lphas Second Choice novel Chapter 18

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Chapter 1

Five years after breaking my mate bond, I ran into my former mate, Wesley Grant, Alpha of the Ironlake Pack inside a luxury boutique.

The sales associate stiffened the moment he approached. I knew that reaction too well, the instinctive tension that came from being hit by an Alpha’s aura.

She instantly lowered her voice. “Alpha Wesley, the suit your mate chose is ready.”

He merely nodded, but his eyes dropped to the tie in my hand, sharp and cool, like a wolf examining territory it used to own.

“Put hers on my tab as well.”

I calmly set cash on the counter, refusing his arrangement. His Adam’s apple dipped.

“Lauren… after all these years, you still hate me.”

I gave a faint smile without answering. Hate demanded effort. I’d spent mine on better things.

I picked up the bag, shoved the gift box into my canvas tote of groceries, and turned to leave.

Outside, the early autumn wind was harsh enough to sting my eyes. As I brushed hair out of my face, a black off–road SUV rolled to a stop in front of me.

Wesley stepped out. Seeing my eyes reddened by the wind, his brows tightened sharply.

“Get in. I’ll take you home.”

“No need. I’m taking the bus.”

His gaze swept over my tote bag, my shoes, my coat, assessing my circumstances. His nostrils flared slightly, checking for any scent from another male.

“Lauren… have you been doing well?”

“Pretty well.”

He clearly didn’t believe me. “Get in. Think of it as… letting me take you once, at least.”

Behind me, the bus driver kept honking. People were staring. I had no place to escape, so I got into his car.

“Beverly Heights,” I said casually.

Silence settled. A few seconds later, Wesley spoke with a low voice.

“Why are you living there? Lauren, that neighborhood has been abandoned for years. An Omega shouldn’t be anywhere near it, especially not-”

He stopped. I knew exactly what he didn’t want to say.

Chapter 1

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Ten years ago today, my mother refused to attend our bonding ceremony. She jumped from the tenth–floor

rooftop of that same building.

The metallic scent of blood haunted the Pack House hallway for days. My wolf had nearly lost its mind that

night.

The backseat was spacious, but the heater was too warm. I cracked the window open.

“You’ll catch a chill the second the wind hits you.” He slowed the car. “Close it, or I’ll lower the temperature.”

I shook my head. “I don’t get sick that easily anymore. It’s fine.”

Wesley went silent. A few seconds later, his phone rang.

“Baby, did you pick up the clothes? Where are you now?”

Kayla Roberts‘ voice floated through the car’s speakers, soft, sweet, and coquettish.

Not at all like the quiet, sensitive girl I used to know, the one who cried alone when someone stole her

competition slot.

I was the one who shattered that girl’s bully’s project with a baseball bat and exposed the competition

scandal with a letter, which got me locked in the juvenile werewolf detention center for three days.

Love could change a person. It could grant them a spine, or teach them to feign softness.

“I picked them up,” Wesley said casually. “Ran into Lauren. I’m giving her a ride.”

There was a pause on the other end before Kayla’s voice turned even sweeter.

“Lauren? What a coincidence. You should’ve told me earlier. We could’ve eaten together.”

“Kayla, stop,” Wesley replied, still gentle but firm.

He hung up quickly and pulled up in front of my building.

“Thanks.” I stepped out, but he stopped me.

“Lauren… that tie. Who is it for?”

“My mate.”

Wesley exhaled with a helpless laugh, like he thought I was still trying to provoke him. “Five years ago, you used to buy me that same one.”

“And?” I looked at him, expression steady.

He sighed deeply.

“You don’t have to pretend. I just want you to live well… not like this.”

Chapter 1

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“What do you think I’m like now?”

I glanced at my reflection in the glass door. A simple outfit, flat shoes, a canvas bag stuffed with vegetables.

A life that looked ordinary.

But I felt light. Free. Free of him.

I smiled. “I’m doing great.”

Wesley froze for a few seconds. His throat worked.

“Lauren, you’re really nothing like the girl you used to be.”

“Everyone says that.”

I turned and walked away, never once looked back.