Chapter 4: Invitation to the Mansion

Maeve

I couldn’t bring myself to get out of bed, my eyes stayed glued to the ceiling as my mind ran around chaotically.

I can’t stop thinking about him, our conversation yesterday, the way my name rolled out of his tongue, making me swoon.

I barely got to sleep last night, and even when I finally did, he was there in my dream. The flashing of his green eyes, the piercing brown one.

He said he was looking forward to another time with me.

Can I just keep showing up at his mansion everyday?

No, at least not today. I know my father used to say something about the alpha being unreachable at this time of the year.

I can’t seem to remember the reason but I don’t think it’s a good decision to visit him today.

Oh, I need someone to talk to, someone who wouldn’t judge me but will listen.

Help me moon goddess before I go crazy with my feelings.

“May I come in my lady?” Mira's voice sounded as she knocked.

“Come in,” I groaned.

“You decided to rest today, would you like me to help you get dressed?” She asked.

I sighed, still staring fixated at the ceiling.

“Are you all right my lady?” She asked concerned, walking closer to me, eyes filled with worry.

“I’m fine Mira, you can’t understand my plight.” I pulled my covers away and sat up.

“Should I still make herbs for you?” She asked again.

“I’m fine Mira, I am.” I snorted. “I don’t even know how to explain myself or where to begin.”

“How old are you Mira?”

Her eyes widened before blinking profusely at me. “Ahh, my lady, I’m just twenty.”

“Do you have a mate? Have you found one?”

Her cheeks turned red, her shoulders slumped, shaking her head. “Not yet.”

But then, she raised her head, narrowing her eyes at me. “Have you found your mate, my lady?”

I rolled my eyes and sighed.

Her shoulders sagged, lips pressing to a thin line, eyes cast downward.

“I’m sorry my lady.” She whispered. “You’ll find him soon.”

“Please dress me up, make me look beautiful, I want to pay my mother a visit.”

Her expression brightened. “Right away my lady.”

——

My mother’s grave sat amidst the flowers that had been pulled around her, mostly from my father.

I cleared away the wilted ones and placed her favorite, fresh daisy flowers on her grave.

“Mother,” I called softly. “How are you doing? It’s been a while, I know but please forgive me.” I swallowed, the weight of my next word consumed me.

“I found my mate but he doesn’t want me,” I choked.

“I don’t want to give up without a fight. Does that make me stupid.” I whispered, a tear trailing down my cheek.

“I can’t just watch him take away that bond, I’ve waited for all my life, not if I can fight it.”

My tears were now flowing freely, I sniffled in between tears.

“I feel overwhelmed, I don’t know what to do. I’m scared I’ll eventually lose him still.”

My legs gave out under me, my behind hit the ground with a force, I barely recognized the pain.

“I’m scared…. mother..” my cries floated into the air.

“I’m sorry, mother.” I whispered after some minutes of crying to my content.

My heart felt light as if the weight of everything had flown away with the tears of my eyes.

I stood up and took a walk down the narrow path that led to a small lake, a place I frequent whenever I want to be alone.

I sat down under the tree shade, staring at the water as I threw in small pieces of stones.

“How long do you plan on doing that?”

The question popped out of nowhere, my heart nearly jumped out as I turned around sharply, only to find him standing behind the tree I was resting on.

I took a deep breath and smiled, standing up. “Alpha Kael.” I bowed.

He walked around the tree, coming to stand in front of me.

“I didn’t expect to meet you here.” He said looking around.

He looked as handsome as ever, my hand tingling to run through his hair length.

Standing this close to him is so tempting that the only thing I can think of is running my hands on his hard muscles.

“I didn’t expect to come across you either.” I replied.

He was dressed in one of his robes again, but without a cloak.

“This is not an official business I guess?” I asked curious.

He sighed, a flash of pain passed over his face. “Walk with me?” He asked instead.

“Yeah,” I nodded, falling into steps with him. “You seem bothered, do you want to talk about it?” I finally asked.

His steps paused for a second, staring ahead but he shook his head and continued walking. “It’s nothing, you shouldn’t worry yourself.”

“I enjoyed your company yesterday.” He whispered in that same breath that he would pronounce my name.

I can’t help the way I feel with him. I can’t help but wonder if it’s just me or he felt it too.

But why can’t he just save the two of us from this agony.

“I can always be there, if you don’t mind.” I shrugged. “I mean, to make your work more entertaining like you put it.”

“Yeah, yeah.” He nodded, giving me that heated look.

Was he even aware of what he was doing to me?

“Follow me to the mansion, let the maid serve us some tea while you tell me more about yourself.” He rasped.

My heart jumped with excitement, I smiled and shrugged. “If you say so.”

He led me to a narrow road away from the normal pathway to the mansion.

“I know a hidden route that’s less crowded than that one.” He said, leading the way.

Could things be changing for good soon?

Is it wrong of me to hope even though he hasn’t mentioned our bond or the fact that we’re mate?

“You amaze me.” Alpha Kael said during our conversation, looking into my eyes. “The short time I’ve spent with you felt like I’ve known you for years.”

I smiled, my hands tightened on the tea cup.

“Will you corn for the pack celebration in two days time?”

“I’m not going to miss that, not when our allies in other packs would be coming.”

“Yeah,” he nodded. “It’s the time of the year we host our alliance packs for a feast.”

“Join your father on the front line, I want to be able to see you.”

I looked at him, both staring but neither saying anything.

Layla sighed quietly.

I know it was going to be difficult for her to stay quiet but I needed it for the plan to be a success.

“Alright.” I replied. “I have to leave now, thank you for this and also the invitation.”

He smirked and walked me to the door. “See you Maeve.”

The door closed softly behind me as I made my way down the corridor.

My steps halted as a beautiful, tall, and elegant dressed woman walked up the stairs coming towards me.

Her dress danced gracefully to her movement, her wavy brown hair moved in accordance, her fair skin glowed under the evening sun.

The infamous lady Ingrid.

There’re lots of rumors surrounding her existence in this mansion.

Some say she’s very important and dear to the alpha and that she might be Luna soon.

Some say she’s the alpha’s lover and confidant.

She paused in her steps, her thin lips curled up in an unfriendly smirk.

“Who are you and what are you doing here?” She sneered.

Her voice is soft and smooth, if only it didn’t have that sharp edge.

“I’m the beta’s daughter and the alpha invited me.” I whispered calmly despite the hard thudding of my heart.

Her eyes narrowed, running her scornful eyes at me.

“Invited you?” She snorted and walked off, the length of her dress trailing after her.

“Kael.” I heard her called sweetly as she knocked on the door.

My heart burned with hatred, I felt jealous, wondering if the rumors were true after all.