3

Diana’s POV

I shook my head violently, stepping away from the stranger, my entire body trembling.

This wasn’t happening.

It can’t be happening.

I turned away from him, pacing towards my car, mumbling to myself. No. No. No. This had to be some mistake. A trick. Some cruel joke played by the Moon Goddess.

My mate, my true mate, was standing right there, just a few feet away, yet all I could think about was Alpha Damon.

If this man was my mate… then what the hell have I been doing all this time? Did I waste several years of my life loving a man who was never meant to be mine?

My hands trembled as I yanked the car door open and slid inside. I shoved the key into the ignition, twisting it with force, but the engine let out an ugly sputter and refused to start.

“Damn it!” I cursed under my breath, slamming my fists against the steering wheel.

A deep chuckle echoed behind me.

I tensed, turning my head just enough to see the stranger watching me with an amused smirk.

"Need some help?" His voice was rich, deep, and laced with amusement.

"I don't need anything from you," I snapped, trying the ignition again. It only made a pathetic clicking sound.

The man sighed, stepping closer. "The car’s not going to start, sweetheart. Let me take a look."

I stiffened as he leaned forward, lifting the hood of the car with ease. His scent washed over me again, earthy, powerful, and strangely… familiar. It was as if my soul recognized him before my mind did.

"You're stubborn," he muttered, tinkering under the hood.

"And you're annoying," I shot back.

Another chuckle. "Bradley," he finally said, straightening up and meeting her gaze. "Bradley Underwood."

My heart skipped a beat.

Underwood?

I narrowed my eyes, realizing hitting me like a truck. I knew them. Who didn’t? The Underwoods were one of the oldest werewolf bloodlines, and their family ruled the neighboring pack.

I clenched my jaw. There’s no way he’s an Alpha. He looked too... carefree. Too playful. Alphas carried themselves with dominance and pride, but this man? He was too casual, too comfortable.

Still, the name alone made me uneasy. I had spent years tangled in the politics of packs, and I wanted nothing more than to be free.

"Whatever," I muttered.

Bradley smirked, closing the hood. "Try it now."

I twisted the key again, and the engine roared to life.

Without even sparing him a glance, I gripped the wheel tightly and hit the gas. The tires screeched against the pavement as I sped off, leaving him standing there.

I didn't say thank you nor did I look back.

I just drove without stopping. I called Uncle Jeremy Carter again, and he finally picked up after the first ring.

“Uncle, is it okay for me to come over and spend some days? I need…”

“Of course, you’re always welcome. This is also your home, remember?”

“Thank you,” I muttered.

I giggled when I heard the happy voice of Aunty Estrella assuring me of a banquet before Uncle Jeremy cut the call.

—-----

I smoothed my dress, taking a deep breath before stepping downstairs. I had spent the entire afternoon trying to calm myself, but my mind kept replaying what had happened earlier—meeting Bradley, his arrogant smirk, and the unsettling pull of the mate bond.

I didn't want to think about it.

I couldn't.

The moment I reached the last step, my uncle, Jeremy Carter, looked up from the newspaper in his hands, a warm smile crossing his face. His wife, Estrella, sat beside him, her piercing blue eyes scanning me from head to toe with an approving nod. I twirled, showcasing the beauty of the dress I selected for the day.

"You look beautiful, dear," Estrella said in her usual refined tone.

I forced a smile. "Thanks, Aunt Estrella." I didn't want them to bother me. I was mature enough to handle my own problems myself.

Uncle Jeremy put the newspaper aside and leaned forward, his expression serious. "You must be exhausted from your journey, but there’s something important you need to do tonight."

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

Estrella smiled knowingly. "The Founder’s Dinner, of course. It’s being hosted at the Alpha’s mansion. Since my family was one of the founders of this pack, it’s only natural that you attend."

My stomach twisted. The last thing I wanted was to be paraded around a room full of high-ranking wolves, let alone be anywhere near another Alpha.

"I really don’t think—" I started protesting.

"Nonsense," Estrella cut me off, standing gracefully. "You are representing this family tonight. You must attend."

I clenched her jaw. It wasn’t a request. It was an order, one I couldn't refute.

“I don't have a dress for such an event, I didn't bring one.” I lied smoothly. My entire clothes were sitting pretty in my car.

“That’s not a problem, is it?” Uncle Jeremy turned to his wife who smiled.

“No, it’s not. I have the perfect dress that will fit you so well as though you were born with it.”

I let out a dry chuckle. I had no other excuse to give. "Fine. I’ll go."

Estrella smiled, satisfied.

“Let me bring the dress. It’s very beautiful, you are going to love it.” she giggled and stood up.

I sighed. It’s going to be a very long and boring evening. If I had known, I would have spent the night at a hotel.