Chapter 1

Chloe's POV

 

In the MayHill pack, being a white wolf is a curse, and that fact took a great toll on me. I had my white wolf at the age of six, but I kept her hidden because I would have been referred to as a freak if anyone had found out. I wasn't ready to face such scrutiny and become an outcast among my peers.

 

“Chloe.” A voice called from downstairs, and I knew from its tone that it was none other than my grandma.

 

She was the one person who loved me dearly, the only person who knew that I had a white wolf.

 

“Grandma! I need to sleep more,” I groaned as I rolled from one end of the bed to another, my body still feeling the need for a long sleep.

 

“Today is your birthday, Chloe, so get up already!” From the high pitch of her voice, I knew she was closer to my room.

 

“I'm still feeling sleepy, grandma! Just give me ten minutes, and I will be downstairs immediately,” I said, but the door to my room burst open, revealing my grandmother, whose face was glowing red with anger.

 

“Get up right now before I spank your ass!” She glared, and I stood up grudgingly, sitting upright.

 

“Come downstairs right now.” She ordered, and I rolled my eyes.

 

“I need to take a bath.” Putting my two legs on the ground, I rushed to the bathroom first and had a quick bath.

 

I was dressed in a singlet and denim shorts as I made my way downstairs. On my way, I saw my dad and elder brother sitting in the living room watching a football game. I rolled my eyes at how typical they looked and walked straight to the kitchen.

 

“You've grown so much that you can't even greet me now, Chloe?” Scott shouted from the sitting room, and I rolled my eyes again as though he could see me.

 

“Why would I greet you when you are too dumb to remember your little sister's birthday?” I mocked, and his face fell, turning beet red with anger.

 

Just like I knew, my birthday was forgotten once again, but I didn't feel sad. I was already accustomed to it, so it was not new to me. Only my grandma remembers my birthday ever since the death of my mom, and that is one of the reasons I love her so dearly, and she will forever remain my backbone.

 

I met my grandma preparing the dishes for my birthday, and I smiled. She never fails to celebrate my birthday every year.

 

“Grandma, when will you stop celebrating my birthday, for heaven’s sake? I am no longer a kid,” I groaned, and my grandmother broke into a fist of laughter.

 

“You will forever remain a kid to me, my cute princess,” she smiled, touching my cheeks, and I frowned.

 

“Grandma, can you stop? You're embarrassing me.” I groaned and moved away from her.

 

My eyes flickered across the kitchen counter. “Can I help with the chopping of the veggies?” I asked as I took the tray filled with veggies and moved them to the sink to wash them.

 

She gave a small nod. “Yes, thanks, dear."

 

Soon, I was done with the veggies, and I helped decorate my birthday cake. The number '18' was written on top of the cake with a few candles beside it, and I smiled after I finished with the decorations.

 

I still can't believe I turned eighteen years of age today. It's like a dream come true for me—the day when I am finally going to know who my mate is.

 

I heard that girls of my age get to meet their mates who accept them, and they live happily together. I really believe in fairy tales, and I hope mine also becomes a fairy tale. Furthermore, I have waited so long for this day to come, and finally, it was right in front of me.

 

*********

 

“Go get dressed; the guests will be arriving soon." Grandma said to me, but I was so engrossed playing video games with Scott, who was angry because I was taking the lead, that I forgot the time.

 

“You can never beat me, Scott," I smirked, and he glared at me with anger.

 

“You were just lucky because today is your birthday,” he muttered, and I laughed.

 

“What does my birthday have to do with games? Just accept that you're the loser in this game, and I remain the champion.” I said that and dropped the tool that I was using to play games.

 

"Yes, grandma, I am heading upstairs now,” I said, and I ran to my room to get dressed for the big night, the night when my mate would be revealed to me.

 

I was thrilled and, at the same time, scared. This was going to be a totally new experience for me, and I couldn't wait to know what I would get in store. Maybe that Prince Charming that I have always dreamt of having

 

I'm not sure that I'm ready for this new life experience, but then there's a dark doubt sitting at the back of my mind: What if I don't get a mate?

 

I got dressed in exactly thirty minutes with the help of my best friend Lucy, who applied make-up to my face and made me look like a fairy tale princess.

 

“Finally, my best friend will get to meet her mate today; I am so happy for you,” Lucy gushed, and I felt crimson wash over my face.

 

Lucy turned eighteen a few months ago, and she got to meet her mate, who is one of the students at my college. He accepted her, and they are happy together.

 

“I hope my mate will accept me; I can't bear to be rejected.” I muttered, and Lucy held my shoulders and made me face the dressing mirror. My eyes found hers in the mirror, and I felt better seeing the hope in her eyes. That's why she's my best friend. She's always ready to comfort me and give me hope.

 

“Don't be afraid, dear; your mate won't reject you. For heaven's sake, you're pretty, intelligent, loving, and have every quality a male wolf wants in a mate, so fear not.” She said, and I nodded slowly and stood up from the dressing chair before heading downstairs, since the party had already begun.

 

The room was decorated so beautifully that I smiled upon seeing the different decorations. I knew who was responsible for this; it was no one besides my grandma. She's trying to do everything possible to make me so happy.

 

“Here comes the celebrant, the spotlight of tonight,” Scott announced, and I smiled.

 

Every so often, he acts like a possessed bastard, but tonight, he is behaving like the big brother that he is.

 

I got downstairs, and the party commenced. With each passing minute, I could feel my heart begin to race a marathon inside my rib cage.

 

I was more nervous because I would be meeting my mate soon. There was someone else who was happier than I was: Kiara, my wolf. No one knew I had a wolf because I remained a weak girl to everyone.

 

Suddenly, my sense organs took in a fresh, woodsy scent, and it brought comfort to my body immediately.

 

“Mate!” Kiara jumped in excitement, and at that moment, I knew my mate was among the guests who came to my birthday party. I began to look around, searching for any glimpse of him, but I couldn't find him anywhere, and I frowned.

 

“Our mate is here, Chloe!” Kiara began to leap for joy as she took control of my body and began to lead me to where she perceived the scent of our mate.

 

I kept following her lead, and she led me upstairs but stopped when we got to Mendy's room. I furrowed my brows, confused.

 

Why would Kiara lead me to Mendy's room?

Aren't we supposed to be looking for my mate? I cocked my head at the question, the wheels in there turning and turning.

I held my breath and raised my hands to the doorknob. Holding it gently, I twisted the door open.

I didn't know when hot tears trickled down my cheeks.

“Liam?!” I called his name slowly, and they both broke the kiss, shock written on their faces.