The Beta's Mate

Aspen.

My mate, my mate who I longed to see and dreaded at the same time, was behind that door. Janice, Janice, I said softly, tasting her lovely name on my tongue. My mate was beautiful, she had a symmetrical face, plump lips, and long raven hair with a slim body.

I pushed the door open and her teary-stained gaze found mine,

" Hi," I said, sitting on the edge of her bed. She didn't say a word and I wondered if she was mute.

" I'm Aspen... Aspen Masons," I said and she nodded. " Can you talk, Janice?" I asked. I didn't want to offend her, but I wanted to know. She shook her head and turned her gaze away from me. I wanted to learn about her, but I didn't know how, she still seemed to be in shock at all that happened, and I didn't know yet if I'd accept her as my mate or if she wanted me as a mate. She was a dark wolf and their way was different from ours. They didn't believe in mate bonds.

We stayed in silence, just looking at each other. Janice has been through a lot, and I d