CHAPTER 11

Noticing my bewildered expression, she smiled and then let out another sigh. “Well, my relationship with him isn’t as flawless as people might assume.”

“He’s your mate?” I inquired while sipping my wine. She nodded hesitantly, then sighed and turned towards the bartender. “Seems like I’m destined for a gay guy,” she commented with a sad chuckle, gazing off into the distance.

I glanced at the young man once more, our eyes meeting briefly before he excused himself. He approached us and inclined his head in my direction. His neatly trimmed black hair and cleanly shaven beard gave him the appearance of a true gentleman, radiating both elegance and humility, in my estimation.

“Alpha Hawthorne, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said, extending his hand for a handshake. I accepted his gesture as Sharma smiled, although her smile seemed tinged with pain. “I’m Lucas, and this is my fiancée,” he introduced, and I nodded in understanding.

“It’s a pleasure meeting you too, Lucas,” I replied, my ga