Chapter 5 Too Stunning to Forget

Vincent's POV: "Alpha, Ms. Taylor declined our offer for a pickup," my assistant reported. I sat in a black Rolls-Royce parked just outside the airport, holding my phone. Chloe's response didn't surprise me. Living on her own for so long had clearly made her distant. I ended the call and stared toward the arrivals gate. It didn't take long before I spotted her. That had to be Chloe. Her beauty was unforgettable. I'd only glimpsed a picture once, but it had etched itself into my memory ever since. She wore a plain white blouse and jeans. Her long blond hair was tied back, showing off her soft, glowing features. She looked fresh, confident, and graceful—like she didn't even need to try to stand out in the crowd. What caught my eye next was the little boy who hopped off the trolley beside her. He looked about four or five years old, dressed in a grey hoodie and shorts. His fluffy hair tumbled over his forehead, and his features were already sharp and defined. There was something both adorable and striking about him. I watched in silence as Chloe bent beside him, fixing his clothes with such care in her eyes. Who was that child? Could it be that Chloe had gotten married? If she had, then I could finally let go of the promise I made to my grandmother about making her my Luna. They got in a taxi and left. I instructed my driver to tail them. Not long after we passed through an intersection, my phone started ringing. I checked the screen—Shania. She was identified by Adam, my wolf, as our fated mate. For some reason, ever since I tracked her down, my emotions toward her hadn't been nearly as strong as they were that night—except for Adam, who still got worked up whenever he smelled her scent. "Vincent, when will you visit me? I miss you so much," Shania's sweet voice said as I answered. "I've been swamped. I'll come by when I get a chance," I replied, not really meaning it. "You better come visit me, alright?" she said in a playful, flirty tone. "Mm." I tried to sound warm, hiding my usual Alpha attitude. Truthfully, I wasn't a fan of how clingy she'd become. When I reached the estate, I immediately went to update my grandmother. She set her wine glass down and looked at me, clearly surprised. "Chloe has a kid? Is she married?" "My assistant looked into it thoroughly, and it seems that's true. But there's no sign of the child's father—looks like she had the baby without getting married." "Oh dear ... Poor Chloe. So young, and already a single mother," my grandmother said, letting out a sigh. "Grandma, our family has always valued a pure bloodline, so I don't think Chloe, now that she has a child, is fit to be my Luna. "I doubt you or anyone else in the family would be willing to accept her son." Grandma paused for a moment before speaking with a serious tone, "It won't be easy for us to welcome her child. Still, Chloe's bloodline is one of a kind. No other female in the pack has it anymore. "If we want our next Alpha heirs to be the strongest, you have no choice but to be with Chloe. "As for the child, he can carry her last name. There's no need to recognize him as an Evans." Then she added, "Never forget—her mother died protecting you from the witches. She was a brave warrior! Now that we've found her daughter, we must take care of her, no matter what." Her voice left no room for argument. Even though I hold the title of Alpha King, my grandmother is still the one person I never defy. I thought she'd change her mind once she learned about the child, especially with the rumors that he might be tied to witches. I expected her to give up the idea of making Chloe my Luna. But instead, she became more set on it. "Grandma, I don't need to marry her to repay what we owe. There are other ways to make it right," I said, trying to convince her. But she shut me down immediately. "No, Vincent. You have to marry Chloe! Be there for her, keep her safe. She needs to be your Luna. That's the only way I'll feel at peace—and it'll make sure no one dares to mistreat her again!" I let out a sigh. Being forced to marry someone I didn't love, someone who wasn't even meant to be my mate, would only make things worse for both of us. Besides, my wolf had already found his mate. Once we marked each other, if I were to leave her, the Moon Goddess would punish me. Chloe, however, wouldn't face the same fate. Without a wolf, she'd never experience the bond of a destined mate. Thinking about it, I actually felt bad for her. Still, I had no desire to marry her. But my grandmother's mind was made up. I had no say in the matter. "You don't understand how terrible Eugenia's death was. She died defending you—it was bloody and tragic," she reminded me. "You need to understand, as the Alpha King, securing the loyalty of the beta warriors is crucial. Marrying the daughter of the beta, who sacrificed her life for you, would honor her and show your gratitude. "Above all, remember that Chloe carries Eugenia's beta bloodline. "That's the kind of legacy we want passed down to future Evans heirs. "Unless you find someone better someday ... " She gave me a long look as she said this. I gave up trying to argue. "Alright. I'll marry her and make her my Luna." However, for the past five years, there's been another woman I can't forget—someone I owe just as much, and she's my destined mate. If I cut ties with Shania and stay with Chloe, my wolf Adam will be in pain. What was I supposed to do? After a long period of thinking, a plan slowly started to take shape in my mind ...