Mated To An Alpha

Before Fate Came Knocking

Chapter 3

Alicia's Pov

"Wow... you look absolutely stunning, darling," Mom said with a proud smile as I walked down the stairs.

A smile spread across my face.

"Thank you, Mom."

"I can't believe I'm turning 22. I thought this was going to be my 18th birthday. My age is getting a little bit serious, "

She walked around me, admiring my outfit from every angle before gently fixing a loose strand of my hair.

"I knew this outfit would suit you perfectly."

I giggled.

"Thanks to Dad for buying it."

Mom's eyes softened for a brief moment before she smiled again.

"He certainly has good taste."

She grabbed her handbag from the table and jingled the car keys in her hand.

"So... are you ready?"

I grinned excitedly.

"Yes, Mom. I'm more than ready."

She laughed.

"I can see that. Come on before the traffic gets worse."

I hurried after her, locking the front door before we made our way to the car parked in the driveway.

The morning air was cool and refreshing. Birds chirped cheerfully from nearby trees while the gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers through the neighborhood.

As soon as we settled into the car, Mom started the engine but paused before driving away.

"Oh!"

She picked up her phone.

"I almost forgot."

She quickly dialed Dad's number.

After a few rings, he answered.

"Hello, sweetheart."

Mom smiled immediately.

"Hi, honey. Alicia and I are just leaving for the mall."

"I figured as much," Dad replied with a chuckle.

"When you get home later," Mom continued, "I've already prepared lunch. I warmed the chicken before we left, and there are sandwiches and hamburgers in the refrigerator if you're hungry."

Dad laughed softly.

"You spoil me too much."

"I know," Mom teased.

"I'll see you both later."

"Drive safely."

"We will."

"I love you."

"I love you too."

"Bye."

The call ended.

I slowly turned toward Mom with a mischievous smile.

"Hmm..."

She looked at me.

"What?"

"Someone's in love."

Mom immediately burst into laughter.

"Oh, stop it."

"I'm serious!"

She gently shook her head.

"One day, you'll understand."

"I don't know about that."

"You will."

I smiled to myself as she finally pulled the car onto the road.

The drive to the shopping mall wasn't very long.

Music played softly through the speakers while we chatted about random things—school, my upcoming birthday, my favorite colors, and what kind of cake I wanted.

"I still think chocolate is the best," Mom insisted.

I laughed.

"Mom, we've had chocolate every year."

"Because it's delicious."

"I want something different this time."

She raised an eyebrow.

"Oh?"

"Maybe strawberry with vanilla frosting."

"Fancy."

"I know."

About thirty minutes later, we finally arrived.

My eyes widened in amazement.

The shopping mall stood proudly before us like a magnificent palace of glass and lights. Huge decorative banners hung from the entrance while colorful flowers surrounded the beautifully designed fountain outside.

Luxury cars filled the parking lot.

Several security guards stood near the entrance, politely greeting, arriving customers with welcoming smiles.

"This place is beautiful," I whispered.

Mom smiled.

"It opened only a few months ago."

We stepped inside.

The cool air from the massive air-conditioning instantly washed over us.

The entire mall sparkled under dazzling crystal lights.

Elegant music floated gently through the building while shoppers wandered happily between stores.

The sweet aroma of freshly baked pastries drifted from a nearby bakery, making my stomach rumble.

Mom laughed.

"We literally had breakfast an hour ago."

"I know... but it smells amazing."

"We'll grab something later."

Our first stop was a clothing boutique.

Rows of beautiful dresses stretched across the store in every imaginable color.

The sales assistant welcomed us warmly.

"Good morning, ma'am. Good morning, Miss."

"Good morning," Mom replied politely.

"We're shopping for my daughter's birthday."

"Wonderful! Congratulations in advance."

The assistant quickly began showing us different dresses.

Some were elegant.

Some were glamorous.

Others were playful and colorful.

I spent nearly twenty minutes trying on different outfits while Mom patiently gave her opinion after each one.

"The blue one makes your eyes shine."

"The red one is gorgeous."

"No... I like the white one better."

Eventually, we picked several beautiful dresses, two pairs of jeans, fashionable tops, comfortable hoodies, and a few elegant skirts.

After paying, we continued exploring the mall.

Next came the shoe store.

"This is my favorite part," I admitted.

"I knew you'd say that," Mom laughed.

I carefully tried on several pairs before finally choosing white sneakers, black ankle boots, and elegant pink heels for special occasions.

We also bought matching handbags, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, sunglasses, perfume, and hair accessories.

Every shopping bag seemed heavier than the last.

"I think we've bought enough," I said jokingly.

Mom looked at the mountain of shopping bags in our hands.

"I think so, too."

As we walked through the mall, children laughed while families posed for pictures near the giant indoor fountain.

For a moment, I simply enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere.

Everything felt normal.

Everything felt perfect.

Little did I know that this peaceful birthday shopping trip was the last ordinary day I would have before my entire world changed forever.

For now, though, I pushed those thoughts aside.

I smiled brightly at my mom as we made our way toward the exit, grateful for the wonderful memories we had made together.

Neither of us knew that fate had already begun weaving a path neither of us could escape.