Chapter 2

(Layana’s pov)

We drove for about an hour, arriving at a fine dining restaurant. I was awed. I didn’t expect her to give me such a big surprise. The restaurant had two levels and was decorated luxuriously, there was a chandelier hanging down the ceiling at the entrance. She led us into the restaurant.

“Hi, how may I help you?” asked the waitress.

“We reserved a table for two under the name Castro,” Faria replied.

“Ok, this way please.” The waitress showed us our way.

The atmosphere was really quiet, and the environment was dimly lit, with only a few other guests around us, making this place look extra fancy. I skimmed through the menu, the price was exorbitant.

“What will you order?” I whispered.

“I will get the lobster pasta, I heard it’s one of the chef’s recommendations here.” She whispered back.

“Don’t worry, just order whatever you want, just get something similar for me on my birthday,” she added jokingly. I rolled my eyes. And ordered a roasted chicken.

While waiting for our food to arrive, we chatted about random things. “So, I know you have always wanted a photo album. So I made one for you.” She handed me an aquamarine book. It has our name printed on the cover page and a photo of us celebrating our 17th birthday together. I could feel my tears welling up, these were all too much. I flipped through the pages, memories came flooding back. The first day we went to school together. The day we graduated from elementary school. The day we went to the theme park where I lost my sunglasses. At 16, when we first went to a ball together and had so much fun that night. The day we celebrated her 18th birthday. I could never imagine my life without her, she’s my family and my greatest supporter, I just loved her so much.

“Thank you! This means a lot.” I hugged her. Putting the photo album on my lap.

She smiled, “Glad you like it.”

After chatting for a while more, the food came at last. We shared our food and I must say the food was so delectable, it’s one of the best foods I’ve ever tasted. This was honestly the best birthday ever. I thanked her again for that.

Halfway through our meal, a few strongly-built men entered the restaurant, I noticed the waiters bowing at them, the men’s heads held high, their presence screaming for dominance. Alphas. I thought. 

“You didn’t tell me that the alphas will come here,” I whispered to Faria.

“I don’t know either, maybe birthday girl’s luck?” She teased.

I sighed, could she take things more seriously? We watched as the alphas entered another private dining room. Maybe it’s just another alphas’ meeting. Our desserts arrived soon, we’d both decided to leave as soon as possible, not wanting to meet any alphas.

I was about to finish the last bite of my chocolate lava cake when a sweet scent wafted into my nose. It smelt like pinewoods and fall rain. I darted my eyes up and met with a pair of hazel eyes. The man in front of me was so breathtaking. He had a tall figure, with dark hair that was styled nicely, and he had high cheekbones and thin lips. He had no mustache, making him look extra attractive. He was wearing a black suit, but it still didn’t fail to show how well-built he was. Please tell me I am having a hallucination. I prayed. I could tell straight away that he was an alpha due to his aura. I watched as his eyes turned from brown to black, and he started to stalk toward our direction. I backed away from the table involuntarily, about to get up, when a pair of strong hands grasped my shoulders, forcing me back into the chair. I looked up, only to be met with the same pair of mesmerizing black eyes.

“Mate, finally.” He growled. I could hear Faria gasping beside me, he didn’t take notice of her. No way. This had to be a mistake. Not an alpha, please. Please spare me, Moon Goddess. I prayed silently.

I chuckled nervously, “This must be some mistake.” Not daring to break eye contact.