The Alpha's Forbidden Mate

CHAPTER 2

DARMEN P.O.V.

Deciding to take a break from work, I chose to stay home and have some much-needed "me" time. I informed Carl to oversee the company on my behalf for the day. Sitting in the office of my penthouse, thoughts of the woman I had met earlier consumed my mind. There was something about her that stirred a striking resemblance to Aurora. Her eyes and demeanor brought back a rush of emotions buried deep within me.

As evening descended, the troubles in my mind continued to linger. Seeking solace, I ventured into my room to access my secret library. Pressing an iron object against a drawer, it slowly opened, revealing a collection of old books. Among them, one book caught my attention with its bold italic inscription that read "Reincarnation." Curiosity piqued, I grabbed the book and left the room, making my way to the dining area where I could enjoy my meal while delving into its contents.

Engrossed in the book, my senses heightened, and I became aware of my sister's presence nearing my house. I rolled my eyes, knowing that her visit would make the night longer than expected. It wasn't long before I heard her footsteps within my home.

"You didn't tell me you were coming," I remarked without looking up from my book.

"Can't I come to see my only brother?" she teased, making her way to the food to dish herself a meal. Taking a seat near me, she began eating hungrily. I finally lifted my gaze from the book and observed her closely.

"Don't blame me, I'm pregnant," she said, rubbing her protruding belly with a smile

DARMEN POV

The dining room was enveloped in an eerie silence, broken only by the soft clinks of cutlery against plates. Carmen's gaze was fixed on me, her eyes curious as she read the title of the book I held in my hands. "Reincarnation," she said, her voice tinged with intrigue.

I sighed inwardly. Carmen had always been a talkative one, but it seemed that trait had intensified since she became pregnant. "What's the curiosity behind the book?" she inquired, her eyes never leaving the title.

Suppressing a groan, I replied, "Eat quietly before you choke to death." I shot her a stern look, hoping to convey my desire for a moment of silence.

Undeterred, Carmen wore a determined expression. "I'll disturb you until you answer me," she declared, her tone serious.

Rolling my eyes, I directed my attention back to the book, hoping to find solace within its pages. "I thought you didn't believe in reincarnation," she probed, her curiosity unyielding.

Frustration tinged my voice as I replied, "Why did you come here?" I turned the question back to her, hoping to divert her attention.

With an infectious smile, she replied, "Well, uhm, Luke went for a business trip, and I was feeling bored in that big house. So, I decided to come spend time with you."

Unable to endure her chatter any longer, I abruptly stood up from the dining table and made my way upstairs to my room. Not uttering a single word, I left Carmen behind, her voice trailing after me as she shouted from the dining room, "Come on, would you leave me here all by myself?"

THE NEXT MORNING - DARMEN P.O.V

The morning arrived, and I found myself sleepless, my mind consumed by thoughts of the book on reincarnation. Carmen had been right—I didn't believe in such things. However, my encounter with the mysterious girl at the stream had begun to sow seeds of doubt within me.

After freshening up, I returned to my room, clad only in a towel. A deep longing welled up inside me, urging me to seek out that girl once more. Contemplating whether to call Carl, the alpha, I decided to communicate with him through our mind connection—a power bestowed upon me as the alpha, enabling me to access the minds of my subjects and communicate with them in silence.

CARL P.O.V

As I made my way to the alpha's house, a sudden wave of pain gripped my head, catching me off guard. "Ouch!" I exclaimed, instinctively clutching my temples. Just as quickly as it had come, the pain subsided, and I greeted the alpha, immediately recognizing the source of the mind link.

Engaging in our silent conversation, shielded from prying ears, I listened intently as the alpha instructed me. "I want you to go to that orphanage in the woods and find the lady I was with near the stream," the alpha commanded, his words resonating within my mind.

"Yes, boss," I responded dutifully, my curiosity piqued. "Is there anything else, boss?" I added, eager for further instruction.

"No, when you find her, just let me know," the alpha replied, and the mind link ceased.

Though I had no authority to question the alpha's motives, I couldn't help but wonder why he wanted to reunite with a total stranger

DARMEN POV

I decided to work from home because I needed some time to myself. Lately, I can't stop thinking about the lady I encountered in the woods. The flashbacks keep resurfacing, bringing back that uneasy feeling I had when it all happened.

As I sat in my office, I overheard my maid talking to one of the guards standing outside. Thanks to my sharp sense, I could clearly hear their conversation. Just as I suspected, there was a knock on the door, and I instructed the person to come in.

"Alpha, your lunch is ready," he said, and I nodded slightly to acknowledge that I heard him.

Feeling a need for order, I organized the papers neatly on my table. I despise a disorganized workspace.

When I went downstairs, I was taken aback by what I saw. The entire living room was a mess, with pillows scattered on the floor and chips on my pristine white chair. I couldn't help but grin when I saw Carmen, my sister, sitting there, completely unfazed, engrossed in watching TV.

"Good afternoon, brother," she said, briefly glancing back at the television.

"How dare you come to my house and make a mess of it?" I said, anger evident in my voice.

"Well, it's just some pillows and chips here and there. I'll have it cleaned," she replied, still sounding undisturbed.

"I want you out of this house first thing in the morning because I can't keep up with this," I said, frustration mounting, and stormed off upstairs.

I have always cherished a clean and well-maintained house, but Carmen is the complete opposite. She simply doesn't mind

CARL P.O.V

I located the orphanage deep within the woods, its presence almost hidden from the world. Prior to my visit, I had heard whispers about its mysterious nature, but there wasn't much concrete information available. Determined to uncover its secrets, I arrived with a sense of suspicion, accompanied by a few trusted individuals who stood watch as our car was parked at a safe distance.

I made my way towards the orphanage, the air seemed thick with stories untold, and I couldn't shake off the chill creeping down my spine.

Finally, I reached the iron gate, its rusty bars creaking as I pushed it open. A weathered sign hung above, barely clinging to the peeling paint, bearing the faded words "Maria's Orphanage." The gate emitted a mournful squeal, as if protesting the intrusion into its long-standing isolation.

The path leading to the main building was overgrown with wild, tangled ivy, snaking its way up the decaying walls. The structure itself loomed before me, an embodiment of forgotten tales and faded memories. Its architecture, once grand, now stood as a relic of a bygone era. Time had etched its mark upon the weathered façade, and broken windows.

"What kind of God forsake orphanage is this" I thought

With cautious steps, I approached the entrance, and my heart quickened with a mix of anticipation and unease. I raised my hand and knocked, the sound echoing through the stillness.

After a brief moment, the door creaked open, revealing a woman in her early thirties. Her weary eyes held a hint of skepticism, as though she had grown weary of visitors. With a cold demeanor, she asked me what I wanted, her voice carrying a touch of impatience.

Instinctively, I told her I was interested in adopting a child, using the guise of the orphanage's purpose as a VIP ticket to venture deeper. Reluctantly, she granted me entry, leading me through a dimly lit hallway with flickering lights, their feeble glow casting unsettling shadows along the peeling wallpaper.

We arrived at a small sitting room, which was neat despite carrying old furnitures.

As the woman offered me a seat, I couldn't help but notice the faded photographs adorning the walls.

"They are really old school indeed" I thought

She rambled on about inconsequential matters, her words dissipating into the haunted silence of the room. My gaze wandered, searching for the presence I had been sent to find, but the space remained absent of her.

Growing restless, I politely declined her offer of tea,the woman excused herself, informing me that she would bring out the children.

Minutes passed, dragging like an eternity, until a door creaked open, and a throng of children poured into the room. Their footsteps seemed to echo with the echoes of laughter long gone, and I marveled at how so many kids and teenagers could inhabit such a confined space. Yet, amidst the sea of innocent faces, the one I sought eluded my gaze.

"Where could she be?" I thought

DARMEN P.O.V

The sun began its descent, casting elongated shadows through the windows of my opulent house. As the evening light danced upon the grandiose furnishings, a sense of serenity enveloped me. I had retreated to my bedroom, seeking solace from the chaos of the outside world.

Upon my arrival, I noticed a set of papers neatly arranged on my mahogany desk. Carl must have instructed someone to deliver them for my signature. I swiftly attended to the task at hand, my mind occupied by thoughts of the orphanage and the enigmatic mission bestowed upon Carl.

Having completed the paperwork, I reclined on the plush bed, staring up at the intricately designed ceiling. Silence pervaded the room, broken only by the faint ticking of the antique clock on the nightstand. The weight of curiosity settled upon me, compelling me to seek answers.

Restless and yearning for insight, I mind-linked Carl, desiring an update on his progress at the orphanage. Evening had already unfolded its darkened embrace, heightening my impatience.

"Where are you, Carl?" I sent my inquiry through the mental link, my voice echoing with a mixture of concern and anticipation.

"I'm on my way, boss," Carl's reply reached me.

A tinge of intrigue tingled within me as I contemplated his response.

Was there more to his delay? My thoughts raced, weaving webs of speculation. Could it be that the orphanage held secrets far more profound than we initially anticipated?But above all I thought "Did he find her?"

CARL P.O.V

As I settled into the car, my mind swirled with a whirlwind of thoughts. The lingering dusk painted the sky with hues of amber and violet, casting an ethereal glow over the landscape. The tires crunching against the gravel road marked the end of my sojourn at the orphanage.

The lady from the orphanage bid me farewell with an air of resignation.

I assured her of my return at a later date to finalize the adoption process, leaving her with unanswered questions.

Seated comfortably in the car, I observed the shadows dancing across the worn upholstery. The events of the day replayed in my mind, each detail etching deeper into my consciousness. The orphanage had an air of antiquity, shrouded in a captivating aura of mystery and melancholy.

The journey back home unfolded in silence, the road winding through the darkness of the surrounding woods. I couldn't help but wonder about the Alpha's growing curiosity and the profound significance he attributed to this peculiar case