Chapter 3

Adeline

 

What the fuck? I looked around and found that I was still in the woods, minus that man who claimed me as his mate. What the hell was he talking about? I don’t even know him. 

 

Naturally, I won’t be able to know whether he is telling the truth or not, since the blue moon is four months away, and that’s the only time that I will be able to smell him. But how the hell did he know that I was his? Then I remembered what he looked like.

 

His striking figure stood tall and confident, his presence commanding attention despite the simplicity of his attire. Dressed in nothing but a pair of form-fitting, charcoal-gray shorts, his physique was on full display, showcasing a body sculpted through dedicated physical conditioning and an unwavering commitment to fitness.

 

His broad shoulders and chiseled chest were proof of the countless hours he spent in the gym or training. I don’t know. But each muscle was well-defined and purposeful. His veins traced paths across his arms and forearms, accentuating the raw power they contained. His skin, kissed by the sun, bore a healthy bronze hue, a reflection of an adventurous and busy outdoor lifestyle. He must have gone to training most of the time.

 

His six-pack was a captivating sight, an indication of his strict diet and intense core exercises. With painstaking attention to detail, every ridge and curve was created, projecting a powerful and resilient image that left much to be desired. His slender waist enhanced his manly appeal by emphasizing his V-shaped torso.

 

His muscles were well-defined, and his legs were similarly impressive—long and muscular. His strong, athletic stance was attributed to his powerful calves and thick quads. His legs bore faint scars—a memory of the battles he had fought and a monument to his daring endeavors. Each scar represented a new chapter in his life's chronicle.

 

Mike had fair skin, which I found appealing. However, that alpha's tanned skin was flawless, with the exception of a few light scars that accentuated his rough attractiveness. His body was a work of devotion, and his sure stride, with each stride deliberate and assured emanated self-assurance.

 

His short, wavy, dark hair was a sensible choice that emphasized his square facial features and powerful jawline. His steel-blue, piercing eyes shone with passion and intellect, a depth of character that matched his commanding build. Along with his rugged good looks, he exuded refinement and maturity with a well-groomed beard that highlighted his chiseled jaw.

 

I will admit that he exuded confidence, charm, and physical strength in a captivating way. He was the epitome of a contemporary warrior in his shorts, a representation of fortitude, tenacity, and the unwavering pursuit of greatness. He was more than simply a man in shorts; he was a living example of discipline, exploration, and living life to the fullest without regret. He is the alpha. And he said that I was his.

 

No, I don’t like arrogant and self-centered egoistic alphas to be my mate. That is why I chose Mike. Oh yes, Mike. I was going to see him, and that momentary incident made me forget all about it. I looked around again and started to find my way.

 

While walking, I began to think about what had happened, minus the arrogant and egoistic alpha in shorts. 

 

Shit! Why do I even think about that? What really happened earlier? Why did they suddenly show up and then vanish? Or is it me who appeared before them and then vanished? 

 

I shook my head because I couldn’t think of any possible reason why it had even happened.

 

I will only go crazy if I continue thinking about it. I'm sure that this is only an isolated incident, and there’s nothing to worry about. But then I stopped and thought for a while. I turned and looked back. Out of curiosity, I decided to go back to the pack house and talk to Daniel. If there was something I was confused about, he was the one who always gave me an answer. I just hope that he has an explanation for this.

 

So, without a second thought and forgetting about Mike, I rushed back to the pack house and looked for my brother. I needed an answer, and I want it now. Truly, curiosity killed the cat, since I am not going to stop unless I find out what that incident was all about.

 

As I entered the pack house, I went straight to the kitchen since I knew that my brother would only stay there to replenish. That is if he’s not done yet. But knowing him, he shouldn’t yet, since he likes taking his time when eating. “Hey, Sweetie. What made you come back?” he asked as he was about to put a spoonful of whatever was in his mouth.

 

“I need to talk to you,” I said, and his forehead creased instantly. He knows me. I am not the type to wait whenever there is something I want to know.

 

“I’m listening,” he replied.

 

“In private.” I didn’t want anyone to hear us, especially Dad. He would only ask me everything, and I don't have the answer to that. I can’t imagine what he will do when he hears that someone has claimed me as his.

 

“Alright,” he said, eating the food before he drank his water as he stood up from his chair. I am thankful that I have this kind of brother who is always ready to listen to me. “Where are we going to talk?” he asked.

 

“Library,” I replied, which made him crease his forehead even more, but he just kept his mouth shut.

 

“Where are you two going?” Dad asked when he saw us going up the stairs.

 

“Library,” I replied.

 

“What for?”

 

“I am going to ask Daniel what to do when I find my mate,” I replied, which made him look at my brother, who just shrugged his shoulders at him because he had no idea what I was going to tell him either.

 

“You better not teach your sister stupid things, Daniel,” Dad warned, and I laughed after seeing what my dear brother looked like. He rolled his eyes at us, said goodbye to Dad, and continued walking our way to the library.

 

“This had better be good, Adeline.”

 

“Is it possible for you to be claimed by someone, but you don't feel anything towards him?” I asked as soon as I closed the door.

 

“What? Who claims who?”

 

“Earlier, someone claimed me as his mate. But I didn't feel anything toward him. I mean, he’s good-looking and all, but that’s it and nothing else.”

 

“Are you sure that he claims you? He just didn’t want to hit on you," he asked.

 

“Do you think I don’t know the difference between the two?”

 

“I was just trying to make sure," he answered. “Tell me everything that happens," he added, and so I did. He was quiet after I told him everything, and I think he couldn’t believe it himself either.

 

“What did you say he looked like?” he asked. I rolled my eyes at him because he was reaping the benefits of seeing me praise another man besides Mike.

 

“I admit it, he’s good-looking, has a body, and he’s an alpha. I’m sure of it.” I said that and described him again. I couldn’t help but feel excited about seeing him again. Why? I don’t have any idea either.

 

“I have been to different alpha meetings, but I don't remember seeing anyone with that description," he replied.

 

“And I have been there as well a few times, and the same as you. I don't remember seeing him either. Otherwise, if what he claims was true, he would have claimed me even before this.”

 

“Wait, are you sure that you’re on the pack’s border?” he asked curiously.

 

“Where do you think I would be when I was on my way to Mike?” I asked as well, and then I stopped. “They are on our border?" I asked after I realized that. 

 

How stupid of me! Of course, I should have known about them since they were on our border. But that’s the problem; I don’t know any of them at all. 

 

Shit! I got even more curious. What the hell was going on?