But I Think You're My Mate?

Clara's Pov

Two days passed in the blink of an eye. I stood in front of the cracked mirror in my small room, brushing my hair with trembling hands. The bruises on my arms had faded a little, but the pain in my chest remained. Not from the beatings, but from the weight of what lay ahead.

I was to leave today.

Father had announced it coldly that night. “In two days, you’ll leave this pack. Prepare yourself.”

Everything didn’t even feel real to me.

I hadn’t asked too many questions. I just nodded, bowed my head, and returned to my corner like an obedient dog.

Lilith hadn’t spared a moment. She and Mira made my last two days miserable. They threw out most of my clothes, claiming I didn’t need rags where I was going. Mira even cut a few strands of my hair while I slept and laughed like a devil when I screamed.

Now, I was already packed. Not much to take aside the small bag. A photo of my mother, one book, a worn jacket, and me dressed in a simple cream gown.

I stood by the gate as the Sterling Pack’s transport arrived. A sleek black SUV with dark windows. Two guards stepped out, both tall, well dressed, and holding serious expressions.

The entire pack gathered behind me to watch me leave.

I didn’t look back.

Until Mira’s voice rang out, sugar-coated and sharp.

“Clara!” she called. “Don’t forget to bow to your new vegetable husband when you get there!”

Laughter erupted.

I turned around, just once. My eyes met hers.

I didn’t speak or curse her. I simply smiled.

And that smile wiped the smirk off her face.

The guards opened the back door for me, and I climbed in and sat straight.

The ride to the palace was long. My fingers stayed clenched in my lap. I didn’t know what to expect. Would they be cruel like Father? Like Lilith and Mira? Or worse?

But when the gates opened, something shifted.

The palace was beautiful.

Unlike anything I’d ever seen. Tall towers stretched into the sky, walls made of polished stone gleamed under the sunlight. Green vines climbed the walls, and flowerbeds bloomed in every corner. Birds chirped happily, and a calm breeze swept through the wide courtyards.

The car stopped, and the guards motioned for me to step out.

My legs felt heavy, but I walked. Each step away from the vehicle felt like peeling skin.

A woman stood at the entrance. Regal. Pale skin, her silver hair tied back in a low twist, dark violet robes flowing around her. Her eyes were sharp enough to cut steel.

“Clara Hale,” she said, voice smooth but distant. “I am Queen Astra Sterling.”

I bowed slightly. “Luna,” I whispered.

She studied me. “You’re smaller than I expected. And thinner.”

I didn’t reply.

She turned, motioning me to follow. “Come. You’ll be placed in the eastern wing. Until your union is complete, you are not to leave that area. Is that understood?”

“Yes, Luna.”

She didn’t look back. “You’ll care for the prince personally. His room is on the top floor. You are to feed him, clean him, speak to him, and whatever you do, do not expect affection. He is not your mate. He is the future king.”

My heart sank.

We reached the room I would call mine. It was larger than the attic back home, but colder.

“I’ll send someone with your duties,” Queen Astra said before walking away.

I closed the door behind me and leaned against it.

I am here now.

Away from everything I knew.

But still caged.

That night, I was taken to Prince Rowan’s room.

He lay in a large bed, white sheets pulled over his chest. Machines beeped softly beside him.

His face was still. Sharp jawline, dark lashes, and full lips that looked like they once smiled often.

He was beautiful.

And silent.

I stood beside him, unsure of what to say.

“Hi,” I whispered. “I’m Clara.”

No response.

I pulled the blanket up to his shoulders and brushed a strand of hair from his forehead.

“I don’t know if you can hear me,” I said, “but I’ll be here. I won’t hurt you.”

My fingers trembled as they touched his hand. It was warm.

I looked at him for a long time then whispered one more thing I myself wasn't sure of but I said anyway.

“I think... I think you’re my mate.”

And just for a second, the machine beside him spiked.

I froze.

My heart slammed hard against my ribs.

I didn’t imagine it. Did he hear me?

I didn’t move. I couldn’t, because the beeping sound had spiked…just once…but it was enough to knock the air out from my lungs. I stared at the screen beside the bed like it would explain something, but the numbers returned to normal, calm and steady.

Maybe it was a coincidence. A fluke.

Or maybe it wasn’t.

My hand was still holding his. I didn’t remember reaching for it. His skin was warm, firm, and alive. I expected a cold body. But this… this was different.

Slowly, I let go.

“I’ll come back tomorrow,” I whispered, stepping away. “But if you can hear me... I’ll keep talking.”

I turned and walked out of the room, closing the door gently behind me.

The hallway outside was dimly lit, lined with portraits of Alphas and Lunas from past generations. None of their faces smiled. They all looked cold and strong. This was not a home that welcomed weakness.

As I walked back toward the eastern wing, I heard whispers behind a closed door.

“…the girl looks like a wind could break her in two…”

“…Luna Astra is making a really big mistake, giving her so much access…”

“…she won’t last a week here. I'm sure of it.”

I didn’t stop walking. Let them talk and doubt me all they want. I was already used to getting talked about.

Back in my room, I sank onto the bed, not bothering to change. My mind spun with too many thoughts. What if Rowan really did hear me? What if he was my second chance mate and the mate bond had somehow reached him, even in his sleep?

I closed my eyes, and for the first time in a long time, I didn’t dream of Damien. I didn’t dream of Mira or my father or the pack that left me behind.

*****

The next morning, a knock on my door pulled me from sleep.

I opened it to find a young woman, maybe two or three years older than me. Her brown hair was braided tightly, her uniform crisp. She looked me up and down before speaking.

“Luna Astra assigned me to show you your duties,” she said flatly. “Follow me.”

I didn’t ask for her name. She didn’t offer it anyway.

We walked through the winding halls. She pointed to various rooms. Storage. Laundry. Supply closet.

“The prince’s meals are prepared by a private chef. You’ll collect the tray at eight sharp every morning. He’s to be fed three times a day. No more. No less.”

I nodded.

“You’ll bathe him every other day. Use gloves and the oils on the left shelf. Don’t damage the skin. And never mess with the breathing tubes.”

Again, I nodded.

“And speak to him,” she added without looking at me. “Even if it feels stupid. Queen Astra believes voices help.”

“I already have,” I said softly.

That made her stop. She turned to me, expression blank. “Don’t get too attached. This is a duty. Not a love story.”

I said nothing.

When we reached Rowan’s room, she handed me a folded list. “Your schedule. Do not be late.”

She left without another word.

Inside, the room was quiet again. Machines beeped softly. Rowan lay in the exact same position, peaceful and still.

I moved around the room like I had done it a thousand times. Cleaned the surfaces. Checked the IV bags. Refilled the humidifier.

Finally, I sat beside him.

“I guess I should start calling you Prince Rowan,” I said, keeping my voice light. “But I don’t know… that makes you sound like one of those cold fairytale royals who cuts off heads when the soup is cold.”

I smiled.

“You don’t feel like that.”

My fingers brushed his arm as I adjusted the blanket. I watched him closely, hoping for another spike.

Nothing.

So I leaned forward.

“I’m not supposed to get attached as I was already told. But I think I already am. You’re the first person in years who didn’t look at me like I’m nothing.”

I looked at his face.

“Even in your sleep, you’re more kind than the Alpha I thought was my mate.”

I sighed, sitting back. “And that’s saying a lot, because you haven’t spoken a word.”

I stayed there for hours. Talking. Reading the book I brought from home. Telling him stories about my mother. I didn’t know if it helped him, but it helped me.

Time moved fast in that room.