MATED TO THE STRONGEST ALPHA
Chapter Eleven

*Selene's POV

During dinner, I engaged in a pleasant conversation with my parents. My mom informed me that Lady Malia had prepared the delicious food on the table, and I was amazed by her culinary skills.

As time passed, I couldn't help but share the story of Father and Lilith with my parents. My mom inquired about my loved ones, leading me to mention them.

Soon enough, they asked the question I wanted to avoid at all costs. "Did you jump off the cliff and why?"

I tried to brush off the question and change the topic, but it wasn't working, and after insistence and piercing stares from both of them, I couldn't stay silent. I told them all about Riker and the incident leading to me jumping off the cliff despite pleading with Lady Malia to not tell them.

They both were engulfed in rage, it was obvious on their faces. I however pleaded desperately with them not to take it to heart and start a dispute with Riker. After long consideration, they agreed and calmed down.

"So, someone rejected the princess?" the king remarked.

"It doesn't matter now. You are free to replace another man. At the party, you will meet some brave guys who won't break your heart," my mom reassured me.

I couldn't help but laugh at her statement. "I'm not ready to be in a relationship yet. Family is more important to me than other guys," I replied calmly.

I still held feelings for Riker, and I wasn't eager to meet someone new just yet. My priority was spending time with my parents after years of separation. I wanted to learn about their lives, their likes and dislikes, what made them happy or sad- everything about them.

"You're right. I don't want other guys to take my princess," the King expressed, sounding almost jealous of the men I might meet.

"You sound jealous," my mom teased him playfully, and their adorable banter brought more laughter to the room.

"No need to worry. I won't let anyone take my attention away from you," I assured them, emphasizing that my focus was on them.

Time seemed to slip away so quickly. I felt there was never enough time to be with my parents after all the years we had been apart. I yearned to know more about them as I grew closer to them.

As time had been long spent, I returned to my room, anticipating either my mom's visit or Lady Malia's presence. Lady Malia had become my friend, and I admired her skills and wanted to learn from her. She mentioned helping me prepare food for my parents the following day, a gesture that would surely make them happy-and me even happier as their daughter.

Before long, a knock on my door brought me back to reality. I opened it to replace my mom's happy face.

"Would you like to come with me?" she asked.

"Yes, I'd love to come with you, Mom," I replied, not knowing where she was taking me. As we left, a couple of betas accompanied us, as the King had ordered for my protection whenever I ventured outside.

We strolled to the garden, and I admired the beautiful roses and various flowers. I had always loved flowers since childhood, taking care of the plants back in my foster home.

"Do you remember the time when you used to play in our garden, picking all the red roses and telling us they had magic?" My mom began, sharing a story I didn't recall.

In the cool breeze, I gazed at my mother, captured by the way she looked at the flowers. She was truly beautiful, and though the King told me I resembled her, I knew I couldn't compare. She was unique, the reason why my father loved her so deeply. She was a precious gem.

"I want to know more about you. I know it is difficult for you to see me as your mother-I wasn't the one who raised you. But I want to cherish every moment with you," she said with calm and sweet assurance.

I let out a deep breath, gazing at the sky. "You don't need to feel insecure about the past. I want to know you more, as well. You are a gem. I love you, Mom, and I always will."

Tears welled up in her eyes, and she hugged me tightly. She had been emotional since my return.

"Look at the sky, Mom. The moon is very beautiful," I said, trying to comfort her. I wasn't adept at comforting others, but I wanted to make her feel at ease. I couldn't bear to imagine the past years when I wasn't with her. Had she cried like this? I felt sorry for the pain she endured during my absence.

The sun was rather bright tonight, casting a beautiful moonlight on the castle. It reminded me of my own life a new beginning, leaving behind my old self for some reason. There were countless ways to feel loved and happy. While some days might bring memories of the past, I was grateful to be with my parents. I promised my mom that she would never lose me again. I was committed to being with her for the rest of my life.

***

Riker's POV

A week passed. Day and night, I looked for Selene. The search team organized by Alpha Faro and my search team found nothing. I couldn't replace her. Anything that indicated that she was alive has yet to be found. I felt sorry for her family. I got daily calls from Alpha Faro and Lilith asking if I found anything, just to kill their hope every single time.

I stopped in front of the river. I looked at the leaves that flowed in the calm water. "How do I tell her family the conclusion I've come to? I couldn't replace her; I tried," I said those words to myself. "It's about time I gave up and ended everything. This whole search is pointless." I gave up. I wanted her gone from my life; after all, it was all just a front I put up. There was no need for this guilt I felt, so I'll kill it. She has chosen her fate.

*