Ch 3

Alessia’s POV

“What happened?” mom and dad walked out along with our guest who looked equally surprised.

Getting up, I said “I encountered an unpleasant guest who has not changed one bit”

“Alessia, apologize. That’s rude” dad chided me in a stern voice.

My mouth dropped open at his order.

“Dad, he started it” I pointed at Ezekiel who pretended to look innocent.

I narrowed my eyes at him when he said “I merely did what you asked me for”

“I asked you to leave me, but you dropped me instead” I said out loud so my parents could hear as well.

“What exactly happened here?” It was Luna Ashley who gave us both a curious look.

Before I could say anything, he interfered “Mom, she could not even carry herself in that gown. I was there at the right time to stop her from falling”

Shrugging his shoulders as if it was not his fault, he continued “She asked me to leave her and so I did”

“That was not very gentlemanly of you” his mom did not look pleased.

“Alessia sweetie has dressed for us. You should know when to compliment a lady” Luna Ashley added.

“I had thought that I will have a wonderful evening with you present here. Unfortunately, someone had to spoil it for me” I taunted Ezekiel.

“That’s enough now Alessia. Stop stretching the topic” one look from dad made me stop myself from saying anything further.

“Both of you come inside” he added and then walked inside with everybody following right behind him. I was not pleased. But I also knew this is the only option I have so reluctantly I walked behind them.

Ezekiel walked past me, in doing so his hand brushed mine and that is when I felt it.

“Mate” my wolf started chanting in my head.

I stopped short as Ezekiel walked ahead of me.

What was that?

My eyes on Ezekiel as did not even look shocked. Did he not feel it?

My wolf was howling and dancing in my head in excitement. Out of all the mates that I have met, this is the first time she is being this enthusiastic about it.

I was still astounded by what I just encountered. Ezekiel on the other hand looked nonchalant.

“Alessia, come and sit here” mom pointed towards the seat beside Ezekiel.

It was good for me because I really wanted to see if he felt the bond as well.

I took my seat.

“Alex, how have you been handling things?” Alpha Cedric inquired as one of the maid’s bought the evening snacks and placed it on the table.

“Things have been going good so far for us. I will be relieved once I hand over the duties to Alessia” dad informed him.

“I am sure our Ezekiel is more than capable to handle both the packs” Alpha Cedric suggested.

Dad turned to face the both of us “Given the situation, I hope both of you are ready for the change”

“We are…”

I gritted my teeth as Ezekiel once again intervened “We are absolutely fine with it”

My eyes narrowed in his direction but he was seeing straight ahead. Dad on the other hand did not even ask for my opinion. Things does not seem to be going my way and I was not liking it one bit. Seeing the look on my face, mom came to the rescue

“Alpha Cedric, it’s been long time since the two of them met. Why don’t we let them speak privately” mom suggested pointing the towards the both of us.

“That would be good” Alpha Cedric agreed with my mom.

Turning to me, mom said “Sweetie, why don’t you show Ezekiel around”

It was on tip of my tongue that this is not the first time he has visited us but I kept my mouth shut as I don’t want to come out rude if I want things to go my way.

Ezekiel pretending to be the gentleman he is not, stood up “After you Alessia”

His over sweet voice and gesture was getting to my nerves. Mom gave me a look as we passed by them for me to behave. I assured her and walked out with Ezekiel following close behind me.

The moment we were out of hear shot, I turned to him “Woah, easy there” he raised his hands as if I am going to attack him.

Rolling my eyes at him, I said “It is not the first time you have come here, so lets cut the chase and get to the point”

He put his hands in his front pockets and gave me a look “If that is the case, why not we find a secluded spot and clear the doubts”

I narrowed my eyes at him “We can talk here” I folded my hands in my front.

He moved forward “I see that you hardly trust me” He did not look pleased.

“I haven’t met you since last four years. What do you expect of me?” I muttered as I tried to stretch my lips into a smile.

“Very well, we cannot behave this way. We need to get comfortable with each other as I guess you know our parents wants us to be together” he pointed.

“For us to continue this conversation, will you suggest a place or should I do it on my own?” he raised his eye brows at me.

I took a look around and found out that many pack members were paying attention to us which we did not need at the moment.

“Fine. Let’s go to my room” I decided to take him to my room which I hardly use since I moved out.

He followed me as I started climbing the stairs in my wolf speed. We reached my room in no time. Opening the door, I was the first one to enter. Ezekiel followed right behind me and closed it. I did not let it make me nervous under his presence.

“Nervous” he smirked.

“You wish” I muttered.

He walked further into the room and sat down on the chair. I decided to stand by the window

“You are my mate. Why did you not react when you found out?” was the first thing I questioned him.

“I see you are curious” he stated.

“Of course, duh” I rolled my eyes at him.

“If my parents found out that you are my mate, they will not let this union happen as we know you are cursed” he started.

“Despite knowing about my curse, why are you ready to be with me?” I inquired.

He laughed out loud making me confused “Don’t get ahead of yourself. I am least interested in you”

My heart gave a painful beat knowing that none of my mate’s want to be with me. I was unlucky and perhaps will stay lonely forever.

“I don’t understand” I said to him.

“I am getting there” he got and came towards the window. Now both of us were standing face to face.

“I know once after mating with you, your mate dies reasons unknown to you and everyone else. It is said you are cursed and will never have a mate. Luckily for me, I don’t want to share the same bond which I had with my first mate. After I lost her in an attack, I was not in search of a mate”

“But you got me, a mate. I see that being my mate was not part of your plan” I said to him.

“You got that right. But things can still go my way if I want it to be” he smirked.

“How?” was all I asked him.

“Even though you are my mate, we won’t be mating because I don’t want to have any kind of mate bond with you. We are in this together to bring our packs together and fulfill our parents wish. So, I have a proposal for you”

“What kind of proposal?”

He passed me a file. The moment I read the matter in the document, I was left speechless.

“A contract?” I gave him an incredulous look.

“Yes, you read that right” he gave me a serious look.

“Have you read to many contract marriages in a novel where the male lead offers a damsel in distress a contract and then also falls in love with her in the future?” my tone was not only sarcastic but I was also amused by the whole revelation.

“I am definitely offering you a contract. But this is reality and reality is cruel” his voice turned deep as he looked me straight in the eye and said “There is no way I will fall in love with you. For me there was only one mate which I have lost”

“You are nothing but just a deal for me to acquire and possess the power”

As I stared into his determined eyes, I knew what I had to do.

“Deal” I forward my hand for a handshake.