Mate!

'Mate!' Cordia exclaimed which made my world light up.

'Cordia!' I exclaimed. 'Where the hell have you been!? I was looking for you.'

I heard her whimper but I can't take my eyes out of my... mate, I knew he's my mate.

'I'm so sorry, Clary. I truly don't know what happened. The last thing I remember was falling asleep, how long have I gone?" She asked.

Mesmerized at my mate, why did God chooses him as my mate? Is he truly my mate? Or he's Andrea's mate but... I felt the pheromones, the pull that connects me into him... the pull that making me... own him.

'It's been a month, Cordia.' I answered out of my self.

'What!? You must be kidding me!' She asked in disbelief.

'Tch. So it will only takes him for you to woke up from your haven.' I said watching the Alpha as he smile, I think my heart beats like a thousand bands playing in sync.

He took the microphone from the Announcer, even with his formal suit, I could see his muscles flexing, the way he moves it was like my own world turned into a slow motion. How could he affect me this much?

"Thank you so much for coming and welcome to all of our participants, this game was held for all families to show your skills and potentials..." Even his voice... it was like a melody to my ears. I hate this feelings, I really do but I can't avoid it... I can't avoid the destiny that Goddess has given to me. But, why him? Of all people, why it has to be the Alpha? The strongest legendary wolf in the land? Why it has to be... Xylo Crosswind?

I felt Cordia in silence, maybe listening carefully to our mate. "A fair fight for all families, the battle that you have been waiting for, welcome to the Homer Game of the Year!" He exclaimed as he smiles which made me smile like a fool as I stands on my feet feeling the warmth of his enticing scent even from a far distance.

However, I suddenly felt devastated as my smiles have fade when I saw Andrea walked up to the stage... going towards my mate.

I felt like a thorn has been put into my heart striking me a millionth times when Xylo holds her hand with a smile.

I didn't even realized I was clenching my hands hearing the growls and whines coming from Cordia. She wanted to come out... she wanted to jump... but I remained standing unable to process what I am seeing. I knew... I've been expected this... but it hurts, it fucking hurts! He's mine! Why do someone get to have what's mine..? Why didn't he even bother to looked at my direction? Can't he recognize me?

Maybe he's not really my mate...

'What the hell are you saying, Clary!? He's our mate! I can sense it! I can feel the bond!" Cordia exclaimed angrily.

'Can't you see Cordia? He can't even recognize us, if so, he should have at least looked at our direction... I waited Cordia... but why?' I replied sensing the sadness building inside of me.

Suddenly, I felt a firm hand holds mine, I looked at the person wearing sadness on my face, not realizing what I've been behaving.

"Hey, are you okay?" Darren asked filled with concern.

I wanted to shout, I wanted to run as I can't take what I am seeing, I can't handle the heaviness I feel... I wanted to cry but I can't as I hide the pain inside my chest with, a smile... a weak smile "I'm fine." I answered.

"Did Andrea hurt you again?" He asked.

I don't know who did whether it's Andrea or Xylo. I knew, it is my heart hurting me the most... I shook my head. "I'm really okay." Though I'm not, I just don't want Darren to know my pain. I'm still confused.

Even the feelings I thought was real with Darren, all of it seems like a lie of hormones when I met my mate... is he really my mate? Or my own pheromones lied to me. Then why do I feel so pulled into him?

Darren nodded as if he believes in me but I can sense his curiosity as he eyed... the Alpha.

I looke back to the stage and saw the Alpha Xylo with Andrea heading to the backstage.

"Is there anything you wanted to tell me, Clary?" Darren asked with a serious tone.

I gulped not knowing what to say, I can't tell him I already found my mate, I can't lose Darren... I just can't. You may call me selfish but he's the only person who understands me, who cares for me... a person I could rely on.

I can still hear Cordia whining "Nothing, I was just thinking." I answered.

He looked at me once again with confusion written in his face "What are you thinking?"

"Do you think we can make it?" I asked, smiling.

He sighed as he smile "Of course, I believe in you." He squeezes my hand and say "You're the smartest girl in town."

I bit my lip, I knew I can't fight but Darren didn't know the truth of my lousy strength... I might be smart... but I'm weak.

I looked above the stage to where the Leaders should be seated. At the top from where all of the people around are seen.

Only the seat of the Alpha was taken where Xylo was already sitting like a king and at his side was... Andrea though it hurts seeing them together, I have to be strong. Looking at the rest of the seats, the Beta and Omega are still not here... where could they be?

A little more speeches and instructions were given, number 1 rule is to defeat the enemy until he/she surrenders or can't fight anymore but no kill is intended to happen, but if this battle will lead to death, no one will be held liable. That was the deal, and that's it.

I suddenly felt my stomach churn for no reason... and I don't know why but I looked above to the place where leaders are in place and saw Xylo... staring at me. I can feel my heart burst with mixed emotions, at last, he saw me. But, beside him is Andrea... I knew, this love of mine, is Forbidden.