Chapter two: He is my mate.

Rhea POV

I reached the pack mansion, the night air was weighty with the scent of damp earth. I wrapped my arms around myself, nerves surging through my muscles. It was my very first time coming to the packhouse. And now alone.

As I approached the gate, a deep, unfamiliar voice cut through the silence that had just the croaks of crickets.

“And who are you? What is your business here?”  

I froze. A guard. His unreadable stare bore into me.  

“I was sent by Mrs Anita for a gardening job,” I said, forcing the steadiness of my already trembling voice.

“Gardening job? We weren’t expecting anyone today, or—” he said with a confused tone. “But since you are coming from Mrs Anita. Then I would just have to play cool.” 

It wasn't the words of the guard that reeled through my mind, but the event from minutes ago between Anita and her daughter.

“I need directions please. Can you take me to the garden so I can get going.” My quivering tone was laced with fear. My hands clenched to the gown stained with blood.

“I will. But if I may ask; why are you stained in blood?” the guard asked. But this was the question I had tried to avoid. 

“It's none of your business. Just direct me to where I am supposed to be.” I exclaimed, trying to stealth the pain deep within me, my eyes already forming dewy eyes.

“You can't say It's none of my business.” he continued. “What if you are a vampire who is here to kill or even a spy?” The guard said. His voice turned venomous to my ears. 

“I am not a spy or whatever you call it.” I said, my voice high above a whisper as I tried not to reflect the fear and vulnerability that had eaten deep inside my soul.

“Then what are you? A rogue? A witch who finds solace in sucking blood?” His questions already furring my head to what I never wanted at this point when I need absolute silence with my thoughts.

“Okay fine!” I shrieked. “You really want to know who I am?” I asked, the agony already to the point of my throat as my breath escaped its flow from my lungs.

“Yes, and now.” He said in an authoritative tone. “And don't act like someone to be pitiable, that's how your kind behave before carrying out their dark acts.”

His words faded as something strange hit me. All my life had been hit of agony and pain, but this was something I couldn't fathom. 

A scent.  

It enveloped my senses, intoxicating and undeniable—pine, lavender and floral with its exquisiteness of natural roses.

No.  

My body froze as realization slammed into me like a punch to my face.

What could this be? The scent became more pungent as I darted my eyes to find where it was coming from.

“Hey, I am talking to you.” the guards voice cutting through the thought of what I had never felt in my existence.

“Don't you feel what I'm feeling?” I asked. My eyes rested on him for the hope of the scent coming from him.

“What do you mean by feelings?” He asked, his face in an uncanny expression but suddenly followed by something cold. “So you think you can play games with me right? Just wait here, I will be back. I will teach people like you what it means to be responsible.”

His words resonated like what was usually responded with either an escape or a plea. But to me it was absurd. What just filled my mind was the intoxicating scent that filled my senses as I continued darting my eyes to find where it was coming from.

Surprisingly, It's been almost two years since I got my wolf but the Moon Goddess was yet to grant me what she usually gave to female wolves at their turn to eighteen. Although the case was for me and Ria. We were not yet mated.

This scent. This pull.  

It could only mean one thing. But I don't think I was ready for it, because of the threats from my guardian Anita of me getting married before Ria, her daughter.

And I was about to turn twenty tomorrow.  

I darted my gaze sharply as I scanned the dimly lit entrance. My breath paused for a moment when I saw him.

It was Damon Blackthorn. The future Alpha of Moonveil Pack.  

My mate.  

“This can’t be,” I whispered, dread curling in my chest as I cringed to get a good posture of taking my heels on the run. 

But I couldn't because of the pull that was intensifying, drawing me closer to him like a magnet. 

For the first time in the past two years, my wolf, Zomen, said something. “I am so happy to finally meet him. Can't wait for Zoran to be my lifetime partner.” 

Zoran is the name of Damon Blackthorn’s wolf, known for his strength and fierceness.

Damon’s piercing eyes locked into mine, something unreadable flickering in their depths. He moved forward, his towering presence making my skin jolt with awareness.

I felt like running into those arms of his. His broad beared chest gave him his large statue. At least he is my mate and it wasn't a bad idea anyways.

“Good evening my leader. I am really…” My words were interrupted by his fingers on my lips.

“Shhhh, you don't need to say anything.” Damon requested.

“I feel it too,” he murmured, voice low as he reached for me. His fingers tangled in my hair, pushing it back to expose my neck. His breath cascaded against my skin, sending a shiver down my spine.  

“Yes, you are,” I admitted, my voice barely audible. “Not my will, but that of the Moon Goddess.”  

He chuckled darkly, amusement laced with something cruel.  

“When I see you, I see something of the reflection of an attribute,” he said. “You are an attribute of failure, girl.” His voice turning malicious, his words like a sword cutting through my soul. “Anyways, get to my chambers immediately.”

I froze. “But that wasn't the reason why I came here.”

“I don't care. Just be a good girl and oblige to my words.” he continued. “Let's do what we have to do and go our separate ways.”

His words resonated like a weighty block that fell on my heart, shattering it into fragments that couldn't be replaced. 

“I won't go with you.” I said in a stern tone, fighting with my wolf not to show the gullibility I felt towards his request. 

He ignored my protest. “I hope you know who I am and you know what I can do to you if you don't act submissive to my command.” His voice landed with primality. “Don't put me to the test.’

“What do you….” I could barely talk before he yelled.

“Guards!! Take this thing to my chamber immediately.”

Before I could react, the guards grabbed me, dragging me to his chamber.