His Runaway Luna

Chapter 2 Encounter

Arthur’s POV:

I drive my car down the road. Marcus, my wolf, is pacing back and forth in my mind, his agitation growing the closer we get to Blue Lake Pack.

He had never shown interest in any female, so it surprised me that it wagged its tail violently when seeing the photo of Alpha Henry’s daughter. At that very moment, I realized she was the one for me. I would like to see and feel her immediately, but I was caught in Scotland for a secret meeting with some witches and detectives. That meeting was crucial for the fate of my family, so I couldn’t afford to skip it.

“Beautiful things take time,” I reassured myself and my wolf.

Mia Wiley. Repeating the name silently, a soft smile curls up my lips. It is heaven to finally find her.

Thirty years old and unmated, my life as the Alpha is not easy.

I mean, keeping the pack safe and strong - that's my job, and I excel at it. But the pack's whispers and worried glances about my mateless status are a constant thorn in my side. I can feel their unease every time I’m face-to-face with them. And I’ve lost count of how many times those old wolves have strolled into my office, laying down photos of some alpha daughters on my desk and nudging me to pick a mate.

Their intrusion annoys me. It's my private business. Mine and my mate’s. Never theirs.

And I can’t bring myself to give up on my fated mate, especially after witnessing the deep love between my parents—their pure unshakable bond and the affection that sparkled in their eyes whenever they were together.

My grip on the steering wheel tightens when I think of my parents. The memory of them brings me a sudden pang of pain.

They had two children, my brother Edward and me. Edward’s 3 years older than me so he took the Alpha’s position, leaving me to do as I please. I was an investment banker on Wall Street and owned a company. Then a huge fire took away the lives of my parents and brother. I didn't even get to see them one last time.

Evidence suggests that the fire was part of a larger, more elaborate plot. And during my year as Alpha, rumors against me keep popping up.

“F*ck!” A curse escapes from my mouth as I thump the wheel angrily. Someone is targeting my family. I know that, and I swear I will dig the culprit out and make them repay blood with blood.

I make a left turn into Blue Lake Pack's territory and am immediately drawn to a subtle fragrance. The white-hot anger within me cools down bit by bit as I drive deeper and the captivating scent becomes stronger. It smells like a wildflower meadow at dawn, with a blend of jasmine and vibrant sunflowers. I’ve never smelled anything like that. Sweet and so damn intoxicating!

Every part of me is pulsing with intensity, and adrenaline floods my system like a wildfire spreading through dry grass.

My wolf lunges forward, trying to rip free of my skin. I speed up, and when my car finally stops in front of the source of the tempting scent, I momentarily forget to breathe.

“Mine!” Marcus roars at the sight of our mate.

She is incredibly striking, sitting on the floor like a fallen angel. Her ivory gown pools around her in a swirl of fabric and lace, and her veil has come loose, half-draping over her face. She's got this wild beauty that’s hard to ignore, and the way her hair’s a bit tousled just makes her look even more captivating. Her eyes are wide with a mixture of horror and nervousness…

Is she in trouble?

I quickly unfasten my seat belt, get out of the car, and stride towards her. My heart is pounding hard when our eyes lock. The urge to kiss her washes over me, and I want to lose myself in that connection between us.

But then I pause - something feels off.

The way she looks at me is more like a girl spotting a hotty - where’s the chemistry and excitement that’s supposed to be between us?

I stare deeper into her hazel eyes.

She doesn’t recognize me.

She doesn’t feel our bond.

And, she doesn’t have a wolf.

Marcus is on edge, urging me to unleash him. He wants to claim what’s his.

“Hold on, dude. Don’t scare our little mate,” I soothe him, pushing him back. With a soft smile, I offer my hand to the angel.

“Need some help?” I ask.

She shifts her gaze from my face to my hand. Grabbing it instantly, she leaps to her feet, and darts into my car like a startled rabbit, hopping over the driver's seat to the passenger side.

“Drive! Hurry up!” She shouts frantically.

Wow, what an opening line! Whatever, your wish is my command, mate!

I slide into the car and slam on the gas. Mia lets out a breath of relief. Tiny droplets of sweat trickle down her forehead, and she’s fanning herself to cool down.

“You are...escaping from the wedding, Ms. Wiley?” I ask.

“Yes!”

“May I know why? Word on the street is that today's you and Arthur Moore’s big day.” The car is filled with her sweet scent, making me feel dizzily excited. It takes all my willpower not to pull her into my embrace.

“No way! I can’t mate with a killing machine!” She says while scanning the car interior.

Killing machine? I frown at her answer.

“Uber offers Rolls-Royce now? So sexy!” She exclaims.

“It’s Uber Black. The system gave you a free upgrade, Ms. Wiley,” I quip, finding it fun to banter with her.

“Well, I guess not everything is terrible today,” her face instantly lights up.

Suddenly, two cars cross my path, forcing me to hit the brake hard. The screech of brakes cut through the air. Fear is written over Mia’s face when Henry Wiley and his men emerge from the vehicles.

“I’m screwed!” She mutters, her eyes darting towards the approaching men.

The sight of my panicked mate sends a jolt through me, my fist instinctively clenching, and the urge to soothe her rising within me. Before I take any action, Mia reaches for my arm, her grip tight.

“Help me, sir! Please!” She pleads in a trembling voice.

“Yes! How?”

“Pretend to be my mate! This is the only way that can save me, please,” Mia begs, desperation showing in her eyes.

I’m indeed your mate, angel. You already own me, my heart, body, and soul. But I’m glad to play with you.

“Sure, my pleasure,” I assure her.

From the mirror I know Alex, my beta, is following. I mindlink him, ordering him to keep his wits about the situation and not to reveal my identity.

A smirk dances around my lips.

Game on, little mate!