"Mom, I forgot to pick something," Loisa said, turning back toward the aisle.
"Yes, baby, but hurry," her mom replied from the checkout line.
Loisa dashed off, weaving through shoppers until she reached the toiletries section. She grabbed the forgotten items and spun around—just in time to crash into someone. A strong arm caught her before she could fall.
"I'm really sorry," she blurted, her cheeks flushing. Her eyes barely met his before she turned away.
A deep voice, low and raspy, murmured a single word:
"Mate."
Loisa paused. A strange sensation prickled at the back of her neck, but she shook it off and hurried back to her mother.
At home, her mom smiled as she unpacked the bags. "Oh good, I'm glad we didn't forget it."
But Loisa wasn't listening. Her thoughts kept drifting to the stranger in the store. The heat of his hand lingered on her arm. His eyes—dark, intense—had locked on her like she was the only one in the room.
She'd never felt that kind of pull before.
A knock at the door startled her.
"Loisa, Loisa, come open the door. It's me!" came a familiar voice.
She stood from her bed, still lost in thought, and went to open it.
---
Meanwhile, miles away in a sleek, modern office lined with books and strategy maps, Alpha Kim sat behind a polished desk. His beta—and oldest friend—Frank lounged across from him, sipping from a steaming mug.
"Kim, we have a meeting with the corporate team in twenty," Frank said, his tone laced with exhaustion.
"Cancel it," Kim replied without looking up.
Frank straightened. "Kim, what's going on? I've never seen you like this."
Kim leaned back, his fingers steepled under his chin. "I saw her."
Frank blinked, then grinned. "Are you serious?"
"I'm sure of it."
Frank let out a low whistle. "Me too," he added with a chuckle. "Finally."
"I bumped into her. She apologized and walked away before I could say anything," Kim said, his voice tighter now.
"You didn't stop her?"
Kim's jaw clenched. "I could've. But I didn't want to scare her. She's not one of us—yet. Fate will bring her back. The Moon Goddess wouldn't give me a mate just to take her away."
Frank nodded slowly, his usual grin softening. "You're right."
Kim stood, walking to the window. The city sprawled below him, but his thoughts were far from the skyline.
He'd found her.
Now, all he had to do was wait.