You Never Series Book 2: You'll Never Forget Me

My gaze followed my brother as he ushered his new mate into our home, her luggage in tow. Amanda was there too, pretending not to watch, but her eyes betrayed her. They followed my brother and his mate all the way to the elevator.

She glanced my way and our eyes met. I smirked at her, fully aware of her intentions. She’d heard the news from her brother and our beta—Kaizer was returning with his American mate. She was here to see the woman who would take her place.

It had been nearly eight years since Amanda had been queen, since she was Kaizer’s chosen mate. She’d left him for the alpha of the Rothchild pack, a man in his late fifties at the time, claiming he was her destined mate. The Rothchilds were one of the oldest packs in Europe, with others scattered across Romania, Russia, and France.

Amanda wasn’t fooling anyone. As long as Kaizer was single, she held onto the hope of reclaiming her crown. After her mate’s death, of course. I wasn’t psychic, but I’d overheard a phone conversation she’d had before leaving for her mate eight years ago. She’d let my brother go because her wolf wasn’t happy.

I understood that. Being with your mate was supposed to be the most wonderful thing in the world. But for Amanda, giving up the crown and the prestige was harder than giving up her son.

I never liked her. I didn’t know the American woman yet, but I had a feeling she might be the real deal. Beta Otto hadn’t said much, but I sensed he was impressed by her too. That was saying something, considering he thought Amanda could do no wrong.

Amanda turned to Otto and asked where she could stay for the weekend. Otto offered her the empty room next to his on his floor.

I watched as she ascended the stairs. I moved to Otto. “You know she’s going to cause trouble while she’s here. Why do you let her disturb Kaizer and little Otto? She’s not here to see him. She’s here to scope out the new girl,” I told him.

He shrugged. “She’s having some difficulties with her mate right now. They aren’t seeing eye to eye over this full-disclosure move he wants to force. She agrees with us. Keeping the veil between humans and the supernatural has always kept us all safe.”

I shook my head. “That’s what she tells you. You’re her brother. You believe everything she tells you. I don’t! I love you, Otto, I do. You’ve been my brother’s best friend and now his beta for the longest time. Your sister? She’s always been a piece of work. If she’s unhappy, maybe she should go back to Germany and stay with your parents for a while. The fresh mountain air might clear her head.”

“I suggested it. She said she needed to reconnect with her son for a bit.” Otto scratched behind his head, a sign that he didn’t really believe her either.

“Well, don’t be surprised if I keep my eyes on her. I’ll call her out if she neglects little Otto at all,” I huffed and turned away.

I was crossing the foyer when a delicious scent hit my nose—fresh apples and rain. I turned to see the men from America entering, carrying bags and laughing. The dark-haired one in front, with the deepest brown eyes I’d ever seen, froze. The others nearly ran him over.

“Jeez, Ridge!” one exclaimed. “What’s the holdup?”

His eyes were locked on mine. I smiled broadly as he dropped his bag and slowly approached me. “Hello. My name is Ridge DeLucca. You, pretty lady, are my mate.”

“Mmm, you could be right.” I leaned closer and sniffed his neck. His scent filled my nose and I giggled. “I’m Oliva. The alpha king’s sister.”

His eyes widened and a smile stretched across his face.

“Why don’t you and your friends follow Sasha and get settled? Then you and I can meet here later and take a walk in the garden. Get to know one another?”

His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed. “Give me an hour. I’ll be down in an hour,” he responded excitedly.

I giggled again. “I’ll be waiting,” I murmured, knowing he heard me.

I watched as the others patted him on the back, and they all followed the maid to their rooms.

I turned to see Otto grinning. “It seems someone else has an American mate.”

I felt myself blush. My wolf, Glenda, was dancing in my chest. I think at this moment, I understood what the big deal was about finding your fated mate.