Chapter 4 Mate

An hour before the banquet . . .

Elijah’s POV

“YOU look like someone who will be entering an execution chamber,” said Joaquin, who was helping me with my black tux here in my room. “Try to plaster a little smile on that face, Elijah. Your father has returned and it’s best to hide your disapproval of this arrangement. Be a grown up.”

My brows furrowed as I looked at my reflection in the mirror. At this age, I realized that some birthdays don’t mean to bring happiness but misfortune, typically the same goes for me.

“So you’re saying that to be a grown up, I have to follow his every command like a fucking robot? Are you fucking real, Quin?”

“Sometimes, you just have to man up and face the reality, Elijah. Not all situations would go on your side. There are times you have to forget your beliefs and adjust for the betterment of many.” He patted my shoulder and then sighed.

“Are you done preaching me?” I turned to him and threw daggers on him.

He tilted his head and shrugged. “Done rubbing the truth on your face, birthday boy. Anyway, your mother prepared some presents for you and for Margaux. Luna Hera wants you to give it to her.”

“Whatever.” I shook my head and walked to the balcony of my room to breathe some fresh air.

“And your new slave is already here. Would you like to check on her?”

I couldn’t help but smirk. I can’t believe my father really took someone from the pack they attacked. “So he really brought me a new slave, huh? Interesting. Where did they take her?”

“In the cage on the east wing.”

***

Present Time . . .

“WE all know that slaves will be only called from their cages, but now you want to have her stay in your room?” Joaquin asked the moment we transferred my new slave into my room. I can see the tracks of her tears from her face, and she is dripping with sweat just by looking at her hair.

“You asked too many questions, Joaquin. Just do what I told you. She will be my guest at the banquet, and that's final.”

He nodded, giving up on whatever it is he's trying to argue about. “I will go ahead and pick up the dress from our tailor. I already called the pack doctor, and he'll be here in no time. I'll be back in a minute.” He said.

“Okay, make it quick. We are running out of time.”

When Joaquin left my room, I looked at my new slave sitting at the edge of my bed. I already told her that she'd be coming to the banquet as a guest on our way here. She will be assisted by Joaquin and get her dressed formally.

“My M..a...Master, I want to get this off my ch-chest; I think . . . I cannot go with you to the p-party. My family never let me go out, and it will be my... first time seeing other werewolves . . .” Atasha's face turned pale as she said it, then she rubbed the side of her neck.

“I hate repeating myself; just call me Elijah. It’s an order that you must follow. Do you understand?” I remarked in my serious tone.

“ Yes . . . master, I mean . . . El-Elijah.”

I massaged the bridge of my nose as I closed my eyes for a bit. This were-woman is a pain in the ass. Hopefully, my plan will work.

When I opened my eyes, I saw the look of confusion on her face. I couldn’t help but observe her. Her whole being does remind me of someone I know, speaking innocence and courage. I'm not sure who it was, but all it tells me is a warm feeling, walking in the woods, running in crisp golden leaves, the earthy scent; it feels like home.

As I glanced more at her, I noticed her amber eyes even though it conveys defiance . . . her nose, and sculpted lips, skin so pale and unkempt brown colored long curly hair due to the torture she received . . . that tiny scar in her neck, yet I must admit she still glows even from a distant.

“I need to leave now. You can take a bath first and wait for the pack doctor. See you at the party, my slave.” I cleared my throat and went to the door.

Before I close the door, my eyes can't help but peek and look at her face.

Elijah, you have to keep your cool, damn it!

I then decided to leave her and walked away. While I was already in the hallway, my mind kept telling me to go back for some unknown reason. I stopped for a moment and had to fight the urge to follow my mind; however, it seemed like my body followed my mind more than my well-built pride, and so I went back to my room so that I could see her again.

My eyes widened like an owl at night as soon as I opened the door. She turned to me and screamed as I saw her totally naked while standing in front of the mirror.

I gulped down as my eyes drifted in her slim yet intoxicating body. Hers is just the same with all other were-women I bedded, but it seemed like something was wrong with me as I could not stop glancing. I guess I had to stop drinking that forbidden liquor from Quin.

“I-I’m going to take a bath!” she said as she covered herself using her tiny hands. That made me come back to my senses and look away.

“Hurry up, then!” I closed the door and palmed my face.

What the heck, Elijah?

This isn't the first time I saw a naked werewolf . . . why do I feel so nervous and excited? I scolded myself repeatedly as I walked towards the hallway.

This isn't the right time to play around, I told myself.

***

AS I stepped into our garden where the banquet would be held, I already felt all the eyes glued to me. It is uncomfortable at first, but I need to get used to it as I will be the next Alpha after this day.

There were some hot were-women, and they looked like they wanted to have some fun with me, but as soon as I started getting excited, my father approached me with my fiancee Margaux.

“My son, I want to introduce you to your fiancee, Margaux Deveraugh.”

“I already know her, so let's cut the formal introduction, shall we?” I said and gave Margaux a cold stare.

I didn't feel any fear as she looked me in the eyes. She then smiled seductively, the same smile I see from most of the were-women who want to end up in my bed.

“It's been a while, Eli. You never changed. You're still the cold-hearted guy I know. But I must admit you look even more handsome this time,” she said in her soft voice.

“You two should catch up a bit. I need to join my Luna to welcome some of our friends from the allied packs. I'll excuse myself for now.” Father smiled sincerely to Margaux, and when he turned to me, I instantly heard his voice in my head.

‘Treat her well,’ he said as his mind linked me.

I shook my head and let him blend into the crowd while looking for my mother. Margaux then cleared her throat to get my attention.

“Happy birthday, Eli. This one's for you.” She handed a small box to me. I accepted it and led our way to one of the VIP tables.

“I appreciate the present.”

We casually talked . . . I mean, she kept talking, and I only answered when needed. The banquet is just starting, yet I feel the urge to go back to my room. I bet it would be much interesting to talk to the new slave rather than staying here with this were-woman who's exposing her motives too early.

Margaux Deveraugh is a head-turner, sexy, and her aura is powerful among the single were-women out here. However, despite her impressive physique, I still don't feel anything for her.

Minutes passed, and I started talking to the other werewolves who greeted me. There are other royals from the other packs which came and gave their respect to us.

It's closed in the evening when the food is served. My father then went on the stage and was ready to make some announcements.

I was looking around and still did not see my slave. I felt worried as I did not know what had happened, and probably my butler knew my plan and sided with my father. If that's the case, I'm screwed.

I clenched my jaw as I watched my father finish his speech. Our eyes locked afterward. . . I guess I need to accept my fate, to marry someone I didn't like at all.

Suddenly, I saw a stunning were-woman walking inside the garden. She caught my attention as other werewolves were also looking at her and asking who she was. My feet moved on their own, and I ran towards her as I saw Joaquin holding her arm.

A-Atasha!

I could have sworn that my breath hitched upon seeing her in the champagne-colored long dress. She looks stunning . . .

I grabbed her hand and ran towards the stage. My father was confused as he looked at me. I stopped in the middle of the platform and faced the crowd, still holding Atasha's hand.

Different packs looked at me with confused faces. Old werewolves are whispering, and some of them locked their eyes to my slave.

“As the soon-to-be Alpha of the Crimson Pack, I'm here to proudly announce that I already found my Luna,” I proclaimed confidently.

I turned to her. I must confess, her face looked charming when she had this sweet naive look . . . I smiled inwardly and held her waist so I could pull her towards me.

“Mate . . .” I whispered and leaned in to kiss her soft lips.

A loud gasp from the crowd occupied the garden, but I can hear more clearly the piercing heartbeat that I also feel from her chest.