Chapter Three: Mate

Celestine Sterling

From what I remembered, the Montero Pack had always offered greater support to the Sterling Pack than the Stone Pack ever did.

Back then, Dad only wanted to give me the greatest gift he believed a father could offer his daughter—the freedom to choose and marry the man I loved.

However, if I looked at it from a political standpoint, the Montero Pack was undeniably the most influential among all the neighboring packs. 

Perhaps that was why, in my previous life, Dad had thought Vanessa would eventually find happiness in marrying Aeizor Montero.

Unfortunately, that never happened.

Aeizor Montero was known for being cold, distant, and completely indifferent toward other wolves. 

His overwhelming strength had earned him a terrifying reputation, and fear naturally followed wherever his name was spoken. Most wolves avoided him, and he seemed perfectly content with that isolation.

It was one of the many reasons why he and Vanessa had never truly connected.

If I wanted to survive this second chance...if I truly wanted to escape the tragic death waiting for me in my previous future... then choosing him was the safest path.

Aeizor was rarely home, if my memories served me correctly. He spent most of his time handling matters beyond the borders of his territory, which meant I would rarely have to see him.

That kind of marriage...I could live with it.

It was infinitely better than marrying Tyler and enduring the sight of him and Vanessa together all over again.

“I want to marry him because I'm thinking about our pack. That's all,” I said firmly.

Dad looked at me with confusion, silently waiting for me to continue.

“The rogue attacks along our borders have become more frequent. Even if you refuse to tell me everything because you don't want me to worry, I know something is happening.” I held his gaze steadily. “If marrying into the strongest and most influential pack can help strengthen our alliance, then that's what I want to do.”

It wasn't entirely a lie. In my previous life, the situation surrounding the Sterling Pack only worsened after I married Tyler.

Back then, I hadn't cared about any of it.

As long as I got to marry Tyler, nothing else had mattered to me.

Now...everything was different.

“Celly…” Dad's expression softened, his eyes filled with emotion. “Is that really why you've made this decision?” 

His voice became gentler as he continued. “I kept everything from you because I didn't want you carrying burdens that weren't yours. I never wanted you to worry about matters like these.”

He shook his head with a small, helpless smile. “You don't have to sacrifice your happiness for the pack. I can handle this. I can still give you the life you've always wanted.”

I slowly shook my head. “No, Dad. I've already made my decision. Aeizor Montero is the man I want to marry."

Dad remained silent for several long moments before letting out a deep sigh as if he was convinced I wouldn’t change my mind. “Alright. I'll send him an invitation to tomorrow's birthday celebration.”

“I only hope he accepts and comes,” he added.

“It doesn't matter if he comes or not tomorrow,” I answered without hesitation. “I'll still choose him.”

“He has to know you are still choosing him, okay?” he told me, which made me nod. “Also, Celly, Montero’s pack house is located deep inside the Forbidden Forest.”

The Forbidden Forest…

Ever since I was a pup, that place had been surrounded by terrifying stories, whispered warnings, and countless rumors that no one had ever been able to confirm.

Some claimed horrifying creatures lurked beneath its endless canopy, waiting for foolish travelers to lose their way.

Others believed ancient beings still wandered through its shadows, protecting secrets that had existed long before any werewolf pack was formed.

Even the bravest warriors thought twice before entering its depths.

Sensing my unease, Dad offered me a reassuring smile. “Don’t be afraid, Celly,” he continued warmly. “You can always call for me whenever you need me.” 

“And I believe people fear Aeizor for two reasons,” he added after a brief pause. “First, despite being a half-blood, he is extremely strong.”

“Second, he is untouchable. No one dares to challenge him, and those who have tried might’ve quickly learned why.” 

Slowly, I shook my head. “I am not afraid; just remembering the stories about the forbidden forest…”

“I also don’t care who he is or what he is, Dad. I want to marry him, and Vanessa should marry Tyler.” I added.

Dad stared at me for several seconds, then he released a quiet sigh before a small smile appeared on his face. 

“If that is truly what you want, Celly, especially for your birthday,” he said gently, “then I will honor your decision.” 

Relief washed over me. “Thank you, Dad,” I whispered. “But can you please keep this between us until tomorrow?” 

“Of course,” he replied warmly. “You have my word.”

—

After my conversation with Dad last night, I immediately returned to my room. 

The next morning, I woke earlier than usual. I couldn’t even believe I managed to fall asleep after realizing I was reborn and woke up again the next day.

It wasn’t a dream.

  

I simply sat on the edge of my bed, staring blankly at the pale sunlight filtering through my curtains before finally forcing myself to stand. I walked toward the mirror and studied my reflection carefully.

Emerald-green eyes.

Long blonde waves cascading over my shoulders.

The sight made my chest tighten painfully.

I looked exactly the same as I had years ago on that unforgettable day when I had stood before everyone wearing a beautiful gown, my heart overflowing with excitement as I proudly announced the name of my mate—the man I believed I would spend the rest of my life with.

Back then, I had been filled with hope, dreams, and certainty. I had thought my future was already written.

Now, standing before the same reflection, I felt like a completely different person. And this time, I would be announcing a different name to save myself from my previous death.

The realization settled heavily inside me, and despite everything, a small ache still lingered within my heart. 

Taking a slow breath, I straightened my posture and forced a smile onto my face because today, before my birthday…I would reject Tyler Stone before announcing who I am going to marry in the next few days.

I will do whatever it takes to avoid dying in this new lifetime.

Time passed far more quickly than I expected, and before I knew it, I was fully dressed for the party that would take place that afternoon.

The room fell into complete silence the moment the attendants finished preparing me. Every pair of eyes remained fixed on me, their expressions filled with admiration and satisfaction as if they had just completed a masterpiece. 

They smiled proudly at the sight before them, unable to hide how breathtaking they thought I looked.

Yet unlike them, I couldn't bring myself to admire my own reflection. A cold shiver slowly crawled down my spine as I stared into the mirror.

The silver-and-gray gown draped elegantly over my body, every delicate detail identical to the one I had worn before. 

Even my hair had been styled the same way, every curl and strand perfectly arranged to match that unforgettable day. The soft makeup on my face was no different either, recreating the same appearance so flawlessly that it felt as though I had stepped back into the past.

It was all the same.

Terrifyingly, painfully the same.

For a fleeting moment, I felt as though I wasn't standing in the present anymore. It was as if I had been dragged back to the previous timeline, forced to relive the very memories I want to forget. My heart tightened inside my chest, and an uneasy feeling settled deep within me as countless thoughts raced through my mind.

“You look so beautiful, Miss Celestine,” one of the attendants said warmly, her face bright with genuine admiration. “I'm certain Alpha Tyler Stone will be delighted the moment he sees you.”

A bittersweet smile slowly formed on my lips, though it never reached my eyes. If only she knew how much those words frightened me at this very moment.

“Thank you, everyone. I truly hope you'll all come and celebrate my birthday with me,” I said with a genuine smile, and one by one, they nodded in agreement, their warm expressions making my heart feel just a little lighter.

Then...I heard it.

The excited squeals of the maids echoed from outside my bedroom, and the moment the familiar voices reached my ears, my blood instantly ran cold.

Before I could even process what was happening, the memory came rushing back with terrifying clarity.

My entire body froze.

I had forgotten.

Out of everything, how could I have forgotten this?

The first time I would see Tyler would be here, and it would also be the exact moment I discovered that he was my mate.

The realization crashed into me like a violent wave, stealing the air from my lungs as panic settled deep inside my chest. 

My fingers trembled uncontrollably while my heartbeat pounded so violently that it felt as though it was trying to escape my ribcage.

I haven’t fully prepared myself yet to see him or her again.

“Celestine.”

The sound of my name sent a sharp chill racing down my spine.

That voice...this specific mint and wood scent.

There had once been a time when hearing it was enough to make my heart race with happiness. I had treasured every word he spoke, every laugh we shared, every promise he whispered. Back then, I would have run toward that voice without a second thought.

Now, it only filled me with dread.

It sounded less like the voice of the man I had once loved and more like the beginning of every nightmare I had desperately tried to leave behind.

Slowly, almost mechanically, I turned around.

Each movement felt impossibly heavy, as though invisible chains were wrapped around my body, forcing me to face the destiny I had been trying so hard to avoid.

The moment our eyes met, my breathing hitched.

The world around us seemed to disappear.

The maids' excited chatter faded into silence.

His amber eyes widened with the same disbelief reflected in my own as an invisible force tugged violently at the bond between us.

Neither of us could stop the words that escaped our lips.

“Mate.”