2. Mate???

Beatrice's POV

I look at myself in the crusted mirror I picked from the dustbin some years back. It's so old that it's dimmed by a layer of grime. As if having a new mirror would somehow make me look presentable.

Despite my efforts, taking a shower, tying my hair into a ponytail, and wearing the oversized dress I’ve been keeping for a special occasion, I still look so plain and ordinary.

I even applied some lip balm I found when the Luna threw away her old makeup. This is the best I’ve looked since I came of age, but I still think my best isn’t good enough.

My name is Beatrice Raven, that’s as much as I know about myself. I’m just a maid in the Alpha’s Palace. An unidentified wolf. I have no rank, since no one knows my origin. I was found at the Alpha’s palace gate when I was just approximately a day old.

They tried to investigate my background, but even the security cameras had nothing. For some reason, they weren’t working that night.

I have a bird tattoo on my back; that’s why they called me Raven. And since one can’t have just one name, the maid who took care of me named me Beatrice, after her daughter who passed away long ago. Unfortunately, the maid also died. She was the only person who treated me like a human being.

Now, it’s just me. I do my work as scheduled, without complaint. I try to lie low so I don’t land in trouble. Because I don’t know what would happen if I ever got chased out of here. I’m illiterate, I don’t even know how to spell my name. No one has ever cared enough to enroll me in school.

My wide eyes stare back at me from the mirror. I sigh deeply and sit on my mat. I've been instructed not to show myself outside until the party starts. But my curiosity gets the best of me when I hear the car hooting, announcing Mason’s arrival.

To be honest, I’ve always had a crush on Mason, ever since I was younger. It really hurt me when he went away. I know he’s way out of my league, heck, all men are out of my league. But seeing him always brightened my day. I would sneak into the mansion just to catch a glimpse of him, and at night I’d fantasize about him. Somehow, my back wouldn’t hurt as much sleeping on the hard floor.

Now that I think about it, he made my life less hard just by existing. I can’t resist seeing him now, even if it’s just a glimpse. That’s all I need to spark some excitement in my life. I decide to use the kitchen route that leads to the staircase. I’ll just head to the balcony, no one’s there yet. I’ll look down from there.

I get to the balcony and look down, but to my disappointment, he’s not there. Maybe he already went inside. I start walking back to the storeroom where I sleep before anyone notices me and reports me to the matron.

Suddenly, a unique masculine scent hits me. The more steps I take, the stronger the scent becomes. My wolf growls inside me, and I release my pheromones without realizing it.

“Mate.” Nian howls, partly taking over.

I stop in my tracks when I see the person in front of me.

“Mason…mate?”

I can’t seem to form proper words. I don’t know if I should be surprised or happy. Mason? My mate? There must be some mistake.

My eyes widen as I take him in, he is breathtaking. He looks more attractive and mature now. His face is more defined, with high cheekbones, a sharp jawline, and a strong chin. It’s the first time I’ve ever looked directly into his deep blue eyes. His skin is clear, smooth, and glowing. I feel embarrassed just standing in front of him. His tousled hair has a shade of dark brown. He’s tall, athletic, with broad shoulders, he practically towers over me. In short, he’s perfect.

The look in his eyes, though, is pure disgust. His brows furrow and his lips curl in revulsion as he realizes I’m his mate.

I don’t blame him. Have you seen me?

He takes two steps toward me, until we’re just inches apart. My chest rises and falls rapidly, it takes everything in me not to collapse. My legs tremble, and I grab the sides of my dress with both hands to keep myself grounded. It’s the closest I’ve ever been to a man. Having Mason this close steals all the breath from me. I feel a pull I’ve never felt before. But I know I’m not supposed to touch him that would get me into serious trouble.

“Look at me.” he orders, my face still facing the floor. I slowly lift my head to meet his eyes.

His gaze is threatening. It’s clear he isn’t thrilled about this whole situation. What did I think that he’d run into my arms and tell me how long he’d waited for me? That he’d wash away all my worries and fears?

“You? Who are you?” he asks, grabbing my shoulders so tightly I fear my bones might crack. “You can never be my mate.” he spits.

“Reject me.” I don’t know where I find the strength to speak back. He looks at me intensely. For a moment, his expression flickers with something like hurt but then the beast returns.

“Never talk back to me.” he snaps, pushing me away like I’m a plague. I’ve lived a hard life, but his treatment now is the harshest I’ve ever known. Hot tears of rejection stream down my face as I swallow hard. Something bitter is stuck in my throat, and no matter how hard I cry, it won’t go away.

“Shut the fck up, btch, before I lose my temper.” he threatens. This time, he grabs my shoulders again and drags me into his room. Without giving me a chance to explain, he shoves me into the bathroom and locks the door, trapping me inside.

I hear him cursing as the bedroom door slams shut.