The Mate Matching Bureau

VioletSomething terrible is going to happen today.I don’t know why I feel like that as I carefully walk down the stairs with my blonde hair flowing behind me. My long white dress is soft like silk and hugs my porcelain skin in all the right places. Everyone’s eyes are on me—the Alpha king’s daughter—as I approach the bottom floor where the mating ball is waiting for me.Today, I’ve officially turned eighteen, and tonight is very special. It’s time for me to pick my mate. Every person born in the Alpha family chooses their own mate to mark. We make our own choice on who to spend the rest of our life with. That’s why the room is filled with eager eyes. There are five different packs here tonight, but my heart is set on just one person: my long-time boyfriend, Blake.I smile as I near him, already knowing he is the one I’m going to claim as mine tonight. His eyes meet mine, but for some reason, he looks a bit nervous. Could it be because he finds me so irresistible tonight?Ignoring al

Violet A week later This is the second time I’m at the mating bureau. I came here a few days ago, and the matchmaker behind the counter had me fill in some paperwork about what I’m looking for in a mate. She also had me complete a personality test. I glance up at Jace and try not to laugh when I see him yawning behind his mask. Poor fellow. He was forced to follow me here today since my father doesn’t think I’m able to defend myself. And he is somewhat right, I’m not a fighter, but I’m not defenseless either. I am, however, not as talented as Jace at fighting. My giant guard is a force to be reckoned with and is equipped with a sword on his back that is almost taller than me. “How are you even able to swing that thing?” I point at Jace’s sword, and he tilts his head. He might not be able to speak, but I know the raised eyebrow look—he is wondering if I’m underestimating him. I giggle in amusement. “Okay, okay. I get it. You’re huge and all that, but you can’t blame me for aski

Violet My heart pounds in my ears as I slip my red dress over my head. Tonight I’m going out with Mr. Crocodile Man, and I have no clue what to expect. Is he going to want me to do the talking? Should I be quiet and let him brag about himself and whatever manly things he has achieved in his life to feed his ego? Will he even find me attractive? I look at my reflection and sigh. I hope he will find me beautiful. I worked really hard on my appearance tonight. My hair is newly cut into a page, and my makeup is right on point, yet I feel like there is something missing. My heart, maybe? I stare at my reflection in the mirror, taking in the way the red velvet dress clings to my curves like a second skin. I bite my lip, feeling uncomfortable—not only do I feel exposed in this outfit, but it’s not quite me. Jeans and T-shirts are my style, not fancy dresses like this one. I can’t help but worry that my date will think I’m something I’m not. I’m a tomboy, not a girly girl, and yet here I

VioletWith his hot breath fanning over my neck, the sudden change in his tone leaves me bewildered. I swallow hard, giving a faint nod because it seems like the only choice I have. A small sigh of relief escapes him before he loosens his grip, allowing me to turn around.He is still wearing that damned mask. But up close, I can see the worry lines etching his forehead above it. Something is different about watching that face now, knowing what lies behind it - Alpha Lucifer.“Good girl,” he murmurs, taking a step back from me. The tail recedes, too, and I look down, wondering where it vanished. Has he always been a demon? Wait. I’m stupid—of course, he has! He just chose to keep this from me.“Why?” The word slips out before I can stop it. It’s not accusatory or even demanding, just quiet and defeated.Jace’s eyes, visible over the mask, soften, and he reaches out his hand as if to comfort me. But he stops mid-air when he realizes that I’m shaking.A sigh leaves his lips. “Because I c