Chapter Two

Elena gulped while looking at the man in front of her. His eyes were bloodshot, and the stench of alcohol clung to him. He was clearly drunk, which might explain why he had brought her here. But he claimed she was his mate!

"Don't come any closer!" she cried, her hands and feet trembling.

"You're my mate!" His voice was faint but unmistakable. Her heart pounded as she realized the man before her believed he was her destined partner.

She lacked the werewolves' ability to detect or recognize her mate's scent. There was no distinctive smell from the man who claimed to be hers.

"Why did you bring me here if you're my mate?" she demanded, her voice quivering.

He remained silent. When he took a step toward her, she instinctively backed away.

They were deep in the woods, and she could sense his intentions. The dense canopy above barely allowed any light to filter through, casting eerie shadows around them. Her legs and entire body shook, causing her to lose her balance and fall. He stooped slowly before her, caressing her cheek.

She was paralyzed, unable to move or speak. His blue eyes were filled with lust, making her bite her lip in fear.

Moments later, he gently lifted her chin. As his face drew closer, he closed his eyes.

"Please...stay away from me," she said, trembling out of fear, but their lips met before she could finish.

The unexpected kiss sent butterflies fluttering in her stomach. She felt like she was floating, suspended in the moment.

She closed her eyes. Though it was her first kiss, she responded instinctively, matching his fervor. His grip tightened on her nape, and she clutched his cheek, deepening the kiss.

He pressed against her, and she didn't notice her clothes being removed, too engrossed in the kiss.

The moonlight bathed them, the cold night air contrasting with their heated bodies. The chirping of insects provided a soundtrack to their union.

Soon, he had stripped her completely, and they shared the warmth of their bodies. She wanted to push him away, but she couldn't.

She felt like she was dancing with the air, lost in the clouds.

Before she could fully register anything, he entered her with a single, powerful stroke, filling her with his intensity. A sharp, burning pain shot through her core, but it was quickly overcome by pleasure.

"Aha!"

"Oh my God, you're a virgin," he growled, his voice tinged with awe.

He moved inside her with a perfect rhythm.

She was in the clouds, dancing with the air!

She didn't know when sleep wrapped her up in its blankets.

As the first light of dawn filtered through the tree branches, she blinked awake, the previous night a hazy memory. The scent of damp earth filled her nostrils as she lay on the forest floor, a thin layer of dew clinging to her skin.

She pushed herself up, wincing at the sharp ache in her back and the throbbing between her legs. Her eyes darted around, expecting to see him, but the woods were empty, the silence deafening. Only the scattered remnants of their clothes indicated that anyone had been here at all.

Her fingers brushed against the imprint of his body on the ground beside her, now cold and deserted. A chill ran down her spine, and a lump formed in her throat. The reality of her solitude hit her like a tidal wave.

She hurriedly gathered her clothes, her hands shaking as she dressed. Her eyes kept scanning the forest, hoping he might reappear, but there was nothing—just the rustling leaves and the distant call of birds.

She swallowed hard, a knot of fear and confusion tightening in her chest. How could he just leave? The question echoed in her mind as she tried to piece together what had happened.

She was unfamiliar with this woodland; she had never been here before. She had no idea how to return to the palace.

She wandered the woods for hours before finally escaping and making her way back. The royal guards couldn't hide their shock at her disheveled appearance. Walking was painful, as if she had been in an accident.

The guards let her in, recognizing her as a maid. She headed to her room to change and shower. Samantha had just returned when she arrived.

Samantha's face was a picture of shock when she saw her.

"What happened to you, and where have you been?" she asked, her concern evident.

"Nothing... nothing!" Elena mumbled, avoiding her gaze.

"Nothing? Elena, you look like a hurricane hit you! Your hair is a mess, and your clothes are torn!" Samantha said, her eyes wide with confusion.

She lowered her head. "I was feeling hot last night, so I went outside to cool off. I left the palace and went to the woods. I didn't expect to be chased by a wild animal," she lied.

Samantha's eyes widened. "Elena, why did you leave the palace and go to the woods? That was extremely dangerous!" she scolded.

Elena remained silent as Samantha lectured her.

"Next time, don't leave the palace to avoid putting your life in danger! Let's get inside. You need to prepare; we have to be in the palace now. Lycia was looking for you earlier, but I told her you were sick," Samantha instructed.

Elena nodded. They walked inside together, and she swiftly got ready. They entered the palace and went straight to the kitchen to prepare lunch for the Alpha King's family.

"Let's move faster, Elena. The other maids were sent to buy supplies for Prince Adrian's welcoming celebration, so we need to serve Alpha Bernard's family now," Samantha informed her.

The remaining maids were busy setting the dining area. Alpha Bernard and Luna Gladys entered just as they finished.

Alpha Bernard sat at the head of the table, with Luna Gladys on his right.

Elena returned to the kitchen to retrieve the last dish. When she came back, Alpha Bernard and Luna Gladys' son had arrived.

She froze, her eyes widening. As she looked at him, she accidentally dropped the dish she was carrying. Everyone turned to look at her.

'This can't be happening!' she thought as she stared at the man who was also staring at her.

'Was the man last night that took my virginity Alpha Prince Adrian? Does this mean he is my mate?' she questioned herself, in disbelief.