Ava’s POV

Before he finished shifting, I took off, sprinting back to the pack house as fast as I could.

I had never seen this beautiful man in my whole life, and he's not from this pack. He looked like a threat, yet I couldn't help but feel drawn towards him like a magnet.

I landed on the ground with a pitch black lycan on me. It was thrice my size, and could kill me with a snap of its teeth.

It had the same chocolate scent as my mate. Could he be the man from earlier? If he was serious about his threat, I could be in deep trouble.

My brain signaled that I would fight, and run away, but I continued to stare at him. His blue eyes were mesmerizing. I had never seen a lycan in my life.

The lycan released his grip on me and took off, running in the opposite direction. The urge to run after him was strong, but I stopped myself. I ran to the pack house instead. 

Why was he running away from me? 

Maybe it wasn't meant to be, and I wasn't meant to find my mate…. Ever.

The knock on my door jerked me out of my thoughts. 

"Come in," I said. I sat up and faced the door. 

Sage walked in with red roses, my favorite flowers. He handed them to me, giving me a kiss on my forehead. 

"Why aren't you ready yet?" 

"It's after twelve already." 

He held my hand in his, caressing it softly. 

"I'm sorry. It must have slipped my mind." 

"Just give me thirty minutes to get ready." I smiled lazily. 

"I know you have been preparing for the impromptu meeting that the Alpha King ordered you to have with your pack, but you can sit this one out. Alvin and I can fill in for you." 

"I have already told your parents, they had no problem with it." He placed his hand on my shoulder. 

I remembered how he insisted that I didn't go. I didn't think much of it then. But I want to meet the Alpha King now.   

"I want to attend the meeting. It concerns my pack and I don't think I should be absent." 

"I'm their Alpha after all." 

I stood up, and walked into my closet, leaving no time for more discussions on this particular matter.

I came out with black cargo pants and a green crop top, with my black and white canvas. Since I'm going to meet up with the Alpha King this evening, I might dress well. 

"Could you please wait outside while I get ready?" I asked.

Sage's smile fell. "We're getting married very soon, there's no need to be shy in front of me. But since you insist, I'll wait for you in the courtyard."

He winked at me and left the room.

After dressing up, I let my hair down in soft curls that framed my face, applied light make-up and mascara on my eyelashes. Then I finished up with a pair of jewelry that I got as a gift for myself, and sprayed my perfume.

I went downstairs to meet Sage, his lips tilted upward when he saw me. 

Sage had suggested we take a walk through the village before the Alpha King’s meeting so that we wouldn’t go late to it.  It was a nice idea, although I thought he wanted us to go out to eat. 

“You’ve been so tense lately,” he said softly, tucking a stray curl behind my ear.

 “Let’s just breathe and relax, okay? Just us.” He grinned. 

I agreed. 

We strolled down the street, a peaceful buzz in the air. Vendors called out their prices, children chased each other through stalls, and the smell of grilled corn and fried yam filled the breeze. It felt normal, like a normal loving couple just having a good afternoon. 

We bought a cone of peppered chicken, and shared it while sitting on a bench near the old arcade. He teased me about my spice tolerance, made me laugh with a joke we understood. For a moment, I let my head rest against his shoulder. His warmth was familiar.

But something inside me still twisted. It felt wrong. 

A quiet pressure, like my soul was holding its breath.

Then we moved on to the local market square. It was filled with handmade goods—carved toys, and charms for pups still learning to shift. We picked our small gifts for the children in the pack. It was something I used to love doing, especially with Sage. Watching him crouch and talk to the vendors like every item was sacred.

But today felt different.

He seemed overly careful. Watching me closely. Smiling too deliberately. And every time I exhaled, I felt like I was being directed; as if this was all part of a plan I didn’t sign up for.

I tried to shake it off.

Then it hit me.

A scent. Like creamy chocolates, my entire body froze. 

My mate was nearby. 

My wolf lunged forward inside me suddenly; I had to grip the edge of a stall to remain in balance. 

My breath caught in my throat. My heart beat increased. And that scent—it was close. Somewhere nearby. Watching me. 

I looked to my left and right in search of him.

“Luna Ava!” a voice squealed. A small boy, no more than seven, ran toward me and hugged my knees. His cheeks were dimpled, his tiny eyes wide with excitement. I bent down to hug him, using the moment to compose myself.

“Hi, baby Rain,” I whispered, squeezing him gently. I rubbed his head. 

"Are you going to get us more toys?" 

"I love the Batman figure you got for me last time." 

I could see the excitement in his eyes. 

I smiled, "Sure, I'll get more Batman toys for you then."

He shrieked in excitement, and ran to tell his parents. This was one of the reasons I loved getting the children's toys myself. Their smiles are priceless. 

That scent is stronger now.

I looked up slowly.