Alpha's True Mate

**ARIA'S POV**

I panted heavily as I ran through the dark, eerie forest. The trees seemed to close in around me, their branches like skeletal fingers reaching out to snatch me. The moon cast long, ominous shadows on the ground, making it seem like the trees were moving, twisting and turning to trap me.

I could hear the sound of my own ragged breathing, and the pounding of my heart in my chest. My legs ached as I ran, my feet pounding against the dry earth. I could feel the rough bark of the trees scraping against my skin as I brushed past them.

Suddenly, I heard a low growl behind me. It was a deep, menacing sound that seemed to vibrate through the air. I didn't dare look back, fearing what I might see. Instead, I poured all my energy into running, my legs pumping furiously as I tried to put as much distance between myself and the unknown threat.

But no matter how fast I ran, the growling seemed to get closer. I could feel eyes on me, boring into my skin like cold, calculating fingers. My skin crawled with fear, and I knew I couldn't keep running forever.

Just when I thought my legs were going to give out, I tripped over a root and fell hard to the ground. I tried to scramble to my feet, but my ankle twisted beneath me, sending a searing pain through my leg.

As I looked up, I saw a massive grey werewolf emerging from the darkness. Its eyes glowed yellowish-golden in the moonlight, and its sharp teeth seemed to gleam with an otherworldly intelligence.

The werewolf began to stalk towards me, its eyes fixed on me like a predator sizing up its prey. I tried to scramble backward, but my legs felt heavy, as if rooted to the spot.

The werewolf's eyes seemed to bore into mine, and I felt a strange sense of recognition. And then, in an instant, the werewolf transformed into a tall, handsome man with torn clothes and piercing yellowish-golden eyes.

"Mate," he whispered, his voice low and husky-like velvet on broken glass.

And everything went black.

I woke up with a start, my heart still racing from the vivid dream. I sat up in bed, gasping for breath, and looked around my darkened room. The moonlight streaming through the window cast eerie shadows on the walls, making me feel like I was still trapped in the forest.

I rubbed my eyes, trying to shake off the feeling of unease that lingered from the dream. But the image of the werewolf's piercing yellowish-golden eyes stayed with me, haunting me like a ghost.

I threw off the covers and got out of bed, padding over to the window to gaze out at the night sky. The moon was full, casting a silver glow over the landscape. I felt a shiver run down my spine as I gazed out at the darkness, feeling a sense of vulnerability.

As I stood there, lost in thought, the vibration of my phone buzzing on the nightstand broke the silence. I picked it up, checking the screen. It was a text from Ella, asking me to meet up at the cafe tomorrow.

I smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. Maybe getting out of the house and spending time with my friends would help me forget about the dream.

> *Ella: Hey babe! Let's meet at the café tomorrow 💖💬*

I stared at the screen, my pulse slowing.

> *Me: Sure. I need to get out anyway.*

But as I turned from the window, the werewolf's voice echoed in my mind.

**Mate.**

I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. The dream had felt so real, and the image of the werewolf's eyes lingered in my mind like a warning.

I pushed the thoughts aside and focused on getting ready for the day. I had no idea what lay ahead, but I was determined to face it head-on.

After breakfast, the dream still clung to me like fog. But I needed distraction-so I met Ella and Rose at our usual spot.

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**At the cafe**

As I walked into the cozy cafe, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, roasted hazelnuts and cinnamon enveloped me, and the soft hum of conversation filled the air. The kind of warmth that usually settled my nerves. But not today.

Ella waved me over, practically bouncing in her seat from a corner table by the window, where they sat watching the rain-soaked streets outside. Rose sat beside her, legs crossed, eyes flicking between her phone and the rainy street outside. They were my girls-my chaos and my calm.

Ella, with her long, curly brown hair and bright smile, was already sipping on a latte, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Rose, with her chic outfit and bold accessories, was typing away on her phone, her dry wit and clever observations always at the ready.

Ella is a bubbly and outgoing person with a contagious laugh. Her long, curly brown hair often cascaded down her back like a waterfall, and her bright smile could light up a room. Ella is always the first to offer advice or encouragement, and her positive energy is infectious.

Rose, on the other hand, is a bit more reserved, with a dry sense of humor that often caught me off guard. Her sharp wit and clever observations made her a loyal and trusted friend. Rose's style was effortlessly chic, with a fondness for bold accessories and statement pieces.

As I sat with Ella and Rose in our favorite corner of the café, the warm scent of cinnamon lattes filled the air. Rain drizzled softly against the windows, making everything outside look like a watercolor painting. For a moment, I let myself breathe.

But even here, even with my friends chattering beside me, that dream clung to the edges of my mind like smoke I couldn't wave away.

"So..." Rose sipped her drink, then glanced at me with a raised brow. "You're still thinking about that dream, aren't you?"

I didn't answer right away.

Ella leaned closer. "You've been quiet since you got here. What's going on?"

I hesitated. "It felt so real. Like it was more than a dream."

Rose didn't miss a beat. "Because you probably are." Rose said, nonchalant. "Come on, Aria. Weird dreams, intense feelings, mysterious guy... classic mate drama.".

"Don't start," I groaned, rolling my eyes.

"She thinks-no, insists-that I'm fated to some werewolf."

"What? I didn't say anything-yet." She smirked.

"I'm serious. I'm not going to be mated to a werewolf. It's not happening. Those... monsters destroyed my family." My voice tightened, even though I kept my tone low.

Rose leaned forward, voice gentler. "Because of your parents?"

Ella shot Rose a warning glare, sensing where this was heading. But Rose didn't back down. "Because of your parents?"

I nodded, my fingers tightening around my cup. "They were murdered by werewolves during the war. My mom was human. My dad... was a vampire. He loved her more than life itself, and they died protecting Kai and me. Werewolves didn't care about love. They never have. That's why I can't-won't-ever accept being tied to one of them."

A heavy silence fell. Outside, the rain intensified, streaking down the window like melting glass.

Ella reached out and squeezed my hand gently. "You don't have to justify it to us, Aria."

Rose leaned back in her chair. "I get it. But you know the bond chooses you. You don't choose it." Rose said quietly. "And... an Alpha, Aria. That's rare."

"I'm aware," I muttered. "But if I had a choice... I'd end up with someone like my dad. A vampire. Kind, loyal, and controlled. Not some wild animal with a temper."

Ella let out a dramatic sigh. "Honestly, I've always dreamed of being the mate of a werewolf. They're strong, protective, totally hot-"

"Until they lose control and rip someone apart," I said flatly.

"Okay, yes, some of them are dangerous," Ella admitted, "but not all of them. Some alphas are known to be gentle with their mates."

"I'm not buying it," I replied. "Vampires are more restrained and refined.

Just then, a handsome stranger caught my eye. He sat alone at the far end of the cafe, his eyes fixed on his phone. There was something about him that drew me in.

"Who's that?" I whispered to Ella, nodding discreetly toward the stranger.

Ella followed my gaze and smiled knowingly. "That's Jason, the new student. He's a vampire."

My eyes widened in surprise. "A vampire?"

Rose chimed in, "Word is, he's from a pretty influential family."

As we watched, Jason looked up and caught my eye, flashing a brief smile before returning to his phone. Those red beautiful eyes that had stared back at me for a few seconds made me feel butterflies in my stomach.

But deep down, I couldn't deny the flutter in my chest. If I ever dared to hope for a future like my parents had... it wouldn't be with a werewolf. It would be with someone like him.

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**In the School Hallway**

After classes, I returned to my locker, the dull clatter of students filling the halls around me. Just as I closed it, I felt a presence behind me-quiet, composed, but unmistakably there.

I turned slowly.

Jason stood a few feet away, leaning against a locker with one shoulder, arms crossed, red eyes calm but watching me. There was something magnetic about him-like the calm before a storm.

"Hi," he said, his deep voice, velvet smooth sending a flutter through my chest.

I blinked, caught off guard. "Hey."

Jason pushed off the locker and walked towards me, his eyes never leaving mine. "I'm Jason," he said, his voice low and smooth. "But you can call me Jay."

I felt a blush rise to my cheeks as he stood close to me, his eyes scanning my face. "I'm Aria," I replied, trying to sound casual.

Jason smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Beautiful name for a beautiful girl."

I felt my heart skip a beat at his words. No one had ever called me beautiful before, and I didn't know how to react.

I felt the blush creeping into my cheeks. "Thanks."

Jason chuckled, his eyes still on me. "You're welcome."

We stood there for a moment, the silence between us awkward but not uncomfortable. I couldn't help but notice how handsome Jason was, with his chiseled features and piercing red eyes.

It was so clear that he was from a rich family judging from the clothes he was wearing.

His thick brows were neatly carved upwards giving him a cool look over his attractive features. His red eyes matched his red hair and tanned skin. His nose was pointed and straight and his lips were gorgeously red and I felt like touching them to feel how soft it was.

Finally, Jason broke the silence. "I saw you staring at me in the cafe earlier."

I felt a flush rise to my cheeks. "I wasn't staring," I lied, I totally was.

Jason raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Really?"

I nodded, feeling a little embarrassed. "Yeah, really."

Jason smiled, his eyes glinting with humor. "Okay, I won't push the issue."

We stood there for another moment, the tension between us palpable. I couldn't help but wonder what Jason was thinking, what he wanted from me.

"Well, it was nice meeting you, Aria," Jason said finally, breaking the silence.

"Yeah, you too," I replied, feeling a little disappointed that our encounter was ending so soon.

As Jason turned to leave, I called out to him. "Hey, Jason?"

He turned back, his eyes questioning. "Yeah?"

"You didn't tell me your last name," I said, feeling a little silly.

Jason smiled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "That's because I didn't want to overwhelm you with too much information at once."

I laughed, feeling a sense of relief. "Fair enough."

Jason nodded, his eyes still on mine. "I'll see you around, Aria."

With that, he turned and walked off, disappearing into the sea of students like a shadow melting into the fog.

As he walked away, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement.

A hiss from behind broke the moment. I turned to see a few girls glaring daggers at me-witches, vampires, even a couple of humans.

I ignored them.

Let them stare.

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**Home**

As I walked into my house, I dropped my backpack on the floor, the soft thud echoing through the hallway. I kicked off my shoes, feeling the cool wooden floor beneath my feet. The creaking of the floorboards beneath my feet was a familiar sound, one that brought me comfort.

As I entered my room, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. My sanctuary. My haven. The soft lighting and plush furnishings enveloped me, calming my frazzled nerves. I glanced around the room, taking in the familiar sights. The walls were painted a soothing shade of light purple, and the furniture was a mix of modern and vintage pieces. My favorite books, artwork, and sentimental trinkets adorned the shelves, each one telling a story.

I walked over to my desk, cluttered with books, papers, and writing supplies. My bookshelf was filled with my favorite novels and poetry collections, the worn spines a testament to my love for reading. A string of fairy lights hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the room.

It was raining outside, the sound of raindrops hitting the windowpane creating a soothing melody. I was grateful to be indoors, wrapped up in my fur coat jacket and thick socks to ward off the chill.

I walked over to my nightstand and picked up my phone, wrapped in a purple cover. I slipped on my Bluetooth earbuds and selected Elastic Heart by Sia. The music filled my ears, and I felt my tension ease.

As the music played, I flopped down on my bed, feeling exhausted from the day's events. My mind began to replay the encounter with Jason, the vampire guy who had talked to me after school and I couldn't help but smile. I couldn't believe it had actually happened.

Jason's voice still echoed in my head.

"Beautiful name for a beautiful girl."

I flopped down on my bed and grabbed a piece of chocolate from my drawer. The sweetness melted on my tongue, but it didn't melt away the tension twisting in my chest.

I opened WhatsApp and typed out a message to my friends.

**WhatsApp Group: Best Friends Forever**

I texted my friends:

> *"Hi girls, guess what? The hot new vampire guy talked to me today. I almost blushed to death."*

Almost instantly:

> **Ella:** *OMG are you serious???*

> **Rose:** *You're kidding.*

> **Ella again:** *Say something! What did he say?*

I laughed softly.

> *"He's even cuter up close. I swear, I thought I'd pass out."*

They exploded with questions, but Rose ended it with:

> *"Details. Tomorrow. Don't hold out."*

> *"Smiles... Sure. Good night, love you guys."*

> *"Sweet dreams!"* - from both.

I kept my phone back on the nightstand and turned off the light. As I covered myself with the duvet, my mind began to replay my conversation with Jason. The memory sent a flutter through my chest, and I closed my eyes, a sweet smile still on my face.

As I drifted off to sleep, my thoughts lingered on Jason, and I wondered what would tomorrow bring?