G R A Y
I didn't understand what was going on. Why was my mate clothed in a maid's uniform? Why did she appear so malnourished? Why was her skin so pale? Why did her hair look weak? What was happening?
On the other hand, these were not important concerns. Lucan found her—and that was all that mattered. I just wanted to know her immediately, I did not think I had time.
I stared into her eyes, expecting her to blush and utter aloud what her wolf was clearly voicing. To declare me as her mate. However, she didn't… nothing came from her gorgeous mouth.
Goddess, she was stunning—her round, innocent face, wavy white hair, and ocean-blue eyes. Just like I imagined my mate to be. It's as if the Goddess knew exactly what I asked for. I suddenly found myself respecting the Moon Goddess, Selene, for taking her time because this… this was perfect.
I was about to celebrate when I sensed fear. Not from the room; I could tell everyone in here, including Bridget, my first wife, was terrified of my presence. No, this was different. This was her.
Her skin trembled under my hand. That's when I remembered the uniform. She was standing close to Luna from Shadow Hunters, but nobody ever told me they had a daughter. I simply did research on them a few days ago.
So naturally, that could only imply one thing: she wasn't their daughter. Shit, she was an Omega. My mate was an Omega.
Not that I had any problems with it, I didn't care about status, I've always wanted a mate, and I could protect both of us. But the law would not allow it, they–
"Call a doctor. Now!" I yelled, catching her in my arms as she fell.
Bridget, my first wife, hastily directed one of the servants to summon a doctor, while the rest of the room stood motionless in awe.
"Heads up, and you are all dismissed," I stated firmly. I knew their heads remained lowered.
I gently moved her hair away from her face, just as Luna murmured something that irritated Lucan.
'How could she call our mate a maid? I want her blood. Now.'
'Calm down, animal. We know nothing about her. She knows her; we can't kill her.' I held him back and asked the Luna, "Does my mate have any health issues?"
"I apologize, Alpha King, but I don't believe she has any. Don't fret; we can take care of her and continue with dinner."
She sounded so selfish, I gave her one of Lucan's glares before scooping my mate into my arms and went straight for one of the guest rooms.
I instructed two servants to follow me.
"Take them to the waiting room and please accompany the guests," I asked Bridget who nodded and guided them away.
Once inside the guest room, I carefully placed my mate on the bed and wrapped the blanket around her. Then I went over to the window and ran my hand through my hair while the doctor examined her.
Could it be that she became overwhelmed? Perhaps she had given up hope of finding her mate.
Looking at her, I could tell she was at least twenty. She-wolves typically find mates after they reach the age of sixteen. So perhaps that was it, perhaps she had given up.
Damn… Selene punished me for years, and I never thought about what my mate might be going through – how lonely she might have gotten.
I've been strong, so what about her? Was she able to take it? Was she upset with me for taking too long to find her? What if she chose a mate?
'Don't even think about it,' Lucan hissed, 'She's ours and ours alone.' I nodded my head. It was only a thought; I couldn't bear her rejection.
When I turned, the doctor was standing silently. He must have finished a while ago and did not want to interrupt my thoughts.
"What's wrong with her?" I asked.
"She's under stress," he said, "She seems to be a hardworking Omega."
"I beg your pardon?" My voice was cold. I didn't want anyone calling my mate that.
"I didn't mean to offend you, Y-Your Majesty," he stammered, seeing the deadly steps I had taken toward him—and most likely also observing my flaming eyes.
"I meant that she's been working a lot. Maybe missed meals too. Her skin and stomach say it all."
'I hope they haven't mistreated my mate,' Lucan roared. I agreed with him. Even royal Omegas have three meals per day. I always make sure all packs are fully stocked.
When my uncle took over, the age of mistreatment of lower-ranking pack members came to an end. I don't want to think about that being the case here.
"I want food here in ten minutes so she can eat as soon as she wakes up."
"Yes, Your Majesty," one of the servants replied before she hurriedly excused herself.
The doctor, after detailing the care she required, excused himself. Only one servant remained—I wanted her there so my mate wouldn't wake up alone with me and get frightened.
I inspected the room to ensure it was in good condition. It was one of the royal guest rooms, but I didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable.
I was ready to mind-link with my beta, Lawrence, when a knock sounded from the door. It was him.
"I am sorry, Alpha. We tried, but —"
"Forget it. She is here."
"What?"
"Yes." I pointed to the bed, and that's when I saw her sleeping face again. Goddess, I had no idea someone could look this gorgeous when sleeping. "I want you to find everything you can about her."
"H-her?" Lawrence stuttered.
"I know she's gorgeous. I suppose all my dreams came true. She's exactly like I imagined her." That was Lucan taking over my voice. He simply couldn't get enough of her.
"No. This cannot be."
"What?" I glanced at Lawrence, perplexed, "What can't be?"
"She… she's from the Shadow Hunters pack."
"I know. I can't tell whether she's their daughter or one of their maids."
"I'm sorry, Your Majesty, but what I'm about to say might upset you."
"Then don't say it."
"I believe that it is important, you know. The sooner you reject her, the sooner—" I did not let him finish. I attacked, grabbing his throat and pushing him against the wall.
He knew how long I'd been looking for my mate. How could he suggest rejection?
"I—I can explain, Your Majesty," he cried out, begging, but Lucan was not willing to let go, "She... is a cursed wolf. Rejected. Twice."
"What?!" Lawrence dropped to the floor as I let him go, not to spare him, but from reflex. I couldn't handle another curse today.
It had not yet been five hours.
Why does Selene continue to do this to me?
First, she gave me a barren wife, then the one who could get pregnant gave birth to a female, and now this? No. This could not be. It just cannot be. She cannot be an omega while also cursed.