Chapter 3

Phoebe's POV 

When I got back home, Uncle was sitting by the counter, going over his old notebook. It was filled with his notes about stock and finances for the cafeteria. He looked up when I entered, his eyes going to the red stain on my arm that'd appeared there from Nathaniel's strong grip earlier.

“What happened, Phoebe?” he asked, concern lacing his tone.

I tried to sound casual. “I got hurt while training. It’s no big deal. It’ll heal soon.”

Uncle didn’t look convinced. He got up and walked closer, his brow furrowed deeply. 

“You shouldn’t push yourself too hard. Training isn’t worth getting injured like this.”

“I’m fine,” I said quickly, trying to brush it off. “Really.”

He stared at me for a long moment, then sighed. “You’ve always been stubborn,” he muttered.

I hesitated before speaking again. “Uncle, please let me pay rent. I’m staying here, eating your food, and working in your cafeteria. It’s only fair.”

He shook his head firmly. “I told you before. I can’t take your rent. I’ve already failed your father. I didn’t stand with him. The least I can do now is look after you.”

His voice was filled with regret, and I could see the pain in his eyes. I wanted to argue, but I knew it would only hurt him more. So, I let it go.

Later that day, my editor called. His voice was rushed and a little anxious. “Phoebe, we have a situation,” he said. “The company announced a fan meeting for you.”

“What?” I said, shocked. “You know I don’t show up for events. That was part of my contract.”

“I know,” he replied quickly, “but I didn’t know they’d do this. It’s already been announced. They want you there.”

“No,” I said firmly. “Tell them I’m sick. Make up something. You know I can’t attend.”

I wrote my books under a pen name that was a reverse of the name I used in the past. Some stories were inspired by my own life, even with characters based on Nathaniel and Duncan. If Nathaniel or anyone else recognized the connections, it would ruin everything.

“I’ll try,” my editor said hesitantly, “but it seems like this time, they’re insisting.”

That evening, I was cleaning up the cafeteria, ready to close for the night, when I heard the loud roar of a car engine outside. I looked up and saw a sleek, black car pulling into the parking lot. It stopped right in front of the entrance.

Nathaniel stepped out of the car, the twilight sky behind him making his silhouette even more striking. His sharp jawline, piercing eyes and the fitted shirt he wore clung to his broad shoulders and muscular chest, highlighting every defined line. His powerful arms flexed slightly as he adjusted his jacket, and his confident stride made him impossible to ignore. My heart skipped a beat, even though I told myself not to care.

He walked in, looking around like he owned the place. Then he sat down at one of the tables and looked straight at me.

“I’d like some pizza,” he said casually, his voice deep and smooth.

“We’re closing soon,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. “The pizza’s sold out.”

“Should I come back tomorrow, then?” he asked, a faint smirk playing on his lips.

I hesitated. “I saved some for myself,” I admitted reluctantly. “I can warm it up for you.”

As I went to get the pizza, my wolf teased me. “An Alpha like Nathaniel eating leftover pizza? Now, that’s something.”

Before I could respond, Mark stormed in through the back door. “Get me something to eat!” he shouted, his tone as rude as ever.

But then he spotted Nathaniel. His face paled, and his gaze dropped to the ground. He clutched his arm and took a step back. 

“Never mind,” he muttered. “I’m not hungry.” Then he turned and left.

I blinked, surprised. My cousin hadn’t given me any trouble for the past two days, and now he was backing down so easily.

I warmed up the pizza and brought it to Nathaniel. As I turned to leave, he stopped me.

“I need to tell you something,” he said, his tone serious.

I turned back to face him. “What is it?”

“The Alpha has arranged for me to have a mating ceremony,” he said, watching my reaction closely. “With another Alpha’s daughter.”

My stomach twisted, but I kept my expression neutral. So this was it. He wanted to reject me before officially announcing his chosen mate. Memories of Duncan rejecting me for a political marriage flashed through my mind, but I refused to let the pain show.

“I’ll be there on time,” I said calmly, forcing a small smile.

It didn't feel so great to try to smile, but I did. 

*****

The day of the ceremony came, and I stood among the crowd, bracing myself for what was to come. The stage was set, and Nathaniel stood at the center, looking as composed and confident as ever. His family sat nearby, along with the other Alpha and his daughter.

Nathaniel began speaking. 

“Our packs have supported each other for years,” he said, his voice steady and commanding. “Today, we take that bond further. I announce that our two packs will sign a Mutual Assistance Treaty. From now on, if one pack is attacked, the other will come to its aid unconditionally.”

This is different from what he told me before. But I wasn't the only one surprised.

Moonfury’s Alpha looked surprised but pleased. Nathaniel’s father, however, seemed caught off guard, still he smiled and nodded. 

Nathaniel continued, “In addition to that, there's one more announcement I'd like to make.”

Moonfury’s Alpha’s daughter stood, smiling confidently, ready to step onto the stage.

I clenched my fists, ready for the pain of rejection. But then Nathaniel’s next words stunned me.

“Phoebe.”

The crowd gasped, and I felt every eye turn toward me.

Nathaniel extended his hand toward me, waiting.”Come here”

The other alpha looked furious, but he didn’t dare say anything, especially after Nathaniel had announced the mutual protection contract.

Nathaniel’s father seemed shocked at first, but he quickly masked it. Leading by example, he began to clap. The rest of the crowd followed, their cheers filling the air.

I took a deep breath and stepped forward. My heart pounded in my chest as I walked toward Nathaniel.