Suddenly, I understood what Alex meant. That guy—he never actually liked me. He just wanted me to make my feelings clear and put them out in the open. He’d said all that earlier not because he cared about me, but to challenge Aiden; to stir the pot between them. He might be sharp-tongued and snarky, but deep down, he wasn’t a bad person. Adam, on the other hand, didn’t take it so well; he looked at me with obvious hurt in his eyes. As for Andrix, it was like none of it had even happened. He kept that fake, emotionless smile on his face, completely unreadable. Robin nodded in satisfaction. “Well then, when do you and Aiden plan to get engaged?” “Engaged?” I was caught off guard. “Isn’t that way too fast? Aiden and I aren’t even officially together yet—how can we be talking about getting engaged already?” Salvatore smiled as she looked at me. “Aiden’s already twenty-four; he’s not that young anymore. And you, sure, you just turned twenty, but that’s plenty grown. If you two get engaged by the end of the year and hold the mating ceremony next year, I might finally get to hold my first grandchild…” “Madam, that’s way too soon…” I was genuinely floored by the pace she was trying to push. She rolled her eyes at me. “Ay, girls your age are just shy. It’s fine—once you’re engaged and mated, you’ll be family. The feelings can come with time.” I didn’t know how to respond. I could only glance over at Aiden. “I think…” Aiden cleared his throat. “My mom’s not entirely wrong.” Not entirely wrong? You cold-hearted dude, you’ve been aloof this whole time, and now suddenly you’ve learned to sweet-talk? I let out an awkward laugh, choosing not to respond. “But, mom,” Aiden added, “let’s not rush the wedding just yet. We’re still young; we should focus on building our careers first.” That comment made me feel much better There we go. At least you’ve got some sense. “But getting engaged sooner might not be a bad idea.”“You—” I stared at him, stunned. Unbelievable. I had just complimented him in my head, and now he turned right around and shamelessly agreed? He looked so smug that I rolled my eyes at him. Freya howled with laughter in my head. Alpha, I’ve never seen you this flustered, this is hilarious, Nice try. I see that dirty little thought forming, loud and clear I like Aiden. I wouldn’t mind mating with such a handsome guy. Freya teased gleefully. Ugh, get out of here. I couldn’t stay in that awkward atmosphere a second longer; I mumbled an excuse and slipped out. I sat outside by the flowerbeds for a bit, and before long, a shadow appeared nearby and took a seat beside me. “Raelyn, why didn’t you just say yes to getting engaged?” It was Adam. A heavy sadness hung over him; he looked completely dejected. I sighed. “Because it feels rushed. I mean, Aiden and I barely know each other. I just don’t feel ready to get engaged to him yet. If two people are going to be together, they should at least know if they’re really meant to be mates.” I admitted I liked Aiden—but when it came to whether we were truly suited as mates, I felt it was too soon to decide. “You’re lucky,” Adam said, his voice low. “You’re so clear about everything. Not like me. I just charge forward like a fool, confessing my feelings like it’s nothing. I’m not as good as Aiden, not as rich. I’m so lame, no wonder you don’t like me.” That’s when I noticed the bottle of strong vodka in Adam’s hand. He took a big swig, then gave me a sad smile. “Adam, you’re not lame. You’re adored by millions; you’re the dream of nine hundred million girls. How could that be lame?” I smiled gently, trying to comfort him. “If I don’t like you, it’s only because we didn’t meet at the right time, or maybe because the Moon Goddess thinks I’m not your fated mate. But your destined mate is definitely out there—she’s probably just around the corner.” My words seemed to move him. He looked up, his eyes filled with a mix of hope and uncertainty. “Really?”“With the Moon Goddess as my witness—of course it’s true. You’re only twenty; there’s still a long road ahead. You think someone like you won’t meet your true mate?” I reached into my pocket and pulled out a piece of candy. “Here—eat this. It’ll cheer you up. You’ve helped me so much, and I really am grateful. We’ll be great friends, right?” “Good friends…” Adam stared at the candy, repeating the words under his breath before finally accepting it. He gripped it tightly in his hand and smiled faintly. “You’re treating me like a kid—carrying candy around like that. I’m too old for sweets.” I raised an eyebrow. “What’s wrong with candy? I happen to like it. Life is tough; without a little sweetness to balance it out, how are we supposed to get through it?”