DAVID
I missed her on Sunday. When I arrived at her home in the morning, their car was already gone, so I returned to the hotel and decided to hit the gym. With the constant search the previous days, I hadn’t had a proper workout in days.
Yesterday, after I returned to the hotel, I came up with two possible plans.
Plan A was to persuade her to talk to me in private so that I could explain that I’m a shifter and that she was my mate. I couldn’t just talk to her about these things in open areas or a café where people around us could hear us. I needed her alone.
I could see three outcome alternatives from Plan A.
First, she could leave her family and choose me as her mate. She would come to my territory, and we could have our happily ever after. But because I knew that these things happen only in fairytales, I also knew that it was too ideal and could never happen.
So that brings us to the second option, which is to take her children and come with me home to try our common life together. I didn’t know what could happen to her husband, but we could find a solution together. I really hope she chose that one and just gave me an opportunity to show her my world and the life I could offer her. I really wanted us to be together. And of course, I would treat her children as mine. Raise, protect, and love them as well.
The third and last thing, I could come up with was a rejection. We could reject each other and continue with our lives. I didn’t like that course of action at all, but I also wanted her to be happy. If she wanted to reject me, I would stand my ground and accept it. I know it would hurt. And I hoped that the Goddess would give me a second chance to find another mate.
Zeus was adamant that Selene gave us Ariadne for a reason. I couldn’t think of a specific reason I had to be mated to a human, but I embraced it wholeheartedly from the start. I would do everything to avoid the rejection. It was the last thing I wanted. And I really hoped I didn’t need to succumb to it.
Plan B, on the other hand, was a cruel one. I would do it only if she wouldn’t give me a chance to speak. It was ruthless and unacceptable, and I wasn’t proud of it. Yet it was the only way I could think of which guaranteed my happiness with Ariadne. It needed strategic planning to manage whatever I had in mind, and I needed to start preparing from now on, even if in the end I would go with Plan A.
So, after I trained the whole morning on Sunday, I spent a few hours on the phone arranging stuff. By afternoon, I was ready, but I left the date of the plan’s execution open. It could happen anytime soon or not happen at all.
I decided to call home to notify them that I had found my mate. Cell phones were still a new technology, and we used them only while traveling. While in the territory, we didn’t need them because we could mindlink with each other. Perks of being a wolf.
I called from my mobile phone at the packhouse, and after a while, my Beta answered.
“Hello.”
“It’s me.”
“Oh, hello, Alpha. How are you? Any luck?”
Silence.
“Don’t worry, man, you will find her in the next few days. I’m sure...” My Beta knew about Agatha. He wasn’t surprised I went to her. So desperate was I to find my fated, I guess. He also insisted that I should make this journey alone. So that no one has to even wonder where or why I was here and how I knew she was there should I find her. And I’m glad I heard him. Because what I encountered was nothing like what I was expecting. He didn’t even know where I would go, just that I had a location.
“I did find her.” I cut him.
“Yeah? ... Finally! I knew it.” he started laughing. “Congratulations, man!” he chirped.
“Thanks.”
“So, how is she?”
“She is perfect!”
“Yeah, I’m sure she is. Our mates in our eyes are always perfect, no matter what. I mean her features, age, name, you know that stuff.”
“She’s 30, with long, light brown hair and piercing turquoise eyes.”
“Turquoise? Rare eye color. So, what now?”
“Yeah... I haven’t seen that eye color anywhere either. I don’t know what’s next. I have to win her over, I guess.”
“Why? Didn’t she acknowledge the bond?”
“It’s complicated...” My cellphone started making a beep, notifying me of another call. It was my mom.
“Hey, you informed the entire pack already. My mom’s calling.” I chuckled.
“No, just Christianna. You know she felt my happiness through the bond. She’s with the Luna and Ian at the park.”
“Ok, I’ve gotta hang up, or she won’t stop calling. Is everything okay with the pack?”
“The usual stuff. We had rogues yesterday. Two, to be exact. They didn’t manage to cross the border. Nothing else. Everything is in order.”
“OK. I’ll call again, soon. Call me if anything happens.”
“Don’t worry ‘bout us. Conquer our Luna’s heart and bring her to us soon. It’s been a while. It’s time for you to be happy at last.”
“Yeah. Wish me luck then, ‘cause I’ll need it.”
“I wish you all the luck in the world.”
“Before you hang up. I need a favor. Call the bank tomorrow morning and transfer 7 million to the witch’s account.”
“Seven? I thought you agreed on five.” My beta asked, puzzled.
“We did. But she deserves it. She indeed helped me find her.”
“Ok. I’ll do it...”
“Thanks. Bye.” I hung up and answered the incoming call.
“Hey, mum...”
“Morning son. Aaaaah I’m so happy. Tell me about her.” She shrieked from the other side of the line. She was ecstatic.
“It’s afternoon here, but anyway, good morning to you, too. What do you want to hear, mοm? Isn’t the fact that I found her not enough?”
“No! It’s not. What’s her name? Age? Is she good? Is she beautiful? What did she say about your bond? When are you coming back?”
“Hey, slow down. Easy with the questions. Are you asking me when I plan to make pups, too?”
“No, I don’t want to pressure you on that matter. I’m fine with Ian right now. Even if he’s not my grandchild. I love him like he’s mine.”
I chuckled. “OK, I’ll tell you everything I know. But it’s not much. I didn’t have the chance to get to know her properly.”
“And why is that son?” she sounded concerned.
“Mοm? Have you ever heard of a wolf having a human for a mate?”
She took her time. I knew she was contemplating her answer.
“I haven’t heard such a thing, David. Why are you asking? Is she...?” Ηer voice faltered.
“Yes, she is human. She didn’t even recognize me as her mate. Well, I sensed that she felt something, but not such potent feelings as I did.”
“David... I... I don’t know what to say, son. The Goddess sure knows what she does. I believe there is a reason for pairing you with a human.”
“Zeus agrees with that as well,” I told her.
“So, tell me what you know, David. And I’ll try to find answers about your situation. I’ll ask my Luna friends in other packs. Perhaps they are aware of something.”
“Thank you, mοm. Well, her name is Aria...” I preferred not to tell her real name. I had my reasons.
“Oh, such a nice name. How old is she?”
“Thirty.” I breathed out.
“Thirty?” She sounded sad. “That means...” She trailed.
“Yes, twelve years wasted. I know. I feel like I’m too late. But I’ll make every day from now on count. I swear.”
“Too much time gone. Unfortunately... So, does she...? Does she have a family?” She asked. Unease was obvious in her voice.
Oh, no... She asked the question I feared the most. The last thing I wanted was to lie to her, but I didn’t have another option. It was better she didn’t know the truth.
“I don’t really know. I just met her yesterday, and we just talked for a few moments.”
“Ok, so how is she?”
“Perfect. She’s simply perfect. Of medium height, a pretty face, long hair, brilliant eyes. She’s unique.” I stated.
“I’m sure she is. She is mated to you. So, she must be nothing but perfect.”
I laughed lowly. I knew my mom was happy that finally my search was over but also confused about this whole situation I was in.
“Well, I don’t know anything else. I hope I’ll meet her again soon and get to know her.”
“I wish you luck, son, and I hope that we will see both of you here soon. I promise you, I’ll ask around, and if I find something, I’ll let you know.”
“Thank you. I hope we’ll be back soon, too. Bye, mom...”
“Have a good night, son. I love you. Take care of yourself.”
I hung up the phone and dressed up. I wanted to see her. Just a glimpse of her, and I would be satisfied. I headed to her house. Their car was there. There were lights in their house. At some point, her husband and children returned, and then I understood that she was alone all that time I was outside.
I decided to leave. It was dark already. I didn’t expect her to get out at that time. I just hoped tomorrow would be a better day and I would get to see her beautiful eyes again.
ARIADNEIt’s Sunday evening, and like every night except Fridays and Saturdays, I have to prepare for the next day. First, the meals for the kids – the babysitter wasn’t paid to cook, of course – and then for Theo and me when we return from work.It was a long day today. We woke up early and left home before 8 a.m. so that we could find lounges at the most crowded beach on the island. By 9 o’clock, the coast was already packed with tourists, so it was a wise move.While I was there, Mrs. Pappa, the owner of the most expensive hotel on the island, called me. We had planned an anniversary party for her parents on Saturday, and she wanted to meet me to discuss the last details because she was so stressed about it. I booked an appointment with her first thing on Monday morning.We arrived home late in the afternoon and after bathing the kids and myself; I rushed to the kitchen to finish my chores. Afterward, Theo would take the kids out for a walk and something to eat.I was thankful that
DAVIDI couldn’t believe my luck on Monday morning. I was eating breakfast at the hotel’s dining hall, which was situated near its entrance. A wide smirk formed on my lips the moment my nostrils caught her scent. She was here, and I was delighted because it was the last place, I expected to bump into her.I left my food and followed her. She was entering the elevator, and I shouted at her to hold it and she did. She smiled when I got in.“Good morning.” She greeted me.“Hey,” I replied, beaming at her. I caught her sniffing me. Did she like my scent? I just hoped I didn’t smell horrible because I was a little sweaty from my morning run, and I decided to eat straight after my workout, so I haven’t showered yet. Eventually, her posture didn’t change. At least she didn’t seem disgusted, and I was more than relieved. She was watching me intently like she was waiting for something, but when she saw I wasn’t moving, she pressed the button number “3”. That’s my floor. And at that moment, wit
ARIADNEIt’s Saturday morning, and Theo took the kids to the sea, whereas I had to work. I needed to prepare the last details for today’s event. The platinum anniversary of Mrs. Aphrodite Pappa’s parents.Before I went to the office, I had gone to a photo studio. I had assigned a professional to make a video out of a series of photographs. I intended to show it right after the couple’s entrance to the venue. The video was fantastic, and the song I picked with Mrs. Pappa made it even better. Many pairs of eyes would cry tonight watching these sweethearts growing up together.I went to the office, communicated with all the suppliers and people who would be of service tonight, and after I had everything under control, I went to the hairdresser for my appointment.In special events like the one today that I had to be in attendance, I wanted to be presentable and fine-looking. I had my hair styled in an elegant chignon and then headed to my beautician for a natural makeup. I asked her to e
ARIADNEI returned to the bar and the bartender, Adam, was waiting for me with a fruit punch on the counter. David has returned to his seat and was watching me intently.“Hey, Ariadne, the drink is from the gentleman over there!” He said, pointing at David while the latter raised his glass, grinning at me. I looked at Adam, shaking my head. “Please, Ariadne, it’s alcohol-free. Take it, please. This dude is giving everyone in this hotel huge tips. He must be made of money.”“He told you that?” I asked.“What?” Adam asked back.“That he’s gonna leave you a large tip if you bring me around to accept the drink?”“No. of course not. He just ordered a drink for you, and when I told him you don’t drink during the events you organize, he said to prepare something without alcohol. So here I am with the fruit punch. So, take it.” He demanded.“Well, Adam, actually bring me an apple martini. I need it after that stunt the old man pulled on poor Milena.”“Right away.” He vanished, smirking.Momen
ARIADNEI returned home a little after midnight. I peeked in the kids’ rooms and saw Theo in our daughter’s room. She wakes up a lot through the night, and if any of us aren’t awake to return her to her bed, she ends up in ours.I filled the bathtub while undressing and removing my makeup, soaked in for a good ten minutes, washed myself, and put on my bathrobe.I got out of the bathroom at the same time as Theo was from Anne’s room.“Hey,” he said lowly.“Hi,” I smiled back, kissing him gently.“So, how did it go?” he asked.“I think I nailed it. Everyone seemed to be totally happy. The couple, the guests, Mrs. Pappa.” I blurted out.“Oh, my darling. I knew it. I’m so proud of you. And I can see that you are really happy…”“I am… Actually, I’m on top of the world right now.” I laughed low so as not to wake the kids.“Well, I’m not,” he said, his expression changing. “I am disappointed… very, very disappointed.” He said that, coming even closer to me.“Why?” I asked, confused. Wasn’t h
DAVID I was astonished by what she had accomplished tonight. The Lunas from different packs back home struggled to organize fine ceremonies, birthdays, and galas. They always tried so hard to impress their guests. But I was never so amazed on any occasion. And I was just a spectator, not even a guest. Watching from the sidelines. I was definite that my mate would make a marvelous Luna. She would fit in her rightful position without struggling. She was born to lead beside me. I knew it; not because the Goddess paired her with me, but because I saw it in the way she talked to her runners. She was speaking to them with respect, and they rushed to do what she was instructing. Furthermore, she didn’t miss any details. Everything was in order, and I understood that the demanding situation she faced in the kitchen was just an insignificant obstacle to her. She jumped over it so easily. She was perfect… I wasn’t tired of telling myself that she was perfect. My mate… My Luna… I was so hap
ARIADNEI woke up today with a bad feeling. My instinct was telling me that something unpleasant was going to happen today. I shoved my distressing mood away the moment the boys came rushing into my room and started bouncing on the bed.“Wake up, wake up. Time to go to the sea…”“Good morning, Mario, George. Where is daddy?” I said, yawning. Anna-Elisabeth started stirring next to me.“In the living room, drinking coffee. He sent us to wake you up, girls. If we want to find lounges, we need to go soon.” Mario was talking while George was kissing my daughter and gently shaking her to wake up.“What’s the time?” I asked, stretching my arms.“Nine.”“So, have you eaten breakfast?”“Yup!” They both nodded. “Daddy made toast. He will prepare for you and Anna too when you wake up.” George said.I smiled, thinking my lovely husband had already woken up to take care of the boys, who are early risers, and had also prepared breakfast for them without me even realizing anything. He was a blessin
DAVIDI got out of the car and slammed the door. I called out for her.“Ariadne…” But she started walking even faster. So, I tried again.“Ariadne! Wait!” Why wasn’t she stopping? She was almost running now. Obviously, she wanted to avoid me at all costs. But why? We had a good time yesterday. If someone should be pissed, that should be me. Only I had that right after what I had witnessed. But I came here today, at this exact moment, with patience and control. Or so I thought. At least I would try to be as gentle as I could.I paced and halted just a few steps before her, disturbed.“What’s the matter with you? Don’t you hear me calling you?” I asked.“I’m sorry. I’m in a hurry. I have to go.” She said, in a breath and dodged me.“Not so fast.” I gripped her elbow, pausing her. “I need to talk to you.” And I returned her gently in front of me.“Maybe some other time. I really need to go.” She said, motioning her arm so that to let her go, but I didn’t. Why the fuck was she acting lik