A Werewolf's Unexpected Mate-Chapter 2 - : The Alpha’s Mate

Ovelia's POV

A tall, imposing figure approached me, his presence commanding the space around him. His silver hair caught the moonlight, and his silver eyes glinted like polished steel. He wore a dark suit adorned with intricate gold embroidery, the fabric shimmering faintly as he moved. Every step he took seemed deliberate and calculated as if the ground itself bowed to his authority. My breath hitched, and my legs felt like they might give way. Fear coiled in my chest, tightening like a vice.

He stopped before me, his gaze piercing through my defenses. Without a word, he reached out, his fingers gently cupping my chin. His touch was warm, almost tender, but it sent a shiver down my spine. My heart pounded in my ears as our eyes locked, his expression unreadable.

"I'll make you my mate," he whispered, his voice low and velvety yet laced with an undeniable command.

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My stomach churned, a knot of fear and something else—something I couldn't quite name—twisting inside me. He placed a firm hand on my arm, and I winced, the pressure aggravating the bruises hidden beneath my sleeve.

His brow furrowed, and he pulled my sleeve up slightly, revealing the mottled purple and yellow marks that marred my skin. His jaw tightened, but he didn't ask about them. Instead, his eyes softened, a flicker of concern breaking through his stoic facade. It was enough to make my breath catch.

Without a word, he took my hand, his grip firm but not unkind. I followed him, my steps hesitant but unable to resist the magnetic pull he seemed to exert over me. We approached a carriage that gleamed like liquid gold under the moonlight. I reached out tentatively, tapping its surface, half-expecting it to be painted wood. The metallic ring confirmed it was real.

"It's pure gold," he said, a note of pride in his voice.

I looked up at him, my astonishment breaking through my fear. A small smile tugged at my lips, and the weight of my apprehension lifted for a moment. The carriage was unlike anything I had ever seen, let alone ridden in. As I climbed inside, I felt a strange mix of excitement and dread, the thrill of the unknown warring with the fear of what lay ahead.

•Inside the Carriage•

The carriage began to move, the rhythmic clatter of hooves against the cobblestones filling the silence. I glanced at him, who sat across from me, his expression unreadable. The moonlight streaming through the window cast shadows across his face, highlighting the sharp angles of his jaw and the intensity in his eyes. The air between us felt heavy, charged with unspoken words.

"I am Ace Draven," he said suddenly, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade. "Prince and the next Alpha King of the Silverhowl Kingdom."

His words struck me like a thunderclap. A future Alpha King? My heart raced, and a wave of anxiety washed over me. The gravity of his title loomed large, and I felt small, insignificant in comparison. He exuded a wild, untamed strength, yet there was something almost predatory in how he looked at me.

"I'm Ovelia Ashford," I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper. I clutched the edge of my seat, trying to ground myself.

His gaze lingered on me for a moment too long before he stood, his movements fluid and deliberate. He closed the distance between us in a few strides, his presence overwhelming. "Ovelia," he said, his tone low and demanding.

Before I could react, he grasped my arm, spinning me to face him. My heart leaped into my throat as he pressed me against the carriage wall, his body heat searing through the fabric of my dress. His lips descended on mine, the kiss fierce and possessive. I struggled to breathe, my mind reeling as his tongue invaded my mouth, igniting a fire I didn't know I could feel.

His left hand roamed my body, sending electric jolts through me, while his right descended dangerously low. Panic surged, and I bit his lip in a desperate attempt to regain control. He pulled back slightly, his lip bleeding, and stared at me with a mix of surprise and intrigue. A wicked smirk played on his lips, and my heart raced even faster. I was teetering on the edge of desire and fear, unsure whether to surrender or flee.

•Silverhowl Kingdom•

The carriage rolled through the gates of the Kingdom, and I was struck by its grandeur. Even in the darkness, the kingdom shimmered with an otherworldly beauty. Soft lights illuminated the majestic buildings, casting a warm glow over the cobblestone streets. Werewolf citizens lined the path, their human forms cheering and waving as Ace's carriage passed. Their joy was palpable, a stark contrast to the tension coiled in my chest.

When we arrived at the palace, the guards opened the grand doors with a flourish. "Welcome back, Sir Ace!" they chorused, their voices filled with respect and warmth. Ace stepped out, his hand still firmly holding mine, and led me inside.

The palace's interior was breathtaking. Every surface gleamed with opulence, from the polished marble floors to the intricate gold filigree adorning the walls. I felt like I had stepped into a dream, a world far removed from the life I had known.

As we walked deeper into the palace, I noticed the whispers and furtive glances of the werewolves around us. Their smiles were teasing, their eyes alight with curiosity. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was the subject of their chatter. Some laughed softly, likely amused by the news that Ace had chosen his mate.

A maid approached us, her demeanor respectful yet friendly. "Sir Ace, King Raymond is waiting for you in the throne room," she informed, her voice steady.

Ace nodded, then turned to me, his expression softening. "Come on," he said, his tone reassuring. He gently took my hand, drawing me closer to him. His touch was warm, grounding me amidst the swirl of emotions bubbling within.

•Throne Room•

We stood before the grand doors of the throne room, the weight of the moment pressing down on me. The massive doors swung open with a creak, revealing a regal figure seated upon an intricately adorned throne. King Raymond was a striking man, his long silver hair crowned with gold. He wore a dark robe and a regal red cape, his presence commanding the room.

As we entered, the soldiers flanking him erupted into applause, their powerful hands clapping in rhythm. Ace and I walked down the center aisle, the sound of our footsteps echoing in the vast chamber. When we reached the throne, we knelt, bowing our heads in reverence.

"At last, after eighty years, Ace, you've found your mate," King Raymond declared, his voice deep and resonant.

Eighty years? My mind reeled. How old was Ace? He looked no older than me, yet the king's words suggested otherwise.

"Tomorrow night, your wedding will be held. Ace, assign a personal maid for your mate," the king commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Ace nodded, his expression unreadable, and we stepped back from the throne. The weight of the king's decree settled between us, a silent reminder of the life I was stepping into.

•Maid Room•

We entered a room filled with maids standing in a line, their forced smiles failing to mask their reluctance. "Choose the maid you want," Ace said coldly, his tone devoid of warmth.

I scanned the faces before me, my gaze landing on a young maid standing slightly apart. She had long dark hair and large, expressive eyes that met mine with a pleading look. She seemed different, and I instinctively felt drawn to her.

I approached her, my hand reaching out to take hers. "I want her," I declared, surprising even myself with the firmness in my voice.

Ace nodded. "Ann, you will be Ovelia's personal maid from now on. Your sole purpose is to serve her."

The other maids exchanged astonished glances, but Ann's face lit up with gratitude. She embraced me, her warmth enveloping me like a comforting blanket. "Lady Ovelia, I won't let you down," she whispered, her voice filled with determination. "You won't regret choosing me."

At that moment, a flicker of hope ignited within me. Perhaps this new life wouldn't be one of servitude but the beginning of something more—a bond built on mutual respect and understanding.

•Dining Hall•

Ace and I sat at a lavish dining table, surrounded by an overwhelming spread of food. The aromas wafting from the dishes made my mouth water, but I hesitated, unsure of how to use the cutlery. I watched Ace closely, mimicking his movements as I took my first bite.

The rich and divine flavors exploded in my mouth, starkly contrasting the scraps I had grown accustomed to. Tears welled in my eyes, and I quickly wiped them away, but Ace noticed. He gently lifted my chin, his thumb brushing away a stray tear. Then, to my astonishment, he leaned in and licked the tear from my cheek.

Heat rushed to my face, and my heart raced. "Don't worry," he said softly, his voice reassuring. "From this day forward, you'll always have meals this plentiful and delicious."

I smiled through my tears, a spark of hope flickering in my chest. Maybe, just maybe, this new life would be better than the one I had left behind.