CHAPTER 2 – UNWANTED

Sloane P.O.V.

Yesterday has been one of the worst days of my life.

I have always envisioned the day I’ll find my mate as a happy one, full of love and passion; instead, yesterday my heart felt as cold as the winter, the memory of our first meeting a cold reminder that fantasies are for fools, reality is nothing like what you expect.

I can still see his green eyes gazing at me, a deep green, like that of the forest, his look of surprise mixed with sadness. Why would he feel sad? I am not what he was hoping for? Maybe he is already in a relationship with another woman. I hope not. But wouldn’t his fated mate be more important?

And when I met him outside the restroom, he didn’t speak a word. When I asked him his name, he said it was not important; of course it’s important to me, it’s the name of my mate. The memory of his deep baritone voice still sends shivers down my spine, heightening the longing that since yesterday has set deep in my bones.

I want to know everything about him, what he likes, what he dislikes, if he prefers red-heads or blondies; I can dye my hair, if necessary, I would do anything for my mate. But it’s clear the interest isn’t mutual; he doesn’t seem interested in me in the least. Why? Why? Why?

Not knowing is driving me insane, I need to talk to him again, find out what’s on his mind. He is a warrior of the Glowing River Pack, their pack is just a 20 minutes-drive away, but I can’t just present myself at their borders like that. I need to cook up an excuse to justify my visit.

Knock, knock.

“Come in!” I say annoyed, unhappy that someone is bothering me while I am planning something of the utmost importance, which is, finding my mate and make him like me.

Father comes in my office with a happy smile on his face, which is a rare thing for him, according to him, Alphas shouldn’t smile much, it makes them look weak.

“Morning, Father.”

“Morning, sweetheart! Someone is grumpy today, is something bothering you?”

“Nothing important.” Father can’t know I have found my mate, he won’t accept him easily, with him being a warrior and not the son of some Alpha or Beta. I hate these stupid ideals, they don’t make any sense, people should be free to marry who they want and not be limited by ranks or wealth. Otherwise, what is the meaning of the mate bond? It does not care about those things, it is a gift from the Goddess, a present we should accept with gratitude.

He doesn’t seem phased by my vague answer, I get moody now and then, so it is nothing out of the ordinary. Although, this is a side of me that only few are allowed to see, for the rest of the world, I’m just an uptight cold bitch who cares only about work and pack matters. That’s the image my father always wanted for me as successor Alpha of his pack, and I got along with it, because I don’t really care much of what people think of me. Better if they think I am detached than easy to manipulate.

“I’ve received an email from Alpha King this morning; he asked me permission to court you,” he pauses, waiting for my reaction, which is nothing, because I am left speechless, so he goes on, “I gather, you have met him yesterday at the meeting, and you have got along well?”

“We only met fleetingly, and it wasn’t anything memorable. I dislike him, father, he is a pig! And I don’t want to be anywhere near him, let alone let him court me.”

I can’t keep the disgust out of my voice, that guy is a creep and needs a good beating. He has ruined countless women, and there is no way I’ll let him do the same to me.

“He does have the reputation of a playboy, but you never know, maybe he is serious about you,” father persists, “I am just saying, you could try and give him a chance.”

I can’t believe father is trying to pair me up with that lecher. What’s in it for him? He must be after something, otherwise he won’t be so pushy. He usually never cares about who I go or don’t go out with; not that I’ve ever had a boyfriend for that matter. I’m too scary for the majority of the boys, apparently.

Anyway, it’s sad that everything runs around power and benefits for father; shouldn’t his daughter happiness and wellbeing be at the top of his list? Apparently not.

My face must be the picture of disappointment, because he continues with his coercion.

“You are capable enough to handle him; I’ve raised you to be a strong Alpha. Do it for the benefit of the pack, the Glowing River Pack would be a powerful ally, and it is one of our neighbouring packs, we could start some trades with them, improve our pack’s finances.”

Now, that’s the reason, I knew he had an agenda of his own. I can’t say he is completely wrong, the pack would definitely benefit of this alliance, but I can’t do it at the expenses of my happiness, it will be like selling myself.

Although, I could exploit Axel’s interest in me to put another proposal on the plate, which would give me the opportunity to spend time at their pack and get to see a certain someone.

“Father, I think I have a better idea. You could give your consent to us spending time together to get to know each other in a definite context. I was thinking of arranging a boot camp for the children, with tournament, and a ball for the adults, we could invite also people from other packs to join, so that we will have the opportunity to make more alliances and pursue more business opportunities. This way he will still have his chance, but on my terms.”

I feel proud for the solution I’ve found; I just hope I’ll be able to handle Axel and don’t fall into one of his traps; he is a pig, but he’s also as cunning as a snake.

Father seems pleased by my proposal and smiles proudly at me.

“That’s my Alpha! Always on top! I’ll go answer his email and tell him to contact you directly to discuss the arrangement of the events.”

He leaves the room, and I am left again to my thoughts.

I am still unsure about Axel’s true intentions, I don’t think he is really interested in me, I am not his type; maybe he just wants to add another trophy to the collection of Alpha daughters he has bedded. Unluckily for him, I am saving myself for my mate, so there is no way I’ll fall for his charms.

Though, I really hope he accepts my proposal, it will give me a free pass to their pack to see my mate every time I want. How I wish I knew his name, keep calling him “my mate” sounds too distant. I could give him a nickname, something like Goldilocks! They have the same hairstyle, only those blond curls on him look so much sexier.

Goldilocks I am coming for you, and this time you won’t escape me!