After I left, the twin Alphas went crazy novel Chapter 102

My cheeks flushed, my mind racing. I had heard of arranged engagements, but the thought of Lirian, of all people, being mine had never crossed my mind. "So… we’re engaged," I murmured, still processing.

Lirian nodded, his deep, steady gaze never leaving mine. But as he held my eyes, I found myself looking away. The bond felt strange, uncertain; the reality was, we were not each other’s *mates*.

The connection that a true mate bond would bring was missing. Somewhere, I knew he could sense my hesitation. Perhaps, he too could feel the lack of that special spark we all craved in a mate.

Reading the uncertainty in my expression, his voice softened, tinged with disappointment. "So… you don’t want the engagement, do you?"

"No," I replied quickly, "it’s not that. I just… I think about the future. What if… what if we’re not each other’s true mates? I mean, wouldn’t it be unfair if you met your real mate and…" I trailed off, unsure how to voice the doubt that gnawed at me.

Before I could react, Lirian closed the distance between us in a heartbeat, scooping me into his arms and setting me gently onto the bed.

The intensity in his gaze was almost overwhelming as he leaned over me, his face just inches from mine, his eyes filled with something raw, unspoken.

"Can’t you feel it, Sophia?" he murmured, his voice barely a whisper. "Can’t you feel the connection between us? Are you really so sure I’m not… your mate?"

I froze, staring at Lirian, heart racing as his words hung in the air. Did he mean…?

Before I could even process, he was already leaning in, his kisses falling in a fervent torrent that stole my breath. His strong hands clamped around my wrists, his touch firm yet filled with a sense of urgency.

The room seemed to close around us, the outside world melting away until it was just the two of us, lost in this storm of sensation.

A subtle scent wafted from him—like cedarwood and something darker, deeper, like rich amber mingling with a hint of wild earth. It was intoxicating, faint yet irresistible, detectable only when he was this close.

I inhaled sharply, a tremor running through me as that earthy, masculine scent filled my lungs, drawing a fierce longing from within me.