JASON
The city was alive outside the window —
cars rushing, horns blaring, voices mixing into one endless sound.
I stood there, hands in my pockets, watching people move like they had purpose.
Everyone down there had a life, a plan.
I had one too — but somehow, it never felt enough.
Being the next Alpha of blue Moon Pack was supposed to be an honor.
People bowed when I passed.
They called me future Alpha with pride in their voices.
But to me, it felt like a chain.
Every move I made was watched, every word judged.
One wrong step could break everything Father had built.
And now, he wanted something more — a Luna.
I had only one month left before my Alpha Ceremony.
After that, the pack would be mine.
But Father's voice still echoed in my mind:
> "No Alpha should stand alone. No Luna, no strength."
He made it sound so simple.
Like I could walk outside and pick a soulmate from the street.
The phone buzzed on the table. Father again.
I sighed and answered, "Good morning, Father."
> "Jason," his deep voice rumbled. "How's the deal with Midnight Shadow Pack?"
"Almost done," I said. "Their beta will sign the papers this afternoon."
> "Good. That alliance will strengthen our borders."
"Yes, sir."
There was a pause, then his tone changed.
> "Now tell me, Jason… why are people saying my son still has no mate?"
I closed my eyes. "Because it's true."
> "Do you know what that means?"
"Weakness," I said quietly.
> "Exactly. You have one month before the ceremony.
Find your mate or choose someone fit for the Luna title.
The pack must not see you as incomplete."
"Choose someone?" I frowned. "It doesn't work that way."
> "It does when duty comes before feelings," he said coldly. "Do whatever it takes.
The name Michaels cannot be questioned."
The line went dead.
I stared at the phone for a long time.
His words kept echoing — find your mate.
But how could I find someone who didn't exist for me?
I'd met dozens of she-wolves.
Strong. Beautiful. Kind.
But none stirred my wolf.
He stayed silent — always silent.
"Wake up already," I muttered. "We're running out of time."
No answer. Just silence.
I sat on the couch and opened my laptop.
Numbers and maps filled the screen — cold, perfect, emotionless.
They made sense, unlike destiny.
A knock came. My assistant, Daniel, entered with a tablet.
"Good morning, sir. The Midnight Shadow Beta confirmed the meeting for three.
And your breakfast order — pizza — will arrive soon."
"Alright. Thank you."
He left quietly.
I leaned back and closed my eyes.
Maybe food would help clear my thoughts.
Maybe today would be just another normal day.
But fate had other plans.
I scrolled through Tinder again — photos, smiles, red lips, bright eyes —
none of them meant anything.
"Maybe Father's right," I muttered. "Maybe I'll just choose someone."
The air felt heavy.
I turned back to the window.
Maybe somewhere out there, my mate was walking —
someone the Moon Goddess forgot to send me.
Then suddenly, my wolf stirred.
It started as a soft growl, deep inside me.
Then stronger.
Do you smell that? he whispered.
I frowned. At first, I thought it was just pizza.
But no — this scent was different.
Warm. Wild. Familiar.
Like pine trees and rain after thunder.
My chest tightened.
"No…" I whispered. "It can't be."
The scent grew stronger — coming closer, through the hall, the elevator —
straight toward me.
Mate, my wolf growled, louder now.
My heart skipped a beat.
Eight years. Eight long years since I'd heard that word from him.
"Mate?" I breathed. "Are you sure?"
Yes. His voice was certain. She's here.
The elevator dinged.
The doors opened.
And she stepped out.
A woman with tired eyes and soft brown hair.
Holding a pizza bag close to her chest.
Her scent hit me full — wild, sweet, heart-shaking.
Aria.
My pulse stopped. My breath vanished.
She looked older, stronger… but still her.
Every memory I buried crashed back like a storm.
She saw me.
For one moment, our eyes met —
and I saw pain, shock… and hate.
She said nothing. Just placed the pizza on the table and turned to leave.
"Aria…"
Her name escaped my lips before I could stop it.
She froze for half a second — then walked away.
No word. No glance back.
The elevator doors closed behind her.
And I just stood there, staring at the empty space she left.
My chest ached. My wolf whined.
Eight years.
Eight years of silence, and fate chose now.
My phone buzzed again. Father.
I answered slowly.
> "Jason, has the meeting started?"
I swallowed hard. "No… something happened."
> "What is it?"
"She's here."
> "Who?"
I took a breath that shook in my chest.
"The one you told me to find."
Silence.
> "You mean… your mate?"
"Yes," I said softly, eyes still on the door.
"I've found my mate."
My wolf's voice whispered inside me — low, broken.
But she doesn't want you.