A Mate I Never Chose

Natalie's POV

A pounding headache hit me as I tried to open my eyes. "Ahh..." I groaned when the bright light stung them, forcing me to cover them with my hand—only then did I notice it was wrapped in bandages. The memory came rushing back—Nora had dug her heels into it, leaving it injured.

But who had bandaged it? And where was I? My head felt heavy and foggy as I looked around the large, fancy bedroom filled with expensive furniture and detailed decorations. My stomach twisted with unease. Nothing looked familiar. I blinked a few times, hoping it would make sense—but it didn’t. Whose lavish bedroom is this?

If I remembered right, I was at the auction house, and that green-eyed man had won my bid. Then what happened next? Was I in his house or some kind of hotel?

I tried to sit up, but the pain from my injuries made it hard. That’s when I noticed I was no longer in those dirty clothes—I was wearing pink silk pajamas instead.

Who could have changed my clothes? Was it that man who won the bid?

My thoughts were a mess, tumbling over each other with confusion and questions I couldn’t piece together. I struggled to sit up, wincing from the pain, and leaned back against the bedpost for support.

Just then, I heard the bathroom door click open, and a man stepped out—tall, with sea-green eyes and a white robe that showed his strong chest.

That must be my bidder.

He was too handsome; the mask had hidden him well before.

His scent was a mix of sandalwood and freshness with a hint of something manly, clean and warm. It made my heart skip a beat when he came closer.

For a moment, I was completely lost in that scent—it wrapped around me, pulling me in before I even realized it. My body froze, my heart pounding fast against my ribs.

But the spell broke the instant he stepped closer. Panic shot through me, and I flinched back before I could stop myself.

His movements made my heartbeat quicken. I knew what he probably wanted—the reason he had paid so much for me. Clutching the comforter tightly to my chest, I swallowed hard, not wanting to think about what might happen next.

“Rest assured, I have no intention of hurting you,” he said.

His voice was calm and gentle, as if he noticed how scared I was.

Yeah, right, like I could trust that. He spent a huge amount of money to have me for the night, not to sit and talk. There’s no way I’ll let him take my dignity. I gripped the comforter tighter, met his gaze for a second before turning away. I wouldn’t let him win—no matter what.

“May I know your name?” he asked, raising an eyebrow while drying his wet hair with a white towel.

He looked so good that my heart flutter.

Damn, Natalie, get a grip.

Why does his voice have to sound so calm and make me want to trust him?

I should just ignore him.

"Okay, if you won’t tell me your name, can you at least tell me if you recognize who I am?"

Ah, so this is his real intention. The man who won me in the bid and became my master for the night expects me to recognize him and do whatever he wants. No way, that’s not going to happen.

"You're the one who outbid everyone else and won me."

I didn’t even know why my voice came out filled with sarcasm. I saw his calm expression change; his brow tightened, and his eyes glowed faintly red, making a chill run down my spine.

Did I just make him angry? My heart started beating fast as fear kicked in. I quickly looked around the room for something to protect myself with before he could do anything.

Luckily, I saw a wall hanging with a set of silver daggers close to me but out of his reach.

I sprang out of bed, grabbed a dagger from the wall decoration, and pointed it at him.

What are you doing?" he shouted, his voice filling the room. My hands trembled, but I didn’t lower the knife. Fear clawed at my chest, yet I tightened my grip and held it up, refusing to back down. I licked my dry lips.

"If you try to force me, I will kill you or myself."

I forced the words out, summoning all my courage, but it had no effect on him. He did not flinch. He kept coming toward me without hesitating.

No, I won't allow him to touch me.

I bit the inside of my cheek, silently swearing to fight till the end. I shut my eyes tightly and brought the knife to my wrist, ready to do something drastic. But before I could act, he moved quickly, grabbing both my hands and pushing me against the wall. I couldn’t move as he held my arms above my head.

The next moment, I met his angry eyes. Expecting the worst, I shut my eyes and tilted my head, waiting for a slap or harsh words like before. But instead, he took the knife from my hand and threw it into the trash.

Then, to my surprise, he gently touched my left cheek with his right hand.

“Relax, I have no intention of hurting you. Why would I ever force you when you’re my mate?” His voice was calm, and his eyes looked soft as he slowly brushed my cheek with his thumb.

"Mate?" The word echoed in my head. My mind went blank, and my heart thudded unevenly. After everything I went through with my first mate before he rejected me, I couldn’t take this in. I just stared at him, numb and unable to react.

“Can’t you feel it like I do?” he asked.

It was a fair question, but it hit me harder than I expected. I had never felt the mate bond before—not with Asher, and not with him.

The thought stung, leaving a hollow ache in my chest. I might feel a small pull toward him, but it didn’t feel real, not like what others describe.

No matter how hard I tried to feel what everyone talked about, there was only emptiness. Maybe it’s because my wolf hasn’t awakened yet… or maybe, deep down, something in me is broken.