Chapter 3

Violet

A week later

This is the second time I’m at the mating bureau. I came here a few days ago, and the matchmaker behind the counter had me fill in some paperwork about what I’m looking for in a mate. She also had me complete a personality test. 

I glance up at Jace and try not to laugh when I see him yawning behind his mask. Poor fellow. He was forced to follow me here today since my father doesn’t think I’m able to defend myself. And he is somewhat right, I’m not a fighter, but I’m not defenseless either. 

I am, however, not as talented as Jace at fighting. My giant guard is a force to be reckoned with and is equipped with a sword on his back that is almost taller than me.

“How are you even able to swing that thing?” I point at Jace’s sword, and he tilts his head. He might not be able to speak, but I know the raised eyebrow look—he is wondering if I’m underestimating him. 

I giggle in amusement. “Okay, okay. I get it. You’re huge and all that, but you can’t blame me for asking. I’ve never met a werewolf with as much strength as you. Are you sure that you’re a normal shape-shifter? Your arms are huge.”

I stand on my tiptoes to grab his bicep. His whole body is covered in fabric, but he has some serious muscle definition. Not only is he 7’1 feet tall like a demon, but I can’t even grip a quarter of his arm. 

When I lean against him for better balance, Jace blinks at me and shyly averts his eyes. It makes me realize he is uncomfortable, and I step back. “Sorry...I was just curious, and sometimes I forget you can’t tell me to fuck off.”

His mask twitches, and I wonder if he is smiling behind it. I suspect Jace wouldn’t talk much even if he could. He is definitely shy, but he is very kind. Any other man would tell me to back off, but not Jace.

“You know...” I teasingly drawl. “You don’t have to hide your face when you’re with me. I don’t mind your scars. I think they are very interesting. I mean, they tell your story, right?”

Jace’s eyes widen in surprise, and he takes a step back as if he doesn’t believe what he just heard. He then looks away, trying to hide his face behind his mask once more.

“It’s okay,” I say softly. “I know you’re not used to compliments, but I felt you needed to hear those words. And uhm... I’m sorry if I’ve ignored you lately. For three years, to be precise,” I stare at the ground, ashamed. “I paid so much attention to Blake that I forgot about you.”

I reach out to touch his arm, but he flinches away. I can tell he’s uncomfortable, and I don’t want to push him. So I take a step back and try to change the subject. 

“Anyway, this matchmaking thing is kind of weird, isn’t it?” I say with a laugh. “I mean, who knows what kind of person they will match me with? Some kind of stalker or psychopath, probably.”

Jace nods in agreement and follows me as I enter the room where the matchmaker lady is waiting for me. She looks up from her table with a smile. 

“Ah, Violet Wolfia, glad to see you’re back,” she says and licks her finger before reaching for a paper. She has glasses and blonde hair caught in a tidy bun. Not one of those messy ones you always read about in bad romance novels. “I’ve matched you with three people. They all fit what you’re looking for, and I have their pictures right here. Curious about what their species might be?”

Her words take me aback. “Umm, aren’t they all werewolves?”

She pauses before bursting out laughing. “No, of course not. You didn’t say anywhere you were only looking for a werewolf mate. So, naturally, I’ve matched you with more...interesting males. I hope you don’t mind. But I doubt you will. They are all babes. So very handsome. Come and look at the pictures, why don’t you?”

I exchange a look with Jace. He looks as horrified as I feel, but when I turn for the door, he places a large hand on my shoulder and pushes me forward so I won’t escape. It makes me pout. “Jace, I thought we were friends!”

He rolls his eyes, and I sigh. “Fine, fine!”

I walk over to the matchmaker’s table, trying to compose myself. I have no idea what to expect, but I can’t let my nerves get the better of me. I owe it to myself to give this a shot. After all, how else will I ever find my true mate?

The matchmaker hands me a stack of photos, each one featuring a different man. As I flip through them, I can feel Jace’s eyes boring into me. It’s like he’s trying to read my mind, trying to figure out what I’m thinking.

But I can’t let him distract me. I need to focus on these men. And there’s no denying they all have one thing in common—they’re all incredibly handsome. One is a tall, dark-haired vampire with piercing blue eyes. Another is a muscular shapeshifter with jet-black hair and a chiseled jawline. And the third is a ruggedly handsome demon with fiery red hair and a cocky grin.

I can’t help but feel a little intimidated. All of these men are so much more attractive than anyone I’ve ever dated before. And yet, nothing about them calls to me.

“So?” the matchmaker asks, breaking the silence. “What do you think?”

I look up at her, feeling more uncertain than ever. “I don’t know,” I admit. “They’re all so...different. And I don’t even know where to begin.”

The matchmaker nods sympathetically. “I understand. But you don’t have to decide right now. Take some time to think this through.”

I flip through the pictures again, stopping once I see one of a demon that is otherwordly beautiful. He has long black hair, red eyes, and horns that remind me of a ram. He has a neutral face with a scar on the right side, it runs along his body, but his muscles are so huge I don’t even pay the scars any attention. A shiver runs through me as I look at him, and I lift my chin into the curious gaze of the matchmaker. 

“This one,” I say. “I want to date this guy.”

The matchmaker smiles until she sees the picture. Her face then turns into a frown, and I arch an eyebrow. “Is there a problem?”

“No...or yes,” she takes the picture in her hand and studies it in silence. “This man isn’t supposed to be in my system. Someone must be pulling a prank on us.”

“Why is that?” I ask. 

She grimaces. “Because the man in the picture is Alpha Lucifer—half demon, half werewolf—he has been missing for the last twenty years.”

My eyes lock onto the back of the picture, confusion echoing in my mind. “But...but if he is missing, how...why...would he be put into the mix?”

The matchmaker sights. “I don’t know, darling...strange that you are a perfect match...but never mind that. I’m sure there are other men who you would be willing to date, right?”

No, there isn’t, but I can’t tell her that, so I fake a smile and squirm in my seat. “Umm...can I go out on a date with them individually before I decide whether or not to marry them?”

The matchmaker nods. “Of course, that’s the best way to know each of them better. Who would you like to see first?”

I smile. “Just set me up with anyone, thank you. I really appreciate your help.”

“No problem, dear.”

We talk for a little while longer, and it’s decided I have my first date with a crocodile man tomorrow. I honestly don’t know what to expect, but I suppose I should give all of the men I matched with a chance, right?

“I wonder what it will be like dating a crocodile man,” I say while walking home with Jace. 

My large bodyguard is quiet like usual while several thoughts infiltrate my mind. Why did I feel so drawn to Alpha Lucifer? And why has he been missing for the last two decades? What happened to him?

As we walk down the street, I can’t help but feel as if we are being watched. I turn around to see if anyone is following us, but the street is empty, aside from an old man selling fruit. 

Jace notices my apprehension and places a large hand on my shoulder, peering down at me as if wanting to ask, “Are you okay?”

I place my hand on his chest, my fist tightening around the fabric of his black shirt. “I don’t know, Jace. I just have this feeling like someone is watching me.”

He looks around warily, his eyes scanning the area for anything suspicious. When he finds nothing, he reaches into his pocket for a pen and paper, writing something down. He then hands it over to me so I can read it. 

You should not be sleeping alone tonight. Tell your father you felt followed and have a guard outside your door. You’re eighteen now and unmated, it means you will have to be on your guard at all times.

I look up at Jace, a little shocked since we have never spoken before. I knew he could read, yet I have never even tried communicating with him before. Why?

I shake my head, pushing the thought aside for now. “Thank you, Jace. I’ll make sure to tell my father.”

Jace nods, and we continue down the road. Though, no matter how hard I try. I can’t shake off the sense of dread within me. Someone is definitely watching me from the shadows, and I grab Jace’s arm, hoping to stay safe. He peers down at me, and I blush slightly. 

“I just...this feels...safer, you know?” His mask twitches, and I let go of his hand. “Fine! I won’t hold your hand then! I felt silly doing it anyway since you’re so huge. Like I’m a child—”

The words die in my throat when Jace grabs my hand and entwines his fingers with mine, gently caressing my palm with his thumb. I feel a warmth beginning to spread through me as I turn to look up into his eyes, but he isn’t looking at me. There is, however, a slight blush above his mask. It doesn’t surprise me. Jace is the shy type, and I’m fine with that. I’m just a little surprised that my heart is racing. 

Am I getting sick or something? I mean, come on! It’s just Jace, and I’ve known him since we both had diapers. I need to get a freaking grip on reality!

We continue walking, and I can’t help but think about tomorrow’s date with the crocodile man. What will it be like? What will he say? Will we have chemistry?

As we walk past a cafe, some werewolf girls snicker to themselves. “Isn’t that the future Alpha?”

“It is.”

“The very one who her boyfriend rejected for her maid.”

The girls laugh louder, and I keep my head down, glaring at the ground. Jace, however, remains perfectly calm but stops in his tracks. I look up at him and widen my eyes when he dips down with his mask removed and kisses me in front of the girls.

What the heck?!