Promised to the Alfa's Son, Fated to Another

Chapter seventeen

Baron leaped, the ball in his hands flying high before crashing through the hoop. The court erupted in cheers, but all he noticed was the approving nod of his father. Sweat trickled down his temples, darkening his hair, but his grin never faded.

“One more point and we’re done,” Coach Aims clapped his hands.

“You know we won the championship last week!” Baron teased.

“Then win another. Get back on the field!” his father barked, eyes gleaming with pride.

Baron sprinted, caught the rebound, and slammed it into the basket. No words were needed between father and son. Their bond was written in instinct.

But the moment broke when a teammate snickered, “Hey, Baron, where’s your fiancée? She never comes to cheer for you.”

Baron froze. His smile faltered.

“She doesn’t like sports,” he muttered.

“Or maybe she just doesn’t like you!” Laughter erupted across the court.

The sting cut deeper than he admitted. Chloe hadn’t warmed to him—not once. She agreed to their engagement only out of loyalty to her father, and everyone knew it. From that day, Baron became the silent joke of the team.

He grabbed his bag, but a familiar voice stopped him.

“Want a drink?”

Riley. He had been sitting quietly the whole game, watching. The second son of Alpha Satton didn’t need words to command respect. Baron brightened, clapping his best friend on the back.

Minutes later, cleaned up and sitting in Riley’s sleek car, the laughter from the court still echoed in Baron’s head.

“So, how’s it going with Chloe?” Riley asked.

Baron’s shoulders sagged. “Rough. She ignores my calls, sends my gifts back. Last time, she locked herself in her room. My wolf goes crazy near her, but she’s ice.”

“Does she even know you love her?” Riley smirked.

“Very funny,” Baron grumbled, punching his arm. “And what about you? Your secret girl—met her yet?”

Riley’s lips pressed into a thin line. A low growl escaped him.

Baron blinked. “That bad?”

“Not that bad. Just… complicated. She’s engaged.”

“Engaged? You’re kidding! Who’s the guy?”

Riley looked out the window. “Alfie.”

Baron’s jaw dropped. Riley liked a girl—and Alfie had claimed her? Fate could be cruel.

They laughed, half bitter, half hopeless.

“Look at us,” Baron sighed. “Two of the coolest wolves in the pack, and the most miserable in love.”

“It could be worse,” Riley muttered.

“Worse? Only if your mate belonged to someone else.” Baron chuckled—until his eyes caught Riley’s hand. A mark. His laughter died.

Baron’s chest tightened. “Riley… no. Is it Casey?”

“She has no mark. Not yet.”

“Then who?”

Riley’s knuckles turned white on the steering wheel. His voice was raw.

“If you want the truth… I have no idea who the hell my mate is.”