Chapter Four

Chloe’s POV

The mating ceremony was one of the most exciting events for us werewolves since it was the time when we would have the greatest chance of finding our mates. I had already given up hope of ever being mated. All I wanted right now was for this day to pass and for me to get back to my normal life. With Mason rejecting me, I knew the moon goddess didn’t really want me to be happy in life. But I had no choice.

“I will make my happiness,” I said even as I carried some plates to the palace hall, where all the guests would be sitting.

“Why is this place not set yet?” Mrs. Parker said this from the corner of the room.

“I’m sorry, ma’am. I was making sure the plates were complete before bringing them.”

“You and your flimsy excuses again,” Mrs. Parker shot back.

“Better fix all that’s necessary before the mating ceremony. I want this place fully ready in the next 30 minutes,” Mrs. Parker said.

“Ma, with all due respect, Mr. I can't...”

“Don't you dare call me Mrs. Parker; call me boss!” Mrs. Parker said this even as she walked out of the hall in her dark dress. All I wanted was for this mating ceremony to be over.

Aiden’s POV

I looked out the window as the car drove towards the palace on the rough roads. My mind was busy thinking about the big mating ceremony that was coming up. Honestly, I wasn't excited about it. It felt like there was a lot of pressure and expectations.

The driver noticed I seemed lost in thought and asked if I was okay, sounding worried.

I nodded without really paying attention. "Yeah, I'm just not really looking forward to all the fuss at the ceremony," I said, feeling a bit down.

“It must be tough and tasking, I believe, sir, my driver said.

"Yeah, it is," I replied quietly.

Then the driver asked where he should park the car.

I looked out and saw a big tree in the distance. "See that big tree over there?" I pointed. "You can park under it."

The driver followed my finger and agreed. "Got it; we'll park under the big tree," he said, steering the car towards it.

As we parked and I stepped out, I could see the elegance of the packhouse. I knew my own palace was bigger and more structured than this, but the courthouse really looked nice as it was orderly.

I walked into the big hall, my footsteps making echoing sounds on the shiny floor. The place looked really fancy, with high ceilings and fancy lights hanging from them. On the walls, there were pictures showing the history of their pack.

As I walked in, I could feel everyone's eyes on me.

"Lord Aiden, welcome!" said one of the elders, coming up to me with a smile. "We’re happy you have honored us with your presence."

"Thanks," I replied, nodding politely. But honestly, I was still thinking about all the things I had to do.

The elder pointed to a seat at the front of the room. "This seat was personally reserved for you as a guest of honor, my Lord."

I followed the elder and sat down. On the way, I nodded to some alpha’s greetings even though my mind wasn’t there.

Sitting there, I couldn't shake this feeling like I wanted to get out of there.

The ceremony seemed to be taking forever to start. I looked around and saw everyone excited and chatting.

"This ceremony needs to be done with," I muttered quietly.

My voice was lost in the noise of the room.

I squirmed in my seat, wishing I could just leave.

"If it wasn't so important for me to find a mate, I wouldn't be here," I thought, feeling annoyed as I looked at the fancy doors leading outside. But I knew I had to stay and allow the moon goddess to choose a mate for me.

As the ceremony went on, I struggled to stay focused. I kept thinking about what my life would be like with someone I barely knew. It didn't sit right with me, but I knew it was my duty.

Then the elder spoke up, bringing me back to reality. "Let's start the mating ceremony," he said, sounding serious. "May the spirits help us find the perfect match for all that will need one."

I tried to pay attention as the ceremony began.

I then started scanning the room, trying to see who I would feel any mating bond with, even as my wolf still lay silent.

Chloe’s POV

I don’t know why I had been so excited about tonight. I knew Mason just rejected me as his mate yesterday, and I was way heartbroken, even as I blamed the moon goddess for matching me with him, but I still had this feeling that I was going to still get a mate. Even if I was able to get even a son of a beta for a mate, then people would stop bullying me and talking to me anyhow they wanted.

Are people stopping to ridicule me for being an omega? Can that ever happen?

Why was I so foolish to think that my dreams would come true so easily like that?

So stupid. I was so stupid.

Mason was right. I had no reason to even have attended the ceremony, even as an attendant, because no one would be glad to have an Omega like me around prestigious people.

"You are to serve all the guests around for the mating ceremony; do you hear me?" The guard suddenly said this from the front door, and I managed to nod. I was in Mason’s office as I was made to clean it before I went and served the guests. My entire body was hurting from the encounter I had with the stranger the night before. Anytime I remembered the good time I had at the bar with the stranger, a smile just crept into my face, and I wanted that feeling again.

"Hurry up," he snapped, bringing me back to reality. As I slowly picked up the cleaning materials, they fell off my hands when I was lost in thought, aware that if I replied in a bad way, I would get punished for it, and there was only so much pain I could take in a day before I passed out.

The door suddenly opened, and I jumped to my feet. I turned around to see who it was.

It was Mason. What's he doing here?