His scent

Althea's POV:

“Maybe death is the only way I can be saved.” I said to myself, while I sat on the same rock I always did whenever I needed to escape my father's house. 

I hugged my knees to my chest, resting my chin on top of them, and began to hum softly, the melody was one I had sung since I was a child. It was a song my mother sang loudly when she thought no one was listening. 

It was the only thing I had left of her, the only memory of love in a world that seemed intent on reminding me of my place—beneath everyone else's feet.

My stepmom, Sarah and her daughter made sure of that. Luckily, Sarah is away for a few days, so I only have to deal with Riya.

My half-sister’s wicked laughter echoed in my ears as I thought about all the tasks she’d so graciously dumped on me. 

Scrubbing floors, washing her endless gowns, cooking meals she barely touched—it was all part of her daily ritual to remind me that I was nothing more than the product of my father’s mistake. 

A bastard.

But today, something felt different. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but there was an ache in my chest, a longing so sharp it brought tears to my eyes. 

I tilted my head back and looked at the sky. “Moon Goddess.” I whispered, my voice trembling. “Is it too much to ask for a Mate? someone who loves me, someone who sees me, not as a servant or a burden, but as...me?” I let out a shaky breath, my fingers digging into the fabric of my worn dress. “I don’t care if he’s noble or common. I just want someone who’ll take me away from this place.”

My pleas hung in the air, unanswered, as they always were. I let out a bitter laugh and shook my head. “Of course, you’re silent. Why would the Moon Goddess listen to someone like me?”

The soft rustling of leaves pulled me from my thoughts. I stiffened, my senses sharpening. It wasn’t the normal rustle of wind through the trees—it was scary, too scary. 

My heart began to race as I scanned the treeline, my breath hitched when I caught the faintest whiff of something intoxicating.

It was a scent unlike anything I’d ever experienced—earthy, rich, and undeniably masculine. My pulse quickened, and my wolf stirred within me, her excitement bubbling to the surface.

“Mate.” She whispered, her voice breathless and eager.

I shot to my feet, my eyes darting wildly around the place. And then I saw him.

He stepped out from the shadows of the trees, his presence was commanding and overwhelming. The fading sunlight cast a golden glow over his features, his dark hair falling around a chiseled jawline. His eyes locked onto mine, a deep, stormy gray that seemed to see straight through me, and my breath caught in my throat.

Time seemed to stand still as we stared at each other. My heart thundered in my chest, and I could feel the bond crackling between us like a live wire.

“Are you...” I swallowed hard, my voice barely a whisper. “Are you my mate?”

He didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he growled low in his throat, a sound that sent shivers racing down my spine. Before I could react, he lunged forward, closing the distance between us in the blink of an eye.

His hands gripped my arms, firm but not painful, and his lips crashed against mine. The kiss was fierce and it took my breath away. For a moment, I froze, my mind struggling to catch up with the whirlwind of emotions rushing through me.

When he pulled back, his gaze bored into mine. “Mate.” He murmured, his voice deep and gravelly, yet somehow tender.

It sent a jolt through me, and I felt the bond snap into place, wrapping around us like an unbreakable chain. Heat flooded my veins, and before I could stop myself, I reached up and cupped his face, pulling him back down to me.

His lips met mine again, this time softer. His hands moved to my waist, pulling me closer, and I felt my wolf howling in excitement. I didn’t care that we were strangers. I didn’t care that I didn’t even know his name. In this moment, nothing else mattered but him.

“Please.” I whispered against his lips, not even sure what I was asking for.

He seemed to understand anyway. He suddenly lifted me into his arms, his touch ignited a fire in me I didn’t know existed. 

We sank to the ground together, and the world around us faded away. The mating bond took over, leaving no 

room for hesitation or second thoughts. 

When I woke up, the sun was to rise. My body ached in ways I couldn’t describe, and my dress was barely clinging to me. 

I sat up slowly, wincing at the soreness in my limbs, and looked around.

He was gone.

Fear clawed at my chest as I scrambled to my feet, clutching the torn fabric of my dress to cover myself. “Hello?” I called out, my voice shaky and weak. “Are you there?”

Silence.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I wrapped my arms around myself, the cold morning air biting at my exposed skin. How could he leave? After everything we’d shared...how could he just disappear?

Who was he? And why do I feel like I just lost a part of myself?

I sank to my knees, my fingers digging into the grass. The Moon Goddess answered my prayers, but at what cost?