Chapter 2 - The First Encounter

MATTHEW

I should have been happy for them. It was the happiness they were trying hard to get. And it cost them a lot. Oh, I couldn't forget the attack on Blood Moon Pack, which caused many casualties. They also almost lost their pack.

But they survived. They underwent horrible incidents and were injured severely. Still, they wouldn't give up. They showed the world that no one could escape punishment for poking someone's peaceful life. No one should have done or ever thought about that.

"May Goddess bless you with happiness."

The words followed by applauses from the surroundings brought my mind back to the present. My gaze immediately found the star of the day, the only female I let into my heart. 

Hannah Blaise.

I couldn't remember when it all started. But I realized I had already paid too much attention to Hannah. I began to picture our future when she turned eighteen, so I asked her father and brother for her to be my Luna. I loved her for years that I could remember.

Oh, I knew Eliot had the same intention as me for Hannah. But our friendship didn't make me back off. I wanted to play fair. I wanted Hannah to choose who she really wanted between us.

However, I would have never thought they were fated mates. The moment she told me that Eliot was her mate, I knew I had already lost the battle. I couldn't compete against a destined mate, especially when I found Hannah wanted Eliot as well.

Hence, I had no choice but to step away from her life. I must accept Hannah wasn't meant for me.

I felt a hand on my shoulder before Carlo said, "You will be okay. You'll find your own mate someday."

Was it?

"I hope so. But I wish she won't come in nearly years." I tried to mask my emotions, though it was getting harder as I kept seeing Hannah's smile. It was hurting, even though it relieved me watching her end up with the male she loves.

"Why? Is it good to meet her sooner? She will help you to go through this."

My head instantly turned to the side, a frown on my forehead. "It's not fair. I shouldn't give her a broken soul and ask for her to heal me. She has no obligation to do that and deserves my whole being, the best version of my body and soul." I stated.

Carlo tapped my shoulder and then spoke, "Good, man. Don't rush, and take your time to heal your heart. But you better prepare for the unexpected scenarios. Who knows, the Goddess will send you a mate tonight? Right, Ty?"

Tyler, who was standing among us all the time, snickered at the joke Carlo put on his sentences. "Right. Your mate might be among these guests, and it's a matter of time before you recognize each other." He responded with another joke.

I threw Tyler a glare, to which he raised his hands in submission. "You better watch your mouth, or you'll get your turn instead." And no more argument because I was aware he was not yet ready to meet his mate. He was just months younger but always thought he needed more experience in handling females.

Yes. Tyler loved his bachelor life when he could seduce every female and bring them to his bed.

We continued to enjoy the ceremony, or I could say only them, as I couldn't find my smile anymore. My wolf, Bolt, whimpered in my head, which convinced me it was enough. It was too painful to the point I decided to leave.

"Where are you going, Alpha?" Daryl, Eliot's Beta, stopped me when I was about to pass the main door.

"To get the fresh air," I replied, then carried on with my walk.

But just as I took one step ahead, Daryl said again. "What will I say to the Alpha if he looks for you?"

I was quiet for seconds, thinking of the best answer before coming up with nothing. "Just tell him I leave. He can call me if really needed." After that, I left for real.

I drove out of the territory alone and did not know where to go. I merely wanted to run away as far as possible. Still, it couldn't help erase Hannah's image from my mind even after I reached the nearby city and ordered the strongest alcohol.

But yeah. It was human alcohol, so what should I expect? Even the strongest one wouldn't do anything to my body. Only if I visited the shifter bar—there was some in human territory, usually managed by the nearby pack. However, I couldn't drink that either. I needed my sanity in this situation. Moreover, I wasn't in my territory.

I brought the bottle while turning around to face the surroundings. It was a pleasant bar and not too crowded. Half of the tables were taken, and they played pretty relaxing music.

I could say it gives more of a cafe vibe than a bar. Just the perfect place for me since I didn't want to smell a lot of humans in my surroundings.

I raised the bottle, ready to savor a second gulp, when the main door to the bar opened and revealed a female with black hair. She wore a black mini dress which made her look.... sexy. 

I unconsciously licked my lips as a sudden need was running through my body.

She looked around for a second before her hazel eyes met mine. Oh, don't think about a snap or a mate bond. They told me it was the first thing I would feel when I met my mate. But there was none. I didn't feel anything except the feeling that I wanted to have her in my bed.

We stayed silent, staring for seconds like the world had faded away and only two of us were here. We might have kept doing that until something stole her attention away,

"Amy."

And I felt an instant loss and emptiness.

The female, whose name must be Amy, shifted her body around to face the male just entering the bar. She raised an eyebrow, looking at him. "I clearly said to stay with your new girlfriend, and don't bother to follow me." Her voice sounded mocking him.

"You misunderstood us. We don't have any relationship. We're just friends."

"Friends?" She snorted. "You think I'm stupid? How could friends kiss each other passionately?"

I leaned backward while putting my hands on the table, enjoying the drama. This was a live show, a cheating scene. And thanks to my heightened hearing, I could catch their conversation.

The male's face paled as he only opened his mouth, probably not knowing how to counter her words.

"I don't like drama, Jim. Isn't it good freeing from me? So go. Don't ever look back because I won't see you the same anymore."

The male gulped, and the female crossed her arms against her chest as if waiting for his reaction. He looked at her one last time, begging for her, but a firm shake sank his hope. He then left the bar without more drama, just like the female wanted it to be.

After the male was completely gone, she turned around and walked in my direction. All the while, we exchanged gazes, and I didn't even hide my actions of watching the scene.

"Are you enjoying the show, Alpha?"