CHAPTER 7

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN ONE'S HEART STOPS? Do they die? Or do they just remain frozen in place, like I was now.

I watched his face twist into a confused look, his eyes holding the same expression. “You… I know you.” He said.

At that point, I prayed desperately that the ground would open up and swallow me, or even better, I'd just disappear into the thin air.

What do I do? Run?

I cleared my throat, looking away from him. It's better to explain myself at this point. “Alpha… I…” 

He cut me short. "I… recognize you. You're Luca’s mate, am I correct?" 

I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. I was overthinking it all, he doesn't recognize me.

I nodded rapidly. "Yes! Yes, Alpha" 

The Alpha’s eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze sweeping over me in a way that made my skin prickle. There was no malice in his expression, but something else — curiosity, like a puzzle piece that didn’t quite fit, and it bothered him more than it should.

“And yet…” he murmured, almost to himself. “There’s something about you.”

“What?" I blurted out. No! No, please. There's nothing about me!

He shook his head, as if snapping out of whatever it was he was in. “No, nothing. What's your name, dear?" 

Anna! “My name is Raven!" I said instead, fidgeting with my fingernails.

I saw his eyes fall on my hands, and I immediately put it aside. 

“Raven!" He repeated. “How are you, Raven? What are you doing out here?" 

My stomach twisted into a knot. “I-I was just taking a walk,” I said quickly, plastering on the most innocent smile I could muster. “It’s a beautiful evening.”

He didn’t respond right away, his silence heavy. His head tilted just slightly, his dark hair catching the sunlight, and the faintest flicker of recognition passed through his eyes again—like a memory dancing just out of reach.

“Be careful wandering alone,” he said at last, his voice softer than I expected. “There are parts of these woods that aren’t as welcoming as others.”

I nodded, trying not to let my relief show. “Of course, Alpha. Thank you.”

Before I could retreat, a familiar burst of laughter rang out from behind me. My entire body stiffened. Luca and Elena. Of course.

They strolled up, side by side, just close enough to make a point without being obvious. Elena’s smile was all sweetness and venom, her eyes flicking over me with thinly veiled amusement.

“Oh, look who we have here,” Elena’s syrupy voice cooed. “Raven’s out here playing strong after last night’s little meltdown. How badly I want to be like you.”

They appeared fully in sight, stopping in their tracks. I guessed it was because of the Alpha. 

“Oh, Raven,” Elena’s tone immediately changed, her voice dripping with fake concern. “You look tired. Didn’t sleep well?”

Luca chimed in, his tone light but laced with meaning. “Maybe you should rest more, Raven. You shouldn't be out here. It’s important for mates to be… their best selves.”

The jab hit its mark, but I bit the inside of my cheek, refusing to react. Not here. Not in front of him.

“Father," Luca said, acting like he hadn't seen him before. “What are you doing here?" 

Julian’s gaze shifted between us, his expression unreadable, but the tension in the air thickened. “Am I not welcome here?" He asked in return, his voice deep and firm.

Luca shook his head, his face turning slightly red. “No! That's not what I meant. Father, you…”

"It's Alpha!” He cut him short.

Luca swallowed, his ego falling flat before his face. "Right! Alpha, I will go ahead and call an assembly immediately announcing your return.” 

He made to walk away, but the Alpha called him back. "There's no need for that.”

The Alpha’s gaze darkened, his whole demeanor shifting in an instant. The relaxed intrigue in his eyes hardened into something sharp and commanding—the kind of authority only an Alpha could summon with a glance.

His eyes narrowed just slightly as they lingered on Elena and Luca—like he had seen right through their act.

His gaze lingered on her, so piercing she actually took a step back, pressing herself distancing herself entirely from Luca. “What's your name?" He demanded.

She lowered her head. “Elena, Alpha!" 

“Elena,” his voice was smooth but carried a subtle warning, “I haven't seen you anywhere around. What exactly do you do here?” Aside from coveting your best friend's man, the words I wanted him to say.

Elena swallowed lightly. “Well, I… I… umm… I help around.” She stuttered.

Julian's eyes pierced into her. "Which means you have no particular use here.”

Luca tried to chip in. "Father…"

A stare was enough to keep him quiet. “Am I correct, Elena?" He probed. 

“Not exactly, Alpha." She dared to say. “I'm currently training to join the pack warriors."

My eyes widened. Liar! 

Julian scoffed. "Good. I trust you’re focusing on your training duties then. You wouldn’t want to fall behind, or else we won't have much use for you, you know.”

Elena’s smile faltered, but she recovered quickly. “Of course, Alpha. I always do my best.”

“And you, Luca.” Julian’s attention slid to him, his gaze heavy enough to make Luca straighten a bit. “I expect my warriors to lead by example—not waste time gossiping with minor members.”

The words cut deep, even I felt it. Luca’s jaw clenched, but he managed a tight nod. “Understood, Alpha.”

“Good.” Julian’s tone softened just slightly as his eyes returned to me. “Enjoy your walk, Raven.”

I was grateful for the escape. I gave a small nod, unable to find my voice. My legs moved before my mind could process, carrying me away from all of them. I didn’t look back—not at Luca, not at Elena, and certainly not at the Alpha.

But I felt his gaze on me, heavy and lingering, until I was out of sight. As I walked away, I could also feel Elena’s glare burning into my back, her silent fury palpable.

But all I could think about was what the hell just happened?

I always knew the Alpha and Luca didn't have an ideal father-son relationship, but this was the first time I had actually witnessed it. I was slightly shaken, so someone could actually put Luca Red in his place?

There was something else that was eating me up slowly. Why did the Alpha defend me?

He was clearly defending me, why else would he call Elena a minor member? 

I found my way to my room, pondering on the entire scene over and over again. 

And more importantly… Does he know?

I stood in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection, trying to place the image of me now, and me last night. Did I by any chance look the same? Could he recognize me?

“Ugh!" I groaned aloud. "What if he recognized me? What should I do? How do I explain myself?” I ranted.

Running my hand through my hair, I groaned again. "What kind of mess have I gotten myself into? What was I thinking about sleeping with my mate's father?”

Saying it out loud left a

bitter taste on my tongue, and even worse, barely a minute later, I heard a knock on the door.

My heart sank. Oh no!