Chapter 3

Her eyes opened gradually as she squinted, trying to adjust to the blurry light that blinded her view. She gasped as a slight headache hit her, causing her to close her eyes again.

She blinked repeatedly, and the blurry views gradually became clear with each effort.

“Goodness, Ava, you’re awake,” a concerned voice said beside her, and she turned to see someone familiar. “You scared the devil out of me when I got here and saw you like this.”

“Shirley?” Ava whispered, turning tentatively to her friend, who held her hands firmly in hers, her eyes watery from tears.

“You stubborn, lousy fellow,” Shirley breathed out, a mix of anger and relief. Ava smiled, wondering why she was being overly dramatic this morning. Morning!

  “Not again.” Ava groaned, “I think this time around, I will gladly walk to the grinder myself.”

 “What?” Shirley asked.

  “I'm late again, I woke up late.” She fussed, not wanting to stand up from the comfortable bed.

  “Late? If you're well, get your ass up so we can return to the quarters.” Shirley said, rolling her eyes.

“Back to the quarters?” Ava asked, surprised. “If I’m not in the quarters, where am I?” She looked around the unfamiliar but perfect bedroom she was in. A slight gasp escaped her mouth as the unfamiliar place filled her view.

“Where in the universe is this place, Shirley?” she asked, taking in the flawless white bedroom decorated in gold and emerald colours. The king-size bed was extremely cosy and comfortable; she would have loved to spend the rest of her life sleeping in it. “Are we dead somehow and ended up in heaven?”

Shirley turned to her, a throaty laugh escaping her mouth. “You don’t remember?” she asked, looking confused.

“Remember what?” Ava replied, turning her gaze back to her friend, whose eyes bore keenly into hers. “How can you not remember how in the Goddess’ kindness you found yourself in the Pack leader’s chambers? Not to mention how you ended up sick and sleeping comfortably on his bed, don't you remember?”

Ava gasped. So it was not a dream? She had dined and wine with the Pack leader a short while ago. She gasped again at how itchy her throat suddenly became after eating some of the chicken. She gasped loudly at how he had carried her in his broad arms and how boldly she had rested her head on his broad chest and blurted nonsense.

Gasping in a louder voice, she shrank and pushed herself away from the bed suddenly, causing Shirley to jump in fright.

“Are you okay?” Shirley asked, concerned at her unusual behaviour. “Shirley, what do you think the time is?” Ava asked, quickly adjusting her dress and putting on her footwear. No way is the Pack Leader her mate! Or maybe it's a good thing he's.

“9 PM, I guess,” Shirley replied, still stunned.

“Shit!!” Ava breathed hastily. “I slept for hours, you won't believe I consumed garlic.”

Shirley gasped. “How? I bet you didn't eat so where did you get garlic from?”

  “From the Pack Leader's table.” She said simply, a smile crept to her face as she remembered her cosy feelings from earlier. Logan is her freaking Mate.

  “You don't mean Alpha Prince Logan offered you food at his table?”  

Ava shrugged, she opened her mouth to confirm it but the sudden opening of the door interrupted her.

They both turned and bowed immediately. Logan stepped foot into the room.

  “I see you're well now Ava.” He replied, his face expressionless.

  “I am, My Lord.” She replied, her gaze meeting his. She sought to see the joy in his face but his face was devoid of any emotions whatsoever. She can't place her hand on why he felt displeased at her finding out that he's her potential Mate.

“I'm sorry for the discomfort.”

  “I'm glad you're fine, I bet your friend here and a few other guards will accompany you back to your quarters.” He explained with a nod and turned to leave. “I will have the physician attend to you tomorrow.”

Ava watched him turn and her heart did a sad beat. Why isn't he acknowledging the Mate issue.

  “My Lord.” She called, her voice stern with a hint of anger. “Earlier today…”

  “Nothing happened today Ava..” he countered, interrupting her. “Now go back to your quarters.” Without sparing her a glance, he closed the door behind him.

She watched the door, angry at his arrogance while Shirley watched confused.

    “Let's go home Shirley.” She ordered simply, walking towards the entrance. Maybe he's not accepting the fact they're Mate because she's a lowly slave. Or maybe he's just trying to come to terms with the fact he already had a betrothed. The almighty Lady Fluer.

Shirley nodded, walking with her as they walked out of the mansion into the chilling air. Few steps away from the Alpha Prince mansion, someone called her name.

“Ava?” A tiny voice came from the darkness, causing them both to jump as a frail woman emerged.

Ava and Shirley gasped at the presence before them and knelt immediately. 

“My Lady.”