Chapter 2

The guards pulled me away from Carlos aggressively. With their Stony faces portraying a terrifying aura, they seemed unaffected by my tears. 

"I can see you're so desperate to have my son, you little cursed slut." Alpha Varlos thundered as he approached me and I shook in fear as I recoiled from him.

"Dad! She's not a slut, okay. I love her!" Carlos yelled and his father halted his pace towards me.

Upon hearing him out, his father turned to strike him firmly in the cheek with his fist.

"Have you no shame, Carlos? Have you gone insane? How dare you have a thing with such a low life like her? You're the prince of Goldmoon pack. She's an omega for goodness sake and she… she's even cursed."

"She's not cursed!" I watched as Carlos defended with emotions getting the best of him. He wasn't afraid to speak back to his father and he was ready to defend our relationship.

"She's my mate!" 

When Carlos revealed, everyone, including his father, gasped out and widened their eyes in shock.

"What did you just say?" 

"I said she's my mate!" 

"You are spilling nonsense from your mouth, Carlos,"

"I think he needs some rest. He must have been exhausted since the war so take him to his chamber." Alpha Varlos spoke to a few guards who obeyed his commands by holding Carlos tightly.

"I'm not spilling nonsense dad. It is true. She's my mate and I will do anything to have her even if it means going against your rules."

After he said that, Carlos received another hard slap on the cheek. The slap had made his smooth, creamy cheek turn crimson. His breath left him in short spurts. He looked at his dad, and I could see the rage in his eyes. 

"I think she has bewitched my son. A witch like her should be banished from this kingdom."

"No dad! Please don't do that!" 

"Really?"

"I don't see why I should grant your request, son. She won't be banished on just one condition."

Carlos and I locked eyes as his father opened out. We turned to stare at Alpha Varlos with worry written on our faces.

*****

Enthusiasm and celebration permeated the air. Lights, ribbons, flowers, and glittery materials were used to decorate the entire palace. 

The local kitchen, which was used by commoners, and the royal kitchen were both smelling of various cuisines. A grin stretched across everyone's face as they were all overcome with happiness. 

Why won't they? It was the birthday of our beloved prince and Alpha successor - Carlos Jacques Alessandro. 

I was in my gray dress as usual, feeding the horses at the stable with my friend, Kate, who was also an omega like me.

"You don't look happy, Camelia." Kate jerked me by the shoulder and acknowledged. I turned to look at her and feigned a grin. "Who told you so?" 

"You appear pale and have a melancholy demeanor. Tell me, is Alpha Varlos' threat the reason for this?" Kate inched toward me, muttering.

The other maids were watching, so we decided to lower our voices. Most of them were gossipers and they tend to eavesdrop on people's conversations. 

It is no shock that the king knew about my hideout with Carlos that night. I'm sure one of the maids must have informed him.

"He wanted to banish me but.."

"But what?" Kate asked, getting intrigued.

"But Carlos pleaded, accepting the king's condition of avoiding me so I could remain here." I admitted as I took a bite of the horse's carrot.

"That's so sad. You both were actually great together. But are you really sure Carlos is your mate? You.. you don't even have a wolf yet so how could you tell?" 

"I don't need to have a wolf before I know he's my mate." I said, getting on both feet before pacing around. 

"His love for me, his kind words, his concern towards me and our connection. I can feel it and I know he's the one for me." 

I said convincingly as I gazed into Kate's brown eyes. 

"So he, I mean, has Carlos spoken to you ever since that incident?" 

Kate asked and I paused before backing her.

"No. He hasn't spoken to me since we were caught by the king. But…"

"But what?" Kate asked, stepping forward and closing the distance between us.

"We saw each other last night and he gave me flowers, telling me he'd never end our relationship."

"Awww! That's so sweet." Kate bursted out and I smiled before turning to face her.

"Will you be attending his party?" 

"Of course, why won't I?" I muttered amidst a blush. "I can't wait to see him." 

******

The hall was filled with noble men and women. There were different Alphas from different packs who were present at the party. So many Alpha sons and daughters were present too. 

Sentinels stayed at every door for security. Maids loomed around, serving guests respectfully, and servants walked around with drinks on trays. 

I could hear the clinking of glasses as well as music playing in the background. Kate, some other omegas and I, arranged the chairs and tables for the guest. 

When I saw Carlos in his blue bow tie and white suit, my heart skipped a beat. His blue eyes were as brilliant as ever, and his spiky blond hair flowed over his shoulders. 

He was not just endearing and gorgeous; He was the epitome of perfection. I couldn't stop blushing while staring at his attractive features. 

"Maintain your focus, Camelia. People are watching you!" Kate said in a mutter as she tapped me by the shoulder.

"I guess I was lost. Thanks for reminding me by the way." I gave Kate my reply while glancing at everyone in the hallway. I focused my gaze on the face of an elderly woman wearing all-black clothing. 

She didn't seem to be blinking and appeared to be staring at me intensely. I looked away from her in the hopes that she would become bored of staring at me, but when I looked back at her, she still had her eyes fixed on me.

I squinted, wondering if she knew me from somewhere before. I noticed she was also staring at my bizarre hair. I felt confused as I tried to comprehend her facial expression. 

"Come!" Kate dragged me, snatching my mind away from the old lady.

"Let's arrange those chairs over there." 

After we were done arranging the chairs, the party commenced with the host giving a short speech.

I felt sad as I noticed Carlos was so interested in the conversation he was having with a damsel beside him. 

She had brown wavy hair and deep blue eyes like him. Her name was Phoebe, and she was the daughter of Alpha Thompson from Snowmoon pack. 

I watched as the both of them engaged in deep conversation, chuckling at every interval.

My heart broke just seeing them together.

I knew I was no match for Carlos. I wondered why the Moon goddess hated me so much by giving me hopes with him when it's obvious we couldn't be together. 

After the party, my worst fears came when Carlos introduced Phoebe as his new mate. 

Everyone rejoiced but my broken heart shattered into pieces. Yes, I was broken beyond repair.

I hoped to see Carlos so we could discuss, but when our eyes met, he turned his face away, ignoring my existence.

A tear dropped from my eyes as I saw him and Phoebe, holding hands and having a fun time together. 

Has he forgotten the promise he made to me?

I approached him and Phoebe, attempting to initiate a discussion with him. 

Alpha Varlos advanced menacingly before I could say anything. Carlos turned to face me after he had frightenedly caught eyes with his father. 

"I'm sorry Camelia. You need to end whatever feelings you have for me now. I've got a new mate." 

"W-what?" I asked with a shaky breath, tears forming in my eyes.

"Yes, Camelia. I'm sorry but I can't be your mate." Carlos emphasized, his voice tinging with regret. 

I knew he must have been forced into making his decision.

"But- you, you promised me last night that you'd always be there for me."

"That was then, but not anymore. I, Carlos Alessandro, reject you Camelia as my mate." 

I turned around and took to my heels before he could say anything further. All eyes were on me and I heard laughter erupting from the audience.

"A cursed person like her, how dare she try to woo the prince?"

"What was she expecting other than a rejection from him?" 

As I raced out of the hall, I heard whispers and rumors from every direction. Daring not to look behind, I picked up the speed as I ran.

Kate called after me but I ignored her. She left me after sometime, thinking it was best for me to be alone. 

Running into a bar, I ordered some drinks just so I could forget everything. After drinking several glasses of alcohol, I ordered more bottles. 

Just as I was about to take the last glass, I felt a hand stop me.

In curiosity, I turned to my right to face the person and I was stunned to see the old lady from the party an hour ago. 

"You?" I shrieked, getting off from my velvet chair before scooting away from her in fear.

"What are you doing here?" 

"I'm Lady Gaga, a famous sorceress here in Goldmoon pack. I know you're the lady I saw at the prince's party." The old lady muttered, dropping down the glass from my hand. 

"What do you want from me and you kept staring at me. Do you know me from somewhere?" 

"No! I don't. I only want to tell you about your fate."

She replied, staring widely into my deep emerald eyes.

"Your destiny is interlocked with three mates, three mates who are enemies from different packs. You are fated to them so they can make peace with each other." 

"How stupid is that? As you can see I was rejected today by someone who I believe is my true mate. How on earth can I have multiple mates? Does that even make sense to you?" 

"I understand. It can be quite confusing, isn't it?" The old lady grinned, resting her back on her chair.

"Three men will come running after you. Your life is like a puzzle and those mates are the pieces to complete the puzzle. You'll need them to fulfill a mission." The old witch revealed further, leaving me with confusion.

"You know what, I think you're sick in the head. Yes, both you and that silly Moon goddess. I'm done listening to you." I retorted as I stood on both feet, getting ready to leave the bar.

"Have you ever wondered why you have three scars on your neck, missie?" Her statement made me halt my movement. 

How on earth does she know?.

I turned to look at her, curiosity imprinted on my face as I drew nearer to her.

"Tell me, why? Why are there three scars on my neck? Do you know anything about it?"

"Yes dear. Those three scars represent your three mates."

"But I only want one mate."

"That one mate will only be determined by their depth of desire for you. You will rightfully be the mate of the brave soul who dares to save you from Lucifer."

I furrowed my brows again in perplexity as she divulged more.

"What do you mean, Lucifer?"

"Yes dear, you're not cursed. You have special powers that are cherished by the demon clan. That one person that can save you from them will turn out to be the destined mate for you." The old witch revealed with a sad smile while I scooted backwards from her.

"Please say no more. I've heard enough! I don't want to hear any more words from you!" I said as I retreated my steps from her.

I looked at her one last time before dashing out of the bar with great speed. 

Like a psychotic patient, I sprinted across the street, unafraid of the oncoming cars. I ran with all of my strength and might till I finally reached the woods. All I wanted was to be alone and cry my eyes out. I hated my life, my fate and everything.

I kept running till a thorn pierced me on the shoulder, causing me to stop.

When I noticed blood streaming from my wound, I whimpered. A harsh guttural growl came from a distance before I could attempt to tend to the wound. 

I shook in panic, wondering what it was. It didn't take me long to understand that I was well away from the road and in the middle of the woods. 

I moved forward, attempting to figure out what was creating such a sound. 

My eyes widened, my body stiff and my jaw dropped at the image of the scene displaying right at my front.

Right there, I saw a vampire sucking and biting the neck of a young lady.

I backed away slowly, trying not to scream. 

Before I could take a further step back, the vampire, who appeared to be a young handsome man, turned to look at me, revealing his sharp teeth covered in blood.

My heart raced rapidly and I could hear my heartbeat in my ear.

Was this my fate? To be killed by a vampire? 

The body of his victim went limp as soon as he was done feasting on her.

His eyes went from my face to my bloody wound as he approached me.

I let out a cry and tried to flee, but he quickly materialized in front of me, opening his mouth to suck on my flesh.