SOLD BACK TO HER MATE

CHAPTER THREE

~~DIANE~~

I woke up to the sound of my alarm again. A quick glance out the window told me it was already late, the perfect time to leave.

My stomach dropped the moment I checked my jeans.

The money was gone.

“Did you misplace something?”

Abigail leaned against the doorframe, watching me with open disdain.

I opened my mouth, but nothing came out.

She waved a hand dismissively. “It’s okay. I understand. Stop searching. Your money is with me now.”

“It’s mine,” I whispered, panic rising in my chest. “Please give it back, mother. I spent three years saving every bit of it.”

Abigail stepped into the room, arms crossed. “I’m not stupid enough to hand it back so you can run. There’s no way out of this. Accept it.”

“But Mother—”

“If you try to escape again,” she said coldly, “I’ll make sure you regret it.”

It was my birthday, yet I was having the worst day of my life.

I slid down the wall and thought bitterly. “I am doomed.”

~XAVIER~

~STEALTH PACK~

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, a small, satisfied smile tugging at my lips.

My blonde hair was pulled back into a neat bun. Blue eyes. Full lips that always seemed to rest in a smirk. The thin scar above my eyebrow only sharpened my face.

“You look rather excited today,” Ace said from behind me, one eyebrow raised. “Am I missing something?”

“Nothing,” I replied. “I’m just looking forward to our duel. Can’t wait to put you on your ass.”

Ace was my opposite in almost every way: grey eyes, dark wavy hair that fell over one side of his forehead, tanned skin, and tattoos covering most of his arms. We shared a father, but different mothers. I was born to Luna Harriette, father’s human mate. Ace was born to Luna Melanie, his wolf mate. .

“You’re older and you’re the Alpha,” he said with a shrug. “Of course you’ll have the upper hand.”

“Ten years isn’t that big of a gap.”

“The duel isn’t even necessary,” Ace muttered. “I’m not fighting for the title. I don’t want it. Why do I have to fight my own brother for something I never asked for?”

I adjusted my collar. “You can’t say the same for your mother. She wants you to have it because you’re full-blooded. She suggested this duel to test me. If I fail, the title goes to you.”

I left the room before he could reply.

On my way to the office, I caught more whispers about the new maid. Curiosity got the better of me. I called one of the maids over.

“Alpha,” she said, head bowed. “How may I help you?”

“Who is this new maid everyone keeps talking about?”

“She was brought in today from Crescent Pack. She’s meant to serve in the Alpha’s mansion for the next ten years.”

My brows furrowed. “We already have enough maids.”

“We are currently short on a few maids.. More replacements are needed.”

I nodded once. “Fine. You may go.”

The bell rang shortly after.

It was time.

***

The sound of swords clashing filled the air as Ace and I fought like our lives depended on it.

I was breathing hard. “You’re not bad,” I said between strikes. “Your form is almost perfect.”

Ace only grunted, refusing to drop his guard. “It’s a fight. I’m giving it everything.”

Neither of us was willing to back down. Blood streaked our skin. Fresh cuts marked both our bodies.

Then the scent hit me.

Sweet. Floral. Unmistakable.

It grew stronger with every second… intoxicating, pulling at something deep inside me.

I shook my head hard, forcing it away. If I let it distract me now, Ace would win. The duel was almost over. I needed to stay focused.

Luck finally tipped in my favor. I found an opening and took it without hesitation. My blade sank into his side. Ace dropped to one knee, hands pressing against the wound.

“I’m sorry, brother,” I muttered, letting my sword fall to the ground.

The crowd erupted in cheers.

But my mind was already elsewhere.

That scent… I had smelled it before. At the banquet in Crescent Pack. It belonged to her.

I left the training grounds without another word, following the trail through the crowd until I saw her.

Her.

Irritation flared hot and sharp.

“Follow me,” I snarled, turning away.

Why the hell was she here? Had she actually followed me after I rejected her?

I stopped in a quiet, enclosed area far from the others and spun around to face her.

“What are you doing here?”