Bound By Fate[Twin Alpha mates]

Chapter 3:The second Alpha Appears

Chapter 3: The Second Alpha Appears

Eli’s POV

Eli didn’t want to go back inside.

He had already forced himself to stay at the gathering longer than he wanted, and the last thing he needed was to see Kieran again. But Mason—relentless as always—refused to let him sulk on the balcony all night.

“Just one more hour,” Mason pleaded as he tugged at Eli’s arm. “Then I swear, we can leave, get burgers, and pretend none of this ever happened.”

Eli sighed, rubbing his temple. “Fine. One hour.”

Mason grinned. “That’s the spirit.”

But the moment they stepped back inside, it happened again.

That same pull. That same unmistakable tug in his chest.

Mate.

Eli froze mid-step. His heart pounded. His breath came up short. No. That wasn’t possible.

He lifted his gaze, scanning the room—until his eyes landed on him.

A second alpha.

He was just as tall as Kieran, but where Kieran had a sharp, commanding presence, this one was calmer. Colder. Dark, neatly styled hair, piercing gray eyes, and an expression that was unreadable. His fitted black suit gave him an air of quiet authority, his posture controlled and composed.

But the moment his eyes met Eli’s—everything changed.

Lucian stilled.

His sharp inhale was audible even across the crowded ballroom. His fingers curled at his sides, muscles tensing as if his own body had just been hit with an invisible force.

For a second, the entire world narrowed to just the two of them.

Eli’s heartbeat thundered. This wasn’t like earlier.

Kieran had walked past him as if he was nothing. But this alpha?

This one was looking at him like he was everything.

Lucian’s POV

Lucian Vale hated these gatherings.

Pointless socializing, overbearing scents, and endless small talk—it was all a waste of time. But as the eldest of the Vale twins, he had obligations. It was his responsibility to make sure Kieran stayed in line, that they kept their pack’s image strong.

So he had arrived late, half-expecting to endure another dull evening.

Then he saw him.

The moment their eyes met, his whole body reacted.

A deep, primal awareness surged through his veins—one he had only heard about but never experienced. His breathing turned shallow, his instincts sharpening with laser focus.

Because there, standing across the room, was his mate.

An omega.

With soft brown waves of hair, hazel eyes glowing under the golden light, and an aura that was both delicate and unyielding.

Lucian’s pulse roared in his ears. Mine.

The thought hit him fast, unbidden. But just as quickly as the realization came, doubt followed.

Because something was wrong.

His mate wasn’t looking at him with excitement or relief. There was no joy in his expression. Instead, there was hesitation. Wariness.

And beneath it all—a hint of pain.

Lucian’s eyes narrowed slightly. His jaw clenched.

What had happened before he arrived?