02

Amy's POV

Why did I say this? I just fucked up and I think I'm done for if the moon goddess is still not on my side tonight. I scanned the place frantically, trying to find the solution to my problem or I let them ruin my life.

And then, my eyes fell upon him—a tall, intriguing man standing alone by the bar. There was something about him that drew me in, a magnetic pull that I couldn't resist. Gathering my courage, I approached him with a shy smile.

"Hi, I'm Amelia," I introduced myself, my voice barely audible over the music. "Mind if I join you?"

He met my gaze, and for a moment, it felt like the world around us faded into the background. His eyes held a spark of curiosity and amusement as he replied, "Of course, Amelia. I'm delighted to meet you. I'm Damien."

Damien's voice was deep and comforting, like a gentle lullaby. Why did he answer me so nicely? It sounded like he was waiting for me or something. I couldn't help but be immersed in his wonderful features. He has a very handsome and flawless tanned skin, his sharp jawline and green eyes pierced my soul.

I also saw the tattoo on his neck and coming out of his hands. He wore a long sleeve so I didn't see everything. From his eyes, lips, nose, brows and everything else screamed perfection. Who is this man and why haven't I seen someone like this before?

"Amelia... are you there?" He asked me.

I nodded, "But... can you please call me Amy? I'm going to need it for what in about to say."

"Okay?" He sounded curious.

It felt so embarrassing that I didn't know how to get the words out. Gathering my courage, I moved closer to him and let it out.

"Hey stranger... can you please help me? I'll pay you."

He arched a brow, "Stranger? Didn't we just introduced each other?"

"Your name gives me trauma. I know of someone evil with that name. Will you help me?"

He looked at me with a flirty smile and replied, "Of course, beautiful. What do you need?"

I felt a bit embarrassed but explained to him, "My friends are making fun of me because I don't have a mate. They say I might get kicked out of our group. Can you pretend to be my mate, just for tonight? I'll be really grateful."

He arched a brow, "I thought humans were interesting but I've found a more interesting wolf. Hiring a mate? Is that possible?"

I fidgeted my fingers, not just because I was embarrassed but his gaze makes me nervous. This is not the time to drool on a perfect man, I should get a grip.

"I'll pay you whatever you want. I'm not too rich but my father is. It's an urgent situation so please, help me out." I begged him again.

"Are you sure you can pay me? Beautiful, you don't even know what I would ask for."

I nodded, "Just help me first. We'll talk about what you want later. If you can't, just tell me so I'll find someone else."

He furrowed his brows the moment I mentioned that. "No, you're not going to do that."

His voice sounded scary, I wanted to get it straight again. Is that a command I just heard?

"What?"

"You'll embarrass yourself. You think everyone can keep a secret?"

I finally understood what he meant. But what can I do since he might not be willing to help me?

"Then please help me. Just this once, I'll owe you one." I begged again, trying not to let anyone hear us.

He finally gave me a flirty smile, "Of course Amy... why don't we meet these friends of yours. I'd also like to see the faces of those teasing my fake mate."

With a grateful smile, I held Damien's hand as we walked back to my friends. As we approached, I suddenly felt a newfound confidence, ready to face their mocking.

Sarah and Timmy looked surprised when they saw Damien with me. Sarah stuttered, "Wait, Amy... Did you find someone? Who is this?"

I spoke calmly, "This is Damien, my mate. He's here with me tonight."

Damien nodded, playing along. "Nice to meet all of you. Amy has told me a lot about you."

Sarah and Timmy exchanged puzzled glances, their teasing expressions replaced with curiosity. Ellie on the other hand kept looking at Damien with terror. What is wrong with them? They can't even be happy for me?

Sarah pulled me, "Amy, we need to talk."

"Amy... do you know what you're doing? You better not be making pranks with this situation." Ellie scolded me secretly.

I rolled my eyes, "What is wrong with all of you. I know you hate me but don't you think this is too much? Why would you hate the fact that I finally got my mate?"

"You don't understand. Do you know who he is?" Sarah asked me.

I nodded, "Why won't I? He's my mate after all."

"What? You're okay with it? Don't you know–"

Her statement was cut off when someone pulled my waist. I felt my body heating up and my insides tingling. I looked up to see him, looking down at me with a beautiful smile.

"Amy told me all about how you're threatening her because of her mateless situation." He said, sounding scary but with a smile.

Sarah moved back, "Amy... he's.. he's..."

What is she trying to say? They're just overreacting like he's someone I shouldn't be around. I don't think he's a dangerous person. He's a nice guy helping me out of the situation they put me in. The one on my side is him.

"I think your friends and I have a lot to talk about. Why don't you quickly get us a drink Amy?"

My eyes widened, "Me? But I'm not the waitress."

He nodded and whispered, "I'm trying to convince them without you around. It will make it more believable. You should go."

I understood and left to get drinks. I didn't spend a long time as I kept glancing over at them. Everything seems to be fine. However, no one was smiling except Damien.

"I'm back with the drinks." I handed them the drinks and turned to Damien, "Here's yours."

"Thank you Amy," He collected and held my waist, "You are lovely, aren't you?"

I smiled at him though I didn't understand why I suddenly felt strange under his touch. I looked at my friends again and they still don't look happy.

"You guys could at least pretend to be happy for me. Do you have to write it on your face that you're not happy?" I fired at them.

Damien chuckled, "you shouldn't blame them. I think they're just a bit confused since they never expected you to have a mate."

I shook my head in disbelief. Is it possible to hate someone like this even when they've done nothing to you? It's actually weird they're acting this way. But I somehow feel satisfied.

They were with me when I got rejected by my crush two years ago I never recovered from that and I don't think I'll be able to do it. My supposed best male friend rejected me for saying I liked him, he said I was wolfless in front of everyone which I denied.

He left since then and I never saw him again. I was so heartbroken that I almost lost my sanity. No one probably thought I'd be able to move on. This is the main reason my friends keep teasing me.

"Since you all have nothing to say. I'm going to take my leave now with my mate." I stressed the word ‘mate’ just to annoy them more.

Without waiting for them to say anything, I took Damien's hand in mine and walked away with him. Once I got outside the party at a place with less people, I let him go.

"Thank you so much for helping me out. I don't know how I'm going to repay you–"

"Come home with me." He cut me off right away.

I looked at him in confusion, acting like I didn't hear what he said. "What?"

"Come home with me. You heard me Amelia." He replied me.

I moved back, looking at him weirdly but somehow, I was interested. It sounds fun to go home with a total stranger I just met. What's the worse that could happen? He could kill me and bury me at his backyard or we could have fun which I also don't mind.

I took his hand in mine with a mischievous smile, "let's go."