Chapter 2 Mate

Gabriella's POV

At Alpha Nicklaus's birthday party, we were granted passes to enter, but I found it difficult to breathe in this dress. Everyone wore masks so that no one would recognize each other, but I still felt out of place.

I tried pulling my dress down to cover my skin, but Jane just started laughing. "Relax, girl. You look sexy in the dress, and stop making it weird by tugging at it like that. Do you want everyone's eyes on you?"

"I told you this was a bad idea. When are we going home?" I questioned.

"Home? We've only just arrived. Just relax and have fun. Here, take this." She handed me a glass of gin, but I declined. "You know I don't drink alcohol."

"Come on, just a glass won't kill you. Don't you want to experience some fun? Now that you're out of your lonely room, this will help you socialize." She urged me, and to avoid more lectures from her, I decided to take a sip.

"You're such a lightweight. Come with me. Let's dance."

"Hell no, I'm okay sitting here."

"You really need to let loose, girl. Anyway, I'm going to join the others on the dance floor. If a guy approaches you, just smile at him and make friends."

"You know that can never happen."

"Maybe tonight might be an exception; after all, it's a mask party." She left to join the others dancing.

I thought about what my father had said to me – a worthless omega? Emotions welled up inside me, and I took another glass of gin. I despised the taste, but I'd heard it could help one forget their worries. I started feeling a bit tipsy.

Suddenly, I felt a surge of happiness, and even my wolf felt unusually excited. I suspected I was getting drunk. My body grew warm, and my heart pounded strongly.

Mate.

My wolf's voice echoed in my head, and I could vaguely make out a tall man with a mask heading towards me. His aura was incredibly powerful, even more intimidating than my father's.

Mate!

My mind was chaotic, and I couldn't manage my shifting emotions. I began to embrace everything, allowing myself to temporarily immerse in this pleasurable but unreal fantasy.

"Looks like someone's having a rough evening."

I heard a male voice – hoarse yet magnetic – and my body grew even warmer.

I'm just going to mess things up. It's best if I leave and spare myself the embarrassment. If he finds out I'm an Omega, he'll never consider me his mate.

About to make my exit, he caught my hand, saying, "Leaving so soon?"

"Yes."

"Let me guess, you're not the clubbing type?"

"Not exactly."

"I see. My name is..." I cut him off.

"We're not allowed to reveal our identities here."

"We can both make an exception."

"I'm sorry, I can't tell you my name." I hurried to leave, but I stumbled and would have fallen if he hadn't put his arm around my waist to steady me.

"Are you alright?"

His voice was captivating, and my heart raced erratically.

"I'm fine, thank you. Can you let go now?"

"Of course."

"Thank you very much. I'll take my leave now."

"I just saved you, and I think I deserve a dance from a pretty girl like you. Maybe after a dance, you'll consider me as your mate."

"How do you know I'm pretty when you haven't seen my face? And the mate thing... not tonight, please."

"I know you're pretty – your voice, the way you move. And sure, I won't bring up the mate thing. Let's just focus on enjoying the party."

I grew nervous, but what's the harm in dancing, right?

"Just one dance." I agreed.

"Yes." My heart felt like it might burst, and I was baffled – am I intoxicated? Did I really muster the courage to engage with a guy?

A slow song began, and we danced to its rhythm. The way he touched me, holding my waist, sent naughty thoughts racing through my mind. This isn't like me. What is he doing to me?

He pulled me closer, our faces inches apart, noses almost touching. Our eyes locked, and he kissed me gently. It felt so good.

I blushed when he stopped. It seemed he noticed, and he said, "Come with me. Let's get away from the crowd."

I followed him, attempting to compose myself as my vision played tricks on me.

We entered a room, and he pressed me against a wall, whispering, "I desire you. But if you want me to stop, just say the word." He trailed kisses down my neck slowly, and I halted him. "Stop, please. No, don't." My words were hazy; I was growing more intoxicated.

"Why? Don't you enjoy it?"

"I do, but..."

"Shhh, let's make tonight unforgettable. Just tonight, the two of us." He lifted me and carried me to the bed, where he kissed me tenderly.

Oh God, it's real. This isn't a dream. I'm never drinking again.

I endured the discomfort and headed to the bathroom to freshen up.

Returning to the room, I hastily put my dress back on and sat on the bed to slip on my heels. Suddenly, I felt his hands on my shoulders. "Awake, I see."

Oh no, my mask. He can't see my face. How utterly embarrassing.