My Possessive Alpha Twins For Mate Chapter 197

Dahlia’s POV

I had just finished checking on the new mother and her twin pups, packing up my things, when my dad’s voice echoed through our mind-link.

“Lia? It’s Dad.”

I mentally rolled my eyes. Like I wouldn’t recognize his voice.

“Hi, Dad. What’s up?” I responded warily.

“Are you about done at the Winslows’, my child?” His tone was hesitant, a clear red flag. Uh oh. When he pulled the my child card, it always meant he wanted something.

“I was just wrapping up. Why?” I asked, already suspicious.

“No reason. Well… yes, actually. I sent Liam to meet you and walk you home. Just letting you know to expect him.” His voice took on that don’t argue with me tone.

Too bad. I was definitely arguing.

“YOU DID WHAT? WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?” I practically shouted.

“Do not raise your voice at me, Dahlia,” he growled.

I exhaled sharply, trying to rein in my frustration. “I’m sorry, Dad, but I don’t want to see him. I thought bolting from the house earlier made that pretty clear.”

“Lia, he’s your mate. I know you have reservations, but none of this is his fault. He doesn’t deserve to be rejected before you even get to know him. Besides, we’re in the middle of negotiating a peace treaty with your fated Alpha. The least you can do is be civil and walk home with him.”

His words barely registered because my brain latched onto one crucial part. My knees suddenly felt weak, and I sank onto the floor.

“What did you just say? My fated what?” My voice was barely above a whisper. I had to have misheard him. “Did you say he’s an Alpha?”

“Yes, my child. Alpha Liam Ashford of Blood Moon. Son of Caleb and Caden—my best friends. I told you he was coming by today to deliver the alliance contract. Why else do you think he was at the house?”

Blood Moon? No. Not just any Alpha—the Alpha of one of the strongest packs in the world.

Blue, my wolf, practically vibrated with joy inside my head, elated at the thought of being destined as a Luna. But my mind reeled. This couldn’t be happening. The Moon Goddess seriously thought making me a Luna was a good idea? Once upon a time, I imagined myself as Finnian’s Luna, but that was never meant to be. If it wasn’t right then, why now? And worse, rejecting Liam would weaken him, if only temporarily. Which meant weakening his pack, too. I wouldn’t just be rejecting him—I’d be rejecting them all.

Why was this happening to me?

“Lia? Are you still there?” Dad’s voice pulled me back.

“Yeah, I’m here. Just… processing.” My voice was hollow. “You’re right. I should’ve pieced it together, but I was tired and didn’t connect the dots.”

“I didn’t mean to catch you off guard. I thought you already knew he was an Alpha. But Dahlia, listen to me—you are the strongest person I know. Blood Moon would be lucky to have you as their Luna. And Liam Ashford? That boy is blessed beyond measure to have you as his mate.”

His words were filled with pride, but I shook my head. “Dad, I—”

“Just walk with him, Lia. We’ll talk more at home. Now go outside—he’ll be there any minute.”

And with that, he cut the link.

I groaned. “Ugh. Fine.” Might as well get this over with.

If growing up as the Beta’s daughter had taught me anything, it was diplomacy. I could play nice for a short walk home. Blue was still prancing excitedly in my head, urging me to hurry, but I ignored her.

Stepping outside, I took a deep breath of the crisp evening air, bracing myself. The second I laid eyes on Liam, I had to physically stop myself from launching into his arms. How the hell was I supposed to resist this god-like man for an entire thirty minutes?

I looked toward the street, expecting to see him rounding the corner. Instead, my stomach twisted into knots at the sight of someone else entirely.

Alpha Finnian Blackwell.

And right beside him, his Luna, Jovie.

Just my luck.

Of course they would show up while I was still here. It was customary for the Alpha and Luna to greet their newest pack members, after all. I should’ve expected it. But that didn’t make it any less unbearable. I would have rather swallowed wolfsbane or stabbed myself with a silver blade than make small talk with my ex and his mate. But since neither were available, I had no choice but to get it over with.

Plastering on a polite expression, I stepped through the front gate and onto the sidewalk. “Hello, Alpha. Luna.” I nodded. “Here to welcome your newest pack members? The pups are absolutely adorable.” I even managed a smile.

“Yes! I can’t wait to get my hands on those sweet little babies!” Jovie beamed.

“Well, perfect timing. I just finished—AAAGH!”

A pair of arms suddenly wrapped around me from behind, lifting me off my feet and twirling me in the air.

“Hey, Lia Bee!” a familiar voice laughed.

My heart nearly leaped out of my chest before realization hit. “Silas, you ass!” I gasped as he set me down, my balance teetering. He kept his hands on my shoulders to steady me.

I smacked his arm, more for show than out of real anger. “Sweet Goddess, you scared the shit out of me! What the hell is wrong with you?”

His grin was unapologetic. “Missed you too.”

But before I could say anything else, a low, dangerous growl sliced through the air.

“Why the fuck do you have your hands on my girl?”

Liam.

His voice was lethal, his entire aura radiating possessiveness.

Just fantastic. An overprotective Alpha picking a fight with my best friend in front of my other Alpha—who just happened to be my ex—while they were supposed to be negotiating a peace treaty. This whole mate bond thing was getting more irritating by the second.

Blue, of course, was loving the attention.

I thought I heard another growl—so soft I almost wasn’t sure it was real. I glanced up to find Finnian scowling hard at Liam.

What the hell was his problem?

Jovie seemed just as confused as I was.

Meanwhile, Silas wasn’t backing down. “Who the hell are you? And since when is my Lia Bee your girl? She’s never mentioned you before.”

I needed to shut this down fast.

“First of all, not your girl,” I interjected, leveling a glare at Liam.

His expression faltered, and a pang of guilt hit me at the hurt in his eyes. I sighed. “Let’s do introductions. Alpha, Luna—this is Alpha Liam Ashford of Blood Moon. Liam, meet Alpha Finnian Blackwell and his Luna, Jovie. And this big oaf behind me is Beta Silas Kessler—Jovie’s brother and one of my closest friends.”

Liam exhaled and stepped forward. “Apologies. I didn’t realize she knew you.”

Silas gave his usual easygoing smile, but I knew better—he wasn’t feeling so friendly.

Finnian hesitated, exchanging a glance with me before speaking. “Welcome to Crystal Moon.”

Liam nodded. “Glad to be here. Now, if you’ll excuse us, I promised to walk Lia home.”

I barely refrained from rolling my eyes, but at least it got me out of any more awkward small talk.

Turning to Silas, I grinned. “We need to catch up soon.”

He winked. “Name the time and place, Lia Bee.”

With that, I walked off, Liam right at my side.