Xander's POV:The world stopped around me as soon as she asked me whether she was my mate or not. The hurt in her eyes was raging a storm inside me.I wanted to hold her face, hug her, and tell her over and over again that I have already chosen her for me. She wasn't my mate but I couldn't care any less about that. Instinctively, I took a step toward her and was about to cup her cheek when she suddenly flinched away. Tears were brimming in her eyes but she didn't let go of the facade of bravery, "Yes or No?"The line between right and wrong had already been blurred for me. I opened my mouth to lie to her, anything to give her peace but right at that moment, Antonio opened the mindlink, "Lying would only make the situation worse."My body went rigid, "No one needs to know that she isn't my mate, Beta. We can keep it between you and me. A deep, dark secret we'll take to our graves."Anotonio pushed the matter with urgenct, "What about the curse that can only be broken by your true mate

Delilah's POV:I waited for her answer as she kept staring at the ceiling above. Sadness prevailed in her eyes but a small smile tugged on her lips as she walked down memory lane, "When I first came here, 3 years ago, I had no friends. I was opposite to what I am now. I used to be this scared, little introvert girl."I listened to her closely, "It wasn't long before I started being bullied by Bianca. She was also new but had already wrapped everyone around her charm," she rolled her eyes."No one stood against her ever and I too was so scared of her. I can't believe how coward I used to be," she said with a low chuckle.And then with a sigh, "Anyhow, she had gotten herself a new toy to bully and I kept taking it like a fool I was until one day when I had had enough of her bullshit. I remember how she kicked me and my food tray slipped away from my hold. It made me angry. So angry as it had my favorite dumplings on the tray and I have been waiting for lunchtime since I woke up in the mo

Delilah's POV: Two days later, I got a call from the front desk that they had received the letter under my name. I got it on my way back to my room and scrutinized the khaki folder in my hands. It bore my name and the address of the hostel but there was no information about the sender.Tearing the opening, I took out an off-white envelope and placed it on the table. In the center of the envelope, a circular logo was engraved. Bringing it closer to my eyes, I saw the circle divided into six portions. Inside every part, a tiny symbol was engraved.One symbol I recognized immediately was a black wolf paw with a tiny white human handprint inside it. I squinted at the next symbol when Addy gasped over my shoulder, "When did you receive it?"I jerked around and faced her, "Just today. I don't know what this is. All these symbols..."Addy took the envelope from my hands and pointed at the logo, "This is the logo of Supernatural Council."I remembered that she had informed me that there is a

Delilah's POV: Outside the boutique, Dorian stepped between me and Addy and hooked out his arms, "Let's go and buy our princess a beautiful gown." Addy cheered up and I gave him a side-eye, "Since when did you start taking interest in girly matters?" He smiled widely, showing his white teeth, "Ever since I got two female friends who are a total headache." Addy stuck out her tongue, "Consider yourself lucky to be hanging out with us, Dory." Dorian's eyes brightened up, "Oh that I totally am." I rolled my eyes and slipped my arm in his. Stepping inside the boutique, we saw hundreds of beautiful gowns in every color and style. Addy's eyes popped out of their sockets, "Look at these beautiful dresses, Dee." She walked toward the chiffon gown, "Do you have anything in mind? What do you want to wear to your Claiming Ball?"I narrowed my eyes and deadpanned, "Do you think I am excited about this Ball, Adeline? Just pick whatever you want."The smile fell off her face and Dorian winced.

Delilah's POV:The car stopped in front of a huge building with an off-white exterior and a large dome perched at the top. A giant logo of the council was engraved at the front.Two of the maids rushed to the car and helped me out before adjusting my dress around me. I looked around and my spirit died further as I saw everyone making a grand entrance with someone beside them. Whether it be their parents, friends, or partner, no one was alone beside me.Telling myself that I didn't need anyone, I held up my chin, straightened my shoulders, and made my way towards the entrance.My eyes widened in awe as I took in the beautiful interior. It looked all so elegant with the decoration of flowers. Chandeliers with hundreds of tiny lights in them were dangling from the ceiling, casting a warm glow around the place.A helper stopped beside me and asked for my invitation card. She then took me to the round table with chairs around it. Every chair was designated for a particular person. She tall