My mate? I hate her!

I came home to hide from the beast that had interrupted my work. It couldn't be logical for a wolf of that size to be chasing me. It couldn't be real. For a moment I thought I was having a terrible nightmare and wanted to wake up. But this was very real.

"You won't get away from me, Sara." He said, his rough, terrifying voice shaking my bones.

The chase was coming to an end, I could not escape from this demonic beast that possessed impressive speed.

I stared at him in utter shock, and when he returned to his human form, I was stunned. It was him, my classmate I had ignored for so long. He was strong, handsome, with jet black hair and piercing eyes that were just as dark.

"What do you want, Mark?" I asked, trembling and trying to cover my wheat-colored face with my hands.

I didn't even have time to ask for help before he was carrying me in his huge arms. He was overwhelmingly strong and I had no idea who to turn to for help. I lived alone in my flat.

I woke up bone numb, in a soft feather bed. I saw him sitting next to me, his body showing the tattoos that made him look so dangerous. Fear coursed down my back and I groped to cover myself with my blankets, the neckline of my shirt not hiding my femininity.

"This is how I wanted to have you; don't you remember me?" Mark asked, running his hand down my neck as if he was about to kill me.

I wanted to pretend I didn't care, that would be better for his fury, but I wasn't a liar. That handsome man had been a shy teenager whom I'd turned down for the school dance a thousand times and denied him every date. He was so changed, even if he still had those characteristic deep eyes.

"You're a wolf" I began to say, stuttering.

"Yes, and you'll be my mate. But that doesn't make me hate you any less" He stood up abruptly and pulled the blanket off me, exposing me.

My senses sharpened and my heart galloped uncontrollably.

"I don't understand a word you're saying" I pleaded, fearing for my life.

He was covered in blood; I could see him well when he stood up. He was a killer, an unrestrained beast who now had complete control over me. I spotted the closed door and silently wailed.

You will do as I say, you are my property now, and I assure you I will avenge past rejections. -Her mischievous smile shone; her teeth gleamed.

A hand reached for a rope on the bedside table, which could mean anything. My blood ran cold again as she threw it to the floor.

"You scare so easily, Sara, but you weren't so scared when you ignored me and laughed at my letters..." she pursed her lips.

Mark threw himself gently on top of me, squeezing my neck between his hands and sinking his nose into my throat. This was crazy, he was a wolf and he had kidnapped me for revenge. He pulled my clothes off and slid his hands down my legs. The feeling changed, I wasn't afraid anymore, but a part of me was getting wet and I didn't want to admit it.

I tried to look away from his presence, but it was impossible. His face was perfect, mysterious, and at the same time there was an evil in it that I couldn't describe. I was attracted to him, and that made me hate him even more, because I couldn't help but be seduced by his imposing bearing and his otherworldly touch.

He put some handcuffs on my wrists and let out an evil chuckle. Then he brushed my hair back, exhausting my patience. let out a groan of annoyance from my mouth, though my heart begged for more contact.

Then, he left me all alone. I remembered the old Mark I knew at school, the shy boy who didn't speak out loud, who I had ignored for so long and who seemed so strange... Now he was a wild beast. He hated me, he would always hate me, rejecting and humiliating him for so long would cost me dearly.

The door opened and into the room walked a man who looked like he had stepped out of the television. He had dark hair and olive-green eyes, a strong dark complexion, he was indeed the most imposing man after the new Mark.

"I introduce myself; I am the Beta of this pack. I brought you some clean clothes." His smile was as kind as a gentleman of his great beauty could be. "My name is Adren."

He placed the clothes on the bed, not looking at me closely or noticing that I was handcuffed and almost undressed.

"He... Does he hate me?" I asked without further ado, if this was to be my torture, I would face it with the truth.

He smiled, grimacing with sarcasm.

"Of course, she hates you more than anyone. You broke her heart." He shrugged indifferently. -If you need coffee, there's a machine in the next room. "He went on, changing the subject as if I were a mere guest."

I felt like I was completely insane, everyone there was acting as if this situation was completely normal. It wasn't for me; I didn't even know werewolves existed until a few hours ago. I felt like screaming with rage.

"I did no such thing." I apologized, trying to look offended. It didn't come off at all, I felt intimidated being handcuffed to a bed.

"He's my brother, Sara." he grimaced in annoyance. "When he chose you as his mate, all those years ago, when you were both in high school, I was the one who saw him cry."

"No way, don't exaggerate, if it was just dances, I didn't go to..." I swallowed as I began to remember those past events more clearly.

"For you they were, but not for him, he cried all night. He's always been sentimental, other wolves are different, we only take what we want and if we don't, the blood spills." The red gleam in his eyes made me shudder.

Adren's face was different from when he came in, as if his animal side was about to emerge. He looked much more sadistic than Mark, even though he was more friendly on the outside. I remembered the dinner I had stood him up for, I had forgotten all about it. I didn't like him at all then. I was afraid of how many other things I had forgotten from our time at school.

He glared at me.

"Welcome to the pack, Sara, you're the most hated mate of all." He smiled. "The best is yet to come."

Another shiver ran through my skin from head to toe, the wind seeping through the few clothes I was wearing.

I didn't realize I'd fallen asleep, but when I woke up, I was startled. Seeing myself back in that strange, luxurious house made me think it was all a hallucination.

"Aren't you dressed yet, Moon?" a woman's voice asked from beside the bed.

I hadn't noticed her presence until she spoke. The woman must have been Mark's sister because I vaguely remembered her from school. She was older than us, something else I'd forgotten.

"Your memory loss is concerning," she observed, as she extended her hand to give me clothes.

I chose the black skirt and thick violet wool sweater; it seemed that bundling up would make me feel much safer. The house was full of people who despised me as well.

"I'm sorry, good morning," I greeted her, trying to be friendly. "This is all so crazy to me."

"Wolves are loyal creatures, no one will hurt you here," the woman sighed. 'Despite what you've done.'

I swallowed. Heavens, they couldn't care that much about a simple rejection from high school. I saw that they had removed my handcuffs, which meant that, in part, I had a little bit of freedom again.

"It's hard to believe when you're being held captive," I rolled my eyes. I knew it would be rude, but I couldn't help myself.

"You're a very naive girl. If we're dangerous, why are you disrespecting us like this? It doesn't make much sense," she pressed her lips together, and then I felt fear run down my spine.

She transformed into a gigantic wolf, as big as Mark but cream-colored. She was beautiful, I couldn't deny that, but she was a relentless beast. She growled at me, showing me her sharp teeth. She couldn't attack me because of the sound of the door interrupting us. There he was, Mark entered the room in a dark, blood-red suit, elegant and neat. It made him look so handsome and strong that I stared at him without blinking. He noticed, so his contempt was even greater. He barely spoke to me, gesturing to his sister to leave me alone.

He grabbed my arm without any gentleness and led me down a wide corridor with light, bright floors. I dragged my feet reluctantly, who knows what awaited me in this madness. He had changed so much since the last time I saw him, when he was a naive and sweet boy. Now he seemed like a demon, a beast caged in a man who was too attractive. His black eyes intimidated me.

"Move, I don't have all day," he said, growling, as he led me away.

I quickened my pace to avoid making him angry. He led me to a loft at the top of the house, which seemed enormous and endless. In that room, the balcony overlooked a huge garden. I looked for a seat on one of the sofas. On the table, there was toast and coffee.

"I like my coffee with sugar and cream," I requested, because there was nothing I disliked more than black coffee.

"You won't have it, you're not a guest of honor," Mark replied curtly, taking a sip from his cup, next to mine.

"The bread is rye and I don't like that either, I won't eat it," I crossed my arms. Ever since I was a child, I had absolutely hated eating things I didn't like.

I'd always been picky, my parents spoiled me a lot.

"Spoiled," he spat, smirking cynically.

He ate his breakfast calmly, not caring at all that my stomach was growling. I took a breath not to give him the satisfaction, it was impossible that this was happening to me. It didn't make sense; this man who looked like he'd stepped out of a movie was treating me like I had the plague. He hated me. I could see it in his eyes, he didn't forget our past.

"I'm sorry,' I tried to look him in the eye, but he just ignored me. 'If it means anything, I was young and I didn't know what I was doing."

My apology wasn't sincere at all; I didn't think I had hurt him that badly. Because it was just a couple of dates that I rejected, and that's it. I didn't understand why it seemed so terrible and traumatic to him. He focused on me with his piercing eyes, his face had a perfect and mysterious symmetry, it captivated me, even though I was angry.

'It doesn't mean anything, you said it yourself,' he cleared his throat. 'I need you to get dressed for an occasion. The clothes are over there,' he pointed to a beige suitcase, immaculate.

'What are you saying? I don't know who you think you are,' I cursed, under my breath so as not to provoke the wolf too much. 'I'm not going anywhere until you explain what's going on here. Mark, you know this is crazy,' I tried to take his hand, but he pushed me away abruptly, looking away.

'You don't deserve an explanation,' he replied. 'Obey or you'll be imprisoned. Believe me, you won't want to be there.

I refused to move even an inch, I wasn't going anywhere. I was tired of all the suspense. I had to go back to work, to my apartment, to my normal life where I had a routine that I found very pleasant and comfortable.

'I want to go back to my apartment,' I said, standing up.

He growled with a fatal fury, turning into a wolf and leaving his human appearance behind. His red eyes fixed on me and he knocked me down, scratching the floor and part of my right arm with his claws.

The blood ran like a thread on my skin and I let out a sob from the burning. It wasn't a big wound, but the wolf's saliva seemed like a kind of poison. I thought he would kill me at that moment, his rage was uncontrollable because I had defied him. There was no time for regrets anyway, me and my need to rebel against the beast.

I closed my eyes, the fear of death paralyzed every bone in my body. I couldn't move, nor was there any point in trying to escape such a big and strong wolf.

Contrary to what I thought, the wolf retreated, his gaze different. He no longer seemed enraged, but his eyes reflected something different. His fur softened, calming his anger, as he lowered his head. I noticed that he was scared, he was terrified of having caused me that scratch

I could approach him slowly. He had his head down, repentant, his incredible fur shone in the sunlight coming through the window. I stroked his back slowly, he allowed it. From that perspective, he even looked tender, not terrifying like a demon. It was nice to feel his fur against my skin, it made me feel protected.

But that moment of peace lasted only a few seconds, when he returned to his human form and pushed me away with the same contempt as always.

'Put on what's in the suitcase, Sara. You've already made me angry,' he said, his voice hoarse and deep

He returned to his usual indifference, sitting on the sofa with his arms crossed and his attractive face angry. He watched me put on the clothes, so elegant they looked like they were from a vintage magazine. A light pink dress with such small, invisible embroidery of delicate flowers. Comfortable black heeled shoes and a lotion that I sprayed on my skin. It seemed to me that it was quite strong for my taste, but I didn't want to create another conflict.

Mark took my hand, giving me a tingle in my stomach from the excitement of that contact and indicated that we should finally leave.

It was so confusing what I felt, he had hurt me in his wolf form, that scratch. However, that made him feel bad and repentant. That meant that, although he hated me, he felt something else for me.

My destiny was so uncertain, my normal life was left behind in this world of beasts and my past, which was distant and my memory loss made everything worse. Now, I just wanted to survive.

The room was immense, a new building contrary to what I thought. We arrived in a huge blue van, which Mark drove, making me sit beside him. He didn't say a word to me the whole trip, as I expected.

I felt a bit odd in that casual outfit. It must have been a meeting with people of high society, otherwise this outfit would be out of place. He looked elegant too, his physique was imposing and his face, incredibly bewitching.

He didn't open my door; he wasn't courteous or a gentleman to me. We entered that vast room hand in hand, even though he still hated me. The people there watched us, murmuring softly. Everyone was dressed neatly and perfectly, with impeccable hairstyles.

They only greeted Mark; they ignored me as if I didn't exist. He released my hand when we were seated at a table. The buffet offered a wide variety of dishes, and I was able to choose something I liked. I served myself the beef sandwiches and returned to my seat.

"You brought her, you're so brave," said a young woman, sitting near Mark.

What was that I felt? Why was I angry that this girl was near him? It was jealousy, please, I was behaving so immaturely. The woman had straight, light hair, with big brown eyes. I didn't like her presence there; she didn't greet me or anything like that. I straightened up to not show weakness.

"Yes," Mark replied. "Her name is Sara."

"We all know her name; she's the human who dared to reject an alpha," she wrinkled her nose in a contemptuous manner, belittling me with her gaze.

Her dress was low-cut, but he didn't look at her; he was very respectful. That was a trait he also had when we were together in school. I smiled to see that he wasn't paying attention to her attempts to flirt. I noticed that the people present had their eyes on me, they carried a lot of hostility. Apparently, everyone there knew my story, even more than I did.

I half-heartedly concentrated on the food, also trying to listen to their conversation.

"She's here, so now you have a mate," said the young woman, whose name was Susan.

"It's a real shame, but there's nothing to be done," she rolled her eyes. "They won't be happy, and you know it; we're friends. I've come to warn you that things will get complicated when you get married."

Get married? To who? I hoped she was referring to me... Oh, I'm thinking of pure nonsense. A few minutes ago, I wanted to leave this crazy world forever, and now I was even thinking about getting married. I was delirious, that was obvious. Jealousy was making me lose my composure.

"I had no choice," Mark said softly, almost in a whisper, pouring himself a drink. "She's my mate, I couldn't find anyone else."

"Love has always made you weak. That will bring you trouble. There are at least three alphas who have smelled your weakness and will go after you," Susan shook her head in concern. "I don't want you to get hurt."

"I can protect my pack all by myself," Mark frowned severely, making him even more attractive.

"You didn't in the past..." she began to say, but the noise of the others prevented her from continuing to speak just when she was about to say something important.

A man stood up to speak, and everyone cheered. He seemed to be the richest man at the gathering, because I recognized a watch brand on his wrist like the ones celebrities flaunted.

"Today we have much to celebrate. We are at peace among packs," he smiled, his gray hair mixed with the blond of the strands. "Before, our grandparents would have told us that it would be impossible to live with humans in harmony, much less not fight among ourselves. Wolves have always been territorial, but we have put that aside to prosper. Well, enough of the chatter and let's toast, today our friend Mark, the alpha of the western zone of Rethan has announced his engagement to his mate. Come forward, alpha," he said as he gestured.

Mark got up from his chair, extending his hand for me to accompany him. I had no choice but to obey. If I thought about it, everyone there was a wolf; that man's welcome speech had confirmed it. Which meant my life was in danger there. I went forward with him, I noticed in his gaze that he still hated my company, and that made me feel sad.

"Thank you all for your applause; my engagement is official. I'm getting married tomorrow afternoon; you're all invited. As tradition dictates, the ceremony will be held at the wolf's den, the place where our ancestors also celebrated their unions," Mark said, seriously and with a firm voice. He was a leader, apparently, so different from how I knew him in the past.

What was he talking about? Were we getting married tomorrow? This was completely crazy, and I didn't know how to hide it anymore. I bit my lip to keep from screaming, and when we returned to our table, I couldn't help but try to run away from there.

I started running towards the back garden, taking advantage of the fact that the guests had started dancing. A hand stopped me, grabbing me firmly by the shoulder. I saw him when I turned my head. Mark looked furious at my attempt to escape and grabbed me by the waist, pulling me towards his body.

"You'll dance with me, spoiled brat," he said as he hugged me.

He was trying to hide it in the eyes of the guests, who were staring at us. We danced together without me being able to free myself from his strong arms.

"I don't want to, I have to go, this doesn't make any sense," I whispered, so that only he could hear me.

The contact with his skin was comfortable; I felt safe, even though he was a monster, a ruthless wolf like everyone else there.

"If you do, they'll kill you before you get out the door. I'm your last hope for survival," he replied in a low voice, leaning towards my ear, until his lips brushed against my skin so as not to raise his voice any higher.

My heart started beating so fast I thought I was going to have a heart attack.

"Why did you bring me here then? You despise me, but you want to marry me," a tear was escaping me, rolling down my cheek.

"I had no choice, believe me that the last thing I want is to marry you. You're the last person I would choose; you have nothing good to offer me," his eyes focused on me, sharp, showing his hatred for me.

He squeezed my hip lightly and slowly lowered his hand to guide me in the dance. He was agile with his movements and perfectly disguised my desire to escape from that room. Susan watched us from the buffet; I noticed her angry look at my behavior.

He took another drink during the break in the music and didn't offer me one, unlike the other couples present. I poured myself a drink on my own, trying to clear my mind. A wedding, it was the last thing I needed to go completely crazy.

I clung to the idea of running away at night, if I could get them to lose sight of me for a few seconds. I would try to disguise myself so that Mark would believe that I approved of the idea of marriage. Although of course, that would be deceiving him again. He didn't want me at all; I didn't understand why he kept me by his side.

Susan came over to talk to him, and they both left me alone. I frowned to see her put her hand on his shoulder. Even my cheeks turned red, and she let out a sarcastic laugh when she noticed. I took a sandwich to disguise the fact that I wasn't listening to the conversation.

"Don't think the other alphas' kindness is sincere. You know them," Susan's voice was sweet, she always tried to appear perfect.

"I know, I'm not stupid," he said irritably. "You don't have to warn me about obvious things, I'm an alpha."

"Sorry, you're right," she excused herself, smiling elegantly and still wanting to touch his shoulder. "It's just that I care about you so much that I wouldn't want to see you dead. You know how this world is, there's no mercy here, and you... Well, you've chosen to marry this despicable creature."

This was too much for me, enduring that insult from that conceited girl was the straw that broke the camel's back. I reached out for one of the tuna cakes and pretended to eat it. I pretended to trip and dropped the cake on Susan's dress. The smell soaked into her clothes and her pretty hair.

I smiled.

"Oh, I've been clumsy, it's just that I love these cakes," I said ironically.

I thought Mark would get even angrier with me for doing that to his friend. On the contrary, he even let out a muffled laugh and then returned to his sepulchral seriousness. I took Mark's hand and gestured for him to keep dancing.

He returned to my side, and we started dancing like most of the others. The wolves were calm, but their gazes focused on me with disgust; they didn't want me there.

I had no idea why they hated me, I wanted to find out, and no one was giving me information. Mark was a tomb of secrets and showed no kindness towards me. People were commenting on our wedding, the gifts and so on. I couldn't believe it yet; my idea of escaping was in doubt.

I had to make a decision soon, danger was lurking so close to me, and I was defenseless among the beasts.