The Future Alpha's Wicked Plan and His Mate's Payback

A few months had passed, and to my relief, my father's condition had improved. He had regained some of his strength, and his seizures had become less frequent. He was finally home, out of the infirmary and resting. But, as always, I couldn't stop him from tending to his duties as the pack's Alpha. No matter how hard I tried, he just wouldn't listen. So, the best I could do was help him, easing his burden where I could. In a way, it felt like my own preparation for the role of the Luna that would soon be mine.

After finishing the last of the pack work my father had assigned to me, I hurried to my room. I quickly freshened up, then stood in front of my closet, sifting through the hangers. My fingers paused on a soft, yellow sundress—it looked perfect, light and bright, just like my mood. I slipped on it, pairing it with white heels, and a few delicate accessories. After brushing my hazelnut hair into soft waves, I sprayed on my favorite perfume, the scent instantly lifting my spirits.

I then moved quietly, sneaking out of my room and moving past the mansion's doors, careful not to catch my father's attention. Once outside, I inhaled deeply, the fresh air filling my lungs.

A smile formed at my lips, growing wider as excitement grew inside me. My heart pounded in rhythm with the anticipation building within as I get into my car. I couldn’t wait to see him again...

The moment I pulled up to our favorite coffee shop, I jumped out, my eyes instinctively scanning the crowd. And then I saw him—standing by the entrance, looking as effortlessly handsome as ever. My heart skipped a beat.

"Edward!" I called out, my excitement bubbling over as I approached. He flashed that familiar smile and, with a soft laugh, pulled out a bouquet of red roses from behind his back. It was a gesture that instantly melted my heart.

Edward wasn't the wealthiest man I knew, but he always found ways to make me feel cherished. It wasn't about grand gestures or expensive gifts; it was the thought and the effort that counts. And this bouquet, simple as it was, spoke volumes to me.

"It's always a pleasure to see your beautiful eyes, Young Lady," He greeted me warmly, taking my hand in his and pressing a soft kiss to the back of it. My heart fluttered at his touch.

I rolled my eyes, though the smile never left my face. "I've told you a thousand times—stop calling me Young Lady," I teased, glancing down at the roses. "But thank you, they're lovely."

His smile grew wider, and without another word, we made our way inside. The familiar scent of coffee filled the air as we ordered our usual drinks and headed to our favorite spot—the quiet, cozy corner tucked away on the second floor. It was always our place, far from the bustle below, where we could talk freely.

We settled in, falling into easy conversation, catching up on each other's lives, sharing laughter, and simply enjoying the moment. With our busy lives, we didn't get to see each other as often as we'd like, but every visit to this coffee shop felt like a ritual—one I treasured more than I could ever put into words. And every time, I found myself eagerly anticipating the next.

As our orders arrived, Edward gently touched my hand, and our eyes instantly locked. I tried to remain composed, but inside, my heart was already racing. His sweet gestures always had this effect on me, no matter how hard I tried to hide it.

"I have something important to tell you, Caroline," He said softly, his eyes shimmering with an intensity I had never seen before.

"Go on…" I replied, my voice a little shaky. I couldn't look away from him.

He held my hand a little tighter. "I love you, Caroline. I've been sure about this feeling for a while, and now that you know, I want to prove it to you—right here."

My heart pounded so loud I thought he might hear it. I hadn't expected this confession today.

"How can you prove it?" I managed to ask, my voice almost a whisper.

He took a deep breath, his gaze fixed. "Yesterday, I met with Diana Louis, my fated mate. I rejected her, Caroline. I rejected her for you, for us. I rejected her because I wanted to pursue you, to see where this connection between us would lead."

I blinked, trying to process what he had just said. My mind raced, but there was a quiet understanding settling in my chest. I knew what it meant to reject a fated mate. It wasn't a decision made lightly. A part of me felt sorry for Diana, knowing she would be mateless for a while. But another part of me, a larger part, understood that Edward had made this choice not out of recklessness but out of love—a love he was offering to me.

In our pack, rejecting a fated mate for a chosen one wasn't forbidden, as long as you hadn't done the mating ceremony yet. Choices like this were allowed and fully accepted. And now, with Edward confessing his feelings and giving up his fated mate for the chance to be with me, I knew I couldn't turn away. I don't want to turn away. I wanted to follow my heart, no matter the risk.

"I've never felt this way about anyone," I admitted, my voice soft. "Not even with my fated mate. What you've said made me happier than I ever thought possible. Edward… I can finally have you for myself this time. I don't understand this feeling though. My emotions are mixed up." I paused for a while. "Am I in love with you too? Is this how love feels like?"

He leaned in closer, whispering. "Maybe..."