CHAPTER 1

Roses POV

“Rose! Rose!! Rose!!!, it’s time to leave. You wouldn’t want to be late for Mia’s birthday and mate-claiming ceremony.’’ Mom shouted. "I’m coming Mom," I swiftly replied.

I stood in front of the mirror and adjusted my green gown. I styled my hair into a beautiful bun while leaving a few curled strands on my face with some mild makeup. I grabbed my purse, took a glance at the mirror, and went downstairs.

‘‘Mom, I’m ready,’’ I said as I descended the stairs. "My gorgeous princess,’’ they smiled at me and complimented my outfit. “Alpha, the vehicle is ready.’’ The driver announced.

“Well then, we better not be late.” My father said as we walked outside to the car.

Once a female clocks 18, she celebrates her birthday, and her mates step forward to claim her in front of everyone.

The mating ceremony is such an important ceremony, we dedicated a building for it so the ceremony can take place there without having to crowd family houses.

The birthday ceremony starts at 7 pm while the mating ceremony is at midnight.

We arrived at the venue a few minutes before seven and we entered the hall as a family.

Greetings were flying around to the Alpha as the pack members paid their respect. After the formal greetings for us, the Alphas family, I left to congratulate Mia.

“Hey, Mia. I opened my arms and pulled her in for a tight hug. “Happy Birthday girl, long life and prosperity. I wish you a long and healthy life with your wolf, mate, and kids.”

She was a bit teary from all the wishes and congratulations and finally replied with a smile, “Thanks, Rose.” A few other girls joined as our conversation kicked off.

“So Mia, how do you feel about meeting your mate?” one of the girls asked.

Mia took a sip of her drink and stammered, “Well, uhhh, I’m feeling nervous and tense. I can feel my wolf pacing back and forth in an empty room. She wants to meet our mate but she’s panicking.”

“Are you scared he might not be your type?” someone else asked. She had a horrific expression plastered on her face. I could feel the heat radiating from her body.

Mia and her wolf were fidgeting and I could sense it. Although I didn’t engage much in their discussion, I noticed they were trying to make Mia uncomfortable for her mating ceremony.

I could not blame them as Mia has not always been a very good friend since our childhood days.

She was mean as a child but as she got older she was changing but people still kept their distance. “Just shrug the feeling off," I said as I held her hand, hoping to comfort her

I paused for a while before saying again, "You know what, let’s go grab a drink, you look parched." I didn’t wait for her reply as I grabbed her and dragged her away.

I could clearly hear them snickering and bickering but I paid them no attention. It will be my duty as Alpha to maintain peace and it's better I start from a group of friends who are not on good terms.

We both walked to the bar stand and requested some cold drinks, especially for Mia. If she’s tense before meeting her mate, how would she carry out the mating ceremony without fidgeting?

I sighed and finally broke the silence, “You don’t have to be nervous about meeting your mate. When you see him you’ll love him and all you’d want to do is curl up in his arms.” I said while imagining myself cuddling my boyfriend, Brandon.

Although he hasn’t claimed me, I know he’s my mate. I am impatiently waiting for my 18th birthday and my mating ceremony which will happen in 3 months.

It’d be a dream come true. I didn’t realize my cheeks were tainted red from blushing from my fantasies until Mia’s voice got my attention.

I quickly snapped out of my trance, hid my little blush, and focused on the nervous celebrant with me. I immediately changed the topic of discussion from mates to other girl stuff.

In no time we were both laughing and chuckling from our conservation till Sienna joined us. I got up and gave her a tight hug. “Hey cousin, where have you been? You could have missed Mia’s ceremony.”

“Yeah, I know. Mia, I’m so sorry. I was caught up with some activities and that made me late.” She gave her a quick hug and brought out a wrapped package for her.

“To show my sincere apologies, an early birthday gift. Your main gift is with the rest of the presents but this is especially here to apologize for coming late to your party.”

Mia collected it with a huge smile and answered, “Apology accepted.” Sienna joined us as she grabbed a chair and pulled it towards us. She came closer to me and whispered into my ears, “hey have you seen Brandon today?”

“No, why?” I asked with a worried face. She moved back to her original position speaking to me through mind link.

“I saw him on my way in and girl, he was looking breathtaking. If he was mine, we’d have left this ceremony a long time ago," she said with a smirk, her eyes revealing her naughty thoughts.

"I won’t be able to keep my hands off those babies," she added. I turned to her, giving her a face signaling her to keep her eyes off my man.

After hearing all she said, my mind couldn’t help but imagine what Brandon was putting on. I had thought of a lot of outfits in under a minute but I couldn’t quite picture the look.

I was getting impatient sitting and not being able to see or touch him so I decided to look for him and have some alone time.

I stood up and adjusted my dress, “Uhh, girls I’ll be back soon. I want to….”

I was caught off mid-sentence by the alarm clock. It was 11:55 pm and we all had to get ready for the mate-claiming ceremony.

“Fuck” I cursed inside me. “Well Mia, I guess it’s time to meet the man of your desires,” I said with a smile. Since it's time for the ceremony, I can’t leave till it’s done as I am part of the Alpha’s family and I would also be presenting at the ceremony.

We shared one more hug before walking to the chair assigned for her to sit during the ceremony. On our way, I tried to mind-link Brandon but I got no reply.

A part of me was about to get worried as I tried to reach him so many times but I got no response.

“Sienna, do you mind asking Fred if Brandon’s with him? I can’t seem to reach him.” I asked through the mind link. She didn’t reply but I felt her nod.

The ceremony began at midnight and everyone was sitting awaiting the arrival of Mia’s mate. I began to fidget as I hadn't heard from Brandon since the ceremony.

I was carrying a tray filled with items for the claiming ritual and then the room became dark as the light was dimmed.

It was a signal that the mate had arrived. Everywhere became silent as we all waited for him to reveal himself.

Footsteps could be heard as the mysterious groom made his way to the pulpit.

“I, BRANDON DAVIS OF DAVIS’ FAMILY CLAIM MIA LEE AS MY MATE AND WIFE.”

As soon as those words left his lips, the lights were turned back on and I saw his face. I stumbled back and almost dropped the tray. Luckily Sienna was beside me and she supported me.

The energy and aura around me immediately became sour and cold. Sienna was the only one next to me and she tried to pacify me, also shocked by the turn of events.

“Breathe Rose, breathe. This is probably a misunderstanding.” Siena whispered to me.

Whispers were flying around the hall. “Isn’t he the Alpha’s daughter’s mate? Isn’t he Rose’s boyfriend? Did he use her for power and popularity?"

All sorts of sentences were moving around and my father couldn’t take it. "SILENCE" he roared and the whole room fell silent. "Do you, MIA LEE, confirm and accept his claim?'

The room was silent, awaiting her reply. Deep down I was wishing and praying it was all a joke. In a matter of seconds, her reply came and it sent a thunderbolt into my system.

With a cunning smile on her face she replied, "YES, I MIA LEE CONFIRM AND ACCEPT BRANDON DAVIS’ CLAIM AS HIS MATE."