The first thing I did was tear up the contract binding me to Blackmoon Enterprises, the most powerful conglomerate in the city, owned and controlled by werewolf elites. Then, I coldly rejected the business alliances offered by the most influential Alpha in the business world—Raphael Voss.

In my previous life, I mistakenly swayed and chose him. Raphael was the heir to the Voss Pack and head of the Blackmoon Enterprises. He promised me forever—until he abandoned our engagement for Tessa, the cunning yet delicate CEO of another corporation. My heartbreak sent my grandfather, my only family, to an early grave.

In despair, my childhood friend, Alpha Alexander Devereaux, offered me a partnership. "I'm here for you, always. I’ve got your back, remember? No matter what, Celeste."

I trusted him. We built an empire together, but after merging our companies, he became distant and ruthless. I thought it was because I failed to bear him an heir.

I was fooled until the night of my car accident. I bled. Begging for some help, Alexander appeared and I thought I would be saved but…

But he was there with Tessa by his side, ensuring my death.

Tessa. Again. Indeed, she took the second man I foolishly fell in love with under my nose.

I died alone and unloved.

In death, I discovered the truth. My existence had been a carefully played game between Tessa, Alexander, and Raphael. Tessa had planned everything and connived with the two—consolidating their wealth and power while guaranteeing I could never challenge them.

And the reason I never conceived? They had bribed my doctor to secretly make me unable to bear a child. I was operated because of my appendicitis but it wasn’t just my appendix being removed, also my ovary.

But fate gave me a second chance. Moon Goddess wanted me to find my true mate.

This time, I won’t let them fool me. No Alphas. No friends. No admiration. No betrayals.

********

I blinked.

What happened?

Where am I?

I roamed my eyes around, looking at my board of directors in front of me. I touched my chest. I heaved a deep breath. All I could remember was Tessa’s gun pointing at me. She shot me! Killed—me.

I gasped. Stood up.

If Tessa killed me then—

Then why am I still alive?

“Celeste?” A concerned one spoke, calling my attention.

I turned roughly recalling her voice. It was her. My executive assistant and best friend—Natalie.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

I couldn’t say anything, just staring at my best friend’s brown eyes. She was murdered in her apartment before my wedding with Alexander.

Am I dreaming?

“Hey…” Natalie’s voice held too many emotions. Mostly, she’s wondering what was wrong with me.

And so do I.

I needed answers. My eyes darted at the documents on the table, I took it. The date. The year… It was the same date but the year was ten years ago.

Ten years ago… Then it means I was in my body when I was only twenty-one. And this moment?

Again, I roamed my eyes to the people around me. I remember the moment… This was my first meeting with the company’s board of directors after my grandfather entrusted me with the management of his company. I just graduated from college at this time. So young. So naive. So stupid.

“We can postpone the meeting if you’re not well…” Natalie whispered behind me.

“No. I’m fine.” I smiled at Natalie.

Natalie was my grandfather's secretary before she worked for me. She was only two years older than me and became my best friend. The one who warned me over Raphael and Tessa. I didn’t listen then, not this time.

“Let’s start the meeting, where’s the contract with the Blackmoon Enterprises?”

“Here.” Olivia—Raphael’s sister and representative handed me the contract. She smiled too sweetly. I remembered how she defamed me then.

I took the contract from Olivia and without any words I tore it up. Olivia gasped and all of the board of directors in front of me.

“Celeste, what are you doing?” Natalie asked in shock.

My grandfather built his name as one of the top business strategists in the city, and his every move was watched by both corporate giants and criminal factions. And they thought I was weak unlike my father.

Yes, I was. Yes, I truly failed my grandfather for being dumb in love. No more this time. I may still be wolfless but it doesn’t mean I could be fooled again.

I kept my voice steady. “Because I don’t want to collaborate with Blackmoon anymore.”

“Just like that?!” Olivia stood up and gave me her death stare.

“Yes,” I spat. “Just like that, Olivia Voss. I don’t need Blackmoon Enterprises. I’m about to secure another collaboration contract with another group of companies.”

“What company?” Albert Devereaux—Alexander’s father—asked. He’s one of my grandfather’s favored godson.

“The Phantom, Inc.”

Olivia’s eyes widened. “The Phantom? The one owned by Lucian Sanguine?”

I frowned. Actually, I have no idea about the one who owned the company of Phantom, Inc. I just remember the name of the company from my previous life. Phantom, Inc. rose in power and the one who bought my grandfather’s company after the bankruptcy caused by Alexander when I let him manage the company for me after my appendicitis operation.

“Phantom is rumored as a Mafia,” Albert Devereaux hushed the words. Obviously wanting to hint danger to the board to make me look incompetent at all.

“A syndicate!” Olivia overreacted exclaimed. “You are choosing low lives to collaborate with rather than my brother’s company? Are you sick? Raphael is the most influential businessman and a young Alpha!”

“And so what?” I asked in my venomous voice. “If he’s the most influential then why does he need to be partnered with my grandfather’s company?”

“You are so full of yourself!” Olivia scowled me. “Don’t think that being spoiled and pampered could make you the best CEO of your grandfather’s company. You are just favored by your grandfather! For sure he regrets that his only son didn’t give him a grandson and just died because of some rebel war from rogues! You are a useless one, Celeste. An Alpha’s daughter who has no wolf at all!”

That hurts if I heard those words before. But I became no more than I was in the past. I was me being back from the dead.

“And me being no wolf at all understand better that your brother—Raphael Voss—wanted my grandfather’s company thinking I am weak. Well, sweetie Olivia… Tell Raphael and everyone else who wanted to conspire against me. I ain’t stupid and I ain’t gullible.”

“Raphael will not let this off!” Olivia threatened me.

“As if I’m scared, Olivia dear.”

“You’ll regret this, Celeste!” Olivia hissed.

I straightly looked at her. If only she knew that I already regretted the moment I let my guard down in my previous life, and promised myself that I won’t let anyone fool me in this second life.

I was stupid when I signed the contract with Raphael’s company. I was stupid and foolish then.

Then. Not now.

In fact, that contract was also the reason why Raphael wooed me and made me believe that I was his mate. Idiot I was, I believed him, especially I didn’t have my wolf to warn and contradict the ‘mate thing’ Raphael used to lure me then. I even thought then that I was lucky to find Raphael as my mate before. An Alpha like him as my fated mate was truly a blessing for someone like me.

How naive I was…

“And you can tell your brother, Olivia, that I’m no more interested in his offer. I know what I said could be an insult for someone like him but… it was just that I am not the nitwit one you think of. I know what Raphael wants, my grandfather’s company. He wants to extend his alphadom in our pack, right? Well, sorry to inform him… He will never have what he wants in this lifetime.”

Olivia squinted her eyes but I only smirked at her.

“Ciao, Olivia.”

I sat up next and looked at everyone. “Meeting adjourned.”

The board of directors left and only Natalie left with me in the boardroom. She sighed. Looking at me with disbelief with what I’ve done.

“What was that for?” I asked. “I thought you didn't like Olivia,” I said straightly, for I know that fact because it was her then kept on reminding me that Olivia was just a minion of Tessa to spy on me in my previous life.

Yes, when I was fooled by Raphael’s charm and assigned his sister as an executive assistant of Blackmoon Enterprises detailed in my grandfather’s company, I was nice to her thinking she will soon be my sister-in-law. But little did I know how she discreetly made me wrong in the eyes of people in the company. Causing trouble for me, encouraging people to rally on me and remove me from being the CEO.

“I already told your grandfather that Blackmoon Enterprises is not suitable as a collaborator of Darkfang Industries in the next project…” Natalie expressed her thoughts. “I think you did a good job of not letting the contract with them go through. But… I know you could do it better, Celeste. In a formal way, I mean. Instead of tearing those documents in front of the board of directors and looking like a spoiled brat by your grandfather as they thought of… you should inform me first so the meeting involving Blackmoon could be cancelled before anything else gets shameful for Olivia Voss.”

I chuckled. “But I purposely did it that way. It’s the best way to show how I refused Blackmoon Enterprises, Nat. It’s the best way for them to realize I ain’t an easy target.”

Natalie was amused with the way I nicknamed her more than what I said. It was because at this time, she and I weren’t as close as we were. This moment was just a start for our friendship.

“Anyway, are you serious with what you said about the Phantom, Inc.?” she curiously asked. Her tone was full of concern for me on whatever I was planning.

“Certainly.”

“But they’re—”

“Dangerous?” I finished for her. “Yes, but I know they will be my best ally in case.” In case Tessa continues her schemes towards me, then the Phantom, Inc. will be there for Darkfang Industries.

I won’t let Darkfang go bankrupt. I won’t let myself be the reason for my grandfather’s death and also Natalie. I had no idea then who killed Natalie, but I have an idea now… It’s easy now to connect her death in my previous life to Tessa, Raphael, and Alexander.

“Of course…” Natalie smiled and nodded. “Your future, Celeste, is yours to shape. And with your grandfather’s business acumen, you will surely learn it all as soon as you focus on the company.”

I nodded. My past life’s heartbreak no longer mattered. The weight of my death in my previous life has no longer held me down. Now, I felt a sense of control over my fate.

The day ended fast. I was heading home and walked past the lobby as my mind occupied the tangled web of schemes Raphael, Alexander, and Tessa had spun in my previous life. This time, I wouldn’t fall prey to their deceptions. This time, I would be the one leading the game.

All I needed was to find the one behind the Phantom, Inc. and convince him or her to be a shareholder in Darkfang Industries. With Phantom, Inc. I will secure my grandfather’s company’s future. No bankruptcy this time.

Just as I stepped through the grand revolving doors and into the cool night air, a sudden force hit me—like a bolt of lightning straight to my soul.

My steps halted. My breath caught.

A powerful, intoxicating scent filled my senses, a mix of fresh pine, crisp winter air, and something uniquely alluring. My heart pounded so violently that I could feel its echo in my fingertips. My vision blurred for a moment before sharpening with a startling clarity.

What… What is this?

My body turned on its own accord, searching for the source.

And then—I saw him.

A tall, striking man stood near the sidewalk, his piercing silver gray eyes locked onto mine as if he had been waiting for me all along. His presence was magnetic, overwhelming, as if the world itself had quieted around us. The moment our gazes met, a strange warmth unfurled deep within my chest, spreading like wildfire through my veins.

Mate?

The word slammed into my mind, raw and undeniable.

Is he my—

‘Mate!’

A voice, barely audible but unmistakable, echoed in my head. ‘Celeste... he is ours.’

My eyes widened. ‘Who are you?’ I asked her though I already knew who she was.

‘It’s me! Your wolf!’

My wolf? I have my wolf now?

Oh, Moon Goddess… Thank you!

‘What’s your name?’ I asked.

‘Elara.’

I gulped. My inner wolf's voice was soft yet filled with certainty. She had been silent for so long, but now she stirred, her presence strong and insistent. A shiver ran down my spine as the bond between us reawakened, stronger than ever. And she was here to tell me who’s our mate.

‘You need to make him know you, Celeste!’

I sucked in a sharp breath, my wolf—who had been dormant in my previous life—howling to life in recognition. My heart raced, and an inexplicable pull urged me forward especially as my eyes locked to the man who was approaching me already.

He took a slow step towards me, his expression unreadable but his eyes burning with the same awareness that coursed through my blood.

“You…” I whispered, barely able to find my voice. “You’re my—”

“Mate,” he finished my sentence.

The corner of the man’s lips lifted slightly, not quite a smirk but something just as dangerous. “You feel it too.”

It wasn’t a question. It was a statement.

I swallowed hard.

This was real. This was happening.

For the first time, fate had thrown me something entirely unexpected—but whether it was a blessing or another twist in my already complicated life, I wasn’t sure.

All I knew was that I had just found my true mate and my inner wolf. And nothing would ever be the same again for Raphael and Alexander if they tried to fool me again, making me think as their mate.

Before I could say something, my phone buzzed with calls from Alexander, demanding a meeting. I frowned. Alexander was out of the country until the moment he had a chance with me. It was when I was heartbroken with what Raphael did to me in our supposed engagement party.

“This call was not in my previous life…” I whispered to myself. “Some change after I tore that goddamn contract…”

“What contract?” the man asked, his deep voice laced with curiosity.

Bewildered, I looked into his piercing gray eyes. “Contract?” I echoed, frowning.

“You were talking about some contract,” he said smoothly, his gaze never leaving mine. “I hope the bidding for Darkfang Industries' new project is still open.”

I blinked. “Bidding?”

“Yes, the bidding. I was informed that the young and beautiful CEO of Darkfang canceled the contract the company was supposed to sign today with Blackwood. And I heard that my company was mentioned.”

“Your company…” I repeated slowly, trying to piece everything together. Who’s he?

“Phantom, Inc.”

Oh… My breath hitched as realization dawned. The man standing in front of me was the one behind Phantom, Inc. And he’s my mate! My true mate!

“Lucian Sanguine,” he introduced himself next, his name rolling off his tongue with confidence. “I was planning to pay you a visit tomorrow, Miss Moretti, but since I was told it is you walking out the door of your company’s building then…” He shrugged. “The urge to talk to you became my main objective at first, Miss Moretti, I admit. And sensing it’s you that I thought would never have made me realize how kind and cruel the Moon Goddess is to me.”

I gaped at him. I was confused. Just as I was about to respond, my phone buzzed again. Another call from Alexander. Annoyed, I sighed and answered it.

“What do you want, Alexander?” I asked coldly, stepping a few feet away from Lucian.

“Celeste,” Alexander’s voice came through the speaker, smooth yet dripping with feigned concern. “I was worried about you. You’ve been making some rash decisions, I heard.”

So, he heard what I did to Olivia earlier already? What a concern for his friend Raphael’s company!

The three of us actually grew up together and only college life changed our friendship. And Tessa? She used to be my best friend in college who became rich when she married a businessman. Tessa was still married this year. Her husband will die next year and it all makes sense now… Tessa will surely be the one killing her husband, too.

“Are you listening, Celeste?” Alexander asked next. “I know you have some trouble handling your grandfather’s business. It’s big and you’re inexperienced. Anyway, you can ask for Tessa’s help since she’s your friend. I could help you, too.”

I scoffed. Raphael was out now with their plan to fool me. Maybe Raphael and Alexander already changed their roles. Alexander will be the one to fool me and Raphael will be the one who will soon lure me once Alexander dumped me for Tessa.

“I’m listening, Alexander… I just got bored talking to you,” I said in my most cold tone. “And rash? What do you mean by that? I perfectly did what I had to do. Taking control of my grandfather’s company instead of letting Raphael manipulate me is the most justified thing I did in my life.”

“Come on, Celeste,” Alexander said with a light chuckle. “Manipulate? Raphael? You’re only overthinking.”

“Am I really only overthinking, Alexander?” I probed. Of course he would never admit what they are plotting against me, but who cares?! I know what will be my end if I still go down the same path.

“We've been friends since we were toddlers, Celeste, so where did you get the idea that Raphael was trying to manipulate you?” Alexander stated.

I bitterly smiled. How could someone lie like what they were doing straightly? They are evil! All for Tessa? Damn them all!

“Don’t be harsh with Raphael, Celeste. Don’t think that way,” Alexander continued. “We both care for you. We promised you to protect, right? And you know how Raphael adores you so much, right? He won’t do anything you were saying…”

“Okay,” I simply said. “Is that all, Alexander?”

“And I know you—you're just acting strong, Celeste, but deep down, you need support. You need someone who understands you.”

I rolled my eyes. “And let me guess, you think that someone is you?”

“Who else?” Alexander said smoothly. “You and I always had something, didn’t we? If it weren’t for Raphael, I should be the one beside you. You were special to me, Celeste. You still are.”

I clenched my jaw. His voice was laced with an unmistakable charm, the same charm he had used before to make me believe he cared. But I knew better now.

“And you don’t need to worry anymore, Celeste. In fact, if you have some concern, I’m always here for you. You can even tell me why you changed your mind this morning. Maybe Olivia pissed you off. Maybe Raphael did something wrong. Whichever, I’m here to listen.”

“I see what you’re trying to do, Alexander,” I said coolly. “But let me tell you this once and for all… I’m not that naive girl anymore, you and Raphael befriended when we were toddlers. I’m Celeste Moretti, an Alpha daughter of Darkfang and the one who doesn’t need you and Raphael’s guidance. And Tessa? She’s not my friend. Don’t mistake my kindness to an Omega like her in college as friendship.”

I ended the call and blocked Alexander’s number to have some peace of mind. I turned to face Lucian Sanguine again. Thinking how Alexander was disturbing my first meeting with my mate, I got annoyed with him more than ever.

Lucian, who had been silently observing, tilted his head. “Trouble?”

I let out a humorless chuckle. “Nothing I can’t handle.”

He smirked. “That’s my mate,” he said proudly while staring at my eyes.

I swallowed.

“Why?” he asked me with a grin. “You seem like you don’t want me as your mate. Are you already with someone else?”