When Fate Brings Back My Alpha

Lethia's POV

"Today, Alpha Castiel from the Blue Forest Group will be visiting this clinic. He wants to meet the children in person," Lisa, the manager, told us before we started our morning shift.

My heart jolted at the sound of that name, one I hadn’t heard in so long. The shock hit harder than thunder, ripping across the sky.

Even my wolf woke from her long sleep, asking if I would let myself meet him.

Of course not. I would run or go the other way without anyone noticing me if we were likely to see each other.

“Dr. Lethia.”

My heart skipped a beat, staring at her in horror, as I could already guess what she was about to say.

A feeling of unease spread from my spine to my entire body as her smile widened and her eyes radiated pride in having me.

“You’ll be Alpha Castiel's guide.” Lisa gripped my hand tightly, waiting for me to nod quickly and smile happily as before. “What a coincidence, you’re on the morning shift today.”

My mouth wouldn't open no matter how hard I forced it. Cold sweat ran down my back.

I had to refuse. This time, I wasn't honored to be appointed as a guide for the leaders visiting this clinic.

"I'm afraid I can't," I finally managed to say, but I winced. My voice came out no louder than a mouse’s squeak.

"Don't worry." Lisa patted the back of my hand. "Dr. Amber will take care of all your patients."

“Aye-aye, Captain,” Amber, standing next to me, replied enthusiastically.

She raised her hand in a salute and flashed me a wide grin. “I envy how effortlessly you talk to the leaders, but sadly, I have no desire to take your place.”

I pouted, my shoulders slumping. My unusual reaction made them wonder, but I couldn’t tell them that I knew Alpha Castiel so well.

"Alpha Castiel is one of our donors," Lisa whispered to me as if no one else knew. "You need to show him that his contribution wasn't for nothing."

I love my job. It's been my dream since I was a child.

I enjoy explaining the children's condition to the leaders who visit this clinic, but I never thought he would be interested in coming here.

He had no one here at the clinic. Shouldn’t watching from his office have been enough?

Moon Goddess.

I sat on the porch, breathing fast and shallow, repeatedly tempted to pretend I had a stomachache or felt nauseous.

'Why are you nervous?' My wolf’s voice echoed. 'I don’t think you need to feel that way.' She shook her head. 'You two broke up years ago.'

I pondered, my gaze fixed on my shoes.

My wolf was right. We broke up a long time ago. It was our mutual decision.

Okay, Lethia. Act like you always have. Show him who you are now.

“He’ll be here any minute.” Lisa stood beside me, a professional smile on her face.

The black car stopped in front of us. The Blue Forest Group's Alpha rogue stepped out with great calculation.

The wind blew through his black, slicked-back hair. He took off his sunglasses and placed them in his suit pocket.

His gaze widened for a second as it landed on us. He didn’t move immediately, as if he couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

I’d been rooted in place since the moment he appeared, his presence heavy with authority and power.

I never expected to meet him one day, even though he was my Alpha ally.

“Welcome, Alpha Castiel.” Lisa greeted the man politely and cheerfully.

“Nice to see you again, Alpha.” She shook hands with the man. Then she introduced me to him. “This is Dr. Lethia. She will be your guide.”

My breath hitched as our gazes met—sharp, no smile, as if he had never known me.

“Nice to meet you, Alpha Castiel. I’m Lethia.” I was so relieved to have recovered my composure so quickly.

“Nice to meet you, Dr. Lethia.”

My eyes widened as he reached out to me. I’d forgotten to do that.

I took a quiet breath before our skin touched. A spark I didn’t know what it was stung my heart.

His deep gaze burned into my spine until I didn't care about his hands gripping me tightly.

“Come on, let's go inside. I want to see them.” Alpha Castiel quickly pulled his hand away from mine and tucked it into his pocket.

He broke eye contact, allowing me to breathe again.

I walked side by side with him, struggling to calm my pounding heart.

I didn't know what feelings I had left for him. I didn't want to find out.

“Ninety percent of them have been here since the clinic first opened,” I said in a steady voice. How relieved I was.

Alpha Castiel didn't ask many questions. He listened to me and carefully observed the children's condition.

His pity was evident, as if he wished he could take their place.

His fists were clenched tightly, and he was trying to hold back his growl. He, too, wanted to exterminate the people who created and spread the virus.

"70 percent of the patients here are paralyzed and their five senses are dead," I said, my voice trembling and holding back tears.

"Those who are eighteen can't even sense their wolf." My eyes fell on Alpha Giovanno’s firstborn from the White Forest Group, lying weak and bored as he watched television.

“They’re still young. They shouldn’t be lying here indefinitely.” Alpha Castiel's jaw tightened, accompanied by a flushed face.

“Yes.” I nodded grimly. "We hope that a drug or vaccine will soon be found that can cure them."

“Every disease has a cure,” Alpha Castiel said confidently. “This isn’t the first time we’ve fought a virus.” He passed on his optimism to me. “We will always win.”

I smiled faintly. Then I realized I wasn’t nervous anymore.

"Mommy."

The shrill voice echoing throughout the corridor caught our attention.

A feeling of joy washed over me as I watched my daughter never lose her cheerfulness.

Moon Goddess, thank you for not taking Talitha today. It was the prayer I whispered to her every day.

I thanked Hector, who was pushing her wheelchair.

“Have you had breakfast and taken your medicine?” I gently stroked Talitha’s black hair, which was tied in two braids.

“Yes. I’m a smart girl.” Talitha smiled broadly, showing off her teeth, which hadn’t yet grown in.

“You’re a smart girl.” I kissed her cheek. She chuckled adorably.

“Hi, Alpha.” Talitha smiled sweetly at Alpha Castiel. “I’m Talitha. I had breakfast in the garden with Hector. Nice to meet you.”

My heart stopped beating. The world seemed to stop spinning. There was no wind.

I was such an idiot. Talitha was a patient at this clinic. Why didn't I think this could happen?

"Is she your daughter?" Even that also made Alpha Castiel curious. "How did your daughter get the virus? Who is her father?"