---- your brother's arrangement." I turned to look at Garrett with confusion and disbelief in my eyes. He was sitting calmly at the kitchen table, drinking coffee like he hadn't just spent enough money to buy a small country. "Garrett, are you insane?" I demanded. "Where are you even getting this kind of money?" He just smiled, his tone gentle and completely unbothered. "All these years you weren't here, I had nowhere to express my overwhelming affection. I saved every penny I would have spent on you. Now that you're back, won't you give me a chance to show it?" "By bankrupting yourself?" I asked incredulously. "T'm the Alpha of one of the most successful packs in the southern territories," he reminded me with amusement. "I'm hardly going bankrupt from spoiling my sister." I was completely helpless against his logic. "Garrett..." ---- He stood up and walked over to ruffle my hair affectionately. "Alright, you just got back. I just want you to rest with the most joyful mood possible. When you've rested enough, I'll take you to see the new research institute Thad built." My eyes immediately lit up, my annoyance about the money temporarily forgotten. "Really? Can I go right away?" The prospect of a new, properly equipped research facility was incredibly exciting. Garrett nodded. "Yes, but before we go, there's one thing that needs to be done." I froze, something in his tone setting off warning bells. "What thing?" Garrett looked at me, his gaze carrying deeper meaning than I'd ever seen before. "Did you forget I said I wanted to introduce you to a mate?" My expression instantly changed, excitement ---- replaced by anxiety. "Garrett, there's no rush for that..." "Actually, there is a rush," Garrett said, his tone firm but gentle. "He's waiting for you at the research institute right now." "Right now?" My voice came out as a squeak. "T've kept him waiting long enough," Garrett said, taking my hand. "Come on." Before I could protest further, he led me outside to his car. Panic fluttered in my heart like a caged bird. I had no idea what Garrett was planning, and the thought of meeting a potential mate so suddenly made my stomach churn with nerves. "Garrett, wait," I said as he opened the car door. "I'm not prepared for this. I don't even know anything about him!" "That's what the meeting is for," he replied calmly, guiding me into the passenger seat.