Chapter 1: Mate

Zafira's point of view

The seductive music played in the background and the blue light fell on me. I was wearing red lingerie that glowed under the blue lights. As I started my mesmerizing dance on stage, the whole crowd went wild, screaming and throwing their money on stage. My every move seemed to ignite something in them.

“Seductive witch!” Someone screamed in excitement among the crowd, I gave a gentle mischievous smile, enjoying the attention I was getting.

That's my rumored title, top one stripper in the whole Rotthorn Pack. People might think I was forced into this because I was a weak, wolfless orphan, an omega who didn't seem to fit anywhere else But they are wrong….

I did my last move before walking off the stage into the backstage room as the other strippers filled the stage.

“ZaZa, he is here again and requesting to see you,” Elaris rolled her eyes, frowning. She is my best friend. Just like me, she has no parents though she wasn't as popular as I am and she hates dancing.

I chuckled, “Relax, there is nothing he can do,”

“But still, he is the Alpha son, if not for his position, he would never be able to summon you privately,” Elaris complained.

I touched her shoulders to reassure her before walking to their private booked room.

Aeson's eyes lit up with desire as he saw me, “Ah, the most enchanting omega has graced us with her present,” He was seated with his other friends who had ladies by their side, they all stared at me with desire, but did not dare act on it.

He walked closer and put his hand across my shoulder, “Your dance is always so alluring,” He sniffed his other hand and I tried to grope me, I stopped him with a smile.

“You know as the Alpha son, we won't dare go against you but you know our rule,” I gently removed his hand.

He frowned.

I placed my hand on his chest, “Because I trust that you understand about the ‘no touching’ rule, that's why the guards are outside and no inside,”

The stench of arousal suddenly filled the air making me step back in alarm, it wasn't just a person or two, this stench only comes on a full moon.

A unique fragrance filled my nostrils, my red eyes glued on the person before me.

“Mate,” He said as his eyes darkened.

Even in such moments my wolf was still as dull as ever, though I could perceive the alluring and unique scent of Aeson which he usually didn't have, this confirms that he is my mate but my wolf still didn't react.

He took a step forward.

I didn't believe true love is meant for me but for Aeson who has been obsessed with trying to get into my pants, I know for certain he would jump on this opportunity.

“You.. you're my mate?”

His other friends were already getting closer to the girls with them.

One of them chuckled, staring at us.

Aeson's expression suddenly went cold, “Never, I can never be mated to a stripper!” He spat.

For a second, I thought I must have misheard.

“What?” I questioned.

“Guys, you're all gonna get a stripper as your future Luna,” The friend laughed and drew the attention of the others.

Aeson glared at me, “Never, she can never be my mate, the goddess must be blind not to see the slut she is,” Aeson shook his head negatively. “I, Aeson—”

I scoff. “You've always desired to have my body, and now you blame the goddess for making us a fated mate?” 

So I can't even have him?

“Wait, do you really think anyone would want to have the famous stripper as more than a sex partner?” Aeson scoffed, and poked my head, “Hey, think carefully, you should be grateful that I want to sleep with you and you shouldn't be greedy for more, Being a Luna or a mate to someone does not fit your image,”

His friends laughed.

I clenched my fist, his words sinking in, making me both angry and pained. “What's wrong with someone like me? There is nothing wrong with my image, I dance because it is what I love doing—”

Aeson rolled his eyes, “Men jerk off as you dance, the beta warriors run here after a battle subsides, just to see your half-naked body dancing seductively, you disgusting slut!” 

My hand landed a slap on his cheeks. His eyes went red with anger.

I took a step closer to him then gently rubbed the cheek I slapped. I suppressed my burning emotion, knowing that he still had the power to get me killed for the slap. I placed a light kiss on his cheeks and whispered in his ear.

“You’re probably right,” I said quietly.

“Let me tell you a secret,” I whispered. “Your father—the Alpha—hasn’t exactly learned boundaries. Just like you.”

My lips curved faintly.

“I got rid of him myself… in a way he wouldn’t complain about.”

“Unfortunate timing, really—considering your mother was still recovering from her illness.”

This word broke Aeson, he gripped my arm tightly.

My brow furrowed slightly due to the pain. “Be careful, you wouldn't want your friends knowing of it,” I whispered.

He glanced at his friends who were poking out their heads in hopes of hearing what I was saying.

Aeson gave a wicked smile, “You sure know how to run your mouth….” He took a step closer and I shifted back.

“I wonder if you would run your mouth, if I pin you to the ground and have my way with you before rejecting you,” He said.

Unknown to him that I am always prepared for the worst, I removed the pin-like weapon I always keep and the corner of my panties. I held it to my neck.

Hurting him will be a crime but hurting me, would ruin him.

“I wonder what those horny and loyal fans of mine will do when they see you hurt me and I'll never dance for them,” I said, “Especially in this full moon, no one will be able to stop them from killing you,”

The atmosphere went tense, and even his friends seemed to feel awkward being in the same room with us.

The door flew open. And the entire room shifted. The tension snapped into something sharper—heavier.

Even the air… stilled.

Alpha Dominic stepped in first.

But it wasn’t him that made my breath hitch.

It was the man beside him.

Alpha Draxen.

Cold. Unforgiving. Dangerous.

His presence pressed against my skin like a warning I couldn’t ignore. 

I removed the sharp object from my neck and intended to greet them but Aeson kicked my heels making me stumble and my face went to the ground. I shut my eyes tightly waiting to crash but instead, a firm hand caught my waist, steadying me with effortless strength. 

My body collided with something solid—warm… unyielding.

Not the ground.

A chest.

My breath caught as an overwhelming scent wrapped around me—dark, intoxicating… powerful.

Slowly, I lifted my gaze.

And met his eyes.

For a man known to be ruthless… merciless…

I knew I was in trouble because Alpha Draxen has a reputation for never touching any woman.

But….

His expression changed.

Not softened completely—but something in it shifted. Something intense. Focused.

On me.

His grip on my waist tightened slightly, pulling me closer like it was instinct. Like he didn’t even think about it.

Then, in a low, controlled voice that still carried through the entire silent room—

“My mate.”