FATED MATES IN THE SHADOWS

*SELENE* Walking up the magnificent stairs of Mr. Orion’s mansion, my pulse pounded like a trapped bird. The mansion loomed over me, enormous, menacing, and entirely strange. I had never seen something so beautiful… or so terrible. Today wasn't only about stepping into a new environment. It was entering into a new life. I halted at the finely carved wooden door, the pattern seemingly suggesting mysteries of what lay beyond. My palm trembled as I knocked, each whack on the wood reverberating louder than the previous. Everyone in town spoke about him, Mr. Orion. Mysterious. Rich. Ruthless. And now, my employer. Becoming his maid wasn’t a fantasy. It was desperation. With rising healthcare bills and college dreams, I had no choice. Ariel and Chris had the luxury of homeschooling and werewolf privilege. But me? Just a human girl struggling to live in a town inhabited by wolves and mortals alike. As the door creaked open, I took in a breath. There he stood. Tall, Distant,

CHAPTER THREE As Annabelle's words broke the tension, I breathed out the breath I never knew I was holding onto. My lungs felt like they were burning, and my chest was tight. I tried to steady myself, but my legs felt like jelly, and I slipped down the wall, my back sliding against the cold surface. I sat there, trying to catch my breath, my mind racing with thoughts. What just happened? Why did Mr Orion's proximity affect me like that? And what did he mean by "deal with me later"? My breath came in short gasps, and I tried to calm myself down, telling myself it was just a moment of weakness. But deep down, I knew it was more than that. Mr Orion had gotten under my skin, and I didn't know how to shake him off. As I sat there, trying to compose myself, I couldn't help but wonder what other surprises lay in store for me in this mansion with Mr Orion. I slowly stood up from the ground, my legs still shaky from the encounter with Mr Orion. I made my way to the kitchen, trying to dist

CHAPTER FIVE I tried to stand up, to leave and process what was happening, but Mr Orion's stepmother's words stopped me in my tracks. "Selene, your birthmark...it's a sign of your destiny. It's only given to the children of an Alpha werewolf bloodline." I turned back to her, my eyes wide with confusion. "What do you mean? I'm human. I don't have any werewolf blood." She smiled again, her eyes glinting with a knowing light. "Ah, but that's where you're wrong, Selene. You see, your birthmark...it's a mark of greatness. A sign that you're meant for something more." I shook my head, feeling like I was trapped in a dream. "I don't understand. What do you mean?" Mr Orion's stepmother leaned in, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "You'll see, Selene. You'll see what you're truly capable of. And when you do...you'll join us, as one of our own." I felt a shiver run down my spine as she straightened up, her eyes never leaving mine. What did she mean? What was I capable of

CHAPTER SEVEN.But then, she pulled away, her eyes still gleaming with desire, yet she tried suppressing it ''You called me, sir.'' She said out of the blues. It was like a slap in the face, a reminder of our stations. I felt a surge of anger flow through me and my cold, domineering self taking over.''You'll clean every part of this mansion,'' I growled, my voice sounded very harsh. ''And you won't be going anywhere tomorrow evening.''"But, sir, I was supposed to perform my duties and leave as we initially agreed." She protested, but I cut her off, sounding firm. ''No, Selene. You'll do as I say.'' I felt a surge of satisfaction as Selene's eyes dropped, her shoulders slumping in defeat."Yes, Sir."The fire in her eyes was extinguished, and replaced by a meek submission. I felt a pang of guilt, but I pushed it aside, gaining back my control.As I stood there, gazing at Selene, I felt this strong connection that I had never felt with anyone before, this feeling was supposed to be

CHAPTER NINEJay trembled, taking a step back. "I-I'll take you to her, Alpha. Please, follow me."I strode behind Jay, my anger building with each step. How dare she try to escape? Didn't she know the danger that lurked outside these walls? Didn't she know I was the only one who could protect her?We reached the east wing, and Jay led me to a room guarded by two burly men. "She's in there, Alpha," Jay whispered, cowering.I pushed open the door, my eyes scanning the room until they landed on Selene. She sat in a corner, her eyes flashing with defiance. I could feel my anger boiling over, but I knew I had to keep it in check. For now."What were you thinking, trying to escape?" I demanded, my eyes blazing with anger.Selene's response was immediate and rude sounding scornful. "I was trying to get away from your prison, Mr Orion!"But she bit her tongue, her eyes widening in fear, as if realizing her mistake.I took a step closer, my voice low and menacing. "Do you have any idea how d