2

JADEN PERRY

The sound of steel hitting steel was dominant in the arena amongst grunts, agonizing screams, and other minor sounds. 

The mixture of blood, sweat, and dust brought an aura of power that sizzled with intensity.

"Watch out Jaden!" My trainer screamed just in time.

I sidestepped just on time before the blade had the opportunity to take off my arm. It had been very close. It was dangerous to get distracted on the grounds of the arena and I had let myself get distracted.

"Keep your mind sharp!"

I was trying hard to do just that but the familiar scent of Jasmine kept evading my senses. It was a scent accustomed to my mate. 

I cursed as I tried to dodge a fierce combo attack from Dimitri. He was in a deadly form this morning and I knew it would be tricky to defeat him, unlike our previous duels.

"You're in a different league today, Dimitri," I said panting hard.

He could tell I was distracted and what he was doing was playing that to his advantage. Who would blame him for being a smart conniving bastard?

"You seem a little off today." He commented as he rushed at me once more.

I was extremely off. Saying I was a little off was just his way of messing with me. I blocked most of his attacked and managed to kick him. The impact of the kick sent him back creating a safe distance between us.

The scent returned and for a moment I just stood motionless as it warped through me. Watch out you fool! My wolf screamed at me, bringing me out of my trance state in time to dodge the strike and counter with a quick jab. Dimitri lost his footing and I rushed him with a series of quick punches landing every single one.

He slumped to the floor unable to continue.

"Mind telling us what that s**t just now was all about?" Farrel, my trainer asked.

Farrel was a legendary warrior well known for his combat skills and unmatched battle experience. He fought beside my Father while they were still lads.

My father had gotten him to train me in the meantime and he was doing a good job so far.

Dimitri was still on the floor, too exhausted to get up. He stayed there breathing heavily.

"I asked you a question, Jay." He bawled through gritted teeth.

Most people preferred to call me Jay rather than Jaden. I took the band off my hair letting the golden strands fall freely then I gathered them up neatly together and held them together with the band in a bun.

"I'm just a little off today. Nothing more." I said avoiding his scrutinizing gaze.

"If that's all, I'll be on my way to the showers," I said.

I cursed as I left the arena. There was dust everywhere and by the time I made it to the passage, I was as white as a snowman.

The scent of Jasmine had gone away completely after my spar with Dimitri which made it feel like the devilish thing was trying to taunt me.

I cursed as I remembered how I had found out my mate was a lowly slave girl who was probably wiping off s**t somewhere in the palace. I had known from the first day I saw her and I cursed my ill fate. It was proof that the moon goddess didn't like me at all so I made it my life's mission to f**k every girl I could lay my hands on in the pack and beyond. I was going to force the moon goddess to come down herself just to tell me how much of a bad boy I've been.

How would she mate a slave with the future alpha of one of the greatest packs ever? It was a sick joke. I knew it wasn't a mistake or some kind of mix-up. The moon goddess doesn't make mistakes. That doesn't mean she can't try to be funny once in a while.

Just as I rounded a corner, (still cursing the moon goddess in my mind obviously) I accidentally bumped into a girl sending her backward.

Oh no, f**k!

I noticed it was the slave girl that had been mated to me. The moon goddess really knew how the f**k with me.

I wanted to walk away before she looked up and notices me but I stayed and watched her with interest. She wasn't bad to look at. She was gorgeous with a body that could cause men to start wars but then, she was just a slave.

She looked up after being dazed for a while and focused on me. I saw the shock in her expression just before it was replaced by resentment then she kept her expression blank.

My body responded to her standing so close. It was the first time we were standing so close in years since the slave master of the palace bought her.

"I'm sorry sir." She said bowing even though I had been the one that ran into her.

She sounded like she meant it even though she spoke grudgingly. I knew she was older than seventeen so she had to be aware we were mates.

"Cut the act. I know you are aware we're mated." I said to her without holding back.

She looked up at me shocked at my tone then nodded. 

"I hate that," I said. "I hate being mated to a thing like you."

She smiled weakly as she said, "I understand sir."

I hated how she was agreeing to everything I said. I knew she was rebellious. She had a spirit of rebellion. I was connected to her in a way that was both unique and annoying which made me know and understand her in a way that no one else could. So why was she being submissive?

I turned to walk away.

"Come with me," I said without looking back.