Chapter 2

The next day, I was woken up by messages from Liam.

He sent dozens of messages asking when I'd come over.

My heart felt bitter. Liam, do you realize how cruel you're being?

With trembling hands, I simply replied: "Not feeling well today. Not going."

Soon after, my parents came knocking on my door.

"Aria, even if you're having a fight with Liam, you can't act up at a time like this. Hurry up and change clothes to go to Liam's house. You don't know—Liam found his fated mate early! She's a very smart girl. She didn't need to receive the Moon Goddess's blessing and help at the celebration. She awakened her wolf on her own."

"That's right, Aria. Since Liam has found his fated mate, this year's celebration will be assisted by her and Luna Eleanor. But she hasn't learned how to do it yet. You need to go quickly and teach her the important things. We can't let the pack celebration be ruined."

When I wouldn't go, Liam actually went straight to my parents!

Hearing their earnest persuasion, I could only hold back my tears and went downstairs to wash up.

The two houses were close. Ten minutes later, I stood at the Alpha's front door and opened the shoe cabinet.

It was empty. I couldn't see my favorite fuzzy slippers.

I searched up and down several times before finally finding the slippers in the trash bin outside the door.

Besides the shoes, there was also a water cup, toothbrush, towel, pajamas...

All belonging to me.

"Aria, Liam threw all these away. Please use shoe covers instead."

Looking at the trash bin, I was silent for a long time.

Because Alpha Benjamin and my father beta William were close, I came over to visit almost every day and occasionally stayed overnight.

Liam had specially prepared a bedroom for me and bought many daily necessities, specifically choosing styles I liked.

He said this was my home and I shouldn't be shy about it.

We hid from both families, hugging and kissing at the doorway, holding hands under the dinner table, being intimate and tender in the study.

Now that he'd found his fated mate, he threw away everything related to me.

It took me a long time to calm down before I changed into the shoe covers.

As soon as I entered, I saw Liam peeling fruit for a woman. The two of them were laughing and talking.

He sat on the sofa wearing a custom satin formal outfit. His hair had been carefully styled and he wore cologne.

He carried the mature handsomeness unique to Alphas.

I'd often heard the pack say he looked good, that he'd be handsome even in a burlap sack, and if he dressed up more, more girls would definitely want to sleep with him.

But Liam was naturally wild and unrestrained. Usually he just wore ordinary t-shirts and dress shirts. He didn't like to dress up.

So even in front of his fated mate, he would display himself like a peacock?

I also knew that woman.

I was the beta's daughter and had received training from the pack's elite warriors since childhood.

So I was occasionally commissioned to go to the school and teach students some necessary combat skills.

This girl was named Chloe, a school director's daughter. She was smart and learned combat techniques quickly.

I forced myself to greet them despite my sadness.

The man who had been intimate with me in bed yesterday now acted like he didn't know me. He only glanced at me once before shifting his gaze back to focus on Chloe.

They chatted about hobbies, weather, work, jewelry brands, childhood stories, and school days.

Watching Liam constantly finding topics and talking eloquently, I lowered my eyes in self-mockery.

So in front of someone he liked, he could be this proactive.

"I never thought my fated mate would be you. Many young ladies in the pack have a crush on you and fantasize about marrying you."

Hearing Chloe's laughing teasing, I watched Liam's reddening ears and smiled silently.

So this was the charm of a fated mate? Even someone like Liam would blush.

While I was lost in thought, I suddenly heard my own name.

"You're Aria, right? I took your combat class. I heard you and Liam have a very good relationship."

I froze slightly. When I looked up, I saw Chloe's probing gaze.

Before I could speak, Alpha Benjamin and Luna Eleanor cheerfully chimed in.

"Pretty good indeed. The two have been inseparable since childhood. Originally we planned to let Aria and Liam..."

Halfway through, Liam's face darkened. He directly interrupted them.

"Mom, Dad, don't talk nonsense. I'd like anyone before I'd like Aria."

I lowered my eyes to hide the loss in them and forced out a smile. "Me too. I'd be with anyone before I'd be with Liam."

Hearing this, Liam's expression froze for a moment before quickly returning to normal.

He put his hand on my shoulder, looking unconcerned. "Exactly! Aria and I are just like Dad and beta William."

For a moment, the atmosphere in the living room relaxed considerably.

I laughed along and vaguely heard Liam's relieved whispered thanks.

"Not bad. You even help me smooth things over now. Thanks."

I said nothing, just imperceptibly shifted a few steps to the side, distancing myself from him.

Smooth things over?

No. I meant what I said.