Excited

“We've found our mate,” Ada said, brimming with excitement.

“Shut up, Ada.”

I had blocked my wolf for a while because I didn't feel like listening to her chatty self, but somehow she'd broken through. 

I could still smell the alpha's essence from where I was so I decided to move farther away. I crossed the rows of trees and headed to the slave quarters. 

Maryanne hollered at me from where she was seated but I ignored her and continued to walk away. 

The workmen who were seated by their house made lewd remarks that made me feel self-conscious but I continued to trudge on, shutting them out.

Back in my room, I lay on the bed, facing the bland white ceiling. Growing up, I had fantasized a lot about meeting my mate for the first time. None of those fantasies were identical to the events that had occurred.

My fantasies included us bumping into each other, being introduced by friends, among other beautiful scenarios. We would be drawn by our scents and our wolves would scream ‘mate’ as we moved towards each other and our lips met in a delicious kiss.

My favorite fantasy was one in which we would meet in the forest. I would be in the woods minding my own business before catching hint of a beautiful scent. I would start walking towards it. My mate would also have sensed my smell and would be heading my way. We would meet halfway, insult each other mildly then turn away. After taking a few steps, both of us would pause and return to each other’s arms. 

That fantasy had put a smile on my face at some point but now all it brought were tears. Tears for a broken dream, trashed in seconds. I had thought of the possibility of getting rejected, but never did I imagine I would be ignored. It was worse, because it meant that my mate didn’t think our mate bond was important enough to be acknowledge. To him, it was something he could ignore and go on with his life as usual.

I let the tears roll down my cheeks, not caring if they would stain the pillow under my head. I had spent my entire lifetime waiting for a mate to love and protect me only to end up with a mate that did not care if I lived another day. I stayed in the room until Maryanne came to inform me that it was time for us to serve dinner. 

Sitting up, I lifted my legs and placed them on the floor before standing up. When I opened the door, Maryanne was gone. I ran down the hallway and found her in the kitchen waiting for instructions from the older ladies who were transferring food from large saucepans to table appropriate dishes. I was shocked to see that Maryanne had showered and was now wearing make-up. If I didn’t know any better, I wouldn’t believe she was the same pathetic mess I’d left in the forest.

We started carrying dishes to the dining room, a large room annexed to the men’s quarters. When I brought in the last dish, I noticed the line had elongated. There were about fifteen beautiful women wearing pink uniforms who had joined the line. Judging by how good they looked, it was hard to believe they were slaves. They were even wearing make-up.

Maryanne and I had been ordered to stand by the dishes to help out anyone who couldn’t serve themselves. About three men with disabilities had fallen under that category. 

“Oh, we have newbies,” a woman said, staring down at us. She was tall and skinny.

“Horrible looking ones,” a red head added as she served vegetables to her plate.

“Right,” another added.

“Hey you,” the redhead said, staring at Maryanne. “Did you not have any food where you came from?”

Suddenly, Maryanne was on the other side of the dishes. Before anyone could say a word, she had punched the redhead’s nose. Her plate fell down with a clang and shattered into pieces while she charged at Maryanne who blocked her because she anticipated the attack. Maryanne stepped forward and started pulling the woman’s crimson hair. Soon, they were both trying to tear each other’s hair out while screaming out loud.

I could have asked Maryanne to stop but I didn’t. I knew she was full of anger and bitterness. Not wanting to be on the receiving end of that, I chose to mind my own business. 

By now, the men had stood up and were chanting “fight, fight…” on top of their voices. Since everyone had forgotten about food, I used the chance to serve myself and find a seat.

Maryanne and the redhead did not stop fighting until a certain burly man with long black hair walked into the room. As soon as he showed his face, the room went silent and everyone returned to their former positions leaving the fighters at the center. When the two realized what was happening, they stopped. Whoever this man was, it was clear that no one wanted to mess around in his presence.

“Dane is going to kill them,” a young man seated across from me said. 

“Out,” Dane said. His voice was deep and strong.

The red-haired girl quickly stood up and rushed out of the room. Maryanne was still taking her time when the whip landed on her back. That gave her some speed.

The atmosphere returned to normal.

“You’re very beautiful,” an older man with grey hair said right after taking the seat next to mine. I threw him a quick glance before standing up and pushing my chair back. Getting my food, I started to move. 

He grabbed my hand and smiled. 

“Let go,” I ordered,

“What if I don’t want to?”

I turned my plate and poured the food on his head. His eyes grew wide. Taking advantage of his surprise, I pulled my hand out of his grasp and ran out of the room, leaving the sound of laughter behind.

“Where the hell do you think you are you going?” Dane asked.

“To the restroom, sir.”

“How dare you talk to me like that?” 

It was then I noticed that Maryanne and the redhead were on their knees. I slid down to mine. “I’m sorry sir.”

“Were you not inducted about the rules?”

Maryanne and I shook our heads.

“That’s no excuse for the commotion you have caused,” he said. “Follow me. Kayla, go fetch Letty and bring her to the red room.”

Red room?

“Will do, master Dane.”

When he started walking, Maryanne and I stood up. We followed him to what I imagined was hell. You don’t just hear red room and think roses. The name was scary enough to send shivers down one’s spine.