"Mom, I forgot to pick something up," Loisa said, turning back toward the aisle.
"Yes, baby, but be quick," her mom replied from the checkout line.
Loisa dashed off, weaving through the crowd of shoppers until she reached the toiletries section. She grabbed the forgotten item and spun around—only to crash straight into someone.
A strong arm caught her before she could fall.
"I'm really sorry," she blurted out, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. Her eyes barely met his before she turned away.
A deep voice low, raspy, and unmistakable murmured
"Mate."
Loisa froze. A strange sensation prickled at the back of her neck. She shook it off and hurried back to her mother.
At home, her mom smiled while unpacking the groceries. "Oh good, I'm glad we didn't forget it."
But Loisa wasn't listening. Her thoughts kept drifting back to the stranger in the store. The heat of his touch still lingered on her arm. His eyes—dark and intense—had locked onto her like she was the only person in the world.
She'd never felt anything like that before.
A knock at the door startled her.
"Loisa! Loisa, come open the door. It's me!" came a familiar voice.
Still lost in thought, she rose from her bed and went to open it.
Meanwhile…
Miles away, in a sleek, modern office lined with books and strategy maps, Alpha Kim sat behind a polished desk. His beta—and oldest friend—Frank lounged across from him, sipping from a steaming mug.
"Kim, we have a meeting with the corporate team in twenty," Frank said, his tone laced with exhaustion.
"Cancel it," Kim replied, eyes fixed on the skyline outside.
Frank straightened. "Kim, what's going on? I've never seen you like this."
Kim leaned back, fingers steepled beneath his chin. "I saw her."
Frank blinked, then grinned. "Are you serious?"
"I'm sure of it."
Frank let out a low whistle. "Me too," he said with a chuckle. "Finally."
"I bumped into her. She apologized and walked away before I could say anything," Kim said, his voice tighter now.
"You didn't stop her?"
Kim's jaw clenched. "I could have. But I didn't want to scare her. She's not one of us... not yet. Fate will bring her back. The Moon Goddess wouldn't give me a mate just to take her away."
Frank nodded slowly, his usual grin softening. "You're right."
Kim stood and walked to the window. The city sprawled beneath him, but his mind was far from the view.
He'd found her.
Now, all he had to do was wait.