Chapter 141 A Heart's Dream
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There was a certain sadness evident in Beta Don's eyes—a look I couldn't help but feel was etched into my memory. I tried to lighten the mood, but as the mere mention of Sophia's 18th birthday party slipped from my lips, I was sure that both Beta Don and I felt the weight of the truth settle in. My heart broke for Beta Don. We all knew he had a particular lust for Sophia—we saw it, felt it, and watched it unfold before our eyes. Now, the poor man was left with no choice but to sit back and watch the mating bond click between Alpha Christian, his nemesis, and the love of his life, Sophia.
Fate could be cruel sometimes—this I had come to realize. I recognized that pained feeling like a silver dagger piercing through your chest: icy cold rejection. It reminded me of every time Beverly clung to Jaxon, making me anxious and restless as my wolf scratched and growled within, while I struggled to keep composed.
"So, where's this dress?" I squealed, unable to contain my excitement. "I bet it's beautiful. Hmm, let me guess—purple!" I knew Sophia loved purple, and it looked incredible on her, highlighting her honey-colored eyes and the warm tones in her hair.
Sophia let out a soft giggle, pale pink still staining her cheeks. She shook her head and pressed her lips together. "Nope, try again."
"Oh! Come on!" I yelped, which made the biggest smile spread across Sophia's face. "Okay, okay," she fussed, "close your eyes. Seriously, no peeking." She turned on her heels, disappeared into the walk-in closet, and rolled out a mannequin. I was so tempted to sneak a peek at what I was sure would be a hot number through my fingers, but before I could stop myself, I heard Sophia clear her throat. "Ready? OPEN!" she screeched.
I dropped my hands from my face and carefully peeled my eyes open. My jaw dropped and my eyes widened as I took in the closest thing to Cinderella's dress I had ever seen in real life. "Do... you... like it?" Sophia stuttered, sensing the obvious shock on my face.
I stood and walked toward the mannequin, letting my fingertips brush against the forest green silk. I took a moment to appreciate the fine details of the gown. It was long, with a high slit along the front and a trailing train. The bodice featured some of the most intricate lace I'd ever seen along the sides, while the neckline plunged into a low V—I knew it would perfectly showcase Sophia's round chest. "This is stunning, Soph. I'm speechless," I admitted.
Sophia sat down on the edge of the mattress and stared at me a moment too long, something clearly weighing heavily on her mind. "Oh come on, spill," I urged. I moved to the mattress and sat beside her, wrapping my arm around her shoulder.
"Do you think he'll like it?" she asked softly, a shame I could swear I heard interwoven in her voice.
"Who? Your mate?" I asked, cocking my head to the side. "If you're lucky enough to meet your mate tomorrow, I know he won't be able to keep his hands off you in that. You're going to be irresistible," I said, kissing the tips of my fingers like an Italian chef, desperate to lighten the mood.
"No. Beta Don," she confessed, and here we were—addressing the big, fat elephant in the room. A conversation I honestly hoped to avoid. I sighed and plastered on the best poker face I could. "I know you care about him, but what if you meet your mate tomorrow?" I asked, trying to inject some logic into Sophia's thinking. "You know, your one fated mate? The one every shifter spends their entire life searching for?"
Before I could finish, Sophia interrupted, her amber eyes locking with mine. I couldn't miss the desperation flooding her golden hues. "What if HE's my fated mate?" she asked, a flicker of hope dancing in her eyes. Judging by how seriously she was staring at me, I knew she meant it. Shit, this wasn't good.
"I mean, you won't know until tomorrow, but your mate could literally be anyone. Maybe even an Alpha?" I said, enthusiasm filling my voice. Sophia immediately shook her head and pressed her palms together. "Please, Moon Goddess, please let my mate be Beta Don," she pleaded towards the ceiling.
I couldn't help but burst into full belly laughter, throwing my body backward onto the bed. "Funny thing—I don't think it works that way," I replied.
"I mean, Alpha Christian and you have been getting close lately. I wouldn't be surprised if you were mated to an Alpha. You were practically born a Luna!" I explained, pointing toward the dark green dress for tomorrow.
Sophia's glare shifted to the gorgeous green dress sitting before us, but the expression on her face hardened. Silence filled the room as we both stared blankly at the one-of-a-kind gown ready to be admired tomorrow.
"I don't know. He's nice. Most definitely easy on the eyes too. But..." she continued, sadness leaking through her voice.
"Beta Don," I responded, swallowing the lump in the back of my throat.
