4. Mate

"Got it.”

I nodded in affirmation before I gulped down my own saliva in an attempt to hide my nervousness. Trying to compose myself, I glanced at the facade of the imposing archway under which the two of us were standing. It was made completely with a black stone, in the centre of which, a large exploding sun had been carved.

The rays of that sun extended in all directions, and the two sides were flanked with beautiful depictions of every life form that owed its existence to the presence of the sun, all the way down to where the two pillars ended. If it had not been carved on a black stone, one could easily have been fooled by the intricate details, judging by how realistic it all seemed.

Indeed, it was quite fitting that the Apollo pack would appreciate the gifts that the Sun had provided to earth; thinking this, I extended a hand to touch one of the lotus flowers carved on the right pillar, before I returned to my senses and promptly pulled my hand backwards. Sneaking a glance at Jayson, who was still standing in place, I crossed under the archway and began walking down the hallway he had indicated. 

My mind was engaged in confusion about what could be the purpose of this visit, but my feet came to a halt when I encountered the sudden change in texture from the cold marble floor to the plush carpet. I lifted up my eyes, expecting to find the Alpha surrounded by a number of people, out of whom he had declared one as his mate. 

But to my surprise, an empty room greeted me, save for a singular presence. The room was in a circular layout, that might be used as a council room judging by the rows of wooden chairs lining the walls. In the centre of the room, was the Alpha. His tall physique was clad in a simple blue shirt and black fitted trousers, and a royal blue and gold versus watch on his wrist caught my attention. 

My eyes stopped short of reaching his face- no doubt handsome as far as I had heard- when my lungs started feeling constricted. 

I did not know why I was there, and so far, none of my speculations had found any basis in reality. 

Feeling the heat rise to my face, I found myself unable to respond with words. Instead I simply slid the hood back. Willing myself to stay strong, I raised my chin and stared straight ahead, allowing him full access to my face and the scar that dominated it. No matter how everyone wants to be the mate of the Alpha of the pack and how everyone's wish had fallen into my bag without any prayers or wish, I was not ready to accept it. And I was sure that the Alpha would not be ready to accept this… accept me. 

This was the response I was used to, and this was what I wanted- but then, why did I feel that pang of hurt when Alpha Paul took two steps backwards when I lifted my hood? 

I was surely not as naive as I had been before, but I still could not stop my eyes from raising upwards and scanning his face. Indeed, the gossip had been true. The Alpha was definitely handsome, I remarked to myself as I observed his face. The pointed jaw was punctuated by a cleft chin, that framed a set of full lips, an elegant nose, and finally, my gaze landed on his gray eyes. 

My eyes searched his, without any need for words, and I was taken aback by what I found. There was indeed the presence of surprise there, but no disgust at the sight of me. Instead, there was pity…for me, for what I had been through. 

And before I could decide how to feel about it, Alpha Paul walked towards me as if he was in a trance. 

He stepped right in front of me, and asked in a melodious voice, "It's a pleasure to meet you, my Mate. I want you to stay." 

Setting my jaw, I looked past him as I gave him my reply in a single word- "No." 

Before he could part his lips and say something, I decided I would clarify the situation from my end. 

"I have nothing to say, Alpha. I wish to be alone for the time being, I cannot accept your proposal right now." 

Or maybe I should have said that I was never going to accept it. I have seen enough drama, not just because of the scars in my life, but also because of the reason behind the scars of my life. 

I not only have a painful and hurtful story attached to the physical evidence of my inferiority… these scars! But there is also a disgusting and insulting story of rejection and embarrassment, related to it. 

***