Chapter 4

Ava's POV 

I kept tossing on one side of the bed to the other. The alarm from my bedside blared incessantly into my ears. I eventually gave up the fight and got up from the bed. I had promised myself I'd sleep well today. Afterall, it was my birthday—the day I turned twenty. But just like my last birthday, I didn't feel any joy inside me. All that had ended when I couldn't find my mate on my eighteenth birthday. Today wouldn't be any different, so I don't feel much joy. All I have is a mixed feeling I couldn't quite place. I briefly wondered maybe there was something more to it. Maybe it was because of Jake? A feeling of sadness enveloped me as I remembered his betrayal.

I scoffed inwardly when I remembered I once wished we were mates. Jokes on me for having such thoughts. I wasn't bothered by not being with him anymore. Instead, I feel sad because of who he choose to cheat with. He could have chosen anyone else. I wouldn't have been so affected. But Lucia? Someone I once called a friend—except she's no friend.

I slept really late yesterday. I was trying to get money to pay for my mum's surgery. The day had ended uneventfully.

Today, I have to visit the pack bank. I just hoped I would get the loan.

Taking a glance at the clock, I quickly sprang up from the bed, now fully awake.

I'm already late for work!

Quickly, I doused my eyes with water and had a bath. It didn't take long for me to get to the pack house. I was surprised to see the place bubbling with activities.

I saw a long queue of cars outside the pack house. It reminded me of yesterday at the hospital. It was indeed Alpha Dylan I met yesterday. He had left me standing with my mouth flying open. I remembered too well the look on his face when he left. It was a sly grin. I couldn't place the meaning.

I walked further into the pack house. Then I went into the pack hall. The hall was bubbling with activity. There were balloons and speakers also in strategic places. I was confused. Was there any special occasion today?

I tear my eyes briefly from the hall as a hand grabs me.

“Why are you just coming, Ava?” 

I turned to see Alice holding my hand. 

Alice was my distant friend. She was the one who helped me get this job.

“We need more hands in the kitchen. Ashley is in her usual foul mood. My advice, don't get too close to her.”

Having said that, Alice left in a hurry. A sigh escaped my lips as I made for the kitchen. Ashley is the headmaid and also a vicious lady. I once saw her pour hot water on one of the maids. The maid had not reported for work on time just like my case. But I wouldn't want to be in her bad book. Now, I have a more pressing issue.

I need to go to Alpha's office quickly. I badly need his approval for a loan from the pack bank. I can't watch my mother die. She's the only one I have left.

Ashley wasn't in the kitchen when I got in. And that made me happy. Having to deal with her this morning would have not been so nice. I have a lot on my plate already.

I joined the other maids that were hard at work. We all hurried to get things done. Was the fear of Ashley the beginning of our activeness? I laughed inwardly. I doubt there's ever a sentence as such.

Done in the kitchen, I left for the Alpha's office. 

I felt a hand grab me and I was almost startled.

“What do you want?”

He ignored my question and thrust a small box into my hand.

“Happy birthday love!”

Jake said, grinning from ear to ear.

I looked at the box in my hand and a frown formed at the corner of my lips. Jake made it a routine to always give me a present every birthday, but I wouldn't be collecting it this time.

I let out a breath and said,

“I don't want your gift.”

“What? You can't refuse it!”

He shouted and that seemed to grab the attention of the pack members. They were now looking at us.

I tightened my fist as I remembered what he did with Lucia.

“And why can't I refuse your damn gift?”

I let out, my voice clogged with emotion.

He scratched his head in frustration then held my free hand.

“Because I love you. And you love me too.” 

Jake confessed and I almost got fooled by the sincerity in his eyes. But the scene of him and Lucia kicked into my head once again. I couldn't let that out of my mind. Not even if I want to.

“Love?” A scoff escaped my lips. “You should say that to Lucia, not me.”

I saw his eyes darken but I didn't care. I snatched my left hand away from his then threw his gifts right on his chest. 

Next, I turned to leave but he grabbed me again. I let out a curse inside of me as I turned to face him.

“You can try to act all strong but don't forget you belong to me, you are the daughter of a useless slut.” He paused, then continued. “You will come back to me. A weak Omega like you need an Alpha wolf like me. No one else will want a useless wolf like you. Unless of course you want to be a slut like your mother.”

I heard the loud laughter of the people as he stopped speaking. Afterwards, I felt my chest tighten like I was hit by a dagger.

I couldn't take the laughter and mockery anymore and I instantly took off, not daring to look back.

*******

An hour later, I stepped out of the corner and I went to cry. My eyes were a little puffy but I cleaned it with my hands.

I remembered I still hadn't gone to the Alpha's office yet so I headed there straight.

I hoped I wasn't too late to meet him. Even if he wasn't there, I hoped to meet the secretary.

As I took the flight of stairs that led to the Alpha's office, I felt a strange feeling inside of me.

My pupils suddenly began dilating, and my heart began to race fast.

I felt a strange smell in the air. The scent was quite familiar. The smell of a powerful Alpha.

That moment, I wasn't controlling myself. Not even if I want to. There was a greater force propelling me. Like the scent of a rich, earthy aroma. It was the scent drawing me closer.

I stopped as I got in front of Alpha's office. The smell was more intoxicating now.

I pushed the door open and strolled inside. Something I wouldn't have done on a normal day—or I'd have my head off my neck.

Suddenly, I stopped in my tracks. There were three people sitting in the office. Two were facing me while the last person had his back turned to me.

I stood confused for a moment. Two heads raised their eyes at me inquisitively.

My wolf began to howl softly knowing she had found her mate.

It was one of them!

Or was it all?

One had a furious look, the other a confused look.

Then the third person turned and my wolf let out eagerly,

“MATE!”