Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Jace.

For the past two years, I have struggled to get a good night’s rest. My routine involves watching TV without blinking until sunrise. However, yesterday was different. I found myself dozing off at her doorstep, and I am grateful that she did not notice. I do not want her to think that I am overstepping any boundaries.

I typically start my day with breakfast before heading off to my pack training. Afterward, I assist my dad with his office work and then return to my room. That’s how boring my life has become.

Ana said she would consider my plea. Despite my flaws, I hope she can find a reason to stay. It’s ironic that our desire for being mated was granted, yet we were unable to keep our commitments. Thanks to me, of

course.

I mumble a ‘come in’ when a knock sounds on my door. I don’t have to look to know it’s one of the maids. “Breakfast is ready alpha” I silently wave my hand dismissing her.

Mum must be busy getting ready. She started preparing for this day three months ago and I just don’t find the exciting part of it.

Mother is an outgoing woman. The kind that likes luxury and showing off. Thank goddess Anna isn’t like that. Speaking of Ana, I need to see her. My wolf has been nagging all night but I had to stay away until her mind is made up.

I think I will just go for breakfast and then prepare for the party later. Unlike the past two days, the dining room is empty. Only Dad is impatiently waiting and I’m a hundred percent sure that Mum won’t show up.

“Hi Dad, where is everyone?” I ask while sitting on one of the dining chairs. By everyone, I mean my mate. She’s the main reason I came downstairs anyway.

“You know your mother, son, she woke up at 2 am and she had to wake up the poor girl too” Dad mumbles with a tired sigh and I know he wasn’t left out either. “Let’s eat something before she comes screaming at us to go prepare” He jokes and we both laugh digging into the meal. He is used to her crazy side by now.

*

On top of the stairs, my eyes land on a girl descending them in a short red dress. Her striking green eyes are perfectly complemented by her golden hair, which today is styled to perfection. Although Ana looks great in any color she wears, I still prefer black.

I can see why Mother had to drag her out of bed in the middle of the night. If we were on good terms, no way I could have let her take my mate from my side.

The dark sandal heels in her legs add elegance and height to her already captivating frame. She is a masterpiece of beauty and every step she is making is graceful and confident. I am sure every eye will be on her. I hope everyone hasn’t forgotten who she belongs to. I will still create a problem for anyone who might have forgotten that important fact.

11

Wow! You look astonishing” I mumble inspecting every inch of her and. her eyes widen in surprise, like she didn’t expect me to compliment her. I didn’t expect myself to either. She is just too good to ignore.

Ana looks down at herself and a blush spreads over her face when she looks up back at me. I still make her blush. That is a good sign.

“”Are you sure? You always make that comment, even when I’m wearing

baggy sweatpants, Jace.” Her slight chuckle completely eases my mood. I wish I could hold her.

11

‘That is because you are always hot Ana” I quickly clear my throat when her eyes slightly widen again. Am I overstepping my boundaries? It’s true though, I used to compliment her at any chance I got because, in my eyes, Ana is the most beautiful girl I have ever known. Clothing only adds to her beauty.

“Thank you, Jace, you don’t look bad yourself” Her eyes so slowly rake my b*dy and I feel her piercing gaze on my skin. Apart from the car yesterday, this is another decent conversation I’m having with her.

I was drawn to her because of her gentle nature and kindness. It’s hard not falling for her.

Mmh will you walk..”

There you are sweetheart, you sl*pped away again. Come on, I am going to introduce you to my new friends” Mother quickly takes her hand and leads her to the crowd, snatching the chance of talking to her from me. With a sigh, I walk after them to the damn party. I will just wait for the introductions to be over with and talk to her again.

The party is attended by everyone in our pack and more from

neighboring packs. Mother wanted to make sure that today is more remarkable than her previous birthdays. The massive hall she chose for the occasion, is sparkling with silver and gold decorations just the way

she likes it.

The four-tiered cake with frosting that matches her white princess gown, awaits in the middle of the room. Loud music adds to the excitement of the atmosphere as wolves dance in pairs to the intoxicating rhythm. Some enjoy the free meals and drinks but none of them has my interest. My eyes are on one girl. I have been trying to catch her attention but she keeps sl*pping away every time I’m close.

She looks radiant.

The dress she’s wearing accentuates her figure perfectly, and I can’t help but admire her smile and frequent giggles as she interacts with the crowd. Although there’s a slight discomfort in my chest caused by her ignorance toward me, I enjoy seeing her happy.

She will always be mine and I will make sure of that.

The day has been long, and I’m grateful that the party has finally ended, and everyone has gone home. Unfortunately, never got a chance to talk to my mate. I’ve been following her around all day, but every time I try to speak with her, her phone or someone interrupts us. I’ve been patiently waiting for the past thirty minutes, hoping she’ll give me an opportunity once the call ends.

I know she is trying to avoid me but I can’t give up just yet. Can I? “Jace, did you happen to see Ana?” My mother’s voice pulls me out of my thoughts. Why is Mum always ruining moments for me?

“Yes,” I nod in my mate’s direction. “She doesn’t even look at me Mum, “I lament with a sad sigh.

“Come on, give her space son” Mother grabs my hand and starts to lead me to the house.

“Did she say anything about leaving? ” I eagerly ask following her to the living room.

“Yes, as soon as the party is finished. You guys haven’t talked? ” Mother halts in her steps and turns to me with her eyebrows raised in question. “She hasn’t been to one place since morning Mother” I complain taking the first seat from the entrance.

“Oh! Finally, the party is done with, I can now breathe in peace” Dad exaggeratedly mumbles slumping on the couch.

“Not too fast Ed, we still have an after-party” I cringe at the smirks on their faces. These two always behave like newly mated wolves. I still ask myself how this house is not filled to the brim with kids yet.

“Luna, I found this on the swing outside, it has been continuously ringing” a maid walks in with a ringing phone. From the pink case, it’s the phone Anna has been using minutes ago.

Where is she anyway? I wonder looking at the place we left her but she’s nowhere in sight.

“Give me the phone and call her. She must be in her room,” Mother instructs the woman who complies without question. As soon as my mother glances at the phone’s display, she gasps in shock and shifts her attention toward me.

My heart jumps to my mouth at that little action, and only worse assumptions start running through my unsettled mind.

Is he her boyfriend? No. She can’t replace me. Ana cares for me enough not to hurt me.

f**k. What am I saying?

“What is it?” Dad asks taking the phone from Mum’s trembling hands and his reaction is not any better. He appears stupified. This is not good. They are behaving weirdly and it’s scaring the shit out of me. “Dad? “My voice quivers in worry, and when he turns the screen to my face, blood runs dry in my b*dy. My hands tightly clutch the seat’s armrest as I stare at the image in front of me in sheer marvel.

It can’t be.