Meeting Alpha Elijah again!

EMMA – TWO MONTHS LATER

I couldn’t make it to Violet’s wedding party because of work, but today is her mate’s ceremony, and I’m on a plane to Paris to attend. Initially, I was terrified of all this wolf business, but I’ve come to accept it as an undeniable part of my life. After all, I’m a wolf too, and there’s no escaping who I am.

Once the plane landed, I hailed a cab to the hotel Dad had booked for us. For some reason, we weren’t staying at Violet’s mate’s mansion, but who can argue with Dad?

“You’ve grown so much, my princess,” Dad said, kissing my forehead.

“It’s been only eight months. Tell me about Violet’s mate. How did you agree to this so easily?” I asked, eager to know the full story.

“He’s the alpha of the Crescent Pack and one of the finest wolves I’ve ever seen. I’m sure you’ll like him,” Dad said, his admiration evident.

“What an irony—you wanted us to stay away from wolves, and now your elder daughter is married to an alpha,” I said sarcastically.

“I still haven’t changed my mind,” he replied. “But I gave in to your sister’s love. I realized that no matter how much I tried, I couldn’t change fate. You both were born as wolves, and destiny has its own way of leading you back to it.”

“Dad, will I ever meet my mate and fall in love with him?” I asked.

The color drained from his face. “Did I say something wrong? I’ll become the Luna of some pack too, right?” I pressed.

He forced a smile. “Of course, princess.”

But I couldn’t shake the feeling that he was hiding something from me.

“Now go to your room and get ready for your sister’s mate ceremony,” he said, clearly eager to change the topic.

Shaking my head, I dismissed the uneasy feeling. Maybe I was overthinking. My focus should be on Violet’s happiness, not on silly worries.

In my room, I spotted the gorgeous blue gown Violet had sent me. It was adorned with diamonds and had an off-shoulder design. Beside it was a pair of diamond earrings and a note:

“These earrings are for my sweet little sister. I think you’ll look stunning in this gown. Consider this a gift and my apology, baby sister.”

Folding the note, I felt a warmth I hadn’t expected. Violet had changed so much. Her mate had truly transformed her. What kind of man could bring such a change in my once selfish sister?

The gown fit perfectly, hugging my curves elegantly. My long hair fell freely down my back, and I applied light makeup. Violet was right—I looked stunning. Adding the diamond earrings completed the look.

I checked on Dad, who was dressed sharply in a tuxedo.

“My dad’s a true gentleman,” I complimented.

“And my princess is breathtaking. Ready to go?” he asked.

Before we left, I noticed two large wolves outside the hotel. I’d never seen real wolves before, and the sight startled me.

“Relax, sweetie. They’re guards, here to take us to the mansion,” Dad explained.

Dad climbed onto one wolf, while I carefully mounted the other, making sure my gown didn’t get caught. Riding on the wolf’s back felt surreal, especially at full speed.

Soon, we arrived at a grand mansion straight out of a movie. As we entered, all eyes seemed to be on me. Dad kept a protective arm around my shoulders, but I couldn’t ignore the whispers or the admiring glances. Violet wasn’t exaggerating when she said I’d shine today.

Finally, I spotted her descending the staircase in a stunning red gown, her arm linked with a man’s. My smile faltered when I recognized him. I’d never forget that face—it was the man I’d met at the club. The one who had asked me to spend the night with him.

Alpha Elijah. Violet’s mate.

It’s okay, Emma. Maybe he was drunk that night. Let it go.

Still, I couldn’t ignore the strange unease bubbling within me as I watched them together. They did make a beautiful couple, though.

“Today, we gather for the mate ceremony of my beloved son, Elijah, and his mate, Violet,” a powerful-looking older man announced. “And today, I pass the alpha throne to him.”

He handed a family heirloom ring to Elijah. “From this moment, he is Alpha Elijah.”

The crowd cheered as Elijah stepped forward. “I am grateful for my mate, Violet. I’m the luckiest wolf alive to have someone as beautiful as her,” he said, kissing her cheek.

The ceremony concluded with them cutting their palms and joining their hands together. The crowd howled in celebration, but I stayed silent, unsure how to join in.

Afterward, Violet rushed to me, her excitement bubbling over. She talked about how amazing it felt to live as a wolf, even explaining how to shift into wolf form. I was amazed by her stories and the supernatural powers she’d discovered. For the first time in years, I felt truly connected to her.

“Come meet my handsome mate,” she said, pulling me along.

I turned to face Alpha Elijah. His dazzling smile dropped the moment he saw me, and I knew he remembered me.

“Baby, this is my sister. Isn’t she beautiful?” Violet said, linking her arm with his.

“Indeed, she is,” he replied, taking my hand and kissing it gently.

A jolt of electricity coursed through me at his touch.

“What’s your name, beautiful girl?” he asked, his intense gaze locked on mine.

“Emma,” I said, my voice trembling as my heartbeat raced uncontrollably. A sense of unease churned in my chest, making it hard to breathe.

“Elijah, don’t scare my sister,” Violet said, glancing at him with a hint of concern.

“I need to get some fresh air—I’m feeling suffocated,” I blurted, not waiting for their response before rushing outside.

I could feel his gaze burning into my back as I fled.

What is wrong with me? I thought, my mind spinning. How can I be drawn to my sister’s mate?

And yet, the way he looked at me did something inexplicable to my soul. It was a pull I couldn’t explain, something I didn’t want to feel.

This can’t be happening. Not to me. Not now.

The realization hit hard—I had to leave this place, and soon. Alpha Elijah was nothing but trouble for me, and staying any longer would only make things worse.