The Alpha's Chubby Obsession. novel Chapter 147

Side Story 3

My parents were already waiting for us when Sara and I came downstairs, dressed and ready to leave. There was no more time to waste, so we headed straight to the car.

During the entire drive to the mansion, I couldn’t shake the sickening twist in my stomach. It felt

like bile was sitting right under my ribs, refusing to settle. I didn’t know why I was this uneasy, but

the feeling had been with me since the moment I woke up. And now, as the mansion came into

view, it only grew worse.

When we stepped inside, the place was packed. The higher-ranked guests were seated at the front while people like us occupied the back rows. Giant screens covered the hall, displaying the ceremony as Owen’s birthday celebration unfolded.

I was so thrilled for him-finally, finally he would get to shift into his wolf. I knew how much he had anticipated this day. As the minutes passed, my anxiety mixed with excitement, and at exactly 11:55, an announcement echoed through the speakers: it was time for him to shift. The guards escorted him into another room, and the screen cut off. The entire hall went silent, all of us holding

our breath, waiting.

I waited as patiently as I could, hands clasped together. When Owen returned, he would have that special glow everyone talked about-something only first-time shifters possessed. I couldn’t wait to

see it on him.

Every trace of uneasiness I’d felt earlier melted into pure anticipation. At exactly 12:10, the announcement came again, this time louder and filled with pride:

“Although the process was excruciating, our future Alpha has finally shifted!”

The whole room exploded in applause.

I found myself cheering, shouting, jumping-Sara too. The joy was overwhelming, so strong that tears spilled down my cheeks. I was so proud of him. So happy for him.

The big screen flickered back on, and there he was-Owen-clothed in a fresh set of ceremonial attire. It always amazed me how much someone changed after their first shift; it was almost like watching a stranger in your friend’s body.

He looked nothing like the Owen I had seen just days ago. The transformation was shocking in the most mesmerizing way. And it wasn’t only me who reacted-others felt it too. I heard the murmurs from the unmated girls behind me, the way their whispers sharpened with interest.

“Wow…” someone breathed.

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“Who’s going to be his mate?” another voice asked eagerly.

Clair

This should have been the moment-the tradition where the newly shifted wolf walked around the hall to sniff out his mate. Everyone leaned forward, expecting it. I held my breath, heart pounding

with both excitement and dread.

But instead of that, another announcement rang out, completely breaking the tension:

“This will be the conclusion. Eat and be merry.”

Gasps rippled through the hall instantly.

My father leaned toward me. “Well… that’s odd,” he muttered.

I frowned, confused and disappointed. Why would they end the ceremony without the

mate-reveal?

“Why do you think the Alpha didn’t allow him to sniff out his mate?” I asked softly.

“We can never tell,” my father answered slowly. His voice was thoughtful-too thoughtful.

Something was bothering him.

When I glanced at the screen again, Owen was gone.

The celebration continued, but I couldn’t bring myself to enjoy any of it. My mind was stuck on

him-how he must be feeling, what he must be thinking. No wonder he hadn’t seemed thrilled earlier

when I brought up mates. The Alpha controlled every detail of his life, even something as sacred

as this.

Just as I was drowning in thoughts, someone called my name.

I turned, and my face immediately brightened-Benson. Soon to be Owen’s beta, and one of the few

people both of us trusted.

“Excuse me,” I told my parents and Suzy before weaving my way through the crowd toward him.

He was smiling down at me-as he always did-towering over me with that calm, steady presence.

He bent slightly, lowering his head until his breath touched my ear.

“Owen calls for you,” he whispered.

My heart leapt. My eyes sparkled before I could hide it. I nodded quickly, my excitement almost

impossible to contain, and without hesitation followed him to wherever Owen was waiting for me.

I followed Benson until he led me to a secluded hall of the building as we walked to wherever

Owen would be, away from the noise and chaos of the party. The music and laughter slowly faded from my ears, replaced by the quiet hum of anticipation.

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“He’s currently with Hamilton,” Benson said, his tone casual.

I whipped my head toward him, eyebrows raised. “You mean the future Alpha of Waterford?” I asked, surprised.

He nodded, a small frown forming on his face.

Clair

For a moment, he was silent, and I felt the pause stretching awkwardly. Then he muttered, almost

to himself, “I don’t know why… I just don’t like that guy.”

Without thinking, I lightly smacked his shoulder.

“Ouch!” he yelled, feigning hurt-but there was a little smile tugging at his lips.

“Oh, so you’re jealous?” I teased, grinning.

“You know nothing,” he shot back, shaking his head. “That guy just… gives me the ick.”

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