Share

The Second Choice Mate
The Second Choice Mate
Author: Christine Black

Chapter 1

last update Last Updated: 2025-04-04 18:46:35

Eva Gibson’s pov

Standing together, Eva, at eighteen, and Olivia, at twenty-five, held each other's hand as they watched the dirt cover the graves of their parents at their large pack's cemetery…

“What are we going to do?” I questioned my older sister who was weeping quietly.

Giving me a look of sympathy she asserted, “I will drop out of university and get a job at the pack's shopping center.”

I side-eyed her in disbelief.

“But Olivia, you were getting honors and are close to graduation,” I said softly.

Lowering her tear-stained eyes from mine, she exhaled deeply and said, “I promised to watch over you and will honor our parent's wishes.”

This seemed unfair, and bitterness filled my heart for the drunk human responsible for fatally crashing into my parents.

My eyes narrowed as I glanced over the mourners who attended the funeral and paused briefly at Austin Belmont, who was blatantly staring at my sister.

“The pack whore is eyeing you,” I mumbled softly in disgust and Olivia scolded me.

“He is one of the Alpha’s sons and a dear friend. Don't be so judgemental, Eva.”

Rolling my eyes I told her that we should go since our parents' final resting plots were covered and the others were dispersing.

“You're so hard, Eva! It's okay to have feelings,” she berated me, and I swallowed the lump of emotion in my throat. I cared, probably too much but used my walls to keep others from getting underneath my skin, not wanting anyone to get too close. I was an observer, not an emotional person, using my eyes to study the world around me.

“Hey, wait up!” Austin called out, and Olivia’s steps slowed, causing me to stop and glare up at the sky in annoyance.

“Luna made some meals for you to tide you both over for the next week. They brought the items to my house so we can go there, and I can help bring them over to your place,” he explained, and I eyed him condescendingly.

Why the Alpha’s son cared for just a couple of parentless Omegas made my skin itch in a warning.

“Please thank our Alpha, well your dad and mom, Austin. It's very sweet of them to think about us,” Olivia said kindly, and I remained tight-lipped, knowing that he was after one thing, and that was my sister’s innocence.

I should know since the same crap happened to me when I gave my innocence to another womanizer during my 18th birthday who I thought cared about me. Oh, how foolish I had been.

The memory of it caused me to scorn every male I came across.

Austin fit in that category and was also a notorious playboy. He fornicated with any and all females willing to spread their thighs for him. Being the eldest of the Alpha’s sons he was the future leader of our Red Moon Pack and flaunted that fact continuously.

My sister seemed oblivious to his pursuit and it irritated me immensely.

“Let's go,” Austin said as he gestured toward his home.

“Come along, sis, so you can help carry the Alpha's generous gift,” Olivia advised as she wiped her damp eyes.

“I'm coming,” I muttered sourly as I followed the pair.

Nestled on the edge of the surrounding forest, Austin’s home was built near the pack guards' and warrior training area, and as we passed, I eyed the pack warriors doing their daily workouts.

Biting my lip I felt that I could join if I could pass the initial tests.

“Eva,” Olivia called me from my thoughts, and I saw her standing on Austin's porch, holding the front door open for me.

Taking one last glance at the training guards I entered the home.

Having been in his house countless times I went to the galley kitchen to see several grocery sacks on the counter full of items.

“This is too much,” Olivia commented and Austin chuckled.

“Just wanted to make sure that you would not be short of anything,” he said, making me narrow my eyes.

“I thought you said that this was from the Alpha?” I questioned him and saw his eyes narrow at me.

“I am his son, so technically the same thing,” he muttered, and Olivia shot me a glance to shut it.

Rolling my eyes, I grabbed two sacks, ready to leave Austin.

They both grabbed sacks and we finally headed back to our home.

As we walked I listened to Austin ask my sister about her classes and what she was going to do now that my parents were gone.

“I'm going to drop out for the time being and take care of Eva. After things get in order, I will go back to university,” she explained, and I frowned, knowing that I was a financial burden now.

“Are you going to work for the pack,” he asked her and she informed him that she was going to apply for the pack's clothing store in town.

“If you ever need a ride to work, you can give me a call, and I will gladly be of service,” he said with a handsome smile.

Of course, Olivia nodded graciously and told him that she appreciated the kind gesture.

Wanting to gag I snubbed him when his eyes landed on me once we neared our modest house.

Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App

Related chapters

  • The Second Choice Mate    Chapter 2

    Eva Gibson’s pov Putting the food items away I heard my sister ask Austin to stay for dinner and groaned internally.Still reeling from the funeral, I side-eyed her and said, “Don't you think it would be better for us to be alone at this time?”Biting her bottom lip, she narrowed her red-rimmed eyes and said firmly, “Austin's thoughtfulness should be rewarded with a good meal. I will prepare it so don't worry about it, little sister.”Glancing over at Austin sitting on a stool by the counter, he pretended to be oblivious to our conversation. I huffed out a fine to my sister and asked him if he wanted anything to drink.“A cold beer sounds good if you have any?” He asked with a grin and I opened the refrigerator to grab one of my dad's.Handing it to him, I muttered, “Might as well drink them, or they're going to be tossed in the trash.”Holding the bottle, he inspected it and said, “These were your dad's, eh?”Nodding, I told him yeah.“Sorry about them both,” he added and popped the

    Last Updated : 2025-04-04
  • The Second Choice Mate    Chapter 3

    Eva Gibson’s pov After Austin finally left our house, a bit intoxicated with the remaining beers in the fridge I turned to Olivia and asked her what she was thinking. “Why do you keep indulging with him? He's a pervert and a pain in the ass,” I growled. Shaking her head, she grinned slightly. “Eva, it's wise for us to remain in good favor with the future Alpha. Being his friend is beneficial for both of us. I don't know why you despise him so much.” Gritting my molars I eyed her in disbelief. “He's a whore that preys on the vulnerable females of this pack,” I stated adamantly and she rolled her eyes. “They are just as willing, sis. None of them were forced to have sex with him.” “Unbelievable Olivia. You know that he is constantly staring at you like a creep and wants to get in your panties,” I asserted and she gasped at me. Growing angry, she glared at me, causing my brow to crease as I looked back at her. “Eva, he is my friend and nothing more. If he has those id

    Last Updated : 2025-04-05
  • The Second Choice Mate    Chapter 4

    Eva Gibson’s pov Sitting behind my sister in Austin's SUV I noticed him glancing over at her and rolled my eyes to peer out the side window. Overhearing my name I leaned closer to hear my sister telling Austin that I was interested in becoming a guard. I narrowed my eyes at him laughing about it. “I can become one! I just need training to pass the final exam, I asserted and he nodded as he looked at me in the rearview mirror. “You need to get your first shift before you could even consider it,” Olivia added. Huffing in annoyance I told her that I was aware of that. Nodding his head Austin announced that we were at the outskirts of Lost Falls. Looking out of the window my eyes widened at the growing area. “It's bigger than I remember,” I commented and he chuckled. “My father brought in more businesses and employees from the Grey River pack near ours,” he explained then added, “He figured that it would give the packs more of a chance to find their fated mates.” Sno

    Last Updated : 2025-04-07
  • The Second Choice Mate    Chapter 5

    Eva Gibson’s pov Driving down the main street instead of back to my house, I glanced at Austin's profile and recalled what my sister said about being nice. “Alright, I will be a good child,” I sighed mockingly. “How about we get an ice cream cone and walk around the city park?” Austin offered and I shrugged. “I'd rather have a milkshake,” I mumbled softly, and hearing me, Austin laughed. “I can get you that; what flavor,” he asked, pulling up at the drive-through of an ice cream parlor. “Strawberry,” I replied and he eyed me oddly. After hearing him order my milkshake and a strawberry double-scoop cone, I rolled my eyes. “I just wanted a milkshake.” “The cone is for me, silly. Strawberry is my favorite,” he responded and I swallowed uncomfortably because it had always been mine as well. After paying and getting our order, he continued to the park, and I grinned slightly, remembering visiting it in my youth. “Have you been here before?” I glanced at him and said

    Last Updated : 2025-04-07
  • The Second Choice Mate    Chapter 6

    Eva Gibson’s pov Glancing over the blooming foliage a grin tugged at my mouth. It was a really beautiful park. “It's okay to smile Eva,” Austin snickered as he took my hand and led me to a cobblestone path that I hadn't seen before. “Let's go on the new pathway. I haven't seen it since it was completed,” he said in excitement causing me to eye him curiously. As we walked, my curiosity grew about him and my sister, so I threw caution to the wind and simply asked. “Is Olivia your mate?” Stopping abruptly he glanced over at me with a frown and said, “I care a great deal about your sister because she knows things about me that the rest of the pack doesn't.” Furrowing my brow I asked him if he would share that with me. Hesitantly, he said, “I am cursed; I will never find my fated mate. No mate means I will never be able to take over my father's pack and Olivia doesn't see me as a defective wolf and just sees me as I really am. I value our friendship, and I don't want to ruin our bo

    Last Updated : 2025-04-07
  • The Second Choice Mate    Chapter 7

    Eva Gibson’s pov Olivia smiled at us, waiting for her, but looked frazzled. “Crazy,” she muttered as she took her seat in the front. “They put me straight to work and some warehouse dude named Landon McDermott will be coming to pick me up tomorrow at the store. I was told to pack a suitcase and expect to be gone for a few days,” she added in disbelief. Nodding as he pulled his vehicle onto the road Austin said, “Mister McDermott is a good guy and hard worker and near his thirties.” Furrowing my brow at him, I looked at Olivia and asked her about what I was supposed to do. She expelled a breath through her teeth and glanced at Austin, then back at me. “How did your day go?” She asked me with a look of hopefulness. Smiling, I told her that we went to the park and walked around the pond after stopping at the ice cream shop. “Were you nice to him?” She asked me quietly and I told her yeah. “How's steak sound, ladies?” Austin asked loudly and we both laughed at him. “I'm starving

    Last Updated : 2025-04-08
  • The Second Choice Mate    Chapter 8

    Eva Gibson’s pov A devious grin came to my face as I squeezed the handle and cold water sprayed Austin. Olivia put her hand over her eyes as I laughed at myself for soaking our future Alpha. Sputtering, Austin’s eyes flew open at me, spraying him with a shit-eating grin on my face. “STOP, EVA, I AM AWAKE!” He roared, but I still squirted his face and giggled at the disbelief that showed on his wet face. He scampered quickly out the back of his SUV and I lowered the hose. “You should learn how to handle your alcohol better,” I told him and saw that he was shivering and bit my lower lip. “It's ice-cold water; you could have raised the dead by spraying them with that,” he sputtered before Olivia told him to head inside and take a hot shower. “What's he going to change into?” I asked her. “Dad’s clothes are still here, he can use some. Why don't you go find some sweatpants and a shirt for him,” she suggested, and I dropped the sprayer and followed Austin, who was standin

    Last Updated : 2025-04-09
  • The Second Choice Mate    Chapter 9

    Eva Gibson’s pov Olivia came into my room as I put on my socks, giving me a foul glare. “Why did you say that!” She hissed and I gave her an exasperated glance. “Stop playing coy with me, Sis; I know that Austin is in love with you, and you both are mates,” I replied, and her brow creased. “I love Austin as a friend, Eva. We have been friends since preschool, but I don't have romantic feelings for him,” she said in her defense. Side-eyeing her, I exhaled deeply and said, “Well, his pupils dilated when he looks at you.” Confused by that, she scoffed, “ What does that even mean?” After explaining that he looked at her like Dad had our Mom, she shook her head, “You're imagining things, Sis. I don't love him like that.” “Duh, I said HE Looked at YOU that way!” I asserted. Shaking her head at me and saying, “You're so wrong and you're behaving oddly!” Olivia then turned and stormed out of my bedroom making me start to second guess what I had witnessed the past days. Deb

    Last Updated : 2025-04-11

Latest chapter

  • The Second Choice Mate    Chapter 29

    Eva Gibson's pov Looking at me, Austin's corner of his lip curled up as he told me to finish eating. Smiling at him I nodded and lifted my fork. Sneaking peeks at him, I studied his chiseled features and the smooth lines of his sparse facial hair, curious if it would give me whisker burns on my inner thighs if he ate my kitty. I crossed my legs as my thoughts were getting my panties slightly damp and cringed when Austin sniffed the air and his narrow eyes glanced over the table at me. “Why is his nose so in tune with my lust,” I thought and Lana snickered. “He is your mate and he can detect the slightest change in your pheromones. It's a good indication that he's indeed yours,” she explained and I swallowed uncomfortably at the fluttering in my abdomen. Finished with my breakfast I excused myself and brought it to the kitchen sink and began filling it with hot sudsy water. “Bring me your dishes and I will wash them,” I called out over my shoulder. Jace slid his dirty dish int

  • The Second Choice Mate    Chapter 28

    Eva Gibson's pov I awoke in a panic and looked at my alarm clock, seeing it was eight-thirty. Scrambling out of bed I quickly got dressed and brushed my hair. Grabbing my house keys I locked the door and ran toward the training center. Once I got there I went inside of the building and the classroom that was partially filled with other trainees. The middle-aged instructor gestured for me to come to his desk and asked me for my name. Still breathing heavily from running I said, “Eva Gibson.” “And your sponsor?” “Aus…no, it's Jace McDermott,” I replied, and he nodded as he wrote down the information. “Go take a seat, there's coffee and donuts on the side table if you want anything,” he said kindly, and I thanked him. “You are?” I asked. “I'm Master at Arms, Stephen Jacob, and everyone just calls me Steve,” he answered, and I nodded as I headed to the coffee pot. After getting a cup, I glanced at the trainees who were sitting at the desks and saw an old female classma

  • The Second Choice Mate    Chapter 27

    Eva Gibson's pov Mortified at having to explain to the head guardsman that I was requesting to switch sponsors because Austin was my mate. I covered my face in embarrassment. My cheeks burned when the man said that it was wise of me to do so, so there weren't any accusations of favoritism. “It's better to be honest, Eva. Hell, Sirius might help you get back with Austin,” Jace asserted and I eyed him in disbelief. “I didn't want to air my personal business, especially when we both refused to be mates,” I huffed as I got into the passenger seat. “Well, let's get you back to your house, and I will give you a practice test later that the other guards get before the test tomorrow so you know what to expect,” he said chipperly, and I muttered an unexciting, okay. Pulling up to my home I asked him if he wanted to come inside now to give me the test. He eyed me oddly and shrugged. “I can,” he replied and I explained that I just wanted to get it done. “Maybe you can tell me abou

  • The Second Choice Mate    Chapter 26

    Eva Gibson's pov Frustrated beyond belief, I rose up with my empty bottle, went to the trash, dropped it inside, and then stopped before Austin. “I don't even like you and have always thought you were nothing but a womanizing asshat. The only reason I agreed to this was because I had no other choice. Just recently I have begun to tolerate you. You see, Austin, I don't trust men because of what Curtis did to me so this was a new experience for me…thanks for proving that men are jerks. I don't want you to be my mate, so I refuse it!” I asserted and turned away to collect my things. Gobsmacked Austin stood there with his mouth gaping as I walked away. I fought the emotions building up in my throat. “Well, that sucks,” Lana whined, and I huffed bitterly. “I'm not going to beat a dead horse wolf; he is too damn stubborn,” I murmured as I shoved my belongings into my duffle bag. Grabbing my dad's blade I grasped it in determination. “I will pass guard training and continue livi

  • The Second Choice Mate    Chapter 25

    Eva Gibson's pov Going to Jace's truck I glanced at Austin and exhaled deeply. Jace went to the driver's side and unlocked his door to get inside. Austin was about to jump in, and I placed my hand on his arm, stopping him. He huffed and turned to face me in annoyance. “I will marry you if it helps the pack. I don't want your uncle to take it over,” I said softly and his eyes narrowed down at me. “I will never love you, Eva. I won't suffer like that again,” he said coldly and I gritted my molars and glared at him. “We ARE mates, Austin and I never mentioned anything about love. I'm offering a partnership so that you can become Alpha,” I asserted and he shook his head and got into the truck. Before he shut the door he said, “I don't know you well enough.” I stood there gobsmacked, not believing the pack male whore was telling me that he didn't know me well enough. “Bet he would fuck me without knowing what my likes were,” I muttered as I got in the backseat. “He prob

  • The Second Choice Mate    Chapter 24

    Eva Gibson's pov Seeing the confused pain in Austin's features, I eyed my sister, returning with no remorse whatsoever. “You could have been kinder, Sis. He really loved you,” I muttered and she shook her head. “He needed a reality check. His fantasy was getting ridiculous, and I love my true mate, Landon,” Olivia stressed, punching her palm with each syllable. Backing off her I glanced back at Austin and groaned as I headed to him. “Let's go eat, Austin. A full stomach helps with the heartache; well, I assume it does,” I said softly as I grabbed his hand. “Can we wait a bit? I am falling apart internally,” he muttered, and I noticed that he was getting teary-eyed. Opening my arms to him I wasn't surprised by him burying his face into the groove of my neck and beginning to weep as he hugged me. Rubbing his back in a circular motion I told him to let it out. “Go ahead and get it all out,” I murmured and saw Jace raising his hands wondering what was happening. Waving my

  • The Second Choice Mate    Chapter 23

    Austin Belmont’s pov I watched Eva scurry quickly into my room like a frightened mouse and chuckled at the sight. Believing that if I pressed her enough she'd get the notion of her being my mate wiped out of her lovely head. There was no fucking way that she was the cure to my mate's curse. Eva Gibson wasn't the soft-spoken and timid female that I was interested in. Hell no, she was crass and a little bit perverted and behaved more like a guard man than a dainty, sophisticated woman. “She did go into heat and smelled very enticing. Plus her wolf is playful,” Nero growled in my head. I rubbed the side of my shaft as the thought of her scent brought the memory back. Frowning at my thoughts I huffed, “She was spending time with Jace. He must have brought her heat on.” Rubbing my eyes I thought briefly about the dinner with Olivia and Landon. I should have known that he would be the one to foil my perfect solution and planned to dress to impress my once-contracted fiancé.

  • The Second Choice Mate    Chapter 22

    Eva Gibson’s pov Slicing tomatoes while standing at the kitchen counter, Austin stepped up behind me to grab the slices and purposely pressed against my ass, causing me confusion. When he did it after I sliced the onion as well I turned to face him with my brow raised. Seeing his eyes dancing in merriment I grinned. “Did you want half of my sub?” He asked, looking at my mouth. Sticking my tongue out, I giggled at seeing his eyes rise to mine. “I'd love half of your sandwich,” I responded, and he nodded, turned, grabbed the knife I was using, and cut the huge sandwich he had created in half. Hearing a ringing, Austin went quickly to his room for his cell phone, so I grabbed both halves, put them on plates, and brought them to the table for us to eat. When he came out he was finishing up with the call with his brow furrowed. “You want a beer?” Nodding, I told him sure. Standing with his fridge door open, he hummed and then glanced at me. “I only have one bottle

  • The Second Choice Mate    Chapter 21

    Eva Gibson’s pov “BRAKE!!” Austin shouted as he reached for the wheel and turned it suddenly. The vehicle started to slide off the gravel road into the ditch. I glanced at him in disbelief. “I was going along just fine. The house is just right there,” I retorted with my finger pointing up the road. Soon, though, I was hanging sideways with him, groaning in regret since we flipped on our side into the ditch. Unbuckling myself, I fell against him, and he gasped a painful ouch. “Sorry,” I mumbled softly looking up at his face near mine. Narrowing his eyes at me I saw mischief dancing within his irises. My eyes widened in disbelief as he pecked my cheek and my abdomen fluttered a little. Scrambling to the other side I simply slide back against his chest with him grinning like a madman. “You owed me for crashing my vehicle,” he chuckled and I grimaced. “You crashed us by turning the wheel,” I argued and gave him a glare. His arms threaded around my waist as he rested

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status