Fake Mate Beta Rises to Alpha Heiress novel

Fading Into Blue by Austen 10 Summary Natalie meets Leonardo Sanchez in a private, elegantly lit room for their first formal meeting. Despite feeling tense and awkward, she is struck by Leonardo's striking, commanding presence and undeniable handsomeness. Their conversation is polite but distant, with Leonardo maintaining a cool demeanor and Natalie trying to navigate the unfamiliar, formal setting. The meal they share is exquisite but slow-paced, and Leonardo remains mostly silent, observing her carefully.

As the evening progresses, they discuss the terms of their binding contract, with Leonardo emphasizing the importance of tradition and his preference for a compliant mate. Natalie, aware of her vulnerable position as a mixed-blood werewolf Beta and primary heir to the Moon-Shadowed Pack, recognizes the mutual benefits of their arrangement: security for her and influence for his family. Leonardo acknowledges this understanding with a slight nod but remains reserved. The meeting ends abruptly as Leonardo must leave for the airport, yet he escorts Natalie to her car with courteous formality.

Later, Natalie calls Matthew to share her impressions, admitting the overwhelming pressure she felt in Leonardo's presence. That night, Landon calls unexpectedly, concerned about her whereabouts, but Natalie deflects his questions with a fabricated excuse. When Landon expresses a cloying affection, she firmly ends the call first, feeling a quiet sense of relief and closure after two years of strained relations.

Continue Regular Chapter Reading Below Chapter 10 Very Handsome Natalie's Point of View: The private room was softly illuminated by the shimmering light of a crystal chandelier hanging overhead. A tall figure stood with his back facing me, the grandeur of the setting contrasting with the tense silence between us. "Mr. Sanchez?" I ventured hesitantly, my voice barely above a whisper. He slowly turned around, and suddenly his strikingly handsome, almost commanding face filled my entire field of vision.

His eyes were deep-set and intense, his nose perfectly straight and noble, and his lips-sharp and sculpted as if carved by an artist's hand. I found myself momentarily frozen, caught off guard by his presence. At last, his cool, measured voice broke through my daze. "That's me. Ms. Scott, please take a seat." "Oh, yes," I replied quickly, averting my gaze in an awkward attempt at composure. Hadn't I expected him to be more ordinary looking? Noticing my discomfort, Leonardo's lips curved into a faint, teasing smile. "What's wrong?

Am I unpleasant to look at?" A powerful, almost overwhelming aura radiated from him-the unmistakable presence of a top-tier Alpha. I shook my head immediately, wanting to reassure him. "No, not at all. You're very handsome." In truth, he was perhaps the most breathtaking man I had ever seen, surpassing even Landon, who was often praised as movie-star handsome. After years of knowing Landon, my standards were far from low. Leonardo's features were a masterpiece-flawless and exquisitely chiseled, as if fashioned by the Moon Goddess herself.

"Thank you," he said with a subtle nod, his tone flat and difficult to read. "Ms. Scott, you are also very beautiful. It suits you well." I smiled, lifting my eyes to meet his. "Thank you for the gifts." To my surprise, Leonardo was not as intimidating as I had imagined. His words were polite, though tinged with a distant chill. "If you like them, I can send more often." After just a few sentences, he signaled for the meal to begin. Course after course arrived, each plate a tiny work of art-delicate bites bursting with unique, complex flavors.

The food was exquisite, yet the slow pace left me feeling unfulfilled. Throughout the meal, Leonardo remained silent, observing me without speaking. We were strangers, and despite the fine cuisine, the atmosphere grew stiff and formal. Remembering Matthew's warning that Leonardo was demanding of his mate, I dared not break the silence unless he spoke first. Only once the main course was cleared and dessert placed before me did he finally ask again, "Is the food to your liking?" "It's very good, delicious," I replied, having just tasted a small spoonful of dessert.

I quickly set down the silver spoon, feeling my cheeks warm with embarrassment. My compliment sounded too plain, so I added thoughtfully, "You have excellent taste. The dishes are distinctive, with rich, layered flavors." Leonardo listened quietly, lowering his gaze slightly. His expression remained unreadable. Was my assessment too casual? I wasn't a food critic and rarely dined in places like this. "Ms. Scott, if you prefer, we can choose another venue next time. You may decide," he offered.

"No, I like it," I said, waving my hand dismissively, but under his intense scrutiny, I chose honesty. "The food is delicious. I'm just not used to such formal settings, and I'm a bit nervous meeting you for the first time." "Perhaps next time, in a more relaxed setting, we could talk more," I added, revealing my true feelings. After all, this was about forming a mate contract, not romance. My comfort mattered. Leonardo nodded briefly. "I'm not used to talking much. I never know what to say." "I noticed," I said with a small smile. For the first time, he seemed to relax.

He leaned back in his chair, his tall frame outlined by the slight wrinkles of his black shirt, revealing a lean, powerful physique. "I heard from Sir Scott that you've agreed to the binding contract," Leonardo said. "Yes," I confirmed. He continued, "According to Moon-Shadowed Pack tradition, every step-from engagement to the Moon Goddess vow ceremony-must be observed. I have a busy schedule ahead and prefer not to rush. You may need to wait some time. Of course, if you have any requests, please state them." "That's fine. I'll follow your arrangements," I replied without hesitation.

"Good." His slight nod conveyed satisfaction. He glanced at his wristwatch. "It's getting late. We should conclude for today." "Mr. Sanchez," I finally asked, "you're likely aware of my situation. May I ask why you chose to bind with me?" He looked straight at me, seeing through my concerns. "I have no interest in your assets or the Scott family. I've reached an age where having a bound mate is appropriate. The Scott family happened to be a suitable choice." I had suspected the inheritance might be a factor, but before coming here, I had researched.

The Sanchez family's wealth and influence were vast, with countless factions vying for their favor unsuccessfully. They wouldn't be motivated by material gain alone. "Family pressure?" I inquired. "You could say that," he admitted with a faint smile. "But one thing," he added seriously, "I need a compliant mate, someone who cooperates fully." Hearing this, I understood immediately. Landon had chosen me for my "docility" and "ease to control"-a mixed-blood orphan with no one to rely on. I met Leonardo's gaze calmly but firmly. "I am the primary heir to the Moon-Shadowed Pack.

The Pack has deep roots in Maritime City. If the Sanchez family intends to expand its influence, this is the most direct advantage. As for me-a newly recognized mixed-blood werewolf Beta, alone and vulnerable-I'm an easy target. Our binding benefits the Sanchez family by adding leverage. For me, it provides security. We each get what we need. That's fair." Leonardo didn't respond directly but gave a slight nod-a silent acknowledgment. His time was clearly precious. The moment we stepped out of the dining room, someone approached to remind him he needed to leave for the airport immediately.

I politely said I could manage on my own. Though he said little, he still escorted me to a waiting car with impeccable courtesy, waiting until I was seated before turning away. On the drive home, Matthew called. He knew about our meeting and wanted to hear how it had gone. I told him it was reasonably harmonious, though Leonardo's overwhelming aura had been difficult to bear. Being near him, I felt an invisible pressure pressing down on me. Late that night, just after my shower, my phone buzzed relentlessly. I answered to hear Landon's voice. "Natalie, it's so late. Why aren't you home?

Is something wrong? You didn't answer your phone." I held the phone, but my mind was elsewhere. My gaze drifted to the sparkling city lights beyond the balcony. I silently congratulated myself on choosing this residence. "Natalie?" His voice grew more urgent. I snapped back to the present. "Oh, I had a client meeting today. The location was remote, so I'm staying at a nearby hotel." I thought Landon might already know I'd moved out, but judging by his tone, his focus was still on Aaliyah and he hadn't realized yet. So I casually made up the excuse. "Are you comfortable at the hotel?

Should I come get you? Send me your location," he asked, his concern evident. I replied, "No need. I'm very tired and don't want the hassle. It's late. I need to sleep." He didn't press further. "Alright then. See you at the company tomorrow." I gave a soft "Mmm," about to hang up when he stopped me again. "Sweetheart, I miss you. Do you miss me?" His voice held an unfamiliar, cloying sweetness that made me uneasy. I was speechless for a moment. Lowering my voice, layering it with heavy, feigned sleepiness, I said, "I'm falling asleep. I'm so tired." "Alright then. Sleep well.

Goodbye." His tone sounded resigned. "Okay," I replied immediately and ended the call decisively. I could almost picture his stunned expression. Two years had passed, and this was the first time I had hung up on him first. My heart was calm, even touched by a flicker of satisfaction. Landon's fake affection needed to end here and now. Conclusion The encounter with Leonardo Sanchez marked a pivotal moment for Natalie, blending awe and unease beneath the grandeur of their formal meeting.

Despite the tension and the weight of unspoken expectations, a quiet understanding began to take root between them-a mutual recognition of the practical nature of their bond and the careful navigation it would require. Leonardo's reserved demeanor and Natalie's candid honesty revealed the complexities of their arrangement, where power, duty, and personal boundaries intertwined delicately. As Natalie returned to the solitude of her new surroundings, her conversation with Landon underscored the emotional distance she had cultivated over time.

Expect a closer look at how their contrasting personalities and unspoken expectations will challenge the fragile balance they've struck. Leonardo's reserved nature and Natalie's quiet strength may stir unexpected tensions, revealing layers of vulnerability beneath their composed exteriors. Meanwhile, the emotional undercurrents surrounding Natalie's past with Landon are likely to resurface, complicating her path forward.

As she navigates the uneasy truce with Leonardo, the lingering shadows of her previous relationship could test her resolve and force her to confront feelings she thought she had buried. The interplay of loyalty, control, and self-discovery will keep readers eagerly anticipating how Natalie's journey toward independence and acceptance will evolve. Lucia Morh Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she's not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.