I don’t want to be your mate

Nora

I returned from the pack infirmary, feeling extremely weak and tired. My legs were shaking and I hoped to reach my room without interruptions from anyone.

My tummy ached and all I could link it to was the food. Maybe I shouldn’t have eaten everything like a ravenous animal.

I exhaled deeply as I caught sight of Sophia. Her eyes widened in horror and her smile disappeared when she saw me.

My hair was disheveled and begging for a comb and all thanks to the pack healer for allowing me to take a bath because I reeked.

“What… Yo… You’re back…” She stuttered, unable to take her eyes off me and I nodded.

My feet were killing me but I knew better, it was best to be respectful as ever in order not to return to the dungeon.

“What did the pack healer say?” She asked and I was taken aback. Something wasn’t right. Why was she suddenly curious about me?

“That I need enough rest.” I replied, sighing heavily as I hoped she’d let me go and keep her questions to herself.

“So you’re not sick? You’re… you’re fine?” She asked and I wanted to connect the lines and find out why she was suddenly curious about my life but I nodded weakly.

She left without a word, I was too stressed to even stare at her and I continued heading to my room.

I was at the door to the room when I suddenly began to scent Alpha Damien… Powerful, strong and MINE.

I was suddenly filled with strength and Nyx was excited, she began purring and wagging her tail in excitement.

I stepped forward, trying to trace the scent, his scent against my wish. He appeared behind me, his tall presence casting a shadow over me.

My eyes widened immediately and I staggered forward as fast as I could, losing my footing and other than accepting the help from the Alpha, I let myself fall to the ground.

“Ouch…” I winced, biting my lips to silence myself. His dark eyes were squinted as he watched me.

I stood up sluggishly, trying to avoid his gaze but he seemed to be staring at me intently, with so much force that I was tempted to raise my head.

“I… I didn’t poison her, Alpha. I didn’t pretend to be sick either so I could escape punishment and I’m ready to accept whatever punishment you have for me.” I mumbled fearfully with my head bowed and he didn’t say a word which made it clear that he wasn’t impressed.

“I’m willing to accept any punishment… I’m innocent, I would never poison anyone… I barely know any place in this pack and I have no reason to poison her… Please punish me but I know I’m innocent.” I whispered again, hoping he would do something other than leaving me in suspense.

“I know.” He let out, his voice low, soothingly calm and gentle.

I whipped my head up in astonishment and before I could utter any word, I felt him close… Too close, I suddenly became hot as my throat went dry.

My knees buckled against each other, wishing they could give way. My hands were pressed to my side as I stared at him, this time out gaze locked as my fears increased.

The bond was thriving greatly inside of me and I felt moved to touch him, to hold onto my mate and never let go.

“Stop staring! Look away! Lower your head!” A voice yelled inside my head but I couldn’t do anything.

“Why do I smell another person on you?” He demanded abruptly and I was thrown aback. My throat tightened and I blinked, still staring at his dark eyes which kept drawing me in.

It was like the sky, only void of stars and the moon. “Answer me!” He thundered, his voice neither soft nor harsh.

“I… I…” I shook my head, unable to find the perfect answer for him and he wrapped his hand around my neck, making me stunned as my heart began pounding heavily.

Was he going to strangle me until I answered? Was he going to choke me to death? Or was he going to kiss me?

My eyes fluttered open at the third option as dread slithered into my body… The third option was going to be disastrous.

“Don’t kiss me… Don’t… Please don’t…” I cried out in my head, my breathing hitched.

“You have another scent.” He whispered, his voice low and unusually cool, like he was wounded. It had lost its authority and I saw an emotion flash across his eyes although it disappeared with the same speed it appeared.

“I… I… I had my bath at the infirmary…” I whispered, wishing this would be enough for him to release me. I was too tired to start thinking about why he was suddenly concerned about the scent on me and why he was speaking calmly to me.

He didn’t let go of me, his nose was on my throat and his hand was on my arm as he kept inhaling my scent. I was filled with fear, what was happening? Did he treat the other maids this way.

“Go inside, you need to rest.” He suggested and I nodded, I took a step forward and paused, I shut my eyes tightly and pushed away Nyx, she was trying to stop me from saying what I had on my mind.

“I would like to reject you Alpha… I’m sorry but I don’t want to be your mate…” I whispered, my head lowered and as I expected, a loud growl erupted from him.

“No!” He thundered, making the whole place quiet as the temperature dropped drastically. I was filled with dread, maybe I should’ve have said it now… I should’ve listened to Nyx…

“You will do no such thing!” He ordered through gritted teeth, panting heavily, he looked extremely scary with his fangs protruding.

I nodded immediately, trying to breathe properly and without a word, he turned around, leaving me in fear. But I felt a sharp pain in my heart… It was from the bond we both shared…