THE ALPHA'S ELDRITCH FATED MATE

Lilian's POV : I sat on my bed, one leg crossed over the other, rolling a strand of my hair around my finger while pressing the phone tightly against my ear. My bed was a mess, heaps of clothes and belongings scattered around as I packed for my big move. I was on call with my best friend Amber “Lilian, I'm so happy for you! I wish I could come with you,” Amber said, her voice tinged with a hint of melancholy over the phone. I chuckled softly, shaking my head. “Stop being so dramatic. The company you're doing your internship with is also a big one,” I replied. “You and I both know that no company compares to the almighty Blackwood Foundation, owned by Jethro Blackwood himself. Nothing can top that,” she explained. “I know, right?” I said, a grin spreading across my face. “I must really count myself lucky.” I added and Amber's bursted out laughing which echoed through the phone. “I'm so happy for you, dear. I heard you were the only one picked from our college out of all the applicants,” she said, her voice brimming with pride. “Really?” I asked, surprised by her revelation. “I mean it,” Amber replied, her tone dead serious. Before I could respond, I heard footsteps approaching my door. Aunt Naomi appeared, her expression stern, brows furrowed, and lips pressed into a thin line. “Lilian,” she began, her tone filled with concern, “I need to talk to you.” “Amber, I have to go. I’ll call you later,” I said hurriedly, ending the call. I looked up at Naomi, my heart pounding. “What’s wrong, Aunt Naomi?” Aunt Naomi sighed and sat on the edge of my bed, her eyes softening but the worry lines remaining etched on her face. “I’m worried about you going to London. Can't you just do your internship somewhere closer? I don't know how to explain this, but London isn't a safe place for you,” she added, her expression filled with fear. I reached out and took her hand, trying to convey my reassurance through my touch. “Aunt Naomi, I know you’re worried, but this is a huge opportunity for me. I’ve worked so hard for this.” Aunt Naomi’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears. “I know, dear. But I promise you, if you apply anywhere else, I will support you wholeheartedly. Please,” she pleaded, her voice trembling with emotion. “Aunt Naomi, you know it's a big deal for me to get this internship at Blackwood Foundation. Aside from the fact that I’ll be making invaluable connections, I’ll also get to work under Jethro Blackwood himself, my role model. This is a dream come true for me; I can’t jeopardize it,” I explained, hoping she’d understand. She listened, silent and attentive, but the worry never left her eyes. “I understand you, Lilian, but London is dangerous for you. Believe me,” Aunt Naomi said, her look filled with unspoken fear. Why is she so worried about London? I don’t understand why she keeps saying it’s dangerous. If it’s about me taking care of myself, I can do that, I thought inwardly before voicing out, “Aunt Naomi, I’m going to be fine. I’m 20, for goodness' sake! I can take care of myself,” I said jokingly, but it didn’t ease her worries. “Promise me you’ll be very careful out there,” she said, as if that was her only hope of keeping me safe. A tender moment passed between us, filled with unspoken words and deep emotions. I felt a pang of guilt but also a surge of determination. “I’ll be careful, I promise.” “And also promise to let me know if those scary dreams ever come back,” she demanded. “Okay, I promise,” I said slowly, the thought of the dreams sending a shiver down my spine. Aunt Naomi was my only family. She had raised me single handedly after I lost my parents at the tender age of two. I couldn’t even recall what they looked like; the only memory I had of them was a single photograph taken on a hot summer day. Aunt Naomi had always refused to talk about their death, finding one excuse or another to avoid the topic. Over time, I had learned to let it be, trusting she would tell me when the time was right. Aunt Naomi was divorced, though I never met her ex-husband. She never mentioned anything beyond that to me. Something inside me always felt there was more to the story, but it didn’t matter now. We were fine, and the past was in the past. As for the dreams, I started having nightmares about spells, witches, and wild animals I could liken to wolves, when I was Twelve years old. They were terrifying and traumatizing, but I had no choice but to endure them. Miraculously, they stopped when I turned Twenty. As much as I was grateful they were gone, part of me feared their return. “I promise I’ll be fine,” I said firmly. “I’ll call you every day, and I’ll be back before you know it,” I added, trying to ease the atmosphere. Naomi pulled me into a tight hug. “Alright, my dear. Just know that I love you.” “I love you too, Aunt Naomi,” I whispered, my voice trembling with emotion. “Now, make sure you sleep on time. You have a long journey ahead tomorrow,” she added before walking out of the room. I drifted off to sleep as soon as I could, feeling exhausted from packing all day. The next morning, I woke up early, my heart fluttering with anticipation. I meticulously packed my suitcase, making sure I had everything I needed. I picked up the only picture I had of my parents. “Mom, Dad, your daughter is going for her internship at the biggest company in the country. I hope you’re both proud of me,” I said softly before tucking the picture into the side of my bag. Naomi appeared in the doorway, a gentle smile on her face. “Are you ready, Lilian?” I nodded, my heart pounding with a mix of excitement and trepidation. “I think so.” Naomi walked over and hugged me tightly. “Remember, if you ever need anything, I’m just a phone call away.” “I know,” I said, my voice trembling with emotion. "Thank you for everything, Aunt Naomi." With one last look around my room, I picked up my suitcase and headed downstairs. The taxi was already waiting outside, its engine humming softly. My heart raced as I stepped outside. Aunt Naomi walked me to the taxi, her eyes glistening with tears. “Take care, Lilian. I’m so proud of you.” I hugged her tightly, my own eyes watering. “I will. I promise.” As the taxi pulled away, I looked back at Naomi, standing on the doorstep, waving. A hit of sadness washed over me, I couldn't blame her it had just been the two of us all along. The drive to the airport seemed to take forever and no time at all. Soon, I was stepping out into the bustling chaos of the airport. I checked in my luggage, went through security, and found myself at the gate, waiting for my flight. I boarded the plane, my heart pounding with excitement. As we took off, I watched the ground fall away beneath us, the city shrinking into a patchwork of colors. I leaned back in my seat. The flight was long, giving me plenty of time to think. I pulled out my favorite business book, written by Jethro Blackwood. I had read it countless times, and it never failed to inspire me. By the time we landed at Heathrow, I felt a strange mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. I collected my luggage and made my way through the crowded terminal. The noise and activity were overwhelming, but I felt a thrill at being in a new place, a city so different from what I was used to. I hailed a cab and gave the driver the address of the small flat I had rented. As we drove through the streets of London, I took in the sights with wide-eyed wonder. Something about the city felt oddly familiar, and the breeze soothed me, making it feel like home. We finally arrived at my flat, a small but cozy place in a bustling neighborhood. I thanked the driver and stepped out, taking a deep breath. This was my new home. I climbed the stairs to my flat, unlocked the door, and stepped inside. The place was simple, with just the basics, but it was mine. I picked up my phone and called Aunt Naomi to let her know I had arrived safely. I spent the rest of the day arranging my room and putting everything in place, knowing fully well I had to start at Blackwood Foundation the next day. There might be no time for this, some other time and I didn't want to slack off even a bit. By the time I finished, I was exhausted and hungry. I ordered food from an online restaurant, ate, and then drifted off to sleep.