Chapter 2 - My Mate Damien's POV The road unspooled before me in a dark ribbon, the hum of the engine steady beneath my hands as I drove toward Ice Moon Pack territory. In the back of my mind, Arthur-my wolf-paced restlessly, his excitement mounting with every mile. He had never shown the slightest interest in any female before. But the moment he saw the photograph of Alpha Lars's daughter, something inside him snapped to attention. His tail had practically wagged with unrestrained eagerness, a sight so unexpected it left me stunned. That was when I knew. She's the one. My fated mate. I wanted nothing more than to turn the car around and claim her that very instant, to feel her against me, to breathe her in. But when the photo had first reached me, I had been in Scotland, locked in delicate negotiations with a circle of witches and investigators. The meeting concerned the survival of my entire pack, and missing it wasn't an option. "Good things are worth waiting for," I had told Arthur-and myself. Even now, as I murmured her name under my breath-Vanessa Armand-I felt a rare softness curve my lips. After years of carrying the weight of leadership alone, I had finally found her. At twenty-nine, still unmated, life as Alpha had been... challenging, to put it mildly. Protecting my people, strengthening our borders-these were duties I excelled at. But the constant whispers, the sidelong glances whenever I entered a room... those were wounds that cut deeper than any battle scar. Each visit from the elders was another reminder of my failure in their eyes. I'd lost count of how many times one of the old wolves had strode into my office, slapped down a stack of photographs of eligible females-usually their own daughters-and urged me to "choose wisely." The interference infuriated me. My mate was my business. Our business. Not theirs. And I would never settle for less than destiny. Especially after witnessing the bond my parents shared -the unwavering devotion in their eyes whenever they looked at each other, a love as pure and immutable as moonlight. The memory of them tightened my grip on the steering wheel. There had been two of us sons: Baron, my elder by three years, and me. Baron, by right of birth, had inherited the Alpha title, leaving me free to pursue my own passions. I'd built a life beyond the pack- first as an investment banker on Wall Street, later as the founder of my own company. But one year ago, a fire had reduced everything to ashes. My parents. My brother. My entire world. I hadn't even been there to say goodbye. 13.12 Chapter 2 My Mate The evidence left behind pointed not to tragedy, but to treachery-a carefully orchestrated attack. Since the day I took the mantle of Alpha, rumors had swirled like vultures over carrion, each one darker and more insidious than the last. "Bastards," I snarled, slamming my fist against the wheel, rage cutting through me like a blade. Someone had targeted my family, and I swore I would hunt them down. Blood would pay for blood. As I turned off the main road and crossed into Ice Moon territory, something changed. A scent-light, delicate, and utterly intoxicating-drifted through the night air, threading into my senses. I inhaled sharply. It was like stepping into a sunlit meadow at dawn, wildflowers kissed with dew, underpinned by the soft sweetness of jasmine and the golden warmth of sunflowers. I'd never encountered anything like it. It was pure, dizzying perfection. Every muscle in my body tightened, my heartbeat thundering. Adrenaline roared through me like wildfire, sparking beneath my skin. Arthur lunged, straining against the confines of my mind, desperate to break free. Mine, he growled, a guttural, possessive sound. I pressed harder on the accelerator, following that heavenly trail. When I finally reached its source and slammed the car to a stop, my breath caught. There she was. Sitting on the ground like a fallen star, ethereal and heartbreakingly beautiful. Her white gown pooled around her in a froth of lace and silk, the veil slipping half-off her face, soft tendrils of hair framing her features. She was wild and unguarded, her wide hazel eyes shining with fear and confusion. My chest constricted. Was she in danger? I threw open the door and strode toward her. The moment our eyes met, my pulse stuttered, a primal urge to claim her surging through me. I wanted to close the distance, to taste her lips, to lose myself completely in our bond. But something was wrong. There was no answering spark in her gaze. No recognition. She stared at me like a stranger might stare at an attractive man who'd appeared out of nowhere. The connection that should have roared between us was... silent. I froze, stunned. She didn't feel it. She didn't sense me. And-moon above-she didn't have a wolf. 15.12 S Chapter 2- My Mate Get 5 Menu Arthur's agitation spiked, a low, furious growl rumbling in my mind. Take her now. She's ours. Claim what's ours. "Easy, brother," I soothed him, forcing him back down. We won't scare her. Not yet. I softened my expression and offered her my hand. "Need a hand?" I asked, my voice pitched low and gentle. Her gaze darted to my face, then to my extended hand. Without hesitation, she grasped it and sprang to her feet. Then, like a startled rabbit, she bolted for my car, scrambling from the driver's seat into the passenger side. "Drive! Now!" she shouted, breathless and wild-eyed. Well. That was one way to start a relationship. I slid behind the wheel and gunned the engine. She exhaled sharply, beads of sweat glimmering along her hairline as she tried to calm herself, fanning her face with trembling hands. "Running away from a wedding, Miss Armand?" I asked lightly, though Arthur snarled possessively at the thought of her fear. "Yes!" she burst out. "And may I ask why? I heard today was supposed to be the grand union between you and Damien Hale." Her sweet, heady scent filled the enclosed space, muddling my thoughts. It took every shred of discipline not to pull her into my arms and breathe her in. "Never!" she spat. "I won't marry a murderous monster!" Her words struck me like a blow. Murderous monster? Before I could respond, she was glancing around the car, muttering, "Wow... Uber really sends Rolls- Royces now? This is insane." A corner of my mouth quirked. "Uber Black," I teased smoothly. "Consider it a complimentary upgrade, Miss Armand." Her lips parted in wonder. "Well... I guess not everything about today is terrible." And then-chaos. Two black SUVS swerved in front of us, forcing me to slam the brakes. The tires screeched, the acrid stench of burnt rubber filling the air. She gasped, eyes going wide with panic. "Oh no. I'm screwed," she whispered, terror etched across her features. Lars Armand and his men spilled from the vehicles, closing in fast. The sight of her trembling broke something inside me. Fury and protectiveness surged, so sharp it was almost painful. 1592 5.13% Before I could act, she clutched my arm, nails digging into my skin. "Please! Help me!" Her voice cracked, raw with desperation. "Pretend to be my mate. It's the only way they'll back off. I'm begging you." My lips curved in a slow, feral smile. Pretend? There was no need for pretense. She was already mine-my heart, my body, my soul. But if she wanted a game, I would play along. "Of course, angel," I murmured. "My pleasure." Through the rearview mirror, I caught sight of my Beta, Matthew, tailing us. Without moving my lips, I mindlinked him: Stay sharp. Adapt as needed. Don't expose me yet. He sent back a quick acknowledgment. I straightened my shoulders, calm and deadly as Lars and his men drew near. Leave a comment 1517 547%