Crush on My Alpha Adoptive Uncle

After my secret crush was discovered, my adoptive uncle Kieran, who always loved me, completely became a different person.

He no longer smiled at me, and he began to stay far away from me.

I tried everything, even stripped naked and stood before him begging him to mark me.

All I got in return was his words of rejection: disgusting.

Three months later, he even brought my best friend Scarlett home and claimed her as his fiancée.

Looking at the deep wariness in his eyes toward me, I suddenly smiled with relief.

I agreed to my Alpha grandfather's tentative proposal for an arranged mating.

But when I finally gave up him and mated to another Alpha, why did he beg me to come back?

After my secret crush was discovered, my adoptive uncle Kieran, who always loved me, completely became a different person.

He even brought my best friend Scarlett home and claimed her as his fiancée.

Looking at the deep wariness in his eyes toward me, I suddenly smiled with relief.

I agreed to my Alpha grandfather's tentative proposal for an arranged mating.

"Sure, an arranged mating sounds good. I haven't found my mate anyway."

My calm words surprised everyone.

Grandmother teased me curiously.

"What’s wrong with you, little girl? Didn't our Aria always get angry whenever this topic came up?"

Yes, before, whenever anyone mentioned dating or arranged matings, I'd storm off and cause a scene.

But today, I agreed so calmly.

Grandfather was obviously surprised, but more relieved. The wrinkles at the corners of his eyes smoothed out happily.

"Our Aria has grown up! Kieran's having his mating ceremony next month, and now Aria has plans too. Double blessings from Moon Goddess!"

I smiled, but my gaze drifted to the man I'd loved for over ten years.

He didn't look up.

Only after he finished peeling the shrimp in his hands did he say flatly.

"Good for her. Aria's grown up."

Then his gaze swept over from above, heavy and dark, landing on my face.

Just one glance, emotionless, yet so heavy it made my chest feel tight.

I lowered my eyes, avoiding that stare.

The woman sitting on his other side laughed softly.

"It's good that Aria can accept arranged mating. We can have our mating ceremonies together. It'll be even more fun."

It was Scarlett, my former best friend.

She spoke as if she were my future aunt-in-law.

"What type does Aria like? I know quite a few great Alphas. I promise Aria will like them."

Kieran didn't respond to her suggestion about joint ceremonies.

He just turned to look at her, the corner of his mouth lifting in an extremely faint curve.

He raised his hand to gently brush away the stray hair by her cheek, his eyes showing a kind of loving tenderness I'd never possessed.

I gripped my hands tightly under the table, nails digging into my palms, desperately fighting back the burning heat rising to my eyes.

"Someone from a good