The Alpha’s Fated Choice (Alpha's Fated Encounter Trilogy #1)

Her words surprise me because I thought Rita was enjoying her life here.

“Well,” I begin slowly, racking my brain, “we do have some visitors from out of town. Six of them, to be exact.”

“You don’t say,” Rita immediately leans toward me, her eyes sparkling with interest. “Do tell.”

I shrug. “Not much to tell.” My hands wrap around the mug to warm them. “They seem okay, but one of them is very rude to me. It doesn’t help that he’s also very good-looking.”

I don’t know why I mention that part, but the moment I do, I berate myself internally. Good job, Sophia. Rita’s never going to let that go.

And as I expected, Rita chuckles, “Is he now?”

I feel a flutter in my chest, and I sink deeper into the chair, thinking about Alex. “I don’t know why his presence bothers me. He makes me feel…strange.”

The last word is blurted out, and it catches Rita’s attention.

“What do you mean?” Her brows knit together. “Strange, how?”

I shake my head, feeling embarrassed. “I’d rather not talk about him.”

Rita reaches out and covers my hand with her withered one. “My dear, you should be able to talk about whatever you want with me. I’ve lived a full life and have more experience than you can imagine. I might be able to help you sort out your thoughts.”

It’s a tempting offer. It’s not like I have people to talk to about this stuff. And besides, the only person Rita will share anything about me with is Elsa, and she won’t if I ask her not to. I do so, and the old woman nods. “Of course. This stays between us.”

Shifting in my seat uncomfortably, I admit, “My heart feels funny around him. You know I haven’t dated anybody, ever. My being what I am doesn’t make me—” I cut myself off, setting my mug down on the round table between us. “My point is that I always thought maybe I have no sex drive. I’ve never been attracted to anyone. But whenever this guy is around, I feel something inside me pulling me toward him.”

Rita’s expression grows serious. “Have you mentioned this to anybody else?”

“Of course not. He’s the rudest—”

She wets her lips, something she only does when she’s feeling anxious, and I pause as she studies me. “I’m going to ask you something, Sophia, and I would like you to be honest.”

Hesitantly, I nod.

“Elsa told me that you were attacked in the alley and that somebody rescued you. Was it this man?”

I’m about to lie, but from the look in her eyes, she’s already figured it out. My shoulders slump. “Yeah. Please don’t tell Elsa.”

Rita is silent for a moment. “I won’t. This is just between us. It’s better that Elsa doesn’t know.”

“What do you mean?”

My tone has her glancing up at me, and she asks abruptly, “Has he shown any interest in you?”

I remember the way he looked at me in the forest when I was falling and he caught me, and for a moment, I feel a hint of certainty. “Maybe? I don’t know. I think we got a little close to that, but nothing happened.”

“Good.”

Her sharpness makes me blink in surprise.

“Is there something you’re not telling me?” I ask cautiously.

Her finger taps against the table, and she seems to be considering something. “What you describe sounds like the pull between two fated mates, Sophia. Of course, I can’t be sure. However, I would advise you that once you leave here, don’t let anybody know what we talked about. And if you do find out that this man is indeed your fated mate, keep that to yourself, as well.”

I give her a confused look, not even bothering to focus on the first part of what she just said. “But if I were to find my fated mate, isn’t that a good thing?”

Rita’s voice is dark and heavy, filled with something that makes me uneasy. “Not always, Sophia. Not always.”

Chapter 5