The Alpha King’s Lost Mate

ADRIAN Adrian Blackwood's private bedroom was the only place in his entire estate where no one dared disturb him. The massive doors were closed. The curtains were drawn. The city lights flickered beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, painting faint reflections across the dark room. A woman was pressed against those doors, her fingers tangled in Adrian's hair as he kissed her. Their first kiss had been slow. Almost careless. She had smiled at him across the private lounge earlier that night, and Adrian had immediately known what she wanted. He had approached her without a word. One look had been enough. Now, her arms were around his neck while his hand rested firmly at her waist. The kiss deepened, becoming more passionate as she leaned into him. When they finally separated, she breathed out softly. "You're not what I expected." Adrian's eyes remained on hers. "What did you expect?" "The Alpha King to be... different." A faint smirk touched his lips. "I am." She laughed. "You're arrogant." "So I've been told." He kissed her again, briefly this time, before stepping away. That was Adrian. He didn't pretend to be a gentleman looking for love. He didn't make promises he had no intention of keeping. Women came into his life because they wanted him, and he allowed them to stay only as long as he wanted them there. Nothing more. Nothing less. He walked toward the bar and poured himself a drink. The woman watched him. "Do you ever have relationships?" "No." "Never?" "Never." She folded her arms. "What about your mate?" Adrian's expression immediately changed. "My mate?" "Don't tell me you don't believe in mates." "I don't." The answer was immediate. Every werewolf grew up hearing stories about the Moon Goddess choosing one person for them. A destined partner. A soul bound to theirs. Adrian had always considered it nonsense. He was an Alpha King. He had spent his entire life building his kingdom. He wasn't about to surrender his freedom to some invisible bond. A knock sounded. Adrian's eyes narrowed. "Come in." The door opened, and his Beta, Damien Cross, stepped inside. Damien glanced at the woman before looking at Adrian. "The council meeting is tomorrow morning." "I know." "They're asking about your mate again." Adrian took a slow sip of whiskey. "Tell them they can stop asking." "They won't." "Then they'll learn." Damien sighed. "You're thirty-one, Adrian. The council wants an heir." "My personal life isn't their concern." "It's the kingdom's concern." Adrian's jaw tightened. "Enough." Damien knew better than to argue. He nodded and left. Adrian turned toward the window. He had everything. A powerful pack. A throne. Wealth. Women whenever he wanted them. Freedom. He didn't need a mate. He didn't need love. And he certainly didn't need a woman permanently attached to his life. He was perfectly satisfied with the way things were. For now. --- SERENA "Serena." She groaned and pulled the blanket over her head. "Five more minutes." A quiet laugh came from beside the bed. "You said that ten minutes ago." She opened one eye. Ethan stood there holding two cups of coffee. His shirt was already tucked neatly into his trousers, and his watch was fastened around his wrist. Serena smiled. "You made coffee?" "I know how to impress my girlfriend." She sat up and took the cup. "Thank you." Ethan leaned down and kissed her forehead. For a moment, everything felt normal. Safe. Familiar. This was the life Serena knew. She was twenty-four, completely human, and living an ordinary life. She had never seen a werewolf. Never heard of an Alpha King. Never imagined that supernatural creatures could exist outside horror movies and fantasy novels. Her world consisted of work, bills, friends, family, and Ethan. Especially Ethan. They had been together for almost three years. Three years of birthdays, arguments, holidays, late-night conversations, and plans for the future. At least, that was what Serena believed they were building. "Are you coming home early tonight?" she asked. Ethan hesitated. Just for a second. But Serena noticed. "I'll try." "You said that yesterday." "I know." She looked down at her coffee. Lately, there always seemed to be an excuse. Work. Friends. Traffic. Something. Ethan sat beside her. "Serena, I'm busy. That's all." "I know." She forced a smile. He reached for her hand. "I'll make it up to you." "How?" "Dinner tonight." "You're cooking?" He laughed. "Let's not get carried away." She smiled despite herself. "Idiot." Ethan kissed her cheek before standing. Serena watched him walk toward the door. She didn't know that her relationship was slowly approaching its breaking point. She didn't know that another man's life was already moving toward hers. And she certainly didn't know that the most powerful werewolf in the world had a destiny he had spent his entire life denying. For now, Adrian Blackwood was still living without a mate. And Serena Hayes was still in love with her boyfriend. Their worlds remained completely separate. But not for long.