Chapter 4

Amelia’s POV

I wake up from the backseat. Still in a daze, I’m slow in thinking and I’m trying hard to figure out where I am. The car door has opened. A tall and strong figure stands in front of me and blocks the light outside. It’s Nyx, if that’s his real name.

He leans over, holds me in his arms, and stands up straight.

A tall and magnificent building comes into sight.

Many terrible thoughts flash through my mind. Those rumors and legends about rich men with all kinds of quirks that I heard on the grapevine flood me and give me goosebumps. I slowly turn my head to Nyx, trying to get a hint of my situation from his expression.

Meeting my eyes, his lips gradually curl up into a smile. The way he looks at me and smiles sends shivers down my spine. The handsome face and lethal smile that pulled my heartstrings at the party now only seem scary and cruel.

Why did he bring me here? What does he want from me?

At this moment, I can’t help but feel a wave of self-pity. Just when I thought things were finally looking up, that I might actually have a chance at a normal life, I find myself standing in front of this mansion, not knowing what the future holds for me. If this is some cruel joke life is playing on me, it’s one I’m not sure I can bear.

He holds me tightly in his arms and walks inside the mansion. Close to his broad chest, I can hear his heartbeats and feel his breath. He carries me and walks with perfect ease. I would think of him as a strong bodyguard if he wasn’t greeted by everyone on the way.

The door opens. God, I’ve never wished so strongly that I’m stepping into my crowded, shabby, bug-infested rented room in the slum, not this spacious and luxurious mansion.

He puts me down on the sofa and sits by my side. Jesus, this sofa is so soft and smooth. I can’t help feeling it with my hand. What’s its upholstery made from?

I glance around the living room of the mansion. And I’m completely dazzled. The exquisite rug, the dazzling crystal ornament, the ceiling adorned with a grand chandelier… everything inside is so amazing. This is beyond my imagination.

Nyx, who are you?

My probing eyes finally fall on this mysterious man, who brings me to a place where I’ll never get access by myself.

He stares at me with a smile. For the whole next minute, he does nothing but stare at me and smile brightly. It’s so damn weird. I would definitely jump to my feet and run away from him if he wasn’t so handsome.

Finally, he moves his lips, which makes me nervous. I know what he’s going to say will determine my fate.

He utters, “Hello, mate.”

My eyes widen. He says so quickly that I almost doubt my ears. What does mate mean?

He senses my tension and confusion, but he doesn’t clear my confusion immediately.

“Amelia, have you ever heard about werewolves?”

I shake my head.

Of course not. Werewolves sound like the types of characters in legends or bedtime stories. And during my childhood, I don’t have such a thing as bedtime stories, all I have is bedtime tears.

“It’s OK. Human beings don’t know much about us. I understand.”

His words make my jaw drop.

Human beings? Us?

Aren’t they human beings? What is he talking about?

He clears his throat and takes on a serious tone.

“I know what I’m going to tell you may be too shocking for you to sound real, but it’s true.”

I swallow hard, with my heart in my throat.

“I’m a werewolf, technically, I’m the alpha, the leader of the Sapphire Pack…”

I laugh. Of course, it can’t be real. Is it a prank or is it a show?

Nyx gestures to me to let him finish. He continues.

“I’m not going to tell you everything about werewolves now, because it will be time-consuming. And you’ll get to learn more about it as you live with me…”

Another earth-quaking piece of news for me! Living with him?

“Yes, you’re going to live with me, because you’re my mate.” He nods affirmatively as he speaks.

I frown deeply. And what is mate? 

“You talked about mate. What does it mean exactly?” I finally ask the question. 

“Being my mate is basically like having a relationship and getting married in human society. You’re my mate, so you’ll live with me, just like a married couple.”

I’m so shocked that my eyes almost pop out. What is he talking about? I’m only nineteen and I’ve never thought about marriage.

Nyx keeps talking. He looks around the mansion and adds, “Do you like this place? We’ll start a family and you’re going to live here with me.”

Does he own this mansion? He must be kidding! And living here with him?

No, this isn’t real!