Bound By Fate[Twin Alpha mates]

--- Chapter 1: The First Meeting The annual Moonlight Pack Gathering was meant to be a night of celebration. Alphas, betas, and omegas from different packs came together to socialize, strengthen alliances, and—if they were lucky—find their fated mates. Eli hadn’t planned on attending. After another failed relationship, he had convinced himself that fated bonds weren’t meant for him. But his best friend, Mason, had practically dragged him here, insisting that he needed a night out. Now, standing near the edge of the grand ballroom, Eli regretted it. The air was thick with mingling scents—some sweet, some musky, all blending together in a heady mix. Couples danced under the soft glow of chandeliers, laughter and conversation weaving through the space. And then it happened. A sudden pull in his chest, like an invisible thread tightening around his heart. His breath hitched. The world slowed. He turned his head—and saw him. The alpha stood across the room, laughing at something another man had said. Tall, powerful, with a presence that commanded attention without even trying. His dark brown hair was slightly tousled, his sharp jawline illuminated under the golden lights. And his eyes—piercing golden-brown, deep and unreadable. Eli barely processed what was happening before his instincts screamed one undeniable truth: Mate. His pulse pounded. A rush of warmth flooded his veins, his body responding to the bond before his mind could catch up. He had found him. For a moment, hope bloomed in Eli’s chest. He had imagined this moment for years, dreamed of the overwhelming rightness that came with meeting a fated mate. His fingers twitched at his sides, aching to reach out, to close the space between them. Then—nothing. The alpha’s gaze swept over the crowd, pausing briefly in Eli’s direction—before moving on. No hesitation. No double take. No flicker of recognition. Eli’s breath caught in his throat. His mate had just looked right through him. The joy, the anticipation—it shattered in an instant, replaced by something cold and hollow. He should have known. He should have expected that fate would be cruel. Mason touched his arm, voice low with concern. “Eli? You okay?” Eli forced a smile. “Yeah,” he lied. “I’m fine.” But deep down, he knew—he was anything but fine.