I Married an Alpha He Feared

In the fifth year of pursuing Alexander, I received an anonymous video.

In a private room at some high-end club, Alexander had his arm around a woman, listening lazily to the chatter around him.

Chloe skipped the party again. Is she working herself to death for Alex at the company?

Alex, Chloe's been chasing you for years. Don't you like her even a little?

He swirled his drink and let out a derisive laugh.

"Like her? She's just an obedient dog I keep around."

In that moment, it felt like someone had dumped ice water over my head.

So cold.

But also sobering.

I pulled out my phone and messaged the blind date my family had arranged.

After all, the best way to forget one relationship is to start another.

I didn't know yet that the man I was about to meet was a legendary Alpha werewolf.

And that he'd been in love with me for a very long time.

He replied quickly to my request to meet, gentleman that he was, saying I could choose the time and he'd arrange the place.

The problem was, when my parents mentioned this blind date, I hadn't listened to a single word. Now I knew absolutely nothing about this date of mine.

I arrived early at the reserved restaurant, hesitating at the entrance.

What if I didn't recognize him? Wouldn't that be embarrassing?

I was pacing nervously when I suddenly tripped.

I cried out, pitching forward. My clutch went flying from my hand.

Great! My first official date was going to start with me flat on my face?

But the expected pain never came.

An arm wrapped around my waist with incredible strength, while another hand caught my clutch smoothly.

The momentum spun me half around until my back pressed against a solid, warm chest. I was completely steady.

It all happened in an instant.

Still in shock, I looked up into a pair of exquisite features, impossibly close.

And I recognized this face.

William Carter.

The most mysterious and intimidating figure in high society business circles.

I'd seen his name countless times on Alexander's target partner lists, but supposedly he was known for ruthless methods and coldness. Extremely difficult to approach. We'd never succeeded in partnering with him even once.

My mind went blank. I even forgot I was still in his arms.

How had he gotten here? When I was falling, I'd glimpsed the entranceno one else was there.

How had he appeared from nowhere and caught me so precisely, so quickly, even snagging my airborne clutch?

His speed was almost... inhuman.

"Careful," his low, gentle voice sounded above my head.

He steadied me upright, then released his hold on my waist like a gentleman, returning my clutch. His fingertips brushed my palm inadvertently.

"Th-thank you..." I took the clutch, my cheeks burning.

All those questions about his "impossible speed" had vanished from my mind.

"You're welcome." He smiled slightly, asking softly, "Are you Miss Summers?"

I looked up in surprise. How did he know my last name?

His smile deepened. "Is it possible that I'm the one you're waiting for?"

I was stunned. My family only said they'd arranged a great blind date.

But I never dared imagine it would be someone at William Carter's level.

Now sitting across from William in his private dining room, I kept smiling on the surface while texting my mother under the table.

[You arranged a date with William Carter for me?]

[Our family background is good enough to match with his family now?]

[Did you guys make a fortune on some investment?]

Mom replied quickly.

[What are you talking about, honey? Having fever dreams in broad daylight?]

[We arranged for you to meet one of William Carter's nephews.]

[Didn't Aunt Susan explain this to you?]

I glanced at the smiling man across from me.

Could there possibly be another face like this in the world?

Meeting his gaze, I couldn't keep pretending to be busy. I stammered, "Um... may I ask if you're... William Carter?"

He nodded, then smiled apologetically. "Yes. My faultI haven't introduced myself properly."

"Hello, Summers. I'm William Carter. It's a pleasure to meet you."

When he spoke, his gaze was deep and focused, as if he wasn't looking at someone he was formally meeting for the first time.

But in a blink, he returned to that gentle, courteous demeanor.

And the information he was giving me... completely contradicted what my mother told me.

I was confused. "But the blind date they arranged for me... wasn't supposed to be..."

William raised an eyebrow and picked up his coffee, taking a light sip.

"That little pup... I mean, that kid isn't good enough for you. So I came instead."

"What's wrong?" His voice held a hint of tension. "Would you have preferred him?"

I froze.

Why was he talking like... like we were already close?

I was puzzled, but William remained completely composed, staring at me unblinkingly, clearly expecting an answer.

I could only force myself to speak. "Of course not... I don't even know him."

He chuckled. "Then me substituting for himthat's okay, right?"

I swallowed. "I... guess..."

Of course it was okay with me.

William seemed very happy with my answer.

He pulled out thick documents from somewhere, stood, and leaned over to place them in front of me.

"Good. This contains my assets and background information. I believe this file demonstrates my sincerity."

He paused, looking at me with focused intensity, his voice low and magnetic. "I hope you'll consider me."

Up close, his voice became even more appealing, making my head spin a little.

Was this some fantasy I was having after Alexander drove me crazy?

Under the table, I pinched my thigh hard.

Ow! That hurt. Not a dream.

Perhaps my expression was growing increasingly blank, because William smiled and retreated to his seat.

I snapped back to attention, realizing I'd lost my composure again. I quickly grabbed my glass and took a sip of water to hide my embarrassment, then forced myself to speak calmly.

"Mr. Carter. Do you mean... you want to marry me?"

The air seemed to freeze for a moment. Something almost scorching flashed in his eyes, but was quickly suppressed, leaving only pure earnestness.

"Yes. Miss Summers, I hope to have the honor of becoming your husband."

His attitude was clear and resolute. I truly didn't know what to do.

Who proposes marriage on the first meeting?

And the person was William Carter... a man I'd always thought completely out of reach.

"But... why me?"

He seemed to have anticipated this question. He leaned back casually, tilting his head. "A woman as outstanding as you in ability, personality, and looksdoes wanting to marry you need a reason?"

He even raised an eyebrow at me with a smile.

His tone and demeanor were so serious that I felt embarrassed instead.

I touched my nose. "But aren't your qualifications even better?"

William paused for two seconds, looking directly into my eyes. "Then do you think I'm good?"

I froze, silently looking at the table full of dishes that perfectly matched my tastes.

I'd contacted him so late yesterday, yet he'd still managed to research my preferences this thoroughly.

At least as a date, he was extremely sincere.

His manner was nothing like the cold, ruthless reputation he had.

Add his excellent personal qualities and family background... who wouldn't think he was good?

I hesitated a moment. "You're... pretty great."

William brightened noticeably, lowering his head to chuckle quietly, pushing the documents closer to me. "Then will you try this with me?"

Realizing he meant marriage, my instinct was to retreat.

After all, this wasn't anywhere in my life plans right now.

But William's emotions seemed so genuine that I wanted to be honest too. "We can try getting to know each other. But marriage... isn't that a bit too fast?"

At my answer, darkness flashed through his eyes, quickly concealed. "Alright. Whatever you say."

After dinner, William had his driver take me home.

On the way, I overheard his assistant talking to him and learned that at the time I'd asked him to dinner, he'd originally had an important international video conference.

I felt terrible. "Did I make you miss your meeting? I'm sorry, I didn't know..."

Seeing my dejection, William bent down, bringing his face very close to mine. His scent enveloped me instantly.

He spoke quietly, his breath almost brushing my cheek. "How could a meeting be more important than you? After all, you asking me out isn't something that happens every day."

His face was so close I could see his long, thick lashes clearly.

And those beautiful eyes were filled entirely with my reflection.

In that moment, I could even hear my heartbeat accelerating.

"William..."

Perhaps seeing my discomfort, he slowly pulled back. "I should go take care of things."

The goodbye was hurried.

And when he turned to walk away on those long legs, his steps seemed a bit... uncoordinated.

I watched his retreating figure and slowly rolled up the car window.

I felt inexplicably happy.

Like maybe... I actually really enjoyed being with William.

That evening, William finally finished work and sent me a message.

A photo of the bright moon hanging highclearly just taken. I quickly replied: [So beautiful.]

He replied even faster. [Yes. Seeing it made me think of you.]

Think of me? I felt oddly shy. [Are you always this good at flirting?]

But he seemed completely sincere. [I just said what I thought. Does that count as flirting?]

This man... how could he always say things that made my heart race while being so matter-of-fact?

I was wondering how to reply when a new message popped up: [Are you free for dinner tomorrow?]

I barely hesitated. [Yes!]

In the following days, William's pursuit was passionate and direct.

We saw each other almost daily. He constantly sent me carefully selected expensive gifts. I truly experienced what it felt like to be buried in luxury presents.

But constantly accepting his generosity made me uncomfortable, so before dinner one day, I went early to a nearby high-end department store to pick out a gift for William.

After searching for ages, I couldn't find anything William would actually need.

Finally, in the men's accessories section, I spotted a platinum tie clip with simple design but excellent quality.

Just as I was paying and having it wrapped, a derisive laugh came from behind me.

"Chloe, finally done with your tantrum?"

My movements instantly stiffened.

I knew that voice very well. It was Alexander's.

I turned around. Alexander and several of his friends had appeared at the store entrance, looking at me with leisurely arrogance.

I didn't give him a second glance, turning back to wait for the clerk to finish wrapping.

But those people had to come closer.

"Assistant Chloe's shopping? Isn't that a men's tie clip? Picking it out for Alex?"

"This simple style would definitely suit Alex. Assistant Chloe is so thoughtful!"

"Though after all this fuss, Alex is genuinely a bit angry. A little gift might not be enough to appease him..."

Amid all the chatter, Alexander snorted. "Who needs some trinket! But if you apologize properly, I can give you that opportunity."

His voice made me sick. I simply didn't look at him.

"I already resigned. My name is Chloe, not Assistant Chloe. And this isn't for Alexander. Can you stop making assumptions?"

After I spoke, the smirking faces slowly turned serious. Alexander's expression darkened too.

He stared at me for a long moment. "Still not done playing games? That's enough, Chloe. I don't have unlimited patience."

Then he glanced mockingly at the velvet jewelry box the clerk had just wrapped. "A men's tie clip. Who else could you be giving it to?"

I paid and accepted the item. "My date. Is that okay?"

Alexander narrowed his eyes. "Didn't you say you weren't going on dates?"

I picked up the gift and headed out. "I changed my mind."

His voice turned cold instantly. "Who?"

I paused, choosing to tell the truth. "William Carter."

At this name familiar to everyone in their circle, they all fell silent.

After a moment, quiet laughter resumed. Alexander's heavy voice came from behind. "Chloe. Finding a fake boyfriend to make me jealous is stupid. And if you're going to make someone up, at least make it believable."

I didn't care whether they believed me or not.

Without looking back, I left directly.

Because of this incident, I was slightly late for dinner.

When I arrived, William was folding a napkin into a flower.

Seeing me enter, he adjusted the shape with his hands and presented a napkin rose before me.

"Like it?"

I paused. "It's beautiful! So intricate. You're talented! Sorry, something came up and I'm late. Have you been waiting long?"

Hearing my apology, William set down the napkin rose. "It's fine."

After two or three seconds, he couldn't help adding, "My assistant told me you ran into... a friend earlier?"

I froze.

After openly chasing Alexander so obsessively for so long, William didn't even need to investigate to know how crazy I'd been about Alexander.

But during this time, neither of us had brought up that topic.

Mentioning it now, he must... mind, right?

I quickly distanced myself. "That person and I aren't friends at all."

William looked at me, his voice still tentative. "A former friend, then?"

I thought about it. "Not even that. More like a dark chapter in my past."

The intense emotions in William's eyes dissipated, returning to the familiar warmth I knew.

Seeing him smile, I took the opportunity to push the velvet box toward him. "I was only late because I was picking out a gift for you. Does it suit you?"

William's eyes suddenly blazed with astonishing light. "For me?"

I nodded. His face filled with unmistakable delight as he gently accepted the small box.

Opening it, he removed the platinum tie clip and examined it carefully between his fingers, starlight dancing in his eyes.

"Thank you, Chloe. I love it."

Realizing something seemed off, he looked up at me, asking cautiously, "May I call you that?"

I blinked. "Of course you can!"

William seemed very happy, looking at me with burning intensity, his voice lower and huskier than before. "Would you help me put it on?"

I nodded.

As I approached and my fingers inadvertently touched his shirt front and tie, I could feel his muscles tense instantly, his Adam's apple bobbing.

But he quickly relaxed, simply looking down at me deeply.

I carefully clipped the tie clip onto his tie, adjusting the position.

The platinum gleamed coldly, complementing his composed attire perfectly.

"Done." I looked up.

He glanced down at it, then lifted his face proudly, unable to suppress his smile. "Perfect. Now when people notice it and ask why I changed accessories, I can tell them it's a gift from youand that you put it on me yourself."

Lost in his imagination, he grew more and more proud.

That expression was exactly like a large dog that had received an exclusive treasure and was satisfied to the point of wanting to show it off, every pore radiating joy.

It was truly overwhelming.

But... though we'd been close these past days, we still hadn't defined our relationship.

I hesitated. "But if you announce it like that, won't people misunderstand?"

William's imaginative expression froze.

The amusement in his eyes quickly faded, replaced by indescribable heat.

"Misunderstand?" he repeated in a low voice, even huskier than before.

Then he suddenly wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me into his embrace. The distance between us vanished instantly as his scent completely enveloped me.

"Chloe," he lowered his head, gaze falling on my lips, eyes churning with visible desire, "I very much hope people will misunderstand... or better yet, that it won't be a misunderstanding, but the truth."

Before finishing, his head lowered, targeting my lips with clear intent.

"William!" I cried out, reaching up to push him away.

But he caught my hand.

He kissed me, then slowly moved his lips to my earlobe, then my neck.

He unbuttoned my shirt, exposing large expanses of skin.

I felt something cool and wet.

He was gently biting my neck with his teeth, like some beast holding its prey.

An instinctive fear engulfed me. I struggled hard, tears falling uncontrollably.

His movements stopped abruptly.

I could see the churning desire in his eyes instantly replaced by shock and a trace of guilt, though his arms still held me loosely, not releasing immediately.

He looked at me, voice hoarse as he pressed, "I'm sorry, but pleasetell me what you're thinking."