Chapter 2

"What? What did you just say?" Liam asked, his voice raising a tad bit.

"I said I think I just found my mate." I repeated it, this time slowly, so his brain could catch up.

"Seriously? Who is the lucky one?"

"Isn't it obvious?" I asked, rolling my eyes. Liam could be a little slow sometimes. "The man that bumped into me earlier." I said, now getting tired of his numerous questions. I just wanted to relieve the memory again and soak everything up.

"Woaw, that is crazy. What are you going to do about it?"

"I don't know. Nothing probably." I replied with uncertainty.

"What do you mean by nothing? This is your mate, for crying out loud!" He exclaimed like I didn't know.

"I don't know, okay. I don't know; it just happened suddenly, and I don't know if I am ready for this." I answered truthfully.

He looked at me and sighed, taking pity on me. "You poor baby. I can understand. You know what? I will give you time to adjust to all this. Just use today and think about it."

I nodded; that was what I was going to do. Right now, my mind is in a jumble. My thoughts were scattered all over the place. I need to take some time and recollect myself before I make any decisions.

I lay on my bed after Liam had gone, trying to rest my weary bones. But my mind kept flashing back to him. I was trying to recollect my thoughts and picture him. It was a pity I wasn't able to look at him for long.

But I could never forget those eyes—they were grey in color, like a stormy cloud. But it wasn't the color of his eyes that attracted me, No. It was the way it sparkled and shone with interest, looking at me like I was the most interesting thing. Now that I remember, he wasn't wearing any shirt there. I shut my eyes tight, trying to picture his body in my mind, but it was all blank.

Staying here and imagining wouldn't do me any good, so I stood up and went outside. There was a record in my office containing the profile of everyone in the pack. I should be able to learn more about my mate there.

I got up and tiptoed to my office in search of it. I spent the next 5 minutes scattering the place and trying to look for it, but I couldn't find it. I sat on the desk, trying to recall where it might be. 

If it isn't here, it should be in my dad's office. They haven't moved all the records to my office, so it is likely that some are still there. I looked out from the door and looked at the hallways, trying to see if there was anyone in sight. When I confirmed that it was clear, I went out and headed to my dad's office.

It was just the next door, and luckily it was opened. I went in, and the office still looked the same. The huge stack of abandoned paper works on his desk, his large portrait on the wall, and the diverse array of books on the shelf.

I got discouraged as I saw what I was working with. "Where would I start?" But I couldn't stand and ponder on the question. I was just going to start somewhere, because there is no time again. I started with the huge pile that was on his desk. But after searching, I couldn't find it there.

I directed my attention to the left shelf that was attached to the wall. The huge book shelf already felt like a disappointment, but I was determined. I wasn't leaving here without that book.

I was almost giving up as I got to the last section. There was no sign of the brown book, and I was losing hope. Maybe I should just ask my dad about it. It wouldn't look suspicious, right?

But just then, my eyes caught the brown cover that held all the pack records. I picked it up and held it to my bosom, smiling like I had won a lottery. My ears pricked as I heard movement coming from afar. I needed to leave here fast if I didn't want to risk being caught.

I grabbed the book and hurried out, but before I left, I glanced back to make sure everything was as I had left it. Satisfied with what I saw, I shut the door and started hurrying down to my room. 

I was about to give myself a pat on the back for successfully getting away, but I spoke too soon. "Jasmine." The deep voice of my dad's called me from behind.

"Dad!" My voice was shifty and came out a bit higher than intended, and I kicked myself. "What are you doing here?" I said it in a much calmer voice. But why was I feeling nervous?

"I came to see you."

"To see me, why?" The book was weighing in my hands, and I needed to drop it down, like right now. 

"I wanted to talk about what happened today." He replied.

"Today." I tried to search my mind for what had happened that he needed to talk about, but I couldn't find out why. Or has he heard I found my mate? That loose mouth called Liam—I should have warned him not to say anything. "What?"

"I said, won't you invite me in? Or do you want to keep your father standing?" He said this, smiling with his eyes. I smiled as I saw his dimples. My dad was truly a handsome man.

"Come in, please." I ushered him in, and he went in and sat on the sofa there. "Do you need anything, a drink perhaps?"

"Don't be so formal, Jasmine. I am still your dad; you don't have to treat me like your Alpha." He scolded me. "I see you didn't allow your mother to initiate you," he said, commenting on the minimalist arrangements in my room.

I looked around; it was just like a normal, simple room painted in a white color, with a big ass mirror and a television, which I have never turned on. It was merely for decorations. I managed to put the book on my table and cover it with other things before I sat down close to him.

"You know me; I don't like complicated things. I try to keep my things simple," I commented. "So, Dad, why are you here?"

"I came to apologize for the way I treated you today. I shouldn't have yelled at you; it was wrong of me to do that."

Oh, so that was why he wanted to talk to me. That means the rumor hasn't spread. "It is okay, dad. I understand, and I am not angry." He moved closer to me and held my hands.

"My baby girl, it may seem like I am being harsh to you. But that was never my intention. I just want you to be a better leader than I am. So everything I do is for you."

"I understand, dad, and I promise I am not angry. I will keep trying my best to be the best." I said all this while glancing at the table. "Uhm, Dad, if that is all, then you are free to go. I promise I am not angry."

"Why are you so eager for me to go? Or is it because of that book you were holding in your hand? Is there some secret in there? Or..." He gasped dramatically. "Are you trying to stalk someone?"

"How did you know that? I was very sure I was discreet."

"You have forgotten I was once the Alpha. Just because I am old doesn't mean I can't sense things again." He said, patting my head.

"Dad, just go." I whined, taking him by the hand as I led him out. "I have work to do."

"Whatever you say, baby girl. Just be careful. Goodbye. Love you."

"I love you too, Dad." I shouted back at him. 

Finally. Some peace and quiet. I can finally open this book and find out about my mate.

"Remember, if you are finding anything difficult, you can always reach out for help, and I will be happy to help." My dad said as he peeked his head through the door.

"Yes dad." I sighed. I stood and locked the door to my room to avoid any disturbance.

I placed the leather book on my thighs and opened it. I let out a series of coughs as I inhaled the dust particles that flew off.

I opened the pages carefully, my eyes scanning through them quickly in search of him. I was already losing hope when I saw those familiar eyes staring back at me. He was smiling widely in the picture.

I smiled as I saw him. Indeed, he was my mate.

There was nothing much about him—just his basic information, like his name, age, rank, and other basic info.

Vincent was his name, and I must say, it suits him. But my face fell as I saw the other information. He was of middle rank. I don't know if that can work between us. I don't know if I can be mate with someone who is lower in rank than me. How would it work?

It also says here that he just graduated from university; that should be the reason I haven't seen him around. He was even shorter than me, although it was just by an inch. In fact, the more I read about him, the more I began to feel discouraged. He didn't look like my ideal type.

"You shouldn't be quick to dismiss him." Maya spoke up. "The goddess chose the two of you to be together for a reason. So just give him a chance."

She was right, though; I shouldn't let all these discourage me. I would give him a chance and see where it leads.