Alpha's Surrogate Mate

Chapter 3

Chapter 3 The Reclaimed Luna

Laura woke up early the morning after Irene left, a mix of nerves and excitement buzzing in her chest. Standing in front of the mirror, she gently traced her fingers over the moonstone necklace resting on her neck. Today was pivotal—the day she had meticulously planned for, and everything had to go flawlessly.

After slipping into her carefully chosen dress, Laura stepped out of her house and climbed into her car, setting her sights on the venue for the business gala. She had learned that Andre would be attending, and this event was crucial for the expansion of the Frostfang Pack's business interests.

It was the perfect opportunity to get close to him.

As Laura arrived, the gala venue was ablaze with lights, guests adorned in elegant attire, champagne flutes raised high, and laughter ringing throughout the room. Laura entered, scanning the crowd until her gaze landed on the tall, handsome figure of Alpha Andre. He stood to the side, a glass of red wine in hand, his expression calm yet exuding an undeniable authority.

Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Laura made her way toward him. As she passed by, Laura feigned a slip, letting out a soft gasp as she lost her balance and tumbled forward.

"Ah!" she exclaimed, her wine glass spilling its contents onto the floor.

Andre reacted instantly, his hand shooting out to catch her. Laura leaned into his embrace, a sheepish smile on her face.

"Thank you so much! I'm so sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going," she said softly, deliberately showcasing the necklace.

His eyes locked onto the moonstone necklace, a flicker of shock crossing his features, as if he had stumbled upon something extraordinary.

Noticing his reaction, Laura played it cool, her smile warm and grateful. "I really appreciate it. I'm Laura, the daughter of the Alpha from Springfang Pack. It's truly an honor to meet you here."

Andre's gaze remained fixated on the necklace, as if trying to confirm something. He shook himself out of his thoughts and replied, "No need to apologize."

The gala buzzed on around them, but Laura's heart raced with anxiety. She knew Andre was searching for his true mate, and that necklace held the key. All she could do was hope he would buy her story.

After mingling for a while, Laura retreated to a quiet lounge area, her mind swirling with doubt. She was terrified of being exposed, yet she desperately wanted him to believe her. Just then, Beta Jake approached her.

"The Alpha would like to speak with you privately," Jake said politely.

Laura's heart skipped a beat, a rush of excitement coursing through her veins as she nodded in agreement. Following Jake, she entered a private room where Andre was already waiting.

"Please, have a seat," Andre said, his voice deep and his eyes still locked on her necklace.

Laura sat down gracefully, but inside, she was a tempest of emotions. She knew this meeting was crucial; one misstep could shatter her carefully constructed facade.

Andre fell silent for a moment, seemingly lost in thought. Finally, he spoke, "Five years ago, I was attacked and injured... someone saved me. Can you tell me more about that?"

Laura recognized the test he was putting her through.

She quickly composed herself, adopting a reminiscent expression. "Yes, I remember. I was out near the Frostfang Pack's territory when I came across an injured man. It was a dire situation, and I didn't have time to ask questions. I just did my best to help him."

Andre's gaze bore into hers, searching for any hint of deceit. Yet Laura maintained her calm demeanor, her voice steady and unwavering.

Finally, Andre let out a sigh of relief, as if he had fully accepted her words. He nodded slowly, a hint of warmth in his tone. "It seems you are the mate I've been searching for all along."

At those words, Laura's tension melted away, replaced by overwhelming joy. She fought to contain her excitement, allowing only a shy smile to grace her lips as she replied softly, "I've admired you for so long, but I was afraid you wouldn't accept me as your mate."

As he took her hand, Andre's expression was a mix of complex emotions. He turned to Jake, who stood nearby, and said, "Make the announcement immediately—Laura is my fiancée."

Jake nodded respectfully and exited the room, leaving Laura and Andre alone in a charged atmosphere.

Andre held her hand gently, as if trying to anchor himself in the moment.

"What's wrong, Andre? Aren't you happy? You finally found her."

His wolf nudged at him from within, but Andre couldn't quite articulate his feelings.

Yes, he had found her, but beneath the surface, there was a nagging sense of unease, as if the woman before him didn't quite match the vivid memory he held from five years ago. Yet, Andre couldn't pinpoint what felt off; he buried those doubts deep down.

Sensing his silence, Laura leaned in slightly, her voice tender and resolute. "From now on, I'll always be by your side." Her words were meant to soothe and dispel any lingering uncertainties Andre might have.

He nodded, still grappling with his inner turmoil, but at that moment, he chose to trust Laura.

A glimmer of triumph sparkled in Laura's eyes.

She mused, "The plan has worked! I am about to become Andre's mate, the Luna of the most powerful pack!"

Laura could tell Andre didn't harbor deep feelings for her yet, but that was fine; feelings could be nurtured, right?

But soon, she would realize how wrong she was.

No matter how hard Laura tried or how well she treated him, Andre remained distant. Their interactions were limited to kisses, and even those had to be initiated by her.

They never progressed beyond that, and the wedding she dreamed of remained perpetually out of reach, dragging on for four long years.

*****

As soon as Andre returned to the Alpha villa, Laura pretended to be tipsy and threw herself into his arms. "Andre, I don't understand. What am I doing wrong? I want to be your luna. Marry me, please? We're mates, after all!"

Tears streamed down her face, and any normal man would have been moved by her display. Andre held her for a long moment, silence stretching between them until he finally sighed deeply.

"I'm sorry for making you wait so long, Laura." He brushed his fingers gently across her forehead, his tone laced with guilt. "Let's get engaged."

Joy surged through Laura, even as she recognized that Andre's words stemmed from a sense of responsibility rather than genuine desire.

But that didn't matter.

A wild glint sparkled in her eyes. Laura mused, "All I need is that title, and Irene will never have it!"

*****

The next day, news of the Frostfang Pack Alpha's impending marriage to his luna spread like wildfire throughout the territory, even making headlines at the airport, where the announcement played on a loop.

In the bustling terminal, a stunning woman walked ahead, flanked by a group of sharply dressed, stoic businesspeople, her confidence radiating through the crowd.

She was dressed in a sleek black bodycon dress and stepped confidently in black suede heels. Her long, golden curls cascaded over her shoulders, flowing with every step she took, creating elegant arcs in the air.

Her face, delicately sculpted like a Barbie doll, was framed by a pair of brown sunglasses that accentuated her fiery red lips, adding an alluring charm to her already captivating presence.

Heads turned as people paused to admire the stunning woman, some even pulling out their phones to capture her beauty and commanding aura.

Yet, she paid no mind to the attention; her eyes were glued to the television overhead, and when she caught sight of the news, her expression shifted to one of shock.

"Laura is finally getting married!"

It was Irene, back in Frostfang Pack, after four long years.

She had returned to revive the company left by Holly, and this time, she was more than prepared. Over the past four years, Irene had made a name for herself in the design world with her exquisite jewelry, now recognized as a rising star in the industry.

"Today, the engagement party of Alpha Andre and Laura is in full swing at the hotel..." The news continued to roll.

Without a second thought, Irene dialed Laura's number.

The phone rang and was quickly answered.

"Darling, you're engaged! Why didn't you tell me this huge news?" Irene began without a preamble. Laura's voice was cautious. "Irene? I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to keep it from you. I've just been swamped. You know how complicated the engagement ceremony can be. It's not that I didn't want to invite you, but you've been away from Frostfang Pack for so long, and I was worried..."

Irene cut her off, "Laura, I'm not upset! I'm just thrilled for you! In fact, I'm back at Frostfang Pack! I want to congratulate you. When can we meet for a drink?"

Laura chuckled. "Of course! How about tonight? I'd love for Andre to join us, too. Is that okay?"

Irene paused for a moment, then remembered Laura was referring to the Alpha of Frostfang Pack—the seemingly all-powerful figure everyone talked about.

"Of course! He's your mate and the Alpha. Meeting him would be a privilege for me," Irene replied with a playful tone.

"Great! Let's make it happen. Eight o'clock tonight at the hotel!"

After hanging up, Irene turned to her assistant, who had been closely following her, and raised an eyebrow in mild exasperation. "Lily, why don't you head to the office and get familiar with things? My friend is getting engaged, and I need to be there."

Lily, her new assistant, nodded. Since Irene had taken over Holly's design company, Irene had earned the title of CEO. Although she had told Lily that it wasn't necessary to call her that, the stubborn intern insisted on showing her respect.

"Ms. Gomez, should I have the driver take you?" Lily asked, a hint of concern in her voice.

"No need. I can manage on my own. I know my way around Frostfang Pack," Irene replied with a smile.

Lily nodded, pulling a set of keys from her handbag and handing them over. "Just be careful, okay?"

Irene waved the keys in the air. "You all go ahead to the office. I'll be there tomorrow."

With that, she set off.

As she drove, Irene called her daughter, eager to catch up.

The phone connected, and she heard her little one's voice on the other end, bright and cheerful. "Mommy, are you back at Frostfang Pack yet?"