Chapter 1 Joan's Pov

Joan's Pov

Night approached faster than expected. Some guests had begun to show up one after the other. I also saw Alpha Xender, a very good friend of my father back then. He was looking gorgeous and excited about the night, and I wondered within myself if he ever felt sad when he heard about my home.

I doubt he did. The way he shook hands with Alpha Rex showed he never cared, because if he did cared, he wouldn't have given him those smiles.

"You brat, what are you doing here!" Mrs Green yanked at me. I felt her hand land roughly at my back. "Do you want those guests to see you appearing in this?" She said, pointing at the rag I was putting on. "Now get the hell out of here or I spank you again."

I ran out of her sight. I hid myself under the staircase where no one could find me, especially Mrs Green. Then I heard Alpha Rex's voice, he was talking to a lady. Her voice sounded strange, I haven't heard it before.

I stayed in the same position, not attempting to move or he finds out that I am here. "What about your mother, it's been long since I last saw her?" She asked.

"She's in her room." He replied.

"I heard she's been sick for months now, is it true?"

"Yes." He replied with a sigh. "She wants me to get a mate as soon as possible. She wants to see her before she leaves. That's why I called you, because I need you." For the first time I was hearing the soft part of Alpha Rex. I guess the lady means a lot to him.

"Don't worry, you've always got me by your side. I'll do whatever it is for you, even till my last breath." That was the last thing my ears could hear before Mrs Green's voice sounded my name.

I ignored her calling, shutting my ears from her voice. "Joan! Joanna!" I could hear her footsteps heading upstairs, but I remained in the same position.

After what seemed like minutes, I heard Silvia call my name. "Joan?" She is the only one who knew I always hid under the stairs whenever I tried to avoid my duties. "Joan, are you there?" Her voice was low, almost like a whisper.

"Yes, Silvia, I'm here." I answered, my voice also low.

She came to my side. "Mrs Green has been looking everywhere for you. She wants us to get changed for the ceremony."

I sighed. "I don't want to attend the ceremony." I said.

"Why?" She asked. "You don't know if they might let us have a little enjoyment or something."

"Enjoyment?" I scoffed. "They probably won't even recognize you exist. Trust me, the ceremony calls for nothing."

"You're wrong. The Alpha had organized the ceremony to choose a mate for himself. Haven't you heard, his mother is almost close to her grave and she desperately wants to see his mate, that is why we are having this ceremony."

I recalled Alpha Rex's conversation with the lady a few minutes ago. "I think Alpha Rex has discovered his mate already." I said with all confidence.

"How sure are you?" She asked me.

"Very sure. I overheard him talking to a lady some minutes ago. He had called her to introduce her to his mother."

"Hmm." She hummed. "Well, it doesn't matter, we should get going now or Mrs Green has us clear the garden tomorrow."

We left the stairs to the changing room, appearing in a better maiden attire. I was surprised there were nice looking outfits like this in the house, but Mrs Green preferred us appearing like slaves rather than the maids we are.

The ceremony was going to start in the next five minutes. All the alphas were gathered already. Silvia was right about what she said, there would be lots of enjoyment. But I wonder if we'll ever have a taste of the meal.

I noticed Mrs Green's eyes were on me as I glued my gaze at the countless plates of salad and meats on the table. I returned the glare only to see her angry scary face staring back at me.

The bell finally rang, and it was time for Alpha Rex to announce his mate. Some other lonely alphas used this medium to find their mate. I heard someone call my name, and when it called again, I realized it was Silvia. She was already taken.

She was crying as the alpha held her by the hand. She was calling on me to save her. But what can I do? This doesn't seem like an ordinary ceremony, it was a mating ceremony and I can't do anything at the moment.

I was even happy for her. She'll finally be free from Mrs Green's maltreatment. She frowned as I smiled at her. "You're free now. You're free." I couldn't contain the tears in my eyes despite how much I tried to hide it with my smile. I was going to lose my best friend.

She pulled her hand away from his hold, running to me in tears. She hugged me so tightly like the world was going to end. I've never felt this love before, sticking in the arms of my best friend, feeling this moment to be the last we'll ever get the chance to meet.

"I love you, Joan. Don't you ever forget that." She said,

"I love you too, Silvia. I wish you a happy home."

"I can't tell how nice he is, but I hope for a good home too. And I'll keep putting you in my prayers too, you'll find your soulmate just like I did."

I broke the hug. "You've been praying for me?" I was surprised.

"Every night before I go to bed, and every morning when I wake." She said with a smile. "I hope this won't be the last day we'll see. Goodbye, Joan." She pulled me into her embrace and I found myself crying more than I could offer. "Till we meet again." With that, the Alpha took her hand and she left with him.

I was clouded in my own tears that I couldn't imagine how I'd spend the rest of my life without Silvia. She was the one who meant the world to me after my family. Now that she is gone, I'm back to feeling the same lonely girl I was a year ago.

But when I thought everything was over, no, my journey had just begun. I felt someone standing beside me, his intoxicating scent was too much for me to bear. I couldn't look back, I felt I had no control of my body any more.

And in his cold and domineering voice, he said to me. "Mate."