Chapter 5

(Alpha Maverick’s POV) “Can you believe it? She framed me with heavily doctored photos and videos, and now she wants a divorce!” Logan sighed in frustration over the phone. As I made my way to meet a business associate from the Blue Lagoon Pack, he filled my ear with his complaints. I had just received a call from my nephew, explaining that his wife was accusing him of infidelity. She was also attempting to use false evidence to acquire their marital assets. “I’ll be there as soon as possible, and we’ll look into it,” I replied, cutting the call. But something didn’t sit right with me. Logan has never complained about his mate. Why would she suddenly demand a divorce after they had agreed to be mates? I dialed Alpha Tristen of the Blue Lagoon Pack. “We need to reschedule our meeting,” I said. “Something urgent has come up.” The Gold Pack’s divorce procedures required the Alpha’s presence to confirm the separation of bonded souls, so I had to return to my pack immediately after nearly three years away. Marriage was sacred in my pack, and if anything would sever sacred ties, it had to be justified. Since assuming the title of Alpha, I had been consumed with business, building alliances with humans and other packs, and delegating pack affairs to Beta Kazeem. But as always, my first duty was to my pack. I let out a sigh, glancing at my phone. If Logan’s telling the truth, I’d move heaven and earth to get him justice. If he’s lying… I wouldn’t hesitate to execute the punishment he deserves. Blood or not, I adhered to my principles. I didn’t bend the rules for anyone—not even for family. I booked my flight home, then found a nearby bar where I could unwind in peace before everything started to get chaotic. While sipping on my drink, I sent an email to Beta Kazeem, instructing him to investigate the situation with the Gamma and the pack’s Defense and Security Squad (DSS). I needed an immediate investigation with a detailed report. This wasn’t the sort of matter I took lightly. Mistakes that cost marriages had no place in my pack. I rolled my eyes as a group of flirtatious she-wolves eyed me from across the room. How shameless. Little did they know, they weren’t even on my radar. Not to sound cocky or anything, I knew what it meant to be beautiful because I'm full of it. I had the looks, the allure—enough to make any goddess jealous. At 30, I had women falling at my feet, but I wasn’t interested in meaningless flings. My fated mate was out there somewhere, and I refused to settle for anything less. Instead of engaging in pointless distractions, I always drowned myself in work, my one true solace. I had learned long ago that idle hands were dangerous, so I kept myself busy. My sister didn't understand, though. She worried about me, complaining about my “bad habits of drowning myself with work and missing out on the pleasures of life” and urging me to choose a suitable Luna to help share the burden of pack duties. I could easily marry someone from a neighboring pack to strengthen alliances, but I wanted my mate. I would wait for her, no matter how long it took. I took another swig of whiskey, feeling my system becoming more resistant with every shot. But then… I caught a whiff. A scent that shook me to my core—a blend of jasmine, blossoms, and cherry. My wolf stirred within me, reacting uncontrollably. Mate. Before I could think, I followed the scent, my eyes landing on her. She was unreal—beautiful in a way I couldn’t describe. My gaze trailed over her, but it was her lips that drew me in. Full, inviting—making insatiable desires stir deep within me. Could it really be happening? After all these years, I had finally found her. And to my shock, she was part of my pack. She wobbled, and I rushed to catch her before she fell. But something was off. The intoxicating scent was mingled with alcohol. My nose flared, picking up another scent—a trace of Cyril, a drug often used to spike drinks by predators. Anger rushed through my veins, and for a moment, I couldn’t think straight. Someone had drugged my mate. “Where are you from? Are you okay?” I asked, but she couldn’t form a coherent response. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she struggled to stay upright. I searched her bag, hoping to find something I could identify her with, but I only found a locked phone in her tiny purse. Her confusion was obvious; she couldn’t even tell her phone password. She was high. Realizing how dangerous it would be to leave her alone, I decided to take her to my presidential suite. “A…Alpha.” The receptionist on the floor, surprised to see me, glanced nervously between me and the woman in my arms. I had no time to explain; my mate was in distress. I dashed to my room and laid her on the bed. Then I called the bar manager to produce the CCTV footage and send it to Beta Kazeem. I needed the CCTV footage to find the bastard who’d tried to take advantage of her. I leaned in, carefully brushing strands of hair away from her eyes. But as I tried to pull back, she gripped my hand tightly, her eyes pleading for me to stay. I stayed, and she moaned softly; the scent of her arousal filled my senses, only intensifying the desire that had been simmering within me. I fought to resist as the drug in her system took hold. My wolf and I battled for control, each of us vying for dominance, until one of us finally snapped. The alcohol in my system only made it harder to stay in control. She rubbed her legs together, her voice shaky as she begged, “Please, help me.” She was in heat, and I knew just how excruciating it could be. But that wasn’t the only concern. Her scent was so overpowering that a male wolf four floors away would be able to perceive it. In the end, I gave in, easing into her. We fit exactly like a key into a lock as I thrust in and out, hard and raw. Worshiping every part of her body. And throughout the night, I—an Alpha who had men begging at my feet—was the same man brought to his knees, savoring every inch of her. She belonged to me, body and soul. She is mine, mine to have, mine to love, and as the night stretched on, I showed her how true those words were. ***** Dawn broke, and I woke to find her still wrapped in my arms. I couldn’t help but admire the form beside me, but then my phone buzzed with a report from Kazeem. My heart sank as I read the details. My mouth hung open as I scrolled through photos attached. Then it dawned on me, the woman in my bed—my fated mate—was also Logan’s soon-to-be ex-wife. Hell no, Logan was a jerk. How could he do this to my fated mate and try manipulating it for his selfish interest? I wasn’t one to back down, and no matter what, I would get justice for her. She was my fated mate, and her problems became mine. I wasn’t willing to let her go. By my side, she would be. Not just as my significant other, but as the Luna of the Gold Pack. I quickly threw on my clothes before she could wake. I needed to freshen up and head to city hall to declare the result of the divorce, but not before stopping by a jewelry shop to buy a diamond ring to claim my long-awaited mate. I informed Kazeem, telling him to meet me there. I knew her ring size, having held her hand as she rode the waves of ecstasy the night before. In fact, I knew every detail, every curve, and every bump of her body, even with my eyes closed. The connection had been established. Once I was ready, I entered the office, calling out Logan on his bullshit. My eyes landed on my potential mate as she stood midair, a pen in hand, about to sign, with her mouth agape. “It’s you who should be leaving the pack,” I said coldly to Logan. “What do you mean, uncle?” Logan stammered. “Alpha, you mean? Show some respect!” I growled. “I’ve looked into this, and I know what you’ve done. You’re not just guilty; you’ve tried to sabotage the Luna of the Gold Pack.” “The Luna?” His words echoed in confusion through the room. I didn't spare him an extra glance; he had to pay for his deeds. My focus shifted to my mate, and I walked toward her with purpose. Dropping to one knee, I pulled out the diamond ring, holding it up to claim her. "Under the light of the full moon, I pledge myself to you,” I declared, my voice firm and clear. “Will you marry me and stand by my side as my mate? I didn't wait for her response before slidding the ring onto her finger as she stood frozen in shock. “Yes,” I said softly. “You heard me right, my fated mate. I have waited for this day for so long.” The room erupted in gasps, but I only had eyes for her.