Chapter 66

[Third-Person’s POV]

I shouldn’t have let her go...Why the hell did I let her go?

Michael remained fixed in the exact same spot in which he watched Evelyn head off to the parking lot. Everything about Evelyn was utterly captivating and enthralling to him. He studied her every detail as she walked. From the way the sun ran through her hair all the way down to how her hips swayed as she moved.

It was all so effortlessly done. It was as though she had no idea of the magnetic appeal she possessed.

Michael felt as though his world had been slightly taken off of its axis.

So, for a good, long moment, he felt as though he was glued to the ground and that he was physically unable to move. But if he were to move, then the chances of him rushing after her were exceedingly high.

I can’t do that. We’ve only met literally a few hours ago...

But, boy, did he want to.

He wanted to chase after her—something Michael had never done nor would he ever lower himself to do. Yet, he had an overwhelming feeling that Evelyn was different. She was worth altering his opinions for.

This was, indeed, not a normal occurrence.

By some outworldly force, Michael was able to tear himself away from that spot and head to his own car. He had enough of people and the chaotic bustle of the crowds. He decided it was time to head back home, although Evelyn never left his thoughts.

The man wasn’t sure if coming across someone like her was either a blessing or a curse. One particular thing he had noticed about Evelyn was the fact that she wore a wedding ring.

He hid his disappointment like a pro but was secretly disappointed. Hell, the man was downright devastated. It wasn’t surprising that someone as insightful and caring was already taken.

Michael had very little trouble imagining Evelyn as a marvelous Luna to her pack. It was clear enough through her purchases and personal anecdotes about her currant pack, that she cares a great deal for her people.

She’s someone who enjoys natural hobbies and found a way to help and aid other people through them.

He had little to no doubt that Evelyn was doing her best to be the perfect Luna for her pack. This notion spurred on a unique feeling of longing and frustration within.

For months, apart from his ongoing studies, Michael’s mother had been hounding him to begin serious consideration for finding a ‘suitable’ woman for marriage. The main problem was that the word ‘suitable’ held two different definitions when it came to the two of them.

His mother believed that any woman was basically suitable as long as she knew her rightful place in the family and was capable of producing an heir. However, according to Michael, what made a woman suitable for him came with its own list of high qualifications.

For instance, a woman needed to be well-educated and inept about basic systems within a pack. They needed to understand the importance of proper agricultural ideologies and know how to network with others. They need to be both maternal and dependable. They needed to be a strong supportive backbone to the Alpha and know how to go about resolving issues and finding compromises.

It was a lot to live up to—he knew this.

But Michael believed that he had the potential to be a strong and well-dependable Alpha. And what he needed as a strong and dependable Luna.

That woman could very well be Evelyn.

Michael had dealt with this running topic with his mother for years and the two never saw eye-to-eye on it. She was convinced he was wasting his time, waiting on a potential fairytale. But he was persistent in his search. Just as she was persistent and tried to set him up with different available women whenever she had the chance.

One blind date after another, Michael had reached the unbearable conclusion that most women all shared the same personality. Not a single one out of the group he’d encountered, showed anything remarkable or worth investing in.

Yes, it was harsh. But he had become thoroughly frustrated and fed up. All these women seemed to care about were clothes, jewelry, and gossip.

He could hardly get through a normal conversation with one of them without wanting to run out with some kind of half-ass excuse. If they weren’t boring then they all ended up basically agreeing with everything he said.

“It’s like none of them have their own opinions or thoughts of their own!” he shouted at his mother.

“What does that matter?” she countered. “As long as they never disagree with what you say, who cares?”

“If I wanted someone who would simply repeat everything I’d say to them, then I’d invest in a fucking robot,” he said with a sneer.

So, his seeking the ideal Luna had become a lost cause for the time being. Instead, he chose to dedicate his time and efforts toward his education and studies. That was, of course, until he'd met Evelyn.

All the others were like cheaply copied versions of each other, but not her. Evelyn had expressed her individuality in the simplest, organic ways.

He wondered what his mother would think if he were to bring someone like her, or better yet bring her, back home. Would she agree that he’d found a suitable partner? Or would she complain that Evelyn was far too independent-minded?

Seeing that ring on her hand felt like receiving a punch to the gut.

Whoever managed to sink their claws into her had better value her the way she deserves.

Michael wanted a strong, reliable, and intelligent woman who wasn’t afraid to share her thoughts and opinions. How else was one able to grow and get better if everyone around them was only ever going to nod their heads and agree?

There was such a thing as loyalty and then there were mindless followers. Between the two, Michael was desperately seeking the latter.

He knew he had what it took to be a strong Alpha, maybe even the best in the region. He considered himself to be a strategic planner and impressive strategist. But there were others that were in his way. Mainly, his sibling.

It seemed that no matter how hard he tried to make himself stand apart from the rest of his family, Michael was overshadowed by them at every turn. It felt like nothing he did was ever good enough to grant him the favor and attention he desired.

He was fed up with it. What he encountered today was truly an astounding discovery. He’d come across the most interesting and spellbinding woman and he was determined to make things work in his favor.

He wasn’t entirely sure how, at the moment, but he was planning on finding a way to make Evelyn rethink her current marriage. He’d noticed the way she was hanging onto his every word and could tell that she was missing something from her life as well.

Maybe it was passion. Perhaps it was just proper attention and acknowledgment as well. Michael knew that he could give those things to her.

I could steal her away from her marriage and prove that I’m so much better than who she settled for.