Chapter 3 YOU ARE MY MATE

PENELOPE

"Mate!"

It wasn't my voice,and it wasn't that of my wolf either. It was...

My heart sank to the depth of my stomach as I locked gaze with Alpha Klaus,he was staring right back at me. His scent , Cinnamon and chocolate weaved around me like smoke; it stole my breath,but sharpened my mind.

"Hell no," I whispered in disbelief.

Alpha Klaus's gaze didnt leave mine not even for a second,he felt the bond too. This isn't a dream,it's not even my imagination.

"Alpha Klaus..." Alpha Atlas stood up ,his brows arched in confusion as he stared at me and back at Alpha Klaus.

I glanced around and realized everyone was staring at me, all frozen in the presence of Alpha Klaus.

"Mate!"

He repeated,bold, loud and clear pointing in my direction. Gasps followed, I suddenly became the centre of attention.

"You must be mistaken Alpha Klaus, that is Penelope, she's a maid here..." Alpha Klaus raised his hand,shutting him up.

No, I can't deal with this, I need to get out of here,now and fast.

I took a step back at the thought, turning to leave. But then, I felt strong hands wrap around my wrist. A shiver raced down my spine as I turned to see who had stopped me.

It was Alpha Klaus. Our eyes met, and the scent of him surrounded me, feeding something deep within. I felt my knees weaken, my body was giving in, but I shook off the sensation. I needed to stay composed. Maybe this wasn't what I thought, maybe he grabbed me for another reason.

"I'm sorry, Alpha Klaus... pardon my manners. Is there something you need?" I said, forcing a neutral expression, though I could still feel his grip on my arm.

"You are my mate," he revealed again,as if the first time wasn't enough.

All eyes remained on us like we were putting on a performance.

"No... I'm not your mate. There must be some mistake. I can't be..." I began, desperately trying to deny the undeniable.

"You. Are. My. Mate!" Alpha Klaus growled, louder now. The rage in his voice shook me to my core.

No, this couldn't be real.

Yes, I had once longed to find my mate, someone who would bring me peace and happiness, someone who would rescue me from this cursed existence. I wanted to leave this pack in search of that dream, but not like this, not with him. The Moon Goddess must have made a terrible mistake.

Seeing how furious he was, I realized I had no other option. I had to acknowledge the truth but also plead for my freedom; his rejection.

"Yes, I'm your mate," I finally confessed.

His expression softened. The anger faded from his features.

I began to sob.

"Please reject me. I'm nothing. Just a cursed girl," I begged, trembling. But Alpha Klaus only stared at me, silent and unmoving.

"Please, Alpha, reject me," I repeated. By now, our exchange had drawn the full attention of everyone in the hall.

Alpha Atlas finally chirped in," Alpha Klause,you certainly cannot believe the words that come out of this cursed fool?"

"Mind your tone, Alpha," Klaus replied without looking at him. "This cursed fool, as you call her, is the mate chosen for me by the Moon Goddess."

A chill ran down my spine.

Please reject me, Alpha," I pleaded, my voice trembling as I sank to my knees. I clasped my hands, pleading desperately for mercy, as tears streamed down my face. But the amighty Alpha Klaus stood, staring down at me, his face rock solid.

It all felt like a cruel dream I was dying to wake up from; being mated to Alpha Klaus felt like the cruelest punishment the Moon Goddess could ever inflict. How could a cursed orphan like me be destined to a ruthless, destructive man from the Aurum Pack?

Surely, the Goddess had made a mistake or perhaps this was her twisted form of justice? After all my escape and life plans, this was how fate decided to laugh in my face.

"Please, Alpha... reject me. Please," I begged, my voice cracking as fresh sobs escaped my lips.

Alpha Klaus didn't move; he stood as still as a statue, his piercing gaze scanning me like he was deciphering a riddle.

Desperate, I reached out and clutched the hem of his trousers, collapsing fully to the cold floor. I didn't care how pathetic I looked; shame had long abandoned me.

"Seize her," came the cold voice of Alpha Atlas; my foster father. At his command, two guards stepped forward and grabbed me without hesitation.

"Let her go,this instant." Alpha Klaus barked and the guard left me , scurrying away from me.

Alpha Klaus grabbed my chin,gently lifting it to meet his gaze, he stared into my eyes with unreadable intensity.

"Splendid. Not looking bad," He muttered, eyeing my face like I was a product to be inspected.

"Reject me... please," I gritted through my teeth, my voice low, steeped in fear.

Alpha Klaus scoffed and turned to face Alpha Atlas.

"She's my mate and I'll be leaving the pack with her by my side."

No. No, this can't be happening.

"Nooo!" I growled, still staring at Alpha Atlas, silently begging him, for once in his life, to stand up for me.

"Please, don't agree to that," I whispered, hoping for a miracle.

Alpha Atlas finally spoke.

"It's fine. You can take her whenever you want."

His words made my blood boil. Rage surged through me like fire.

I didn't know what to with the rage burning inside me, I hated how helpless I was,and I just couldn't take the stares any more so I ran.

I didn't look back.

I ran straight into my room and slammed the door shut behind me.