Rejecting the Prince's Mate

Julia POV We had been through some rigid training in preparation for tonight’s event. Our uniforms had been provided by the palace. Not the sleezy type you might expect. Everyone wore black pants and black blouses buttoned to the top button. We had name badges in a variety of colors indicating what you were responsible for. Cami, my best friend, was leading the waiter staff, so she was bronze. I was leading the dessert chefs, so mine was red. We had finished getting ready. Everyone with longer hair had to have it up. We both looked one another over to ensure a hair was not out of place. We had been advised if we did not adhere to the rules, we would not be permitted entrance. And we wanted to be inside that palace. To see all those beautiful people dressed in beautiful gowns and tuxedos, would be overwhelming in a good way. We had never seen such glamour before and may never get the opportunity again. Smiling at one an

Julia POV I could feel my blood pressure rising. The man who was supposed to be helping create the dessert masterpieces had begged off for a break and had not returned. That was an hour ago. He had been dragging his ass the entire time, and I knew it was because he felt he should be head dessert chef. I would not let him ruin this evening or the desserts, so I jumped in to help my team, while also trying to check everything that left the kitchen. Ensuring consistency was key to an event this size. It had also been instilled in us that this evening had to be perfect. And that meant all aspects from serving to food and beverages. “Oh my,” Cami says as she comes up to me for a moment. “What?” I ask concerned something had happened. “There are so many beautiful people out there. It is all I can do not to spill the drinks as I trip over one magnificent creature to the next!” she declares as I laugh at her candidness.

Eric POV As I thrust one last time into Louisa, I roar my release. The roar was not for an amazing experience but for the pain I felt at losing my fated mate. “That was incredible,” Louisa says as I slip out of her body. I quickly move to the side of my bed and move towards the washroom. I jump into the shower to wash off Louisa’s scent. It sickens me, after scenting my fated. I lean my head against the shower stall and consider all that has happened this evening. All that should have been. It should have been Julia in my bed tonight. That beauty would consume me for years to come, regardless of who I take as a chosen mate. Before I can process anything else, I hear a frantic call through my mind-link from Elizabeth. “What is it?” I reply. “Please come to the Pack hospital at once. We have a situation and I do not know what to do,” she says urgently. For Elizabeth to call out to me at this point in the evening, I knew t

Julia POV “What the hell is that?” I murmured to Cami as we left the Palace property. She followed my gaze off to the right in the distance. “It looks like wolves. How is that possible?” she asked quietly, as we continued driving towards the city. “I have never heard of wolves around here before,” I said softly as I considered the beauty of the animals that seemed closer than they were. Cami did not slow down and got us home forty minutes later. “How are you feeling?” she asked me. “I am still sore, but much better than I was last night,” I promised her as she pulled the car to a stop in front of my apartment building. “Are you sure? Maybe I should take you to the local hospital,” she suggested as I looked at her. I smiled, “I am fine; I think it would be a slap in the face if we did not trust the Palace’s doctor,” I stated to her laughing at how silly it sounded. She joined me before I turned and looked towards my apartm

Julia POVStartled by the sudden noise, I paused as I realized I had wanted Eric’s lips on mine. The man was clearly crazy so what did it say about me wanting him to kiss me? He rested his forehead on mine, and I enjoyed the warmth his skin brought to my body. I knew I was starting to go into shock. Realizing I had stumbled upon someone who had still been in the apartment when I arrived home was starting to set in.What were they looking for? And how did they get out of the fire escape door? Before I could think about it any longer, Eric stepped away from me and walked towards the sitting room in my small apartment. I was embarrassed that he had seen my sparsely furnished space while he came from luxury. Silly, giving my head a shake, he was simply being polite following up on me to make sure I arrived home safely. Likely worried they might be sued, for the food poisoning I had suffered, I think with a chuckle.Following Eric, I see him already in a conversation with the polic