hates you. She'd jump at the chance to bring the hammer down on you if you give her even the slightest excuse."

I sighed, feeling incredibly down. The thought of continuing at school didn't sit right with me at all. The atmosphere around me was so oppressive and stifling. I couldn't take it anymore. I went straight home and let the tears flow freely, allowing myself to release all the pent-up sadness and frustration.

I slammed my bedroom door shut, frustration coursing through me. How could a two-year relationship end so suddenly just because Giselle had entered the scene? It was all so absurd and hurtful.

How could it be so simple for Felix to discard me in favor of another girl?

My mom's soft voice interrupted my thoughts as she gently pushed the door open. "Hey sweetie, what's up? You're home pretty early today, isn't it?"

"I'm fine, Mom. Just feeling a little tired," I lied, trying to mask my distress.

My mom entered my room slowly, her voice laced with concern as she asked, "Why are you crying, sweetie? You can tell me what's wrong."

I tried to nonchalantly wipe away the remaining tears and attempted a weak excuse, stating, "It's probably just some dust got into my eyes."

Mom sat down beside me, her gaze gentle but perceptive.

"You know I know you better than anyone. I can tell when something really bad has happened. You don't have to hide it from me," she reassured me.

The tears began streaming down my face again and I rushed into my mom's open arms, burying my face in her shoulder as I sobbed uncontrollably. She silently held me close and gently patted my back, knowing something truly awful must have taken place to provoke this level of pain.

As I sobbed against her shoulder, I managed to force out the words, "Felix rejected me today."

The tears continued to fall as I revealed the source of my heartache.

"He rejected me for another girl," I managed to choke out through my tears. "I don't understand what went wrong. We had been together for two years, and now he's just thrown it all away."

Mom gently pulled back, her face etched with concern, and asked if I was serious.

"Are you telling me that he actually rejected you for another girl?" she clarified, searching my eyes for the truth.

I nodded, a fresh wave of tears streaming down my cheeks as I struggled to speak.

"Yes," I cried, the pain of the situation overwhelming me. "He rejected me, and now he's with someone else."

My mom gently stroked my hair.

"Shhh, it's okay," she whispered, holding me tighter. "I know it hurts right now, but you'll get through this. You're stronger than you think. And I'll always be here for you."

I leaned into my mom's comforting embrace, feeling the warmth of her love surrounding me. As the tears continued to fall, she leaned down and planted a gentle kiss on my forehead.

In that moment, I was overwhelmed by a swirling mixture of pain and comfort, my head spinning with conflicting emotions.

"You have plenty of time to find someone who will love and respect you more than Felix ever did," she said, her grip around me tightening. "You deserve someone who values you for who you are, and who will treat you with the respect and love you deserve."

***

In the depths of the night, I jolted awake, my body drenched in cold sweat. The painful ache in my stomach intensified, causing me to cry out in agony. Grasping the sheets tightly, I felt the damp fabric against my skin. I doubled over in pain, the discomfort growing unbearable.

I clutched my stomach, desperately trying to describe the excruciating pain radiating through me.

"Mom, it's more than just an ulcer," I managed to gasp out through clenched teeth.

The agony grew more intense, making me thrash around and moan in pain.

"It's getting worse," I groaned.

I writhed on the bed, the pain becoming more intense.

"Mom, please, you have to help me," I pleaded, my voice strained as I tried to speak through the agonizing waves of pain. "It hurts so badly. Can you find a doctor or something? Please, I can't take this anymore."

I felt a pang of despair as my mom's gentle murmur registered in my foggy mind.

Her words, "I'm sorry, sweetie. I can't help you or find a doctor in the middle of the night like this," echoed in my ears.

The pain continued to pulse through me, my body writhing in agony as I frantically thought of some way to get relief.

"Mom-"

My mom continued to caress my head, but it did little to alleviate the pain I was enduring.

I spoke in a hushed voice, desperately seeking answers. "Mom, what's actually happening to me? Why is this hurting so much?"

My mom hesitated for a moment before answering, her voice soft yet pained.

"Maybe your supposed mate is... doing something with another girl tonight," she said quietly. "It's possible that this pain you're feeling is because of that."

I looked up at my mom, tears streaming down my face as I asked, "How do I make this pain go away? It's unbearable. Please, if there's anything you can do, I can't take it anymore. I'm dying with it."

My mom's voice was firm but gentle as she said, "Sweetie, you need to forget about him. You have to accept that he rejected you. Dwelling on the pain isn't going to make it go away."

As my mom's words about accepting the rejection echoed in my mind, I groaned louder in pain. A whirl of emotions churned through me-conflicting thoughts of whether I should be relieved or devastated about living on my own.

The question of whether I could handle being alone, like my mom had after my dad rejected her, loomed heavily over me.

The pain and uncertainty were overwhelming, making the future uncertain and filled with trepidation.

***

With the sun creeping into my room, I groaned as I managed to drag myself up from bed. As I glanced down at my body, I noticed a strange mark that had appeared overnight.

Unsure of its origin, I decided to keep it to myself, not wanting to burden my mom, who was already dealing with a lot.

Skipping the usual shower routine, I grabbed a pair of gray jeans and a red T-shirt from my dresser. With no mate in the picture, I didn't see the point in going out of my way to look presentable anymore. So, I decided to arrive at school earlier than usual from now on. No need to put on a show for anyone.

I bounded down the stairs, the sound of my footsteps reverberating through the house. My mom, who was in the kitchen, overheard the commotion and turned her head in my direction.

My mom smiled and called out from the kitchen. "I cooked up a plate of your favorite spaghetti, topped with plenty of cheese. Don't forget to grab a bite to eat before you head off to school."

I let out a soft groan, not feeling particularly hungry this morning.

"Ugh, not really feeling like eating today," I muttered to myself, my stomach still tight and unsettled.

I let out a soft groan, not feeling particularly hungry this morning.

"Ugh, not really feeling like eating today," I muttered to myself, my stomach still tight and unsettled.

My mom turned, a concerned expression gracing her face. "Hey, sweetie, how's your condition this morning?"

"I'm fine, Mom, don't worry about me," I reassured her, not wanting her to fuss over me.

My mom observed me skeptically, her face showing a hint of surprise. "You're not eating? That's strange. You always love my spaghetti."

I shrugged casually, trying to brush off her concern.

"I don't know, just not really feeling it today," I replied, not wanting to elaborate on the real reason behind my lack of appetite.

"I can call your homeroom teacher or even the principal to let them know you need some rest. You don't have to force yourself to go to school, sweetie." My mom's expression softened as she suggested.

I shook my head resolutely, a determined look in my eyes.

"No, I'm fine, Mom. Really," I insisted, my voice firm. "I can handle school. Don't worry about me. I'm stronger than you think."

Reluctantly, I moved towards the table and sat down, reluctantly starting to eat the spaghetti my mom had prepared. Despite not feeling much like eating, I silently took a few bites to make her happy.

My mom took a seat next to me, her gaze studying my face intently. "Sweetie, I couldn't help but notice you seemed a bit off earlier. Did you happen to find something strange on your body?"

My mom looked at me with a mix of concern and fear, her eyes fixed on my figure. I began to wonder if she knew about the mysterious scratch I had discovered on my body.

I shook my head, saying, "I'm good, Mom."

"Sweetie, are you really okay? You know you can tell me anything, right?"

"I know you're worried, Mom, and I appreciate it. But believe me, I'm okay today. If I feel anything off or strange, I'll let you know immediately, I promise." I gave my mom a gentle smile, trying to reassure her.

My mom sighed, her gaze filled with a mix of worry and affection. "Alright, sweetie. But just in case, here's a special bento I made for you. And let me give you a ride to school, okay?"

I shook my head, a smile playing on my lips. "Thanks, Mom, but I think I'll take my electric scooter to school today. I kinda want to enjoy the morning vibes and the wind in my hair."

"Are you sure, sweetie? It might be safer for me to give you a ride. I don't want anything bad happening to you." My mom raised an elevated eyebrow, her expression a mix of uncertainty and resignation.

I leaned in and pecked a kiss on my mom's cheek, attempting to reassure her. "Don't worry, Mom. I'll be fine. I promise I'll let you know if anything happens. Plus, riding my electric scooter in the morning breeze is kinda fun."

My mom gave a resigned sigh, her face reflecting her decision to trust me. "I believe you, sweetie. I know you can take care of yourself. Just promise me one thing - try to move on from Felix, okay? Dwelling on him won't do you any good."

Nina looked up from her desk as I entered the classroom, a friendly smile on her face. She's always been observant and empathetic, often noticing when someone's off.

"Hey," she said quietly as I took my seat, her eyes studying my expression. "How are you holding up today?"

I gave a casual shrug as I responded.

"I'm alright," I said, trying to maintain a casual tone. I was attempting to act like nothing significant had happened, hoping to push the events of yesterday out of my mind.

Brittney chimed in, her voice filled with disdain. "Did you spend the whole night crying over that damn cheater?"

I gave a dry smile, trying to appear unbothered. "Nah, not really," I managed to say, attempting to downplay the situation.

As I caught a glimpse of Felix and Giselle engaging in conversation again, a wave of worry washed over me. Seeing them together, even though they were in different classes, still stung. I instinctively lowered my head, hoping they wouldn't notice my distress.

My heart ached as I realized I might not find another mate, even though my mom had tried to boost my spirits before I left for school.

The pain of letting go of the two-year relationship I had built with Felix was too much to bear. I still loved that alpha deeply, and the thought of letting him go was like a knife to the chest.

Brittney's voice growled with resentment, her frustration evident as she spoke. "Oh, and have you seen Giselle yet? She's such an obnoxious girl. Trust me, if this place wasn't controlled by Scarlett Moon, I would've given that girl a piece of my mind for ruining things between you and Felix!"

Nina added her opinion, her arms crossed in front of her. "Yeah, don't forget that Giselle comes from the Scarlett Moon pack. They're a pretty tough bunch, and she uses her father's influence to do whatever she wants here. No one dares to stand up to her, knowing who her dad is."

"I don't get it. Scarlett Moon is loaded with hot, strong Alphas. Why is she after Felix, who's not even the most gorgeous one in her pack? It doesn't make sense." Brittney shook her head, her expression puzzled.

Nina shrugged, her eyes rolling slightly. "Yeah, you know that saying-the grass is always greener on the other side. But for Giselle, it runs deeper. She's the kind of girl who's always jealous of what others have. I don't think she even really likes Felix, per se. She just can't stand the idea of him being with someone else, especially you, Kate."

"Of course. I mean, you're prettier than her, and that definitely drives her nuts. Giselle can't stand the fact that you're more attractive than she is, which only fuels her jealousy." Brittney couldn't help but laugh, her expression smug.

My heart ached as I caught a glimpse of Felix being attentive to Giselle. The pain, anger, and betrayal flooded over me once again. I couldn't understand what Felix saw in Giselle that made him so drawn to her.

I silently wondered if it was because of her beautiful werewolf form that Felix was drawn to Giselle. She was a werewolf with a stunning coat, which only added to her allure.

Could that be the reason he had chosen her over me?

Nina glanced at me, her expression sympathetic. "Just forget about him, Kate. I'm positive you can find another Alpha who's far more loyal than Felix could ever be."

"And who knows, maybe your second chance will be a man who's better in every way than Felix. Think of it-he'd be the kind of guy who'd move mountains just because he loves you so much!" Brittney chimed in, a sly grin on her face.

Nina nodded in agreement, her eyes sparkling with approval. "Yeah, Brittney is right. Your second chance guy could truly be someone exceptional. He'd go to extreme lengths to prove his love, showing just how devoted he is to you. How romantic."

I let out an exaggerated eye roll, feeling slightly bored.

"Nah, I'm not ready for a second chance yet," I responded, my voice tinged with a hint of melancholy. "The memories of me and Felix are still fresh in my mind, and I can still taste the sweetness of our time together."

Brittney snickered, her voice dripping with impatience. "You're taking way too long to move on, even though plenty of alphas out there are checking you out. Come on, let's have some fun at the park after school. It'll take your mind off Felix."

"Yeah, Brittney's right. We could have a picnic, or play some games, or just enjoy the nature around us. You need to clear your head and let yourself have some fun." Nina chimed in, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

I shook my head, feeling a bit drained.

"Nah, I think I'll head home instead," I replied, my voice tired. "I just need some alone time to sort my thoughts out."

Nina's expression turned resolute, and she spoke adamantly.

"No, no, we're gonna have some fun." She gestured at herself and Brittney. "We already got permission to bring you to the park after school, and we still haven't celebrated your birthday yet."

I sighed again, "But..."

Brittney chimed in, "You know, you probably have a hankering for some delicious food. Maybe some meat or spaghetti? Or how about a few bagels with your favorite spreads?"

After a moment of contemplation, I nodded, reluctantly agreeing. "Alright, fine. But just a quick outing, okay?"

***

SOMEONE POV's

The woman with straight hair strolled into the elaborate room, holding a new journal in her hands. "Hey, boss. I have a new journal for you," she announced, her voice filled with a mix of respect and familiarity.

I gestured with a subtle raise of my eyebrows for the man in the black suit to come forward. He made his way toward the woman with straight hair, his features schooled into an impassive expression, awaiting further instructions.

The woman passed the journal over to the man in the black suit, her voice firm yet nonchalant.

"Here, this'll be his new book," she instructed.

The man in the black suit swiftly handed the journal to me, the cover gleaming as I took it in my hands.

"Also, your parents are expecting you to make the observation visit at Miracle Academy," she announced, her tone firm but respectfully addressed.

I raised an eyebrow, my voice tinted with an edge of curiosity. "Do I have to handle that personally?"

"Absolutely, just giving you a heads up. The Big Boss wants you to handle the business or find a mate."

"Great." I muttered sarcastically, rolling my eyes. "And let me guess, my parents want me to either handle business affairs or find a mate. Fantastic."

The woman nodded in confirmation, her expression remaining impassive.

"Unfortunately, it's true. Your parents have made it clear that they expect either you to take charge in matters or find yourself a mate," she clarified, the words leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.

My irritation bubbled to the surface, and I let out a frustrated exhale as I slumped back in my chair. "Just go... Leave me alone," I grumbled, my words laced with annoyance.

"But what if Miss Madonna-"

"No buts, just go."

Judith flipped through the pages of my journal, her eyes darting across the words. My loyal sidekick remained steadfast beside me, a constant presence in my life. After a few moments, I paused, taking a deep breath to steady myself.

Judith spoke once more, his tone formal but carrying a hint of curiosity.

"Sir, it seems that some people are starting to catch on to things regarding you," he observed, his words measured.

"And what might they be catching on to, Judith?" I asked, though I was fairly certain I already knew the answer.

Judith's words cut through the room as he stated matter-of-factly. "It seems, sir, that some individuals are becoming aware of your tendency towards being overly cold and formal. Perhaps that's the reason behind the difficulties you're facing in finding a mate."

"What's wrong with me, Judith?" I asked again, playing along.

Judith continued his analysis, his tone candid yet respectful. "It appears, sir, that perhaps you should consider softening your approach a bit. I understand that you possess the qualities of a powerful alpha and have good looks to accompany them, but it couldn't hurt to be more sociable, wouldn't you agree?"

I waved a hand dismissively, my voice tinged with irritation.

"I've had more than enough of that Madonna woman," I grumbled, my annoyance palpable.

"Don't you feel guilty that your destined mate could be out there suffering because you're here having fun with Madonna?" he questioned, his tone laced with a hint of over-the-top concern.

I feigned a contemplative expression, trying to appear open to suggestions.

"Well, could you offer some advice? Should I actually take on dealing with those troublesome kids at the school? It wasn't exactly my original plan," I responded, attempting to maintain a reasonable tone.

Judith, as usual, advocated for my attendance, always advocating for me to make more public appearances.

"Mr. Gregory, I really think it'd be beneficial for you to show up," he stated, his voice firm but respectful.

"This seems like a bit of a futile endeavor," I muttered to myself.

But I knew I didn't have much of a choice in the matter. "Quite ironic, isn't it? Guess I'll have to confront them once more," I added, my voice tinged with resignation.

I rose to my feet and instructed Judith to prepare the car.

"I could use some fresh air," I said, my voice a little steadier now. Then, with a firm tone, I added, "And make sure that Madonna doesn't step foot in here again, or there will be consequences."

Judith, not taking the hint, brought up the subject of the school visit again as we walked. I let out a frustrated grumble, my irritation growing.

"Leave it alone. I don't want to discuss it," I retorted, my voice edged with annoyance.