Chapter 3: Finding My Mate At Last
Leonard's POV
Life as an alpha wasn't all it was cracked up to be. Managing the pack and our human interests was a heavy burden. I was working on a business innovation when my phone rang, breaking my concentration. It was my mom. I wondered what prompted her call, as there weren't any special occasions.
My mother resided in the pack house, the largest building in the Moonlight pack. As alpha, I rarely visited, preferring my own space where I could find some semblance of peace.
I answered the call, and my mom's cheerful voice greeted me. "My dear Leonard, how have you been?" she asked.
"I've been doing great, mom," I replied.
"I need a favor," she said, pausing briefly. "Can you come home tomorrow for dinner? I know you don't like being here, but this event requires your presence, please."
I wanted to decline, but couldn't. "Okay, I'm coming, but I'm not sleeping over."
The night passed quickly, and soon it was day. I cleared my schedule and headed home to rest before getting ready for dinner.
By 6:30 pm, I arrived at the pack house, where the Alpha of the Silverline pack and his daughter were already seated at the dining table. It was clear what was going on – my mom had invited them for dinner, hoping I'd mate with his daughter.
I'd been searching for my mate for nearly a thousand years, but to no avail. My mom kept introducing me to daughters of other alphas and betas, but I wasn't ready for commitment.
As dinner commenced, the room filled with chatter and laughter. Servants bustled about, serving food. Suddenly, a sweet scent wafted through the air, and my wolf exclaimed, _"MATE"_. I looked up, surprised, and saw a beautiful young woman serving food.
My eyes locked onto hers, and I felt an inexplicable connection. Who was this mysterious woman, and why did my wolf claim she was my mate?