An hour later, I walked out of the Pack Affairs building with a certificate clutched tightly in my hands.
I was high in spirit, my wolf bustling inside me. My feet barely touched the ground, and I looked like a completely new person from the one I was 20 minutes ago.
Everything around me felt so unreal, like I was living someone else's life.
The city noise around me faded into the background, and my thoughts floated around.
I had a mate!!!
Just like that.
I never imagined I would tie myself to a man I met by chance. Just one conversation
One decision.
And suddenly, my life had changed its direction completely.
Was this fate... or desperation?
I lowered my gaze to the certificate.
The photo stared back at me, us sitting side by side.
Mr. Norton looked calm, distant, and almost bored.
I looked tense, uncertain, like someone bracing for impact.
Below the photo were our names.
That was when it truly hit me.
I had learned my mate's full name from the marriage record.
Finnick Norton.
Sounds powerful. It sutured him far too well.
" Vivian Willian?" His voice pulled me out of my own daydreaming.
Finnick was looking at his own marriage certificate, reading my name slowly.
The way he said it, low and raspy, sent a chill down my spine.
I was still trying to process the fact that I now belonged to a family registry when a hand appeared in front of me.
A sleek black card rested between his fingers.
"I know ceremonies and rings matter to some women," he said slowly. " I don't have time for formal displays. If you want a ring, choose one for yourself."
I looked up at him, meeting his gaze.
"There is no need," I said quickly, " I really do not care about those things."
That was not a lie. I just needed to get my mother treated.
Romantic gestures had stopped meaning anything to me a long time ago.
Also, he looked very rich, and I didn't want to feel indebted to him. This marriage was already transactional enough.
"At least get a ring," he said, still holding the card out, " you are my mate now, and there should be an indication of that."
Before I could react, he took my hands and pressed the card into my palms.
Our skin brushed slightly, and heat surged through me instantly. I blinked in surprise.
He was warm, much warmer than I expected.
"Fine," I said. We are newly mated now, after all, there is no need to argue over something so pointless. I slipped the card into a little compartment in my bag d
"I have a meeting this afternoon," he said, rolling slightly away from me " you will need to arrange for your own ride back to your place."
"Okay," I said. I had not expected anything else. I was not foolish enough to expect him to act affectionately or with care.
So his distance didn't hurt a bit.
I will send you my pack house address later," he added, " move in whenever it is convenient for you."
"I am not in a hurry," I said immediately. I didn't want him to feel like I was desperate to get myself attached to him. The thought of living under the same room with a random stranger, no, a man I met and tied myself to according to pack laws, made my chest tighten.
Heat crept up my face at the thought of it. I knew my refusal was obvious zzz.
Finick did not comment on it. He simply reached for the controls on his chair and turned away smoothly.
"If there is nothing else, I will be leaving now," he sis Falmouth.
"Alright"
That was it.
I just got mated.
I stood there watching him as he was escorted into a sleek black car.
The moment the door closed, the air around me felt lighter.
Only then did I turn and leave as well.
The first thing I did was call the Human Resources department at work.
My voice shook slightly as I told them I would soon be officially registered under Sunshine City's pack system.
There was a brief pause. Probably doubt x
Then confirmation.
They would process the local protection and health coverage for both my family and my mother will now have the best health care available to wolves around here.
I let out a breath I didn't realize I had been holding for some time now.
Today, I have been reckless. I knew that, but the least crushing worry had been lifted off my shoulders.
I hailed a cab and went to my office.
When I arrived at Glamour Wolves magazine, the afternoon interview had not started yet. I checked the time, I had about 20 minutes before the interview started, opposite my office was a mall, on impulse, I walked across the street into the mall.
A bright jewelry store caught my eye. It looked expensive, but the black card in my hands gave me a little confidence. I will not spend his money extravagantly; I just needed something small and symbolic.
I searched for a pair of rings. No heavy symbols of ownership or display. Just clean, modest bands that felt... appropriate.
I quickly paid for it and ran back to my desk.
I started preparing my interview materials when Serah leaned in closer. Her eyes were shining.
"Vivian," she whispers excitedly, "what's with the ring?"
I froze
I did not want anyone to know just yet, and now the whole office will hear of it.
"You are very observant," I said, trying to make it less awkward.
There was no need to hide it. Human Resources already knew about it the rest of the office would soon find out about it.
"I got mated recently," I said
Her face turned instantly.
"Congratulations!!" She took my hands and inspected the ring. "Did your mate buy this for you? How much was it?"
"A little over one thousand," that was the truth. I don't really know Finnick's background or how much he had. I hadn't wanted to assume anything. So I chose something affordable. Something that wouldn't weigh on either of us.
Sarah frowned
"Vivian, that is not right at all'l she said seriously. A mate ring represents commitment. If he can not give you something good, how reliable can he be in the future?
"It is fine, I promise," I replied calmly. " He did what he could."
When I noticed the pity in her eyes, I realized what she was thinking: that my mate was struggling. That I had settled.
I did not correct her. No one knew about my situation here.
"That's enough," I said, changing the subject. "Let's focus on work. Are you ready for the interview later?"
She laughed instantly, her mood flipping like a switch.
"Of course!" She gestured proudly at her outfit. "What do you think? Do I look good?"
That was when I really looked at her.
A soft pink-and-white dress. Hair styled carefully. Every detail is intentional.
.
"You look amazing," I said honestly.
Her face lit up.
"Then do you think I have a chance," she whispered excitedly, "with the rich bachelor president of Finnor Group?"
I smiled faintly.
And for reasons I didn't yet understand, the air around me felt... alert.
That name sounds so familiar.