3. Mate

Amara POV

“Mate.” I whispered softly. He didn’t speak a word, nor did he move a muscle. He just stared at me with not a single expression on that perfect face of his.

Goddess.. I couldn’t believe my eyes. The man before me stands at over 6 feet tall. His large muscles looked as if they could rip anyone apart in a moments notice. His short, dark curly hair lay neatly on his head, framing his perfect face.. bringing out his beautiful dark brown eyes. And goddess.. those lips? So plump and full..

Before I could say anything else he turned around and rushed back inside.

He just.. left me? My mate just walked away from me.

I went after him, only to see that he was nowhere in sight.

Where did he go?

A wave of sadness flowed through me.. my mate just left me without speaking a word to me. Could this night get any worse?

I walked back into the room full of people, hoping that maybe I would find him but instead my arm was gripped by a big, warm hand.

“There you are! Goddess, I’ve been looking for you everywhere! They just announced that the King will be here at any moment! You need to prepare yourself.” Father said as he looked around.

The blood drained from my face and I suddenly felt very Ill. I couldn’t be chosen by the King now! I just found my mate..

“Maybe you should get another drink. Your nerves seem to be getting you, and it isn’t making you any prettier.” My second oldest brother, Gavin said. I fiddled with my fingers in my hands, hating that there’s always something they would pick at.

My father let go of me and nodded in agreement.

Before they could make me feel any worse, I walked back to the bar and let out a sigh.

“Back for more?” The bartender gave me a polite smile.

“Get her something strong. She’s going to need the courage.” Gatlin startled me by speaking. I hadn’t realized he’d followed me to the bar. He’s the youngest and nicest out of my three brothers.. never laid a hand on me, unlike the others. He always looked at me with pity on his face, and stood up for me when things were really bad.

“Right away.“ the bartender replied as he began to pour me something different from before.

Chills rolled through me, almost as if someone was watching me. I looked around, but didn’t see anyone.. not even my mate. My heart sped frantically in my chest thinking about my mate. Goddess, I’m just imagining things. I’m paranoid and it’s getting to my head.

“How are you feeling?” Gatlin asked catching me off guard once again.

“Nervous.” I said. The bartender sat my glass in front of me and I picked it up, downing it in one mouthful.

“Don’t worry, Amara. You look great. I can’t say the same for the other girls here tonight.” He said with a sigh.

“Can I get a whiskey on the rocks?” He asked the bartender. With a nod the man began to make his drink.

“Did you see Lola?” Gatlin asked as he looked at me. Lola was his mate, but she rejected him because she’s a power hungry who.re. She didn’t save herself for her mate, and was just awful to him after they found out. She wanted to be with my oldest brother, Grim, so that she could be the future Luna.

“I did.. she’s just as mean as ever.” I rolled my eyes. He shook his head and picked up his glass as it was sat down.

“I’ll never understand why the Moon Goddess paired me with such a mate.” He sighed.

“At least she didn’t run away after you found her.” I spoke in almost a whisper, speaking of my own problem. He furrowed his brows and looked at me. I guess I wasn’t quiet enough for him to not hear me.

“Did something happen?” He asked. I stayed silent for a few moments, debating on whether I should say anything or not.

“N-no. Nothing.” I finally said. I knew he didn’t believe me, but thankfully, he didn’t push any further.

“You should probably go dance.” He said as he looked towards the dance floor.

“I.. don’t have anyone to dance with.” I said. In all honesty, now that I’d found my mate, the thought of dancing with another man didn’t seem very appealing. Not that it did before, anyway.

“I’ll dance with you.” He said. He stood up as he finished his drink and left it on the bar. He held out his arm; A small smile grew on my face as I wrapped my arm in his and stood up. We walked to the dance floor, the musicians playing a fast paced, lively song.

He placed his hand on my side, the other in my hand. My hand fell on his shoulder as he began to move his feet, I tried to follow his movements as best as I could, despite me stepping on my dress every now and then.

He smiled brightly at me as we twirled. People gathered around us doing the same dance.

“You’re hard to keep up with.” I giggled.

“You’re doing fairly well. I know you’ve never really been to one of these things before.” He said, reminding me that I’ve always been trapped in the packhouse.

This dance required switching partners in the middle.. but I didn’t realize that. Gatlin spun me around and I pulled out. My hand was grabbed as he let me go, and when I was pulled into the new man’s arm, tingles erupted from my hand and a familiar scent hit me.

Mate.

He looked dazzling in his the colors of his attire. The literal definition of perfection.. He moved gracefully on the dance floor, his hand on my side, the other hand holding mine tightly. He kept his eyes pinned on me.. studying me as if trying to remember my every feature.

“Who was that man you were dancing with?” His deep voice brought chills to me, leaving goosebumps along my skin. Of course I couldn’t miss the deadly look in his eyes as he thought of me dancing with another man.

“I-I..” I stumbled to try and find words to say, but nothing came to me. It was my brother, but I still had trouble saying it.

He leaned forward and breathed in heavily, probably trying to scent who it was.

“Family?” He questioned. All I could conjure was a nod.

“And your name is Amara?” He asked. He must’ve heard someone say it. Although his stare was cold.. I could see a hint of emotion in them. Just the slightest, but I couldn’t decipher what it is. Maybe confusion? But why would he be confused?

“Yes.” I could finally speak. He twirled me around before pulling me back against his hard body.

Before I could ask for his name, it was time to switch partners again. Another man grabbed my hips, pulling me away from him. I heard the faintest growl from my mate, but he didn’t fight. His warmth was replaced with cold hands that brought me nothing but discomfort.

When I realized who my mates new partner is, my face dropped into a glare. Lola. I hadn’t realized the growl that had left me until my new parter cleared his throat.

“Oh, what? Sorry..” my face felt hot from embarrassment.

“It’s fine. You are quite a lovely woman. What pack are you from?” The man asked, completely dismissing my display of anger. He is an attractive man.. but nothing compared to my mate.

“Black Forrest.” I said as we swirled around the floor.

I kept peering out of the corner of my eyes at my mate and Lola. Lola looked great beside him; which only fueled my anger even more. She was smiling brightly at him as she spoke, my heart sinking when he spoke back.

“Ah.. you seem of high rank. Are you the betas daughter?” My partner asked.

“I’m Alpha Brock’s daughter.” I said as I looked back at him. His eyes widened with surprise. Clearly he hadn’t anticipated that. He spun me around once before pulling me back against him.