The Unexpected Choice
Alpha Damon couldn’t stop thinking about Amber.
Her carefree attitude, her free-spirited nature—it baffled him. Every other woman he’d encountered, especially those who were part of his pack, had always shown some level of interest in him.
But not Amber. She was different. She didn’t fawn over him, didn’t cater to his title, and most of all—she had refused to include herself on her matchmaking list. He couldn’t understand why.
His mind kept replaying their conversation from the other day, the way her cheeks flushed when he asked her personal questions.
There was something about her that intrigued him. Something that made him want to know more. But there was one thing that gnawed at him—why hadn’t she shown any interest in him? Was it because of his position, or was there more to her than met the eye?
His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. His Beta, Logan, stepped in, looking both curious and cautious.
“Sit,” Alpha Damon said, gesturing to the chair across from him.
Logan raised an eyebrow but followed orders, sitting down and folding his arms. “What’s going on, Alpha? You’ve called for me?”
Alpha Damon’s gaze drifted momentarily out the window before focusing back on Logan. “I’ve been thinking about Amber.”
Logan’s expression shifted from confusion to surprise. “Amber? The matchmaker?”
“Mm-hmm,” Alpha Damon replied, his voice low, his fingers drumming against the arm of his chair. “I want to know everything you know about her.”
Logan blinked. “About Amber? Why?”
“I'm just curious about her.”
Logan shifted uncomfortably, clearly caught off guard. “Alpha, I’m not sure how much I can help. I know very little about her. She matched me with Claire, that’s about it.”
Alpha Damon’s brows furrowed, his lips pressing into a thin line. “Anything else?”
Logan hesitated for a moment before speaking up. “Well, I’ve heard rumors... that she’s never dated anyone. But that’s all I know. No one really knows why.”
Alpha Damon leaned forward, his gaze intense. “Who started those rumors?”
Logan shrugged. “I’m not sure. But that’s the word around the pack.”
“I see.” Alpha Damom’s mind was racing, but he kept his voice steady. “Is there anyone who might know more about her? Someone close to her?”
Logan nodded immediately. “Well, you could ask Claire. She’s her best friend, and she’d know more about Amber’s personal life.”
Alpha shook his head, the corner of his lips lifting in a slight smile. “No. I’m not asking Claire. Is there a way you could help me find out?”
Logan was silent for a moment before speaking again. “Well, I'm not sure. That’s all I know. No one knows much about Amber. She keeps to herself.”
“Thanks,” Alpha Damon said with a brief nod. “You can go now.”
Logan stood, but before he could leave, he turned back toward the Alpha. “So, what’s all this about? Why the sudden interest in Amber?”
Alpha Damon’s smile widened, but he didn’t answer immediately. He simply gave Logan a wink and motioned for him to leave.
As Logan stepped out, Amber entered, her presence as unexpected as it was welcomed.
Her eyes met with the Alpha’s, and for a brief moment, the air between them felt charged.
“Good afternoon,” Amber greeted him politely, her voice steady despite the heat she felt rising to her cheeks. She could already tell something was different about the Alpha today. Something in his demeanor, the way his eyes lingered on her just a little too long. It made her nervous.
“Amber,” he said, his voice smooth but commanding. “You’re here with the list?”
She nodded. “Yes, Alpha. I found someone I think could be a good match for you.”
His response wasn’t what she expected. Rather than looking pleased or even interested, his face remained unreadable. “Don’t bother with the list, Amber.”
Amber’s heart skipped a beat. “Excuse me?” she asked, her voice barely a whisper. “What do you mean?”
Her mind raced. Had he not liked the list? Had he already decided on someone else? The pressure was overwhelming, and her pulse quickened at the thought of disappointing him.
“I’ve already chosen someone,” Alpha Damon announced, stepping closer, his presence overwhelming.
Amber’s heart hammered in her chest as he moved closer. She forced herself to breathe, to stay calm, but his nearness made it difficult. “Who?” she managed to ask, her voice trembling slightly.
He smiled, a slow, almost predatory smile, his eyes locked on hers with intensity. “You.”
Amber froze, unable to process his words. “Me?” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
He took another step toward her, his gaze never leaving hers. “Yes. You, Amber.”
She took a step back, her breath catching in her throat. “I—I don’t understand. What are you saying?”
“I’m saying I’ve chosen you,” he repeated, his voice low and dangerous. “I want you, Amber. I want you to be my mate.”