Chosen by the Alpha

The city streets buzzed with life, as they always did on a Friday night. Emma Burke wove through the crowd, pulling her jacket tighter against the cool evening air. The energy of the bustling city usually soothed her, but tonight, a strange sense of unease settled in her gut, one she couldn’t quite explain. Emma had always prided herself on her instincts. Growing up in a world where werewolves existed meant being always cautious. Most humans didn’t believe the rumors, dismissing them as old legends or far-fetched conspiracy theories. But Emma knew better. She had grown up in a small town where the lines between human and werewolf territories were thin. Everyone knew someone who had a story—someone who had seen glowing eyes in the woods at night or heard howls too close to their homes. But here, in the city's heart, it felt like a distant worry. Until tonight. Something felt different in the air. There was an electricity that prickled her skin, making the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. She had learned to trust that feeling, which told her danger was near. Emma ducked into the small, quiet café at the corner of Pine Street, hoping a cup of tea would calm her nerves. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods greeted her as she entered, and for a moment, she felt the tension ease from her shoulders. She ordered her drink and found a table near the window, her eyes instinctively scanning the crowd outside. The streets were still busy, with people rushing from work to meet friends and couples laughing as they strolled by. It was ordinary, safe. But then she saw them. Two men stood tall and imposing at the crowd's edge, their eyes scanning the people as if searching for something. Emma’s heart skipped a beat as their gazes settled on her. She considered looking away for a split second, pretending she hadn’t noticed, but something about their presence was too commanding and intense to ignore. The first man, with dark hair and a stern expression, exuded an air of authority. His broad shoulders and muscular build made him stand out even more in the sea of people. Something in his stance spoke of power—something dangerous and unyielding. His eyes were sharp, a deep gray that seemed to pierce through the crowd, locking onto Emma as if he’d known her all his life. The second man, standing just a few feet away, was equally striking but in a completely different way. His blonde hair was slightly messy, his expression softer, more approachable, but no less intense. His eyes were a rich, golden brown, and when he met Emma’s gaze, she felt a warmth that comforted and alarmed her. They moved toward the café with purposeful strides, their eyes never leaving her. Emma’s fingers tightened around her cup as a strange, unfamiliar pull drew her attention to them. There was something about how they moved, as if the world bent around them. Predatory. Dangerous. Instinctively, Emma knew they weren’t ordinary men. They were werewolves. And not just any werewolves—alphas. The door to the café chimed as the men entered, their presence immediately commanding the attention of everyone inside. The air around them seemed to thicken, a silent power radiating from them in waves. Emma’s pulse quickened, and she fought the urge to flee. Something told her that running would only make things worse. The dark-haired man was the first to approach. His gaze remained locked on Emma, his lips curving into a small, almost predatory smile. “You’re not easy to find,” he said, his voice deep and smooth, sending a shiver down Emma’s spine. “I wasn’t aware I was hiding,” Emma replied, trying to sound calm despite her heart racing. The man chuckled softly, his eyes glinting with amusement. “Jace,” he introduced himself, though his name carried an authority that needed no explanation. He was an alpha through and through, and his presence demanded respect. The second man, the one with the warm brown eyes, stepped forward. He gave her a softer smile, though an intensity in his gaze mirrored Jace’s. “And I’m Leo,” he said, his voice lighter but no less commanding. Emma’s mind raced. She had heard of the rival packs in the city—the Blackmoon Pack, led by Jace, and the Silverfang Pack, led by Leo. But what were the alphas doing together, and why were they looking at her like she was the answer to a question she didn’t even know existed? “I don’t understand,” Emma said, her voice betraying her confusion and unease. “Why are you here? What do you want?” Jace’s smile faded slightly, his gaze growing more serious. “We’ve been looking for you, Emma. For a long time.” Her heart pounded in her chest as his words sank in. How did he know her name? And why would two rival alphas be searching for her? Leo stepped closer, his eyes softening as he spoke. “We didn’t mean to frighten you. But you’re important to us—to both of us.” Emma frowned, shaking her head in disbelief. “Important? How? I don’t even know you.” Jace and Leo exchanged a glance, a silent conversation passing between them before Jace spoke again. “You’re our fated mate,” he said simply as if that explained everything. Emma blinked, the words hanging like a bomb waiting to explode. Fated mate? The concept was familiar—she had heard stories of werewolves finding their destined partners, their mates, who were bonded to them by fate. But that was a werewolf thing. She wasn’t one of them. She was human. “There must be some mistake,” Emma said, shaking her head. “I’m not a werewolf.” Leo’s expression softened even more, a hint of sympathy in his eyes. “You may not be one of us, but the bond is real. We can feel it. And soon, you will, too.” Emma opened her mouth to protest, but the words caught in her throat. Something about the way they spoke and the certainty in their voices made her question everything she thought she knew. She felt a strange tug deep inside her, a pull toward both men that she couldn’t explain. It was confusing, overwhelming, and terrifying all at once. Jace’s eyes darkened, his expression unreadable. “You may not believe it yet, but you will. The bond between us is stronger than anything you’ve ever known.” Emma took a step back, her mind racing. This couldn’t be happening. She couldn’t be their fated mate. How could she be tied to not one but two rival alphas? “But… why both of you?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. “Isn’t a mate bond supposed to be between one werewolf and one mate?” Leo glanced at Jace before answering. “It’s rare, but it happens. Two alphas, both destined for the same mate. It’s part of our history, and it’s part of the prophecy.” “Prophecy?” Emma repeated, her stomach sinking. This was getting worse by the minute. Jace’s jaw tightened, and Emma saw a flicker of something else in his eyes for the first time—fear. “Yes,” he said quietly. “A prophecy foretells the coming of a mate who will unite two rival packs. But there’s more to it than that. The prophecy also speaks of great danger and sacrifices that must be made.” Emma’s breath caught in her throat. Sacrifices? Danger? This wasn’t just about some romantic, magical bond—it was about something much bigger. Something she hadn’t asked for. “I don’t want any part of this,” Emma said, her voice shaking. “I didn’t ask for this, and I don’t want to be involved in your rivalry or your prophecy.” Jace’s expression hardened, but Leo stepped forward, his eyes pleading. “Emma, we understand this is a lot to take in,” Leo said gently. “But you’re already involved, whether you like it or not. The bond is real. And whatever comes next, we need you with us. We need you to help us prevent what’s coming.” Emma shook her head, her heart pounding. “I can’t… I don’t even know you.” “You will,” Jace said, his voice low and steady. “We’ll give you time, but we won’t wait forever. The bond is already forming, and soon, you’ll feel it, too. When that happens, you’ll understand.” With that, Jace turned and left the café, his presence lingering even after disappearing into the night. Leo stayed behind for a moment longer, his eyes full of regret. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. “But you’re not alone in this. We’ll help you understand.” And then he was gone, leaving Emma standing in the café, her heart racing, her mind reeling. Fated mate? Prophecy? Rival alphas? Emma’s world had just been turned upside down, and nothing would be the same again. To be continued…