Chapter 3: He Can't Be My Mate.

E M B E R

I enter the mansion with Clayton by my side when that fool Graham approaches and forcefully grabs my arm. I growl, wincing in discomfort, and before Clayton can intervene, Graham snarls, "What? What are you fucking dreaming? So what if you're just a meek human? Did you think we would let you be treated well?" He leans in and threatens me, "We don't differentiate, bitch. Those who intrude deserve no respect."

I cast him a sharp look.

Clayton intervenes now. "Take it easy, Graham! She's hurt."

Graham rolls his eyes and grimaces, saying, "I don't care." He then smirks at me, adding, "Just wait and see how our Alpha will tear your heart out. I would enjoy those cries of yours—" I pause, momentarily captivated by a familiar intoxicating scent that dances through the air, drawing me in with its allure. Just then, a low growl escapes from the third in command as he muscles me into a dimly lit room, the intensity of his presence curbing my wonder.

From the elegant mahogany furniture and overflowing bookshelves to the dark maroon curtains speckled with gold that block out the light, the room exudes a royal atmosphere. Adding intrigue is the distinctive scent that fills the air, becoming more noticeable now that I've entered this space.

"Alpha!" Graham releases me and bows in respect, followed by the others, as the figure at the center bellows, "What does this mean?"

I flinch slightly and disregard Rayne's unexpected purring.

"I have never been disturbed for trivial matters, yet here you all are, shattering my peace—" he scowls, and I slowly raise my gaze.

Behind his imposing desk stands a man who feels like a myth incarnate, a muscular figure radiating power. He's a breathtaking sight with his cascading flaming red hair, towering over me at an impressive 6'3 or 6'4. This is the infamous Alpha Sebastian Knight, whose reputation I've heard whispered in hushed tones.

A chill runs down my spine as his gaze suddenly shifts to me. Our eyes meet, a magnetic pull drawing us closer, yet I feel painfully adrift. In that moment, his forest green eyes reveal a depth I never expected. They lack the soullessness that the rumors spoke of, and I feel like we are the only two people in the world. It's a strange sensation, like being caught in a dream, and the fluttery feeling in my stomach grows stronger.

My heart races, pounding in my chest as if it desires to leap free. Then, suddenly, I gasp, and my eyes widen in horror at the realization dawning upon me.

No! It can't be.

The Midnight Hunters Alpha cannot be my mate.

This harsh turn of events is unbearable.

But as despair settles in, Rayne howls in delight within me, the conflicting emotions intertwining in my heart.

Can it truly be him? I teeter between disbelief and a flicker of hope as I confront my destiny. No! No way... "Look away, idiot," Graham spits, shoving me down and forcing my face to the ground. He shoots a smirk at his Alpha and adds, "We've discovered an intruder, but it appears the Beta is reluctant to execute her."

I let out a frustrated yelp, but why does it feel like I heard his low growl beneath it all?

But then his voice cuts through the tense air again, sharper this time, "Is that so? It's the first time, Messer, that you have disobeyed me. Do you plan to rebel?"

That deep timbre, tinged with challenge, sends shivers down my spine.

I roll my eyes, trying to mask the rush of emotions. It's hard to explain, but just hearing his low, raspy voice draws me in, making me feel both exhilarated and unnerved.

Rayne growls fiercely in response, sensing the electricity crackling between us.

What the hell!

I clench my fists tightly in my lap, biting my lips in embarrassment. When I finally dare to glance at him, I catch a fleeting look of his raised eyebrows. But as soon as he meets my gaze, I quickly avert my eyes, desperate to escape the weight of his intense stare. Luckily it's in that moment Clayton steps forward, bowing respectfully, "I apologize, Alpha, but as you can see, the rogue, whoever she is, doesn't seem to be in good condition and appears innocent—"

Graham coughs and scoffs, cutting off his superior. "Who cares about the girl, Alpha? We take down anyone who enters our territory. So, what does it matter what condition she's in?" In an instant, I feel as if a burden has been released from me. I hear a sound resembling choking, and when I look up slowly, I see the arrogant fool pinned against the wall by his throat.

I glance at the man glaring at the fool, indifferent to Clayton assisting me. When did he arrive here? Wasn't he just sitting a moment ago? Facing away from me, the Alpha of Midnight Hunters grumbles menacingly, "I know we've been friends since childhood, but interrupting your superiors doesn't aid your case, Gamma."

Graham, the fool, squirms and whines in his Alpha's hold, avoiding eye contact.

A whirlwind of confusion envelops me as I stare at the man in front of me for too long, taking in his chiseled jaw and athletic build, characteristics that command my attention. His hair is tousled as if styled by the wind, contrasting sharply with his sun-kissed, ivory skin, making him strikingly handsome and alluring.

Heat floods my cheeks, forcing me to look away, desperate to banish these unwanted thoughts.

He can't be my mate, not him... Why, Moon Goddess? Why?

How can I want him when he's my foe?

Destined to love him... This isn't a fairytale, it's a nightmare.

Every part of me feels like it's at war right now.

Together, we'll bring nothing but chaos.

In the next instant, he releases the blockhead and snaps, "Leave us alone."

Huh? Who is he addressing?

I frown in confusion, then see Clayton assisting an irritated Graham, who shoots me a glare before everyone bows and exits, leaving me alone with their Alpha.

Wait, what!?

I blink and turn my head, trying to process everything.

Here I am, completely alone with the unsettling Alpha of the Midnight Hunters—who happens to be my godfricking mate.

This brings Rayne immense joy, yet I sense the tension growing between us.

He suddenly shouts, "Who are you? What brings you here?"

His fierce gaze locks onto mine, provoking an instinctive flutter as I steal a quick glance at him, overwhelmed by the urge to respond. And I can tell, it delights Rayne to no end.

"Uh, Em—my name is Emmy, and I got lost," I reply, feeling the weight of the absurdity of it all. I'm not fond of using that nickname, but it seems to fit this charade... at least for now. My hands clench tightly as I lie through my teeth, meeting his piercing stare in silence until I can't help but break it with a sudden outburst: "I don't know what you think of yourself, but you shouldn't treat people as if they're beneath you!"

His intense gaze sends a shiver down my spine, but I refuse to back down. "Uh-oh!" I respond firmly, "It sounds like you mean a lot to those who left the room, so you should—"

"Don't bother. You have no right to speak in my business. Stay out of it," he cuts me off, his tone abrasive.

Ouch.

Rayne whimpers, but honestly, I can't blame him.

I mentally nod, pouting, just before his unexpected touch sets my nerves on fire. He lifts my chin, forcing our eyes to lock.

A surge of electricity zings through me, and I can't help but flinch.

His expression morphs into one of shock. "What the fuck?!" he exclaims, anger flashing across his features.

A smirk tugs at my lips as I fight to suppress it; now he's finally figured it out.

The tension crackles between us—two stubborn, hot-headed alphas, and here I am pretending to be just a mere human. Let's just maintain the charade until I regain strength.

Prepared to share my thoughts, he unexpectedly lets go of me, taking a step back while rubbing his forehead and letting out a frustrated sigh. "What does this even mean? How is this possible? How can I be mated to you, a human?" His incredulity hangs heavily in the air, and I can see he's caught in a storm of emotions, mirroring my own—intense attraction battling against a reality he wrestles to understand.

"This connection between us, the spark I felt—it can't be real," he mutters, shaking his head slowly as he briefly meets my gaze.

I shrug, hiding my uneasiness. "What?" I blurt out casually, though my heart twists in pain. His denial stings like a blade.

Rayne stirs restlessly within me, feeling hurt. I pull my hand back and shoot him a glare, demanding, "What do you mean?"

He pauses, clearly weighing his words. I raise an eyebrow, impatience bubbling beneath the façade of my calm. His expression falters, a flicker of remorse crossing his face before he takes a deep breath, as if he's about to plunge into the depths of madness.

In that brief moment, I can see the confusion in his eyes, but somehow his thoughts are laid bare: that impossible notion! Me, a mate?

As if! Honestly, I don't want him either.

Rayne growls at me.

When he finally speaks, his voice is heavy with conviction. "I know this may come as a shock to you—especially since you're just a human—but I believe you're my mate, Emmy."

We are caught in a quiet standoff, our gazes locked, while my mind races to conjure the ideal reply, much like another clueless human faced with his revelation. Quickly sifting through the chaos of my thoughts, I instinctively tilt my head back and fake a laugh. "What the hell! Are you serious? You think I'm going to believe that?" I unleash the sarcasm, keeping up the pretense.

He raises an eyebrow and snaps, "Oh really? You think I'm kidding?"

I shrug. "I was told I meandered into werewolf territory. Is that really the case?" I raise my eyebrows, feigning innocence as I press on, "Honestly, I'm lost here. Should I believe any of this? Are you all werewolves, or is this a gathering of wizards, witches, and vampires too?" I catch a flicker of discomfort in his eyes, and I secretly congratulate myself. I'm a pretty good actor.

A barely perceptible smirk dances on my lips as he tightens his grip on my arms, pulling me closer. His voice drops to a growl, "Don't ever compare me to those leeches."

I meet his gaze with resolve, an inner fire igniting, then feign a struggle, wiggling my arms as if escaping, but it's calculated. As he pulls me closer, his hands gripping my waist, I lean in, silently challenging him beneath my meek facade.

My heart races, not from fear, but from the thrill of power, aware I'm more than what I show.

I push him away, silencing Rayne's whimpering as I straighten and clear my throat. "In that case, I'll just slip away and leave you be. Let's act like this encounter never occurred—"

I catch a glimpse of his expression shifting from concern to frustration, his lips pressed into a thin line. But honestly, why should I care?

Rayne whimpers again.

Oh right, except my wolf does.

I mentally roll my eyes at her, even ignoring my suddenly aching heart. I force a smile and turn to leave, but he shocks me by grabbing my wrist again.

Before I know it, he pulls me back to face him and pins me against the wall. I gasp, bewilderment flashing through me as I look up at him.

Rayne purrs at our bodies' unexpected proximity.

I blink and stammer, irritated, but my heart races. "What on earth are you doing?"

He leans in closer, his breath warm and scented with peppermint as it brushes against my face. "I don't think you have a say in it, mate."

Uh-oh!

This isn't how I expected things to unfold. I have tried to take control, yet here I am, caught in his fierce grip, realization dawning he might be right.

In this tangled moment, I feel my voice slipping away as I end up questioning everything.

What do I want?