Chapter Two

My Feared Mate

Hailey’s POV

I slide into the car and smooth down my nude gown, adjusting the fabric carefully. I look good. I know I do. And if my mate doesn’t see that, I might actually hate him a little for it.

As the car pulls away, I realize we’ve already left my home behind and merged onto the highway. I turn my head toward the window, watching the trees blur past. The air feels cool and heavy, like rain is just waiting for the right moment to fall. The weather is perfect—soft, quiet, calming. It makes me smile without meaning to.

I distract myself by admiring my nails, freshly done just a week ago. I’d gone to the salon specifically for the Mating Ceremony. Pale pink, neat, flawless. I need something small to focus on because my nerves are slowly spiraling.

Everyone is heading to the ceremony, but being the beta’s daughter comes with extra attention—and extra pressure. I glance at the time. Only ten minutes have passed.

Why does time move so slowly?

A sudden chill runs down my spine, sharp and unexpected. My breath catches, and my chest tightens for a moment. That never happens to me. I’m usually calm, relaxed, unbothered.

It lasts only seconds.

By the time twenty more minutes pass and we finally arrive, my panic has disappeared as quickly as it came. The place is crowded with cars, girls stepping out in gowns of every color imaginable. My eyes snag on one dress so terrible I nearly laugh out loud.

Do people really wear these things on purpose?

When the gate opens, I step out, lifting my chin as I walk forward. Heads turn. Eyes follow. I can feel it. I move with confidence, crossing the entrance toward the hall where our intelligence and compatibility are tested.

I take a seat and look around. Everyone seems restless, scanning the room, whispering. Then a woman begins calling out names.

“Hailey Adams. Intelligence: nine. Beauty: ten. Strength: nine.”

I nod calmly and walk inside the ballroom.

Music floods the air. Voices blend together. Laughter echoes. Some girls rush toward the dance floor, already celebrating. I sigh softly. This is where I’m expected to spend three nights.

I choose an empty table instead. I’m usually social—too social—but tonight, I’m waiting.

Waiting for him.

The moment the thought crosses my mind, a scent hits me.

Rich. Warm. Dangerous.

My heart stutters.

I stand up instantly. Whoever he is, he’s close. Too close. I’m not ready—not yet. I slip out of the hall and head toward the washrooms, even though I don’t need to go. Fifteen minutes pass before I finally step back out.

And then—

Someone grabs my wrist.

I gasp and turn sharply, my breath catching in my throat.

Alpha Chris.

He looks exactly like the stories warned—calm, unreadable, powerful. His eyes lock onto mine.

“Mine,” he growls.

I flinch, but my body betrays me. I don’t pull away.

He leads me through the hall without force, his grip firm but controlled. People stare. Not because of me.

Because of him.

Up close, he’s… unfairly handsome. His hand is warm. Steady.

We stop at the desk where I’d left my luggage.

“What’s your name?” he asks.

I finally see his full face.

“Hailey Adams,” I reply.

He nods once. “Can I have Hailey Adams’ luggage?”

The woman hesitates—until she looks up.

Her face drains of color. “I’m so sorry, Alpha. I didn’t realize—”

Within seconds, my luggage appears. He takes both suitcases and motions for me to follow.

Outside, his expensive convertible waits. He loads my bags and gets in. I follow, careful and graceful, aware of his eyes tracking every movement.

⸻

Chris’s POV

The moment her scent hits me, my world narrows.

My wolf growls with satisfaction. She’s here.

I spot her instantly—walking ahead of me, unaware. Her gown is beautiful. Too beautiful. Too revealing. My temper spikes, then disappears the second she turns slightly and I see her face.

I only came to this ceremony because my pack needs a Luna.

Turns out, it was the right decision.

She doesn’t fight me when I take her hand. She doesn’t look afraid. She follows because she knows—just like I do.

“Hailey Adams,” she says when I ask her name.

Her voice settles something inside me.

I demand her luggage. I’m not staying here for pointless rituals when I’ve already found my mate. I lead her to my car, load her bags, and get in.

She moves like she knows she’s being watched.

Too well.

I force myself to look away and start the engine.

The drive is silent. Awkward. Her presence fills the car, my heart racing for reasons I refuse to acknowledge. I glance at her through the mirror. She’s looking out the window, rain clouds gathering in the distance.

Perfect weather to stay inside.

No one matters more than my pack. Not even her.

I speed up—then slow down abruptly.

She’s innocent, my wolf warns. Don’t break her.

I breathe and steady myself.

When we reach my house, she looks at it calmly, unreadable. I take her bags and lead her upstairs, into my room.

I spent three hours cleaning today. For her.

She stands by the window, quiet, thoughtful.

“It’s midnight,” I say finally.

“Where’s the washroom?” she asks.

I point. She disappears inside.

I change and sit on the bed, scrolling through my phone. When she comes out, she’s wearing an oversized sweater and leggings. Comfortable. Soft.

She catches me staring.

Blush floods her cheeks as she rushes to the bed, turning her back to me.

I scowl and turn off my phone.

She doesn’t have to ignore me.

Lights off. Silence settles.

Her scent wraps around me, sweet and tempting.

I smirk in the darkness.

If she plans to ignore me, this is going to be very interesting.

She’s my mate.

And she has no idea what she’s started.