He took me back to our territory and spent days beating me up in hopes that I would reveal who had marked me. I finally told him everything, but he couldn’t get a name because I knew nothing of him.
I told him I was marked in the neutral forest. Since it wasn’t someone from our pack, he assumed it was from the neighboring pack. It could be from the Silver Moon Pack or the Blue Meadows Pack.
He took me first to the Silver Moon Pack, the nearest territory. He wanted to ask permission from its Alpha to allow me to be placed in one of their centers, like a piece of meat, to draw attention so that my mate could see me.
He told me Alpha Riley wouldn’t mind this act because he didn’t care about anyone, especially after what happened to him. He then laughed like a devil as he shared the misfortune of the Alpha when his chosen Luna left him for another Alpha.
My heart clenched in pity for Alpha Riley while internally cursing my uncle for being a devil.
Then I felt more sorry for myself. I didn’t know how I could avoid further humiliation. If the Alpha allowed me to be on display, the gossip would surely spread like wildfire.
This was my fault. I should have gone further than Orleans. But then I didn’t have enough money, so I had little choice.
The sound of an approaching car took my attention back to the present. My heart began thudding loudly. I was terrified of what would happen to me inside this territory.
After what felt like an eternity, the car stopped, and the door on the passenger side opened.
A good-looking male with dark hair came out. He could definitely make any female swoon just by his looks, but I didn’t feel any attraction toward him. Perhaps it was because I knew my mate was far more attractive and sexy than he was.
I scolded and reminded myself that I was here because of my mate. I should stop swooning over him. But I hope he was not from here. My uncle couldn’t sell me as long as I remained marked. Who would want a marked female as their mate?
Is he Alpha Riley?
My attention went back to the male who stepped out of the car. I couldn’t remember how he looked exactly since I was only fifteen when they had an Alpha Camp in our territory. But I knew that among all the young Alphas that were present, it was he who caught my eye.
But I couldn’t remember him having black hair. I was sure it was lighter, almost blond.
It had been six years, and maybe his features had changed. And so was my taste for men. And also because I would always compare everyone to my mate.
The male, who I assumed was Alpha Riley, was looking at me. His eyes narrowed, and his jaw tightened.
Why is he looking at me as if I had done something wrong? What did his men tell him? Or is it because of the bruises on my face?I tried to hide it with a concealer, but I wasn’t successful. Fortunately, my long-sleeved blouse managed to cover the ones on my arms.
I couldn’t meet his stare anymore, so I dropped my gaze away from him, focusing it on the ground. And then I heard a car door open, and, in seconds, an intoxicating scent filled my nostrils—a musky forest scent mixed with mint and coffee.
‘Mate!’Arrow whimpered in my head.
The moment I realized my mate—who never wanted me—was here made me step back. But I forgot that my uncle was holding my arm. He abruptly pulled me forward, and I wasn’t prepared for it.
My legs buckled, and I stumbled, falling onto my knees before my body collapsed on the ground with a loud thud.
The next thing I knew, a loud growl erupted in the air, making me stop from trying to sit up.
Uncle immediately let go of his grip on my arm, and I turned my head, tilted in the direction of the growl, only to meet my mate’s piercing blue eyes.
My mouth opened as I stared at him. He was standing beside the car, his eyes narrowed as he stared back at me. His face was so deadly that I felt my body crumbling from his gaze.
Is he mad that I showed up here?
My eyes watered as the thought of him rejecting me again brought pain to my heart.
He was still staring at me, and I couldn’t keep up. I dropped my gaze to the ground, but I didn’t stand up. My hands were still leaning on the ground, and they were the only thing that kept me from collapsing again.
I just wanted the earth to swallow me. Death sounded better than this.
I closed my eyes when I heard footsteps approaching. I knew he was coming closer because his scent was getting stronger.
“Why do you want entrance into this territory? The voice was cold, but I knew it wasn’t him. It must be Alpha Riley.
