DRIVEN HOME BY THE ENEMY (CUTE, THOUGH)

SERA'S POV 

After the tense breakfast conversation with Alpha Jack and his family, I was more than ready to leave. But Lyra, the Alpha’s wife, stopped me gently with a warm smile.

“At least let me prepare a warm bath for you before you go,” she said.

I nodded, even though every part of me was uncomfortable. I had heard their plans— plans to destroy my pack. I knew I didn’t belong here, and I needed to leave fast and report everything to Victor. But I couldn’t act suspicious or they might guess something. So I followed Lyra without protest.

She led me to a large, beautiful bathroom. The bath was already filled with warm water. It was hotter than I expected but perfect for the chilly morning. I stepped in carefully, trying to stay calm even though my mind was racing with panic.

Lyra didn’t leave the room. Instead, she knelt beside the bath and started washing me like a mother would do to her child. It felt strange. I didn’t know what to say or do.

"You know," she started, "my son was on his way to the mate bond ceremony when he found you lying unconscious in the woods."

I blinked. Why was she telling me this?

"Really?" I asked, just to keep the conversation going.

"Yes," she smiled. "He was going to find out who the Moon Goddess had chosen for him. But then he came across you— you beautiful girl."

I knew where she was heading now.

“Oh,” I muttered, unsure how else to respond.

Lyra's eyes studied me closely. "So… were you at the ceremony last night?"

I hesitated. My first instinct was to lie. Say no. But then I remembered— she’s a werewolf. She would know. We can all sense lies. We can all feel the truth in heartbeat.

“Yes,” I admitted softly. “I was there. But things didn’t go as I expected.”

Lyra nodded slowly. “I see,” she said. “You know, I always wished for a daughter. But the Moon Goddess never gave me one.”

“The Moon Goddess always has her reasons,” I said.

She smiled wider. “Yes. And I believe she had a reason for letting you and my son meet this way.”

I froze.

"What?" I asked, staring at her, eyes wide.

She handed me a towel. “Please dry yourself. The maid will be here soon with some clothes.”

Then she walked out, leaving me confused and staring after her.

Was she trying to say her son and I are meant to be?

I couldn’t help but smile at her words, even though I knew it could never happen.

Moments later, the maid arrived with a dress. I thanked her and took it. The dress was beautiful— rich fabric, fine embroidery, something you’d wear to a royal dinner.

As I started putting it on, my wolf senses kicked in. I heard soft voices down the hall— Lyra and Mike were talking.

“You should get close to her before she leaves,” Lyra said.

“What if I don’t like her, Mom?” Mike replied.

“You will. She has the body, the pretty face, and I know she’ll give me a grandson.”

My mouth dropped open. What?!

“She’s from the Nox pack, Mom,” Mike added. “An enemy to our people.”

I had just finished wearing the dress when I stepped out from the room.

I looked at them both, calm and unreadable.

“Thanks for the dress, Lyra,” I said quickly. “I love it. I really appreciate it.”

“You should love it. You look beautiful in it. Ready to go?” she asked.

“Yes,” I replied, trying to smile.

“My son Mike will drive you home,” Lyra said. “I sense you two could become good friends.”

I forced another fake smile.

There was no denying Mike was handsome. Strong jawline, calm eyes, and a silent strength about him. But what Lyra hoped for could never happen.

The Moon Goddess had already given me a mate.

Victor.

As we got into the car, silence filled the space between us. Mike drove smoothly, his focus completely on the road. Not a single word passed between us for a while. I wondered if he was building the courage to talk to me or if he just didn’t want to.

Then he spoke.

“My mom said you were at the ceremony last night.”

I swallowed.

“Were you given a mate?”

That question hit me hard.

I wasn’t expecting it. I didn’t know what to say. My hands started to shake slightly.

His voice was calm, but I could feel him watching me, listening to my heartbeat, waiting for the truth.

If I said yes, I knew he’d ask who. And if I told him it was Victor, the same man he wants dead, he might not even let me make it home.