I chose my Alpha mate uncle

Chapter 2– Three months earlier

Chapter 2– Three months earlier

Eliana’s POV

By the time I got home, I wanted to collapse. I dropped my bag beside the couch and kicked off my shoes. “I hate my job,” I said to the empty apartment. It didn't answer. I dragged myself toward the kitchen, opened the fridge, stared inside, and closed it again.

I wasn't hungry enough to cook. My phone buzzed.

Maya: I'm coming over.

I frowned.

Before I could reply, another message appeared.

Maya: Don't argue.

Twenty minutes later, someone knocked.

I opened the door to find Maya standing there with a bag in one hand and a book in the other.

“You look terrible,” she said.

“Thank you.”

“You're welcome.” She walked past me. “I brought food,” she said. “You're a lifesaver,” I said, looking at the food. “I know.” She dropped the bag on the table, then held up the book.

“And this.” I looked at the cover: I Chose My Alpha Mate. I laughed. “No.” She slapped my hand. “Yes.” I hissed. “I don't read werewolf romance.”

She rolled her eyes. “You read everything.” And I looked at her. “Not everything.” She stared at me. “You read vampire books.” I rolled my eyes. “That's different.” She sighed. “How?”I stared. “They're vampires.” Maya stared at me.

I stared back. “Fine,” I said. “That's not a good argument.” She grinned. “Just read it.” I took the book from her. “What's it about?”

“Alpha. Mate bond. Forbidden romance. Obsession. Betrayal,” she said. “You've sold it badly.”

“Just read the first chapter.” I sighed. “Fine.”She pointed at me. “And don't stay up all night.”

“I won't.” She gave me a look. “You said that last time.”

“That was different.”

“How?”

“I had a better book.” She laughed. “Goodnight, Eliana.” After she left, I changed into comfortable clothes and sat on my bed with the book. I opened it. One chapter became three. Then five.

The story was addictive. The male lead, Cassian Draven, was everything I expected from an Alpha. Powerful. Arrogant. Beautiful. And completely obsessed with his supposed mate, Seraphine. Then there was Elara Vale.

The villainess. She wanted Cassian and hated Seraphine for getting in the way. At first, I couldn't stand her.

“She really did that?” I turned the page. My irritation only grew.

Elara kept making one terrible decision after another. She humiliated Seraphine. She manipulated people.

She pushed Cassian further away.

And somehow, despite having everything, she kept destroying herself because of one man.

By the time I reached her ending, I was staring at the page in disbelief.

“No way.” I read the scene again. Elara's downfall was brutal. And Cassian never came for her. I closed the book. “That was stupid.” I placed it beside me.

But after a few seconds, I picked it up again. I reread the final chapter.

Then I laughed bitterly. “If I were her, I'd have chosen literally anyone else.” My eyes grew heavy. I set the book on my chest, just for a minute. I closed my eyes. A voice whispered through the darkness. “If you were given the chance to choose differently…” I frowned. “Would you?”

My eyes opened. The room was empty. Then everything went black. When I opened my eyes again, I couldn't breathe. I sat up quickly.

This wasn't my bedroom. I looked around. The room was enormous. Heavy curtains covered tall windows. A fireplace stood against one wall. Expensive furniture filled the space, and a large bed surrounded me. I stared. What the hell?”

I climbed out of bed. My feet touched a cold floor. I rushed toward the nearest mirror. And froze.

A woman stared back at me. Long dark hair. Pale skin. Full lips. A beautiful face. A body that was soft and curvy in places mine had never been.

I touched my cheek. The reflection did the same. “No…” My heart began pounding. I knew that face. I knew those eyes. I knew that woman. “Elara.” My voice trembled. The bedroom door opened. A young maid stepped inside carrying a tray.

She stopped when she saw me. “My lady?” I turned toward her. She immediately lowered her head. “You're awake.” I swallowed. “Where am I?”

The maid looked confused. “Your bedroom, my lady.” I stared at her. My hands began to shake. No. There was only one explanation. And I didn't want to believe it. Because if I was right…

Then I wasn't supposed to be here. And somewhere in this world was the man I had just spent hours reading about.

Cassian Draven. The man Elara Vale had ruined herself for. The man I had sworn I would never choose. The maid placed the tray down carefully. “Your bath has been prepared.” I barely heard her.

Then she added, “Your mother asked me to remind you that Lord Cassian will arrive this afternoon.” My blood ran cold.

Cassian. Today. I looked at the mirror again. Elara Vale looked back at me.

And for the first time, I realized the story wasn't something I was reading anymore.

I was inside it.