Chapter 1

Twilight POV

I was out visiting a faraway pack with Mitsu. Natsumi was restless, even with the minion plushie that she can’t live without, so I had to bring her along.

On the way back, I stopped at a nearby gas station to stretch my legs and use the restroom.

“Mitsu, can you grab some snacks with Natsumi? I don’t think the ones left will last her long. You can take my purse. There should be some cash in it, otherwise, feel free to use any one of the cards”

“Got it.”

Just as I was heading back to the car, I bumped face-first into someone and landed on my ass. I wish I had looked where I was going.

“I’m sorry, miss. I didn’t see you there.” Someone said and helped me up.

“It’s ok. I wasn’t looking where I was going.”

As if embarrassing myself wasn’t enough, Tis kept ringing the words “mine” and “mate” in my ears. I did feel those little sparks during that brief moment of contact and his strangely familiar scent was drawing me in a little… hell no. Not today or ever. Seriously, who the hell is out to get me?

“Anyway, I really should get going. And it’s doctor, not miss.”

I darted away before I gave in to the temptation of looking at him. Hopefully, I’d never run into him again. I don’t know what he looks like so I might, but I’d instead take those chances.

Sorry bro, it’s not you… actually, it might be in the future, so I’d rather not risk it. I promised myself that I’d never let Tis get hurt again after she pretty much disappeared for a month and I plan on keeping that promise, even if there’s a chance that she’ll whine at me for this.

Thank Goddess Mitsuri came back right after I got into the car.

“We got a lot more snacks than planned. Are you ok? You seem a little shaken.”

“I’m fine but can you take over the driving?”

“Sure.”

I put Natsumi on my lap. It’ll just make opening and handing her the snacks a lot easier.

We weren’t even on the road for five minutes when…

“Mama, can I go thewe?” Natsumi pointed to a park.

We weren’t in a hurry to get back, so I didn’t see why not.

“Ok.”

“I think you guys can get off here. I’ll look for parking in the meantime.”

I took Natsumi with me and unleashed her to play as much as she wanted. Mitsu joined me after a while.

We’d been here for over an hour when some guy walked up to us. Thankfully, he wasn’t my so-called mate.

Before he could say anything, Natsumi came running up to me.

“Mama, when Papa coming?”

He’s obviously not coming, and she knows that too. Hell, she’s never even met him.

“He said he’d be here soon.” I turned to the random guy. “Did you need something?”

“Never mind,” He walked away.

“Did good, Mama?”

“Yes.”

I don’t know how she knew what would happen or if it was just a coincidence. Either way, I’m glad she did that.

We were heading back to the car when I was stopped by a familiar voice.

“Twilight? OMG, long time no see.”

It was Sora.

“Oh hey. How’s it going?”

“In short, adulting sucks and I wish I was still a…”

Then she noticed Natsumi. Great.

“Hold on, is she your…”

“Yeah.”

“I can’t believe I have a cute, little niece.”

“Hi,” Natsumi said.

“Hi. She looks a lot like him. You don’t have to answer but does he know about her? I find it a little hard to believe that he’d hide something like this.”

“He doesn’t.”

“Oh. I don’t mean any disrespect, but whatever beef you guys have with each other shouldn’t involve your kid. At least let him.”

“I’ll think about it.” Not. “It was nice seeing you though.”

“You, too. Oh, and before you leave, is it ok if I see her sometimes? I’d love to get to know her.”

“Sure. I don’t have much going on this weekend so we can meet up if you have time.”

“That’ll be perfect.”

She left after we exchanged numbers.

“I know that as your friend, I’m supposed to be on your side, but she’s not wrong,” Mitsu said. “I think you should tell him. You can’t hide this forever.”

“I did say I’d think about it.”

“We both know that’s a lie.”

When we got back, Etsuko wanted to see me.

“Twilight, I have two messages for you. One, choose wisely and two, you’re not forsaken.”

“The vagueness isn’t helping anyone.”

“I just get messages and deliver them to whomever they’re for. Meanings aren’t included. I’ll try to find out more and let you know.”

“That’d be great.”

Later…

“Alex, don't you think it's time you give your people a Queen? You're about to be 25, don't you already have someone in mind?”

“Shouldn't you give your people their Emperor?”

“Touché. But I'm serious.”

“So am I.” He took my hands in his. “How about you be my Queen?”

“Uh...you're kidding...right?”

I mean, he has to be. There's no way he's serious, right?

“No, and I don't see why not.”

 “Uhm...I'm flattered but you do know that I have a child, right?”

“What's the problem with that?”

“I guess from a logical perspective, I thought you wouldn't be too keen on the idea of raising another man's child. And to be honest, that's the line I've been using to turn away guys who ask me out. Believe it or not, it works.”

“I'm not most men and I don't mind. Even if you had kids with thirty different men, it'd be a little weird, but it also wouldn't change my mind. And that’s because it won’t change who you are, and I happen to like who you are. I won't pressure you but please consider it.”

I mean, he's not wrong. The last time I trusted a guy who told me something similar to that, I ended up mateless and pregnant. I've known Alex long enough to know that he wouldn't do something like that but that's exactly what I thought last time and again, look where that got me.

“I'll think about it. But I should warn you that you might end up hurt because I don't believe in love anymore and it's dead to me. It’s too much of a hassle as well as troublesome and complicated. And honestly, I'm better off without it. I'm saying it not to chase you away but so that you won’t take it personally when I don’t return your feelings. I know there's someone out there who'll give you all the love and affection that you deserve and more and I'm sorry but it's not me. For all you know, she might be closer than you think, and I don't want to take that away from her, or him. I won't judge.”

“I guess I'll think about that too. Anyway, I should get going.” He said before leaving.

“Why didn't you accept it?” Mitsu asked. “We all know how smitten he is towards you, and he’s done a terrible job of hiding it. And I think you've been single long enough.”

“It's not about being single, you know.”

“If he had a problem with you already having a pup, he wouldn't have made you that offer. And it's not like it'll complicate things between your pups. Natsumi will take over after you since she's your firstborn and your secondborn, aka his firstborn, will take over after him. See, no complications. Natsumi already likes him, and you also deserve to be happy.”

“I said that I'd think about it and you're already thinking about kids. You have a serious problem; you know that?”

“I'm just looking out for the Alpha as Betas should.”

 “Sky and I can barely keep up.” Ayaka came in.

“Baby troubles?”

“It always is. I know it's only been a few weeks, but I feel like I'm going to have a mental breakdown at any second. Any chance you have a baby translator lying around?”

“Unfortunately, no.”

“Too bad. You don't mind if I pass out on the couch, right?”

“Go ahead.”

“Thank you.”