2. Mate???

Beatrice's POV

I look at myself in the crusted mirror I picked from the dustbin some years back. It's quite old that it's dimmed by a layer of grime. As if having a new mirror would make me look presentable.

Despite the efforts to take a shower, tie my hair into a ponytail, wearing the oversized dress I've been keeping for a special occasion, I still look so plain and ordinary.

I even applied some lip balm I picked when the Luna threw away her old makeup. It's the best I've looked ever since I came of age, but I think my best isn't good enough.

My name is Beatrice Raven, that is as far as I know about myself. I'm just a maid in the Alphas Palace, an unidentified wolf, I have no rank since no one knows my origin. I was just picked at the Alphas' palace gate, when I was just approximately a day old.

They tried to investigate my origin, but even the security cameras couldn't pick on anything since for some reason they weren't working that night.

I have a bird tattoo on my back that's why they called me Raven and since one can't have one name, the maid who took care of me named me Beatrice after her daughter who had passed away long ago. Unfortunately, the maid also passed away, she was the only person who treated me like a human being.

Now it's only me, I do my work as scheduled without complain. I try to lie low so that I don't land into any trouble. Because I don't know what will happen to me if by any chance I'm chased out of here. I'm illiterate, I don't even know how my name is spelled. No one has ever cared for me enough to enrol me to school.

My wide eyes stare back at me as I look at myself in the mirror, I sigh deeply as I sit on my mat. I've been instructed not to show myself outside not until the party starts. But my curiosity gets the best of me when I hear the car hooting announcing Mason's arrival.

To be honest, I have always had a crush on Mason ever since I was younger, it really hurt me when he went away. I know he is way out of my league, heck all men are out of my league. But seeing him, always improved my day. I would sneak up in the mansion only to see him, and at night I would fantasize about him and my back wouldn't hurt much as I slept on the hard floor.

Now that I think about it, he made my life less hard. I can't resist seeing him now, even if it's just a glimpse of him, that's all. That's all I need so I can have some excitement in my life. I decide to use the kitchen route, which leads to the staircase. I will just head to the balcony, I'm sure no one is there yet. Then I'll look down from there.

I get to the balcony and try to look down but to my disappointment he isn't there. Maybe he already went inside. I start walking back to the store room where I sleep before anyone notices me and report me to the matron.

Suddenly, a unique masculine scent hits me. The more steps I take, the more the scent grows, my wolf growls inside me as I release my pheromones without knowing.

'Mate.' Nian howls taking over partly.

I stop in my tracks when I see the person in front of me.

“Mason…mate?”

I can't seem to form proper words. I don't know if I should be surprised or happy. Mason? My mate? There must be some error somewhere.

My eyes widen as I check him out, he is breathtaking. He looks more attractive now and mature, his face is more defined now with high cheekbones, a defined jawline, and a strong chin. Its the first time my eyes has met his deep blue eyes. His skin is clear, smooth, and glowing. I feel embarrassed just by standing in front of him. His hair is tousled with a shade of dark brown color. He is tall and athletic build, with really broad shoulders. He is practically towering over me. In short, he is perfect.

The look in his eyes though is of pure disgust. His brows furrows as his lips curl up in disgust to the realisation that I am his mate.

I don't blame him, have you seen me. He takes two steps towards me, so we are just inches apart. My chest rises and falls so hard as it takes everything in me to hold up. My legs are shaking, I grab my dress with both arms at the side to stop myself from passing out. It's the closest I've been to any man, and having Mason close to me like this, takes away all the breathe in me. I feel a pull I've never felt before. But I know perfectly well, I'm not even supposed to touch him because it will put me in trouble.

“Look at me.” He orders, as my face is facing the floor. I slowly raise my face to look up at him.

His eyes look so threatening, it's evident he isn't thrilled about this whole issue. What did I even think; that he would run into my arms and tell me how long he has been waiting for me? And that he would wash away all my worries and fears?

“You? Who are you?" He asks grabbing both my shoulders so hard that I feel my bones will crack at any minute. "You can never be my mate." He spits.

"Reject me." I don't know where I find the strength to talk back at him. He looks at me so intensely, his face seems a little hurt by what I said, but then the beastly look comes back.

"Never talk back at me." He says pushing me away like a plague. I've lived a hard life but his treatment right now, is the harshest I've experienced. Hot tears of rejection stream down my eyes as I swallow hard. Something so bitter is stuck in my throat and no matter how hard I cry, it doesn't go away.

"Shut the f*ck up b*tch before I lose my tempter." He threatens, this time he grabs me by my shoulder and quickly brings me to his room. Without giving me time to defend myself, he then shoves me in the bathroom and locks the door leaving me trapped inside. I hear him cursing as the bedroom door closes.