The Alpha's Hidden Mate

Episode:8

Episode Eight: Meeting the Owner

Lily’s POV

The soft light of dawn slipped through my window, waking me before anyone else in the house. I stretched, rubbing my eyes, and for a moment, I just sat there, smiling. My dreams had been peaceful—filled with the image of a massive black wolf with golden eyes.

Even now, the memory made my heart flutter.

I got up quickly and began my morning chores. I swept the floor, scrubbed the kitchen counters, and fetched water from the well, my hands moving faster than usual. Normally, every insult, every harsh look from my stepmother and sisters would crush my spirit. But today, their words felt lighter, like they couldn’t touch me.

“Don’t forget to clean the barn, you lazy girl,” my stepmother barked.

“Yes, ma’am,” I replied with a calm smile, which only made her frown deepen.

My sisters exchanged their usual glances and snickers. “You seem happy today,” Maris said mockingly. “Did you finally find a tree to marry in that forest you love so much?”

Selene laughed loudly, but I just hummed softly and kept scrubbing. Nothing they said could bother me today. My heart felt too light.

While I worked, I couldn’t stop thinking about him—the wolf. The way his golden eyes looked at me, the way his fur shone in the sunlight, the gentle strength in his gaze. He was no ordinary wolf; I could feel it.

I remembered how he’d brought me food yesterday. The thought still warmed my chest. But another part of me worried—what if that food hadn’t been his to give? What if his owner got angry and punished him for stealing?

The idea made my heart ache. I imagined a tall, stern man scolding the wolf and making him sit outside in the cold. “No,” I whispered under my breath. “I won’t let that happen.”

When my chores were done, I wiped the sweat from my forehead and sighed. That was when I heard my father calling from outside.

“Lily,” he said softly, his voice warm but tired. “Come here, my dear.”

I hurried over, smiling. My father’s kind eyes met mine, full of quiet concern. “Your mother has been feeding you properly, hasn’t she?” he asked gently.

I hesitated, guilt twisting in my chest. Lying wasn’t in my nature, but I didn’t want him to worry. “Yes, Father,” I said with a practiced smile.

He studied me for a moment, then sighed and reached into his pocket. “Here,” he said, pressing a few coins into my hand. “Buy yourself something nice, or something to eat when you go out. I know you like walking in the woods.”

“Thank you, Father,” I whispered, hugging him tightly before he left for work.

Once he was gone, I rushed to my small room. I opened the wooden chest by my bed and took out one of my few nice dresses—a simple but lovely sky-blue one that fell just below my knees. As I brushed my hair, I caught my reflection in the small cracked mirror and laughed quietly.

“It almost looks like I’m dressing to meet my in-laws,” I said to myself, blushing at the ridiculous thought.

Still, I wanted to look nice. For some reason, it mattered.

When the clock struck twelve, I could barely contain my excitement. I slipped quietly out of the house, climbed over the fence, and ran toward the forest, my heart racing faster than my legs could carry me. The wind whipped against my face, but I didn’t slow down until the familiar trees surrounded me.

As always, the forest greeted me like an old friend. Birds chirped, leaves rustled, and the sunlight filtered through the branches in golden streaks. When I reached the clearing, the animals were already waiting—my fox, my deer, my snowbird—all of them.

“Good afternoon, everyone!” I greeted cheerfully.

None of them spoke, of course, but I didn’t need them to. It made me happy just to say it.

And then, as if he had been waiting for me all along, the black wolf stepped out from behind a cluster of trees. His golden eyes met mine, and my heart skipped a beat.

“Hello,” I said softly, smiling up at him.

He lowered his head slightly, as if greeting me in return. I felt warmth rush to my cheeks. I was blushing—over a wolf. Again.

“Are you ready?” I asked. “You’re going to take me to meet your owner today, remember?”

He tilted his head, eyes gleaming with amusement, and I could have sworn he understood every word.

“Then let’s go,” I said brightly. “Lead the way.”

He turned gracefully and began walking deeper into the forest, his movements confident but calm. I followed closely behind, my dress brushing against the grass, the sunlight dappling through the leaves above us.

Strangely, I wasn’t afraid. I didn’t even hesitate. Being near him made me feel safe, like no harm could ever reach me as long as he was beside me.

And so, with a smile on my face and excitement in my heart, I followed the great black wolf into the unknown—completely unaware that I was walking straight toward the royal pack… and my destiny.