ONE

“This is not a romance novel,” I kept telling myself over and over again as the Alpha’s son held my hand. He would not suddenly fall in love with a lowly servant —but I’m getting ahead of myself.  

My name is Sirrela, and I am the bastard daughter of an enemy Alpha, not that anyone in this pack knows. My mother was a simple servant, and of course, when I became old enough, I followed her path as a servant. How my mother, a servant, met my father, an enemy Alpha, is another story for another time.  

Of course, I do not work at the palace; I do not have the qualifications. Only my mother does. But today, my mother was very ill, and she begged me to cover her shift for her.  

I’d heard so many stories about Alpha Kane’s palace, and my mother had even confirmed that his son, Lucian, is very handsome and brave. So, of course, my heart was beating fast with anticipation as I brought the glass he’d rung for into his bedroom.  

He was standing shirtless, facing the window, and I sucked in a breath as my eyes took in the expanse of his broad back.  

I knew he had to be strong to be the future Alpha, but the way the bedside lamp’s light played on his back—  

“Keep the glass down and get out, Rachel. Why are you still standing there? Do you want to steal something?” he asked without even turning around.  

I gasped. How dare he imply that my mother would steal from him!  

“If Rachel wanted to steal from you, you’d be without a home and even the shirt off your back by now! But she is an honest woman who—”  

Lucian turned to face me, and I went speechless. There was something about the perfect sculpting of his face that was terrifying, his ability to keep his expression entirely blank so that I had no idea what was going on in his mind.  

“You’re not Rachel.”  

It was not a question, but I nodded. His tone had changed. Now, he sounded—intrigued.  

“So if you’re not my maid, what are you? A spy sent to kill me? To get information from me for the enemy?”  

He was toying with me, but I had no idea when he would start taking his questions seriously.  

Honestly, I’m such an idiot! What on earth made me scold him like that? He is my future Alpha, for Moon’s sake!  

I quickly curtsied, hoping to the Moon that he’d get bored and leave me alone.  

“My name is Sirrela. I am Rachel’s daughter. My mother asked me to fill in for her because she is sick,” I said in a contrite voice.  

Lucian did not seem satisfied. “And so she sent you? How much does she hate her job that she’s this careless with it? Do you know how much verification she had before she was allowed into this palace? And if everyone simply starts sending their relatives in…” His voice faded away.  

I swallowed and sent more wishes to the Moon.  

“Come here,” he commanded.  

When I didn’t move, he came to meet me. With each step he took forward, I took one back until my back hit the wall.  

“No, of course, you’re not Rachel,” he murmured, almost as if he were speaking to himself. His hand reached out to play in my hair. “Your shade of gold is more—alive, like a flaming sun, and I would never think of kissing Rachel.”  

Did that mean he thought of kissing me? “M-maybe it’s just the lighting in my h-hair,” I stammered, my voice sounding like it did not belong to me.  

Lucian nodded, but I don’t think it was in answer to what I had just said. That was when I heard it—  

*Mate!*  

My wolf roared in my ears, and I could already feel her struggling to rise to the top, ignoring my better judgment.  

My emotions suddenly became heightened, my senses sharper. I could feel Lucian’s aura engulf me, that sheer, earthy need to possess—me!  

Frightened by all I was feeling, I slid off toward the door and turned to flee, but he caught me easily.  

Strong arms grabbed me, hurtling me back against the wall. This time, he placed his hands beside me, trapping me between his body and the wall.  

His voice was a low growl. “Oh no. You dare not run from me!”  

Afraid to look into his eyes, I closed my own. To my greatest embarrassment, tears filled them.  

“I—I just want to go home…”  

His touch became instantly gentle. “Are you afraid of me then? Do you think I would hurt you?”  

I opened my eyes to look at him, and whatever I would have said was lost as I saw the look in his eyes.  

My wolf struggled against me, wanting physical contact, demanding I beg him to mark me. When he finally pressed his lips to mine, I was only too grateful.  

I moaned as he nuzzled my neck, his lips hot and greedy against my flesh. A thousand and one emotions wracked through me.  

I whimpered and pulled away. “You need to reject me! I’m just a servant, and you are the king’s son. Your father would never allow us to get married.”  

Lucian shook his head. “Do you think so little of me, that I would allow my father to dictate how I treat my mate? Besides, he’d be lucky to have you as a daughter-in-law. I smelled the Alpha blood on you the moment you walked in. You’re connected to a strong line of Alphas.”  

When he bent his head again, I didn’t stop him—I couldn’t even if I tried. My entire body melted against him as he awakened fires I did not even know I had.  

When he lowered our bodies to the bed, it seemed the most natural thing in the world. He was my mate, after all. I belonged to him.  

***********************************************

I couldn’t stop thinking about the way Lucian kissed me, the way his lips claimed mine so boldly—it replayed in my head over and over again, like a song I didn’t want to forget.

When I went home that night, I could barely concentrate on anything else. I was too busy reliving every moment. His hands, so strong and sure, made me feel something I’d never felt before.

His deep, soothing voice echoed in my ears long after I left the palace.

My mother noticed my distraction. “You’re awfully quiet tonight, Sirrela,” she said, her tired eyes studying me.

“I’m just tired, Mama,” I replied quickly, hoping she wouldn’t ask too many questions.

She nodded, her concern fading. “Thank you again for covering for me today. I’m feeling a little better now. I’ll go tomorrow.”

But I couldn’t let her do that. “No, Mama,” I said quickly. “You should rest another day. I can manage.”

She hesitated but eventually agreed. I didn’t tell her my real reason—I wanted to see Lucian again.

The next morning, I dressed carefully. I chose a simple dress, nothing that would draw too much attention, but it was one I thought flattered me well. My heart fluttered as I walked to the palace. The anticipation of seeing him again made my steps feel lighter.

When I arrived, it didn’t take long before a guard approached me. “The Alpha’s son has requested your presence,” he said in a neutral tone.

My heart skipped a beat. He wanted to see me. But why? Was he regretting what happened? Was he going to reject me?

I followed the guard, my hands trembling slightly.

When I entered the room, Lucian was already waiting. His piercing gaze locked onto mine the moment I stepped inside, and the door closed behind me.

“You came,” he said, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

“Did I have a choice?” I replied, trying to sound braver than I felt.

He chuckled softly, his entire demeanor shifting. “I like that about you. You’re not afraid to challenge me, even when you’re scared.”

I crossed my arms, feeling my confidence grow under his warm gaze. “Why did you call me here?”

Lucian stepped closer, his movements slow and deliberate. “Because I can’t stop thinking about you,” he admitted.

His words sent a thrill through me, but I tried to remain calm. “You’re just saying that because I’m your mate.”

“No,” he said firmly. “I’m saying it because it’s true.”

I opened my mouth to respond, but he closed the distance between us, his hand gently tilting my chin upward.

“You’re mine, Sirrela. And I don’t care what anyone else thinks about it.”

His words melted away all my doubts. When he kissed me again, it felt even better than the first time. In the moment, I didn’t care about anything else. His kisses made me feel lightheaded, my brain leaving all reasoning and caution.

This man has to be mine, I thought to myself as I enjoyed his kisses.

The next few weeks went by so fast. We found ways to see each other, sneaking away to hidden corners of the palace where no one would find us. It was thrilling, dangerous even, but I couldn’t stay away from him.

Lucian had a way of making me feel like I was the only person in the world. His teasing smiles, his quiet laughter, the way he looked at me like I was the answer to all his questions—it made me forget everything else.

“Do you always overthink everything?” he teased one day, leaning against the wall as I paced nervously.

“I’m not overthinking,” I said, even though I clearly was.

He smirked, pulling me into his arms. “You’re adorable when you’re flustered.”

I swatted at his chest playfully. “You’re impossible.”

“And you love it,” he replied, his lips brushing against my forehead.

I did. I loved everything about him. He felt like my person, which made me so scared to lose him.

I asked worriedly, “ Lucian, what if your father doesn’t accept me as your mate and refuses to endorse our union? Then what happens next?”

With tears slowly trickling down my face, I added, “I can’t bear to be away from you, Lucian. I lov—” I hesitated a little, then finally said it, my tears already flowing down my face. “I love you, Lucian.”

He looked at me in the most adorable way that almost made me melt.

“You don’t have to worry about my father, my love. Do you really think I’d let my father prevent me from being with the absolute love of my life? I promise I’ll talk to him soon, and we’ll get married immediately.”

He added, “I love you too. I don’t know how I fell so hard for you, but this shows how true our love is.”

Hearing this, my wolf roared in excitement, knowing he’s mine.