261 Second Chance Mate

“She’s even more beautiful in person…”

I gave her a soft, sad smile in return. “Thank you.”

I swallowed hard, trying to compose myself, feeling hundreds of eyes drink me in.

Beautiful.

No, no, no.

The hall was enormous, and every single guest was dressed in deep wine colors, elegant gowns and sharp suits, adorned with jewels and silks. A soft hum of whispers rose in the air as I stepped in beside my brother, and I suddenly realized–he hadn’t invited just anyone. This was a gathering of elites. High-ranking Alphas. Beta families. Witches. Warlocks. Nobles. Creatures from every corner of the supernatural world.

I stiffened, my breath catching in my throat.

He walked over, extending his arm with a smirk. “It’s time.”

But even then… I could still feel his gaze burning on the back of my neck.

Whispers echoed from the corners.

At this moment, I missed Nora and Lolita. My closest friends. My sisters in spirit. They should’ve been here, fussing over my makeup and helping me into my dress while teasing me about the night ahead.

Curious? I wasn’t so sure. His stare felt deeper than curiosity–it felt… knowing. Like he could see things others couldn’t. Like he knew me.

My blonde hair had been pulled into a neat bun, delicately adorned with silver pins that shimmered in the light. My face was softly dusted with powder and highlighted in all the right places, giving me a glowing, flawless finish. A bold red lipstick settled on my lips, making me look like someone I barely recognized in the mirror.

She howled.

Everyone’s eyes were on me, but mine snapped to the doors.

Lanterns floated, casting a warm golden glow over the courtyard. Guards stood along the path, dressed sharply, their expressions respectful as they bowed slightly when we passed. Everything looked pristine–elegant and regal.

“He’s not a threat,” Calvin added calmly. “He’s just curious.”

I clenched my jaw, trying to bury the feelings. But my wolf wouldn’t stop howling. She wasn’t confused. She was certain our mate was here.

“Come in,” I said.

Calvin squeezed my hand. “You ready?”

I nodded, though my throat was dry. “As I’ll ever be.”

Calvin followed my gaze. “Him?” he murmured. “He’s a vampire. One of the oldest. From the High Bloodline Council.”

We reached a raised platform at the center of the room. A single table stood there, dressed in rich velvet and gold accents, clearly reserved for me.

No.

He leaned down to whisper, “You’re doing great. They’re already mesmerized.”

All eyes turned to us as we stepped in.

The room spun. My stomach dropped.

With a smile that was meant to reassure me, he led me out of the room.

A tall, handsome man, standing near the back, away from the main crowd. Pale skin, sharp features, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit. His eyes… impossibly dark, like an endless night. He didn’t smile. He didn’t blink. He just… stared.

My breath caught in my throat as the air between us thickened with tension. My wolf was practically dancing, crying out to them with an emotion I didn’t know how to silence.

I let out a slow breath. “A little.”

“Is that her?”

Because no matter how I tried, I couldn’t stop thinking about the triplets.

“The lost one?”

Before I could drown further in my thoughts, a knock landed softly on the door.

“Wow…” he said finally, stepping inside. “You look absolutely breathtaking.”

But deep down, my heart ached.

The door opened… and silence fell inside.

The evening air was cool, brushing against my skin as we walked. I glanced around, taking in the unfamiliar view. This territory… this home… it was supposed to be mine, yet it still felt like a dream I hadn’t quite woken from.

Lennox. Levi. Louis.

My heart fluttered.

Could it be? Did the Moon Goddess bless me with a second chance mate?

I looked… different.

I looked away quickly.

But all I felt was chaos. Them? Again?

Mate? I echoed back in disbelief.

I shifted uncomfortably, glancing at Calvin. “Who is that?”

Whatever the night held–I would face it.

My wolf suddenly rose in full force.

A small blush crept to my cheeks. “Thank you.”

I nodded slowly, holding onto his words like an anchor.

I looked up at him, watching the pride in his expression. But as he continued speaking, something stirred inside me. A strange sensation tickled inside me, it was faint at first… then stronger.

Olivia’s POV

The door opened, and there stood Calvin–dressed in a tailored black suit with a red tie that matched my dress. He looked every bit the noble Alpha he was, confident and poised. But when his eyes landed on me, his expression shifted.

“Are you nervous?” he asked gently.

Suddenly, the grand doors creaked open again.

“You look so beautiful, my lady,” the maid standing beside me said with a warm smile.

I stiffened slightly.

Loud and clear inside me. Excited. Anxious. Thrilled.

He squeezed my hand. “Don’t be. You’re stronger than anyone in that room. All you have to do tonight… is be you.”

For a moment, he just stared.

My wolf growled low in my mind, her presence rising sharply.

I tried not to let it get to me, but it was overwhelming. My grip on Calvin’s arm tightened slightly.

My eyes widened slightly.

How was this possible?

They couldn’t be—again?

The second I laid eyes on them, my wolf howled louder.

“Mate.”

Stunning.

“Good evening, everyone,” Calvin began, his voice deep and commanding. “Tonight, you are not just attending another gathering of the supernatural elite. You are here to witness the return of someone precious-.”

I scanned the crowd, trying to pinpoint where the feeling was coming from. My heart thundered, and confusion rushed in. I wanted to be excited–truly, I did—but instead, I felt torn. Terrified. Angry. Pained.

And I froze.

He pulled out the chair for me, and I sat down slowly, smoothing the skirt of my red dress with trembling hands. Calvin stood beside me, raising a hand slightly to draw the attention of the crowd. A hush fell over the room.

My heart slammed against my ribs.

Pain hit my chest. I hadn’t seen them when I went back to the packhouse. Had they been reassigned?

There they were.

I hesitated for a second, then took his arm as I stood. He glanced down at me with a proud smile, but I could see the concern in his eyes too.

Mates!

And then I saw the hall ahead–the pack hall. Grand, tall, and lit up like royalty lived within.

The triplets walked in, dressed sharply, powerfully–heads high, eyes scanning the room.