Chapter 5: The spark 

Gwen's POV 

“What the heck, Gwen?” Ryker exclaimed, his voice rising above the stunned murmur of the crowd. 

The room fell silent, the shock evident on every face. Everyone had expected me to choose Ryker, given our families' plans and the supposed closeness between us. But I was determined to make a different choice, one I would not regret. 

“What? Are you kidding?” My father asked, disbelief clear in his voice. I shook my head firmly. 

“No, I’m not kidding. I’ve chosen Brian Ramos as my mate. Do you have a problem with that, Father?” My voice was resolute. My father’s face reflected his disappointment, but I refused to be swayed. 

I turned to Ryker. His reaction was almost comical. He looked as though he wished the ground would open up and swallow him whole. I fought back a laugh at his expression. “Brian, can you come up here?” I called out, glancing at Brian, who looked puzzled but made his way to the stage with a slight stumble. The crowd erupted into laughter as he almost tripped. 

“Hi,” Brian mumbled once he reached the stage, and I gave him a warm smile. 

Despite my father’s displeasure, the announcement was made, and I was left to handle the crowd. After the party, I headed back to the mansion, only to find Ryker waiting at the door to my room. 

“What are you doing here?” I asked, trying to walk past him, but he grabbed my arm and pulled me back. 

“Why did you do that? Why pick my brother over me?” Ryker demanded, his eyes flashing with anger. I rolled my eyes in response. 

“Why? I think your brother is a better choice. He’s a nice guy,” I said calmly. Ryker’s face turned red with fury as he slammed me against the wall, his grip tightening painfully. 

“Are you kidding me? Brian is a sweet guy. What about me?” He growled. I winced, struggling to free myself from his hold, but he was so much stronger. 

“Get off her!” A commanding voice shouted, and Ryker was abruptly pushed away from me. 

I looked up, surprised to see the Gamma who had saved me standing before me. His words from my previous life echoed in my mind: “You’re my mate. I’d always love you.” 

“Are you okay?” He asked, his eyes soft with concern. I felt tears welling up and looked away, trying to regain my composure.

 I was confused; how was he my mate, and how come I didn't feel bound back then? 

Gosh, looking up and closed, he looked so handsome, a part I never noticed.

As I gazed into his amber eyes, warm and piercing like golden honey in sunlight, I felt the earth beneath me melt away. His perfect jawline, sharp cheekbones, and chiseled features left me breathless. But it was the small scar above his left eyebrow surely from a mysterious past.

My fingers itched to touch his perfectly messy dark brown hair, to feel the softness that framed his rugged face. His lips curled into a smile, and I imagined my hands running through his broad shoulders, tracing the contours of his sculpted chest, and feeling the ridges of his abs.

His electrifying energy drew me in, an irresistible force that made my heart race. Who was this guy? His presence commanded attention, exuding confidence and authority. Yet, there was something that called me closer.

As he stepped nearer, his warm breath caressed my skin, sending shivers down my spine. His voice, low and husky, sent tremors through my core. "Hello?" he called out in a whisper, his eyes locked onto mine.

Time froze. The world around us dissolved. All that existed was the space between us.

Suddenly, his gaze dropped to my lips, and I felt the air thicken. His eyes flashed with desire, and I knew I was on the precipice of something life-altering.

Why? Who was he?

As I stood there, paralyzed

I wanted to ask him but what was I going to say?

I blinked my eyes trying to distract myself.

“You’re the gamma, right? I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name,” I said, feeling unexpectedly shy under his intense gaze. 

“Kaiser,” he replied, his voice smooth and reassuring. 

Ryker tried to argue, but a single look from Kaiser silenced him instantly. I was struck by the gamma’s commanding presence and the way he easily asserted control over Ryker. “If you’re fine now, I’ll leave you to it,” Kaiser said, turning to leave. I reached out, my fingers brushing against his arm. 

A sudden jolt ran through my body, making me gasp. Kaiser stiffened, his eyes widening in surprise. “I’m sorry,” I stammered, pulling my hand back quickly. My mind spun, trying to make sense of the strange sensation. 

“I’d like to go with you,” I managed to say, my voice trembling. Kaiser looked at me with a mix of confusion before giving a hesitant nod. We walked away from Ryker together, without looking back. 

We walked in silence, my heart pounding with an unfamiliar rhythm. When we reached my room, Kaiser made a move to leave, but I found myself unable to let him go. Before I could think twice, I leaned in and kissed him, my lips brushing against his in a tentative, unplanned gesture. 

What was I doing? I screamed inwardly, but my body seemed to be acting on its own as if drawn by an invisible force. Who was this man who could make me feel so lost and yet so compelled? My emotions were in turmoil, and I couldn’t deny the powerful pull I felt towards him. 

“I…I... I.” Hello pulled away and I found myself not being able to say anything.

I immediately turned and ran into my room. 

Days passed, and I heard nothing from him. I kept thinking about Kaiser, but the fact that he might have been avoiding me made my heart hurt. 

I asked about him and was told he was sent on a mission. I couldn't help but ask why they had to send him; I mean, there were many others.

I had a sleepless night thinking about Kaiser, his lip, his touch, everything about him made me hot, and all I wanted was for him to come back to me. 

I heard murmurs aside and went to check out what was happening, only to see Kaiser hugging Grace, Ryker's sister.

What the fuck!

I spent what seemed like forever thinking about him, but he was busy with some other girl.

His gaze met mine and he stiffened. Without another word, I walked out running to my room. 

After a while, there was a knock on my door, and I opened it and saw Kaiser standing aside; I wanted to jump, but the girl had to play hard to get it. 

“Ms Gwen I..ahm.. I…” he stammered his eyes on my lips as he swallowed. 

“Leave if you've got nothing to say.” I walked to my bed and sat down. 

“Grace, she's only my friend.” He muttered like a scared wife. 

“I know,” I responded. 

“We ain't in any relationship I swear.” He said. 

“I saw how close you were so I'm sure it's nothing.” I blinked. 

“What can I do to make you believe me?” He asked; with one look, it was his first time trying to please a girl. 

“Why do you want to prove yourself?” I rolled my eyes. 

“Because you're my mate I can't hurt you.”