BLACK MATE

Chapter 11

"Bittersweet memories are like autumn leaves - they cling to us, fragile and fading, yet still radiant with the warmth of what once was. Though their beauty is tinged with sorrow, they remain a reminder of the sweetness that has shaped us, and the promise of new life to come."
                       ΠΠΠ

Marcel's eyes widened in disbelief as the young woman gazed back at him, her expression tinged with amusement. Her sapphire eyes fixed on him, brows furrowed in a silent search for something intangible. It had been so long since he felt this way. He observed her attire in awe, briefly questioning if he was merely caught in a daydream.

The woman shifted her gaze to the other three men who continued to stare, their jaws dropped and eyes nearly popping out of their sockets. She composed herself as the young man beside her extended his hand for a handshake. "Hello, Alex."

Snapping out of his daze, Alex replied, "Welcome to my humble abode, Black." Black, also known as Alpha Black of the Shadow Claw Pack, stood as one of the strongest Alphas in the realm, possessing unique abilities. Rumors swirled about his recent discovery of a mate, a human woman with a military background. "Thank you, Alex. The pleasure is mine," Black responded.

Alex's gaze shifted to the young woman, now focusing on Marcel, who stood as a shell of his former self over the past three years. The impact of a mate's bond on someone as strong as Marcel left Alex in disbelief. He often prayed his sister would find a mate like Marcel. However, Black understood that wishes did not always come to fruition without hard work.

Sensing his sister's amusement, Black murmured, guiding her inside. A soft warning growl caught their attention, hinting at Alpha Black's underlying power. His grip on his sister's hand tightened as they entered the living room, the nostalgic ambiance wrapping around them.

Behind them, Marcel followed suit, unable to shake the shock of the woman's presence. Even if he were inebriated, he would recognize her face, scent, and aura anywhere. Though they had met when she was nineteen, she had since matured into an elegant woman, casting doubts on her true identity.

Meanwhile, Alpha Black's confusion intensified as he noted Alex, Asha, and Nickolas's perturbed reactions to his sister. He sensed an unspoken tension within their relationships with Marcel, leading him to question his actions.

He second-guessed his choice of bringing his dear sister here, pondering if it was the right decision. Marcel remained standing in the far corner of the sitting room, his gaze fixed on the young woman who bore a striking resemblance to someone from his past. Was it her or merely a resemblance? He couldn't be sure.

"Please show my sister to her room; she's incredibly exhausted from the flight. She didn't get any sleep last night," Black stated to Alpha Alex as he shrugged off his leather jacket.

"Nick, could you take her upstairs, please?" Alex indicated towards the young woman.

Unexpectedly, Black intervened, "I believe Marcel could escort her, if that suits him."

Marcel regarded Black with an unidentifiable emotion, yet Black comprehended his unspoken response. "Sister, please follow him to your room and get some rest," Black instructed. The young woman acknowledged Alpha Black's advice and rose, trailing the silent beta towards the elevator.

Upon reaching the fifth floor, Marcel's steps directed him to the southern wing, inadvertently leading him to his own bedroom - the one he utilized for the past three years. Fortunately, it was neatly kept. Unable to admit his error, he held the door open, gesturing for her to enter.

She hesitated and then turned to face him. "I'm Excel."

Perplexed, Marcel blinked rapidly, questioning, "What?"