Mate's Love

Today, my eighteenth birthday, was meant for my bonding with James, my fated mate. Instead, the day before, he coldly rejected me, declaring his love for another. Today was their engagement party.

The bride, the Chief Elder's daughter, shimmered in an extravagant diamond gown. She was a vision of noble beauty. With the Silver Moon Pack's Alpha unexpectedly deceased, the Chief Elder held the power to appoint the successor. James, driven by ambition, chose the Alpha position over me, a lowly Omega with a sick mother and no influence.

I stood alone with a champagne glass clutched in my hand, watching them dance in the ballroom. My heart shattered, just like my sorrowful inner wolf. James's fake smiles and betraying eyes were unbearable. I downed drink after drink as the world blurred around me.

Desperate to escape the hypocrisy, I staggered towards the door. But fate intervened cruelly. Near the steps, my ankle twisted and my heel snapped, as I fell. But I felt strong arms around me. I looked up into deep blue eyes, filled with tenderness and concern. A powerful male werewolf, his muscular frame giving off strength, far more than James.

'Miss, are you alright?' he asked. His eyes held secrets, his high nose and thin lips radiating authority.

'Sorry,' I replied, inwardly scolding myself for nearly losing composure. 'I'm fine, thank you.'

I tried to stand, but the pain in my ankle made me gasp. He held my shoulder firmly. 'Miss, your shoes are broken; you can't walk.' He pointed to the ruined heel.

'I…' Before I could speak, he scooped me into his arms and headed for a luxury car.

'What are you doing?!' I exclaimed, instinctively clinging to his neck.

He looked down, his eyes soft. 'Don't worry, I'm taking you home.'

His words calmed me, and I relaxed in his arms. In the car, he carefully removed my broken shoes, revealing my fair legs. The pain in my ankle intensified.

'Don't move, I'll help,' he murmured, his deep voice brushing my ear as he gently massaged my ankle. And comfort spread through me. I shivered, my muscles tensing. His touch was intimate, almost like a mate's, and I blushed, enjoying the sensation. Our eyes met, and my heart skipped a beat.

Time seemed to stop. Soon, the car pulled up to a luxurious villa.

'We're here,' he said softly.

'Where is this?' I asked.

He smiled. 'My villa. Don't worry, just follow me.'

His arms were warm and comforting, and I couldn't resist his mysterious scent. Inside, I glanced around at the exquisite decor, uneasiness creeping in. A business card on the coffee table caught my eye. 'Michael Edward Carter?!' I gasped. This was the legendary Alpha King, the most esteemed pureblood werewolf, controlling the wealth and resources of countless Lycan packs across North America, and James's uncle.

'You know me?' he asked, cupping my face.

'Of course,' I replied, my heart racing. 'Every werewolf knows your name.'

He smiled. 'It's an honor to be remembered by such a beautiful lady.'

I stared into his mesmerizing blue eyes, my heart fluttering. I felt an irresistible pull towards him. My body responded to his touch, and I embarrassingly found myself wanting more. As the alcohol took hold, I lost control, pulling him closer. His strong arms enveloped me, and his eyes burned with intensity. His lips crashed onto mine, invading my mouth. I responded eagerly, but the prickling sensation at the back of my neck only intensified. My inner wolf stirred anxiously, and I realized my connection to my mother had weakened. Just then, my phone rang. 'Hello, is this Miss Emily? Your mother's condition has worsened!'"