Alpha's Fated Mate

I couldn't stop replaying Jake's words in my head as I trudged across campus the next morning. 'Tonight seems like a good night to start making better choices.' The memory of his intense gaze sent an unwelcome shiver down my spine. I didn't need another arrogant wolf in my life, especially not one with Jake Sterling's reputation.

The campus café beckoned with promises of caffeine—the only thing that might dull the ache behind my eyes after a night of crying. Three hours of sleep and a puffy face weren't exactly the college-girl look I was going for, but here we were.

The line moved slowly as I scrolled through my phone, deleting pictures of Ryan and me. Each swipe felt like ripping off a bandage, painful but necessary. When I finally reached the counter, I ordered the strongest coffee they had.

"Make it a double shot," I muttered, fumbling for my wallet.

As I reached for my drink at the pickup counter, my elbow collided with someone else's arm. Coffee sloshed over the rim, narrowly missing my sleeve.

"Sorry about that," a deep voice rumbled.

I looked up—way up—into familiar dark eyes that seemed to flash gold for just a second. Jake Sterling. Again.

"Are you following me?" The words slipped out before I could stop them.

A slow smile spread across his face, revealing perfect white teeth. "I was about to ask you the same thing, Madison Parker."

My heart stuttered at the way he said my name, like he'd been practicing it. Up close, his Alpha aura was even more intense—a tangible pressure that made the air feel heavy. My skin prickled with awareness, and something floral and warm seemed to bloom between us.

Jake's nostrils flared suddenly. His eyes widened, and his hand tightened around his cup until I heard the cardboard creak. "What is that scent?" he murmured, almost to himself.

"What?"

"Nothing." He shook his head, but his eyes never left mine. "Let me buy you another coffee. You lost some when I bumped you."

"That's not necessary," I said, taking a step back. The last thing I needed was to owe anything to another wolf, especially an Alpha.

"I insist." His tone left no room for argument as he reached for my cup. Our fingers brushed, and an electric current shot up my arm. Jake froze too, his brow furrowing as if he felt it as well.

"Fine," I relented, if only to end this strange moment. "Thank you."

As he ordered me a fresh drink, I noticed several she-wolves at nearby tables watching us, their expressions ranging from curious to hostile. Great. Just what I needed—more pack drama.

Jake returned with my coffee and gestured to the door. "Mind if I walk with you?"

Before I could answer, the café door burst open. Olivia stormed in, her eyes wild as they locked onto Jake standing beside me. Her lip curled into a snarl.

"Get away from her!" she growled, shoving Jake backward with surprising force for her size. "We don't allow rogues in our territory!"

The café went silent. Jake didn't budge, but his eyes darkened dangerously.

"Olivia, stop!" I grabbed her arm, mortification burning through me. "He's not a rogue. This is Jake Sterling, future Alpha of the Silverfang Pack."

Olivia's mouth fell open. The silence in the café grew heavier as curious eyes watched the drama unfold. I wanted the floor to open up and swallow me whole.

"Oh my goddess," Olivia whispered, her face draining of color. "I just attacked an Alpha."

Jake's expression remained neutral, but I could feel the power radiating from him in waves. "No harm done," he said smoothly, though his eyes never left mine. "Madison's friend was just protecting her. I respect loyalty."

The way he emphasized my name made my cheeks burn. Every wolf in the café was staring now, whispering behind their hands. I could already imagine the gossip: *Wolfless Madison Parker, fresh from being played by Beta Ryan, now causing scenes with the Silverfang Alpha.*

Jake leaned closer, his breath warm against my ear. "I'll find you later," he murmured, before nodding politely to Olivia and striding out of the café.

As the door closed behind him, I could still feel the ghost of his presence—and smell something like amber and pine that hadn't been there before. My empty wolf stirred for the first time in my life, leaving me breathless and confused.

What the hell was happening to me?