Chapter 3 SCOTT'S POV

SCOTT'S POV

As I stood there, my pack members rushed to my side, their faces etched with concern. They bowed, and I sensed their worry through the mind link.

"What happened, Alpha?" Marcus asked, his voice laced with worry.

I sighed, feeling defeated. "Let's just go home."

But Marcus persisted, "Buh, Alpha, we're all worried. Why did you howl sorrowfully? This happened only once before, when Luna Jocelyn passed away."

Hearing Jocelyn's name brought back painful memories, and I whimpered. I tried to compose myself, using my Alpha tone to leave no room for argument. "Let's just go home."

We returned to the pack, and as I entered the Alpha's house, I saw Nathan waiting up for me.

"Daddy!" Nathan called out, running towards me.

I picked him up and placed him on my waist. "Why aren't you asleep, champ? It's very late."

Nathan's small voice replied, "I couldn't sleep, Daddy. I was waiting for you to come put me to sleep."

I carried Nathan to his room, gently placed him on his bed, and tucked him under the duvet. Sitting on the edge, I softly stroked his cheek, and he yawned, gazing up at me sleepily.

"Are you okay, Daddy?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm fine, champ," I reassured him. "Now sleep tight." I stood, kissed his forehead, and whispered, "I love you, champ."

As I turned to leave, Nathan's faint voice called out, "Daddy?" I turned back, and our eyes met.

"I love you, Daddy," he murmured, before succumbing to sleep. I smiled warmly and exited the room.

In my office, I found Marcus waiting.

I sat down and dove into paperwork, hoping to avoid Marcus's inquiring gaze.

"Scott, what's going on?" Marcus asked, concern etched in his voice. "Can't you see I'm busy, Marc?" I replied, attempting to deflect.

"No, you're not busy, you're just avoiding my question," Marcus countered. I sighed, defeated. "What's your question, Marc?"

"What happened back there? You got us all worried," Marcus pressed. I hesitated before revealing, "I met my mate."

Marcus's eyes widened. "What? Met your mate? Luna Jocelyn is alive" I shook my head. "Not Jocelyn, my second-chance mate."

"Second-chance mate?" Marcus repeated, confusion written across his face. "What does that even mean?"

"A second chance at having another mate," I clarified.

Marcus's eyes sparkled with intrigue. "Wait, that myth is real? How is that possible?" I shrugged. "I don't know, but it seems the myth is real."

Marcus nodded, accepting. "Okay, but why are you down? Shouldn't you be excited? This doesn't happen every day."

"She rejected me," I said, sorrow seeping into my voice.

Marcus's expression turned sympathetic, and he remained silent for a few seconds before asking, "But why? Had you met before and she didn't like you? Or is she already with someone?"

I shook my head. "We haven't met before, I don't know if she has someone... and she's human."

Marcus's eyes widened in shock. "She's human?! What the...? How did she even know to reject you?"

"I'm just as confused as you, Marc," I admitted. "But I need your help. Her name is Jasmine Coker, and it seems she lives around here. Get me everything you can on her."

Marcus nodded, determination etched on his face. "Yes, Alpha." He bowed and departed on his mission.

....

a

JASMINE'S POV

For the first time in a long while, I decided to take my sleek, red Rolls-Royce out for a spin. I adore my car, but I'm often too lazy to drive it, having only taken it out about five times since I got it a year ago.

My parents and I have a complicated relationship, but when it comes to money, they're always generous. Honestly, that's the only thing that matters to me. They don't call or show interest in my life; their priority is their job. Whenever we argue about this, they say, "We work to provide for you, don't be ungrateful." I don't want this kind of relationship with my future children.

As I got into the car, my phone started ringing. To my surprise, it was my mom. "Hello, Katherine," she said over the phone. I chose not to respond, as I've never liked the name Kate.

"Hello, Katherine, are you there?" she said loudly, trying to get my attention. When I still didn't respond, she said, "I know you can hear me, Jasmine."

"Hi, Mother," I responded, my tone neutral. "You still haven't gotten over this dislike for your name, Jasmine? I thought you grew up," she said, a hint of disapproval in her voice.

"What do you want, Mother?" I snapped, unintentionally letting my frustration show. "Be careful with the tone, young lady," she snapped back.

I sighed, tired of the conversation already. "Please, just say what you have to say."

"I don't know where I went wrong in raising you, but I know I tried my best. You're just too difficult," she said dramatically.

I scoffed, rolling my eyes. "Tried your best, indeed."

"What was that, Jas?" she asked, her voice sharp. I was close to hanging up, but I asked again, "What do you want, Mother?"

"Your Father and I are hosting a ball, and you need to be there. No excuses," she said sternly.

"I can't make it. I have exams coming up," I said, scrunching my face in frustration.

"Don't worry, doll. According to your schedule, you should be done with exams in three weeks. The ball is in a month," she said, her voice dripping with smugness.

"How did you even get a hold of my schedule? That's so creepy!" I yelled, outraged.

"Watch your language, Jas. And getting my hands on your schedule was easy. Bye, doll," she said, hanging up. I hit my head on the steering wheel repeatedly, fuming.

I started the car, fury fueling my movements, and drove aimlessly, unsure of my destination. Somehow, I ended up back at the same woods.

"Oh shit, not again!" I exclaimed, frustration boiling over. My mind raced, and my breath quickened as I struggled to process my emotions. Sleep had become elusive, and peace of mind seemed an unattainable luxury.

I pulled over and stepped out of the car, drawn to the serene view. The tranquil atmosphere enveloped me, and for a moment, my turmoil subsided.

Just as I began to unwind, I sensed a presence behind me. Without turning, I knew who it was.

I turned around and met the gaze of a beautiful and concerned young man

"Raymond, what are you doing here?" I asked.

"I've been worried about you," he said, his voice low and laced with remorse. "You're not telling me anything, so I came to your place earlier to talk. When I saw you leave, I followed quietly. Sorry for stalking you."

His words warmed my heart, despite my current turmoil. "Thanks for worrying about me," I said, genuinely grateful. "I know I should tell you everything, but there's just too much going on."

Raymond's expression softened. "Let's grab some drinks and talk at my place?" I nodded, needing someone to confide in. "Alright then."