the scent

CHAPTER THREE

LIAM'S POV

Over a week had passed since the incident that happened in the woods and I couldn't get it off my mind no matter how much I tried.

Not the injury, as that was not new. I couldn't forget that scent. 

One of my mates.

To preserve the scent, I even stopped washing the handkerchief with my own hands - I had never done a single chore in my entire life.

I had to do it myself as I couldn't risk anyone finding out what happened that day. 

Unfortunately, Daniel had already found out that I was injured as he had come looking for me when he was concerned about how I looked when I sprinted off. I had lied to him, though, that I had shifted carelessly beyond the borders and had an encounter with rogues.

I wasn't sure if he believed me as he had stared at me with suspicion but he didn't ask for more details and instead went back to the pack to get me a new set of clothes - typical Daniel.

After that, he never mentioned the accident again, instead choosing to send me weird looks that I acted oblivious to.

“What do you have to say for yourself?” My father's gruff voice cut into my thoughts and I flinched as I looked back at him.

I was so lost in thought that I forgot that I had been called to his office yet again. Same spot. Same matter.

My instructor was at it again and I couldn't especially blame them as I've been even more distracted this week due to finding the scent of my mate on me and all that.

The odd thing I found, though, is that ever since we both found our mate, that monster in me hadn't acted out and had been weirdly quiet.

It made me think again about my hypothesis that probably my mate could shut him down.

I couldn't wait to find her.

“Liam!” My father growled in anger, his eyes turning to slits and I realized that I had zoned out again, failing to answer his previous questions.

“I'm sorry Alpha. I'll try to be better.” I said not much emotion in my tone.

He chuckled angrily. “You're sorry?”

“Did you just say, you're sorry?” He repeated as he slammed a fist on the table.

I couldn't help it as I flinched, the atmosphere growing tense.

He had released his Alpha aura yet again. Shit!

I felt my heart begin to palpitate.

His voice was cold and even. “Sorey does not even begin to cut it, Liam. Do you know how disgraceful I feel whenever the instructors call to complain about my son? About the Alpha heir, I had chosen myself? What do you think that makes me feel?”

His voice had begun to rise. “It obviously makes it seem like I'm not competent enough to make a decision. I am a good leader. I refuse to allow you to make me look incompetent to my pack.”

It was about him and his reputation again.

“Sometimes, I even wonder if it would have been better not to choose a disappointment like you and instead pick that love-struck fool, Ethan.” I winced.

“At least, although love-struck, Ethan actually brings in results and isn't called weak continuously.”

Despite my frustration, I knew I had to appease him so I found myself falling to my knees.

“I'm sorry, Alpha. I'll do everything to correct my mistakes. I'll train better in class and become more powerful.”

He scoffed. “Of course, you'll do that, whether you like it or not. You have no other option.”

Thinking he was appeased, I began to relax but he continued. “I have already taken the necessary measures to ensure that.” He smirked after and he eyed me with a strange glint in his eyes. 

What was he on about?

I prayed silently that he wouldn't do something crazy. My prayers were not answered.

“Starting on Monday, I've arranged for you to attend the Elites High School. You'll finish everything about your education there.”

My jaw dropped and my mind went blank.

Was he kidding me?

“T..that's white wolf territory, isn't it?” I stuttered.

He was sending me not to another school, but to a different pack entirely. Away from home. A different land entirely where I can be attacked by anyone who wants a pack war.

“Yes, you'll be attending, but mind you, not as an Alpha heir. Instead, you, alongside Isabella, the daughter of the Crimson wolf pack, will be attending as commoners.”

This shit just gets crazier.

He continued, not giving me a chance to buy in. “Your job is to ensure that your partner is well adjusted there as the story knows how flashy and pompous she can be sometimes.”

“Your mission is of utmost importance as this would state the fate of our future alliance with the crimson wolf pack. Make me finally understand that you are not an absolute disappointment. That is all. You can leave.”

I stood there with a lot of things to say, but since he had dismissed me, I could only growl inwardly as I turned to leave.

I was absolutely done with it.

Monday morning arrived way too soon.

The little hope I had concerning my mother shattered when she didn't even look concerned when she was informed that I would be going off to a different pack and a different school to study.

A place where the slightest mistake could get me torn apart.

What a mother she was.

She was way too busy gushing over Isabella to even pay any mind to me at all. Isabella had arrived two days prior and I'd avoided her like the plague - I didn't have time to deal with her screechy voice and her bullshit.

We'd have to stay attached to the hip indefinitely anyway - a moment apart from her to save my sanity would do much harm.

I could still recall how she acted when I first met her.

It made my skin crawl as she tried to act overly close to me, batting her eyelashes at me like a doll.

It was cringe and disgusting and even the monster in me would agree as it stirred when we sniffed at her disgusting scent - a far cry from the sweet one my mate exuded.

Soon, we were at the unfamiliar walls of Elite High School, and the registration went faster than I expected.

Courtesy of my father, I presume.

Thankfully, I and Isabella landed in different classes, only sharing one or two courses. It was enough as I could keep an eye on her without having to go crazy every second.

The moment I stepped into the class, my sensitive nose picked up that familiar yet unfamiliar scent and my heart race spiked almost immediately.

Herbs and lilies.

The monster in me began stirring so much I thought he would break free immediately.

I gripped my chest, trying my best to steal him as I vaguely heard the teacher introduce me.

Once I was sure he would not come out, I finally looked up and my eyes met hers.

Green, tranquil, and beautiful.

The eyes of my mate.

The monster reared its ugly head again as it screamed MATE.