I awoke from lucid dreams filled with overwhelming fear—bloodshed, screams, pain, fires, madness, and death. It was too much to bear. As I blinked and adjusted to the waking world, I looked around the room. The sun sat at its highest peak, casting harsh light into the space. The sensation of being watched lingered, and when I turned toward the corner, I saw him—yellow eyes staring back at me.
"Ah, you're finally awake, my mate—or at least that's what he's calling himself now," he said, a grin playing at his lips.
I chuckled, though there was a hint of unease in my voice. "Yes, I just woke up. Why do you look like you've been through the ringer?"
His grin deepened, but his eyes sparkled with a warmth that made me feel safe. "So, what are your plans for today?" he asked.
"I need to train my army," he replied. "If you'd like to come along, you're welcome to."
Excitement surged through me. Without thinking, I jumped from the bed and threw my arms around him. "Yes! But I don't have anything to wear."
He glanced toward the bathroom, his smirk widening. "Actually, you do. I had one of the maids get you some clothes. You can change." His eyes gleamed with mischief.
I smiled. "Well, thank you." I touched his hand before pulling away. "I'll get dressed, then. We leave in five." He nodded, settling into the chair in the corner to wait.
I rushed to the bathroom, changing quickly into black yoga pants and a dark blue sports bra, tying my hair up with a blue scrunchie. I felt refreshed, ready to face whatever the day would bring. After brushing my teeth and fighting with tangles in my hair, I finally finished and opened the door.
"I'm ready!" I announced, jumping with excitement.
His breath caught, and he growled softly. Standing up to his full height, he stalked toward me with an intensity that made me step back into the wall behind me, feeling trapped by his presence.
"You look breathtaking," he murmured in a low, sultry voice.
My heart raced, a flutter of unease sweeping over me. "Uh, is everything okay? You're kind of scaring me."
"I'm sorry, love," he said softly. "You're just so... alluring. In a good way. I'm not trying to scare you. And I won't do anything with you—not yet, at least. You're not eighteen, and I'm much older than you. I have to wait, love. What kind of mate would I be if I didn't?" He kissed my forehead gently, sending a flutter through me.
"Alright, let's get going, love!" He reached for my hand, and I felt the nerves bubbling beneath my excitement. My hands were clammy, but I squeezed his hand and followed as he led me out of the mansion and into the trees.
I could hear shouts and laughter in the distance, but my pace slowed as the unease crept back. "Is everything okay, love?" he asked, noticing my hesitation.
"Yes, just nervous," I admitted.
He stopped, pulling me into his embrace, holding me close. "It's okay to feel nervous," he said. "I understand. Everyone's going to love you. And if they don't, well... oh well." He flashed me a reassuring smile, and for a moment, everything faded away.
"Alright, let's go," I said, my nerves settling just a bit.
We reached an open arena where a group of men were training. The air was thick with the sound of shouts and the rhythmic clashing of weapons.
"Everyone! Pay attention!" he called, his voice booming across the field.
The men stopped and turned toward us, eyes full of respect.
"Alpha, we hear you!" they shouted in unison.
I couldn't help but murmur in awe. "Wow, that's something."
He smiled at me. "Please, welcome my mate! I found her a couple of days ago, so everyone—give her a warm welcome."
The crowd shifted, and I received a mix of looks—some warm, some curious. But I noticed a few women among them who weren't as welcoming. My heart sank. This wasn't going to be the warm, happy greeting I'd hoped for.