The Possessive Mate: Alpha Reui

Chapter 1

I awoke in a familiar room, feeling slightly groggy and disoriented. I struggled to keep my heavy eyelids open as I peeled myself from the bed. I fought the urge to lie back down as I got onto my feet and stretched my arms. It's Saturday, nearly midday, and I have a job to attend to, which is my only source of income to support myself and my tuition at college. I have no one to lean on and no family to ask for help. So no one will give me money if I lie here all day. I had to work hard for me to be able to live. To be quite honest, I don't see any reason Why do I have to keep living, why do I have to keep breathing, and why the f*ck do I need to keep working my ass off when I could've just chosen to die. In that way, I wouldn't need to suffer every day for being a lonely creature. I have no family, I have no friends. I have nothing.

No one will miss or notice when I die.

I shook my head and laughed to myself at the depressing thoughts that had crossed my mind.

Silly.

I headed straight to the bathroom and took off my nightdress, tossing it off to the basket filled with my used clothes, before I opened the shower and let the water fall through my body, washing the drowsiness in my system. I yelled when the cold water hit my heated skin, making my eyes nearly bulge out of their sockets. After a while, I got used to its sudden cold temperature and I began enjoying my bath.

After putting a towel around my body, I walked towards the sink and brushed my teeth. I usually brush my teeth first before going under the shower, but sometimes I feel like doing it as part of the last part of my morning routine. It's basically no longer a morning, but since I had just woken up, I called it one.

I wore a plain sweater, tight jeans, and a pair of old white shoes. After I dried my hair with the hair blower, I tied it up into a loose bun before I picked up my bag and headed out of the room in my apartment. I didn't bother going into my kitchen to find something to eat before I went to work. Mostly because there's literally no food in my cupboards or even leftovers in my fridge. Not that someone cares. I lived alone.

"Hi, Katia!" a woman's voice greeted me as I walked down the stairs of the three-story building where my apartment was located. It didn't startle me that she suddenly showed herself out of nowhere. I smelled and sensed her before I could even see her. However, no one knew of that.

"Hi, Analyn," I said, my voice barely audible. I kept my gaze straight, not bothering to look at her.

"My mom prepared breakfast for you. It's an omelet. Here, take this. She would surely feel sad if you reject this." Before I could say anything, she pushed the lunchbox on my chest as she blocked my way.

I sighed and took it from her, giving her a small smile. "Say my thanks to you, Anastasia," I said, referring to her mother. "I'll go ahead."

She grinned and jumped happily as I walked past her. I couldn't help but shake my head. They are my generous neighbors, giving me food from time to time even though I didn't ask them to. I'm grateful but didn't know how to express it to please them.

People say I'm dull, but I couldn't actually care less. I knew I'm aloof and I knew pretty well I'm weird but I gave no damn shit of it. They can say whatever they want to say, but I'll never change myself for them. If I can't fit into this society where everything matters to people, then f*ck everyone.

I sighed for the ninth time, leaning my head against the window of the bus that would take me to my workplace. It didn't affect me that much that it's practically freezing outside. Aside from the thin sweater I was wearing, the perk of being a normal person slash a werewolf is that I have my own heat.

I'm basically a rogue. I do not belong in any packs and have never planned on joining one in the future. They are nothing but some sort of coward werewolves who were sheltered their whole lives but still think they are superior to everyone else-that they are stronger and more powerful than rogues or any other race. The truth is, they are all cowards, hiding inside their pack, scared as kittens to wander around the world.

My stomach suddenly grumbled, reminding me how I had starved myself for two days now. It's not because I am too lazy to prepare a meal for myself or to buy something to eat. I just don't have an appetite to eat and fill my stomach.

Sighing for the ninth time, I looked down at the lunchbox on my lap and decided not to waste Anastasia's efforts upon sparing a moment to prepare this for me. Besides, my stomach was already begging to be filled, and I knew if I stayed like this-starving-I would collapse later.

Throughout the ride, I opened the lunch box and ate it in silence. Much to my delight, no one sat beside the vacant seat next to me. I finished the whole meal just in time for the bus stop to a station near my workplace. I picked my bag and got out, closing my eyes briefly as the sun hit my lilac eyes. The weather can be unpredictable at times. One minute it was freezing cold and now the sun was up. Just like life and death, it is unpredictable and yet inevitable.

I resumed walking towards the alley, leading me to an old shop, almost rotten to be exact. When I opened the door, I was greeted with the smell of old books. The smell invaded my nostrils, sending euphoria through my system. Just like that, a small smile appeared on my lips.

"Good afternoon, too, young lady," a sarcastic voice of an old man snapped at me out. Tilting my head upwards, I saw him atop the stairs as he was finding some books on the tall shelf.

"What are you looking for?" I asked as I dropped my bag on the counter.

"An order," he curtly replied. I covered my nose with my hand as he brushed off some dirt from the old book he picked.

"What order?" I inquired again, interested. Every order piqued my interest every time. It's not everyday you see an old-almost rotten shop-get a customer. Added to this is the fact that these customers are willing to pay huge prices for our old books. Our books' rate is no less than 1,500 dollars. Crazy, isn't it?

But I know why these books are pretty expensive. It's not just some normal book you can buy in bookstores worldwide. These are rare books you can only find in this shop. Some were ancient.

The old grumpy man, Fernando, said, "It's a book about the annual coming of age."

My brows furrowed. "Coming of age? What's that?"

"You wouldn't know because you're a rogue," he said, meaning to offend me, but I shrugged it off. He's always like that, saying offensive words to tease me, but I knew deep down he cared for my well-being. He wouldn't let me work here and pay me twice as much as my previous work if he didn't, right? I also had the privilege of not attending work if I felt like it.

"So?" I sat on the tool chair across the counter and leaned my face on my palm as I looked up at him with boredom.

"It's where all teens, specifically eighteen to nineteen years of age, would have to attend this ceremony and get to either mate with some wolf or attend the university for wolves like you. And being a rogue is not exempted."

"What?" I sat straight, frowning and confused as f*ck.

"You heard me, right, Katia." He slowly went down and shrugged the dirt off of his shoulder. He walked past me and slammed the heavy book on the counter, making me cough as the dust flew across my face.

"Why would someone want to buy a book like that?" I asked.

"We don't know."

"Who bought it?"

"Anonymous."

I squinted my eyes at him suspiciously. I knew he wasn't telling the truth. He knew who the buyer was, but he didn't want to share it with me. Not that it matters if I'd known or not. I also don't understand why he'd always want it to remain anonymous.

I scoffed at him and decided to leave the counter to start my work. I've been working here for more than 7 months and yet I wasn't given any heavy duty other than to keep this shop clean and organized. This old man right there has a habit of disarranging things, especially when he was looking for some books. He forgot where he hid.

I let Fernando do whatever he was doing while I continued my job. I wore my earphones and focused on my task. Arranging books, cleaning the floor, wiping some artifacts, and then I am washing some rugs in the sink. It made me wonder why Fernando doesn't want to change the location of his shop where we would be seen by the potential customers. It makes me wonder why he wouldn't want to reconstruct his shop knowing that his income is enough to pay for materials and pay some construction workers. However, I didn't question him about it. This old shop might be too sentimental for him, and I am not that insensitive enough to question his decision.

I was hardly concentrating on what I was doing when the door of this shop suddenly burst open. I nearly shrieked in surprise. My breath caught in my throat. A man stood in the doorway, dangerously. His presence was so intimidating and scary that it made me suffocate in some ways.

His silver eyes met mine all of a sudden. I unconsciously stepped back as my eyes widened in utter surprise. I saw him taking a deep breath before a low growl escaped from his throat.

My lips parted at the realization.

He's a werewolf...

"Alpha Reui," Fernando uttered dumbfoundedly as he rushed toward his direction and bowed his head. But the intruder didn't even glance his way. His silver eyes were fixated solely on mine. It was so intense that it made my knees wobble and my heart beat frantically against my chest.

He took a calculated yet determined step towards me and I involuntarily stepped backwards. Fear crept up in my system and I found myself backing away from his intimidating presence. He let out an unamused growl, his eyes narrowing at me as if he wasn't pleased with my disobedience. I halted immediately, my chest heaving.

"A-Alpha?" Fernando asked, confusion laced in his voice. I opened my mouth to ask for his help, but no words came out. I'm doomed.

The guy whom I've recognized as an alpha startled me when I saw him standing before me all of a sudden. I gasped and looked up at him. He was tall. I had to crane my neck to see his face. But I immediately regretted my actions when our lips nearly touched.

I stumbled backwards, but then he took hold of me, preventing me from falling on the floor. A spark of pleasure ran up to my skin and spread all over my body as our skin collided against each other. I gasped at our proximity. Heat gushed through my veins and an intoxicating scent of fresh woods and caramel invaded my nostrils.

My wolf stirred within me and made a purring sound at the back of my head. My body suddenly went cold and stiff when the realization hit me.

"M-Mate," I said dumbfoundedly.

Chapter 2

"Mine..." A deep, baritone voice spoke against my ear, making me shiver in both delight and fear. I was afraid of the reality that I had just practically met my mate and of the fact that he wasn't a rogue like me, or at least a normal werewolf being. But a damn alpha!

I couldn't find my voice as I froze against him. His nose nuzzled in the crook of my neck and shoulder. His hands held my waist firmly as if not wanting to let me go. I could feel my body betraying me, reacting sensuously to his mere touch. My wolf was purring and wanting me to rub myself against this stranger, whom she recognized as our mate. Unfortunately.

"L-Let me go..." I struggled to say and tried to pull myself away from him. He didn't let me go, but instead, he tightened his grip on my waist and pulled me impossibly close to him.

"You're mine." A low growl rumbled against his chest. His breathing tickled my skin and gave me goosebumps. His body was hard as steel and his skin was hot as lava, burning me with its pleasure. I no longer felt my body resisting, and instead, I found myself getting comfortable with his touch.

"Alpha Reui," Fernando interrupted all of a sudden, holding my arm and pulling me away from my mate. I looked at him in shock as his grip on my arm tightened. His expression was stern and protective as he pushed me behind his back.

Alpha Reui once again growled, but this time, it was an angry growl. His silver eyes flickered to gold, which meant his wolf was on the surface. My heart thundered with anxiousness.

"Get your hands off of her. She's mine," he said through gritted teeth. The old man pushed me more behind his back.

"Calm down, she's not going anywhere."

"F-Fernando..." I whispered nervously as I tried to pull my arm. I wanted nothing but to feel my mate's touch once again. It was addictive. Intoxicating, mesmerizing, even.

Fernando glanced at me, sending me a warning glare. "Behave, Katia. It's best for you."

I frowned in confusion, but then I quickly realized why he did that. My nervousness only grew. I felt my forehead damp with sweat.

The old man shifted his eyes to the retreating alpha. My eyes followed his. I saw Alpha Reui take back as he inhaled sharply. His eyes were solely fixed on mine, as if afraid that if he looked away, I'd vanish.

I looked at his features that had become unnoticed by me earlier due to the shock. He was quite handsome. No, scratch that. He was like a Greek God from Olympus. a lean body and a handsome face. I wonder what those muscles looked like behind the suit he was wearing.

Alpha Reui blinked his eyes twice and looked at his surroundings. A hint of confusion and surprise flashed through his handsome face.

I gasped audibly when his eyes landed on mine.

Both of our lips parted.

He seemed to be awoken by his reverie. His eyes returned to their true color and his tense body lightly relaxed. He shut his mouth and his brows furrowed. He closed his eyes momentarily and took a deep breath. When he opened his eyes once again, a flash of lustful hunger appeared on those silver orbs. I flinched and backed away, startled.

"Katia, go inside my office now." Fernando's voice was laced with panic. It confused me even more. I wanted to stay. It was my first time feeling this way towards a man. I'd never thought that mates really exist. I'm an uneducated wolf. A rogue. An outcast from my own kin. I'd never learned about werewolves and their history, nor even the basics of it. I absolutely know nothing. And to feel this way-to feel the bond I had with this stranger. The warmth of his touch sends butterflies to my stomach and sends delightful sensations all over my body. I don't want to miss this chance to get to know and feel him more.

But something in Fernando's tone made me do what he instructed me to do. It was as if my body moved on its own without me knowing. I just found myself entering his office behind the counter of his library shop–all the while being followed by an intense look from the alpha. When the door closed, I leaned against it and clutched my chest before I let out the breath I didn't know I'd been holding.

The alpha's presence suffocates me, but in a pleasant way. I like his presence, even if it intimidates me.

I shook my head and closed my eyes.

Just, what the hell? What the hell just happened?

I placed my ear against the door, trying to hear their conversation. My hearing is always sharp compared to a normal person due to being a werewolf, but for some odd reason, I couldn't hear them. Not at all. My curiosity grew, but I didn't dare do anything to feed it. They say curiosity kills a cat. I am not that stupid to follow my silly instincts.

So I just leaned my back against the door and thought of the things that had happened earlier. I didn't expect that mate truly existed, let alone to expect having one. I am a rogue. No one wants me. I bet even the moon goddess despises a werewolf like me.

With that thought in mind, a fear suddenly crept up to my chest. I felt my stomach churn in anxiousness at the depressing thoughts that crossed my mind.

What if he rejects me?

What if he'd realized that I was a rogue and decided to dump me? He's an alpha, while I don't even belong to any packs.

I didn't know how long I had been overthinking, I just knew that whatever they were talking about was done when I heard a soft knock from the door behind me. I opened the door and Fernando's face welcomed me. He pushed the door open and let himself in. He then closed the door gently behind his back.

"W-Where is he...?" I hesitantly asked, looking away.

"He's already gone," he replied shortly.

I turned my eyes to him almost immediately. Panic rises up at me. "What?"

"He's already gone."

My mouth parted as my heart dropped into the spit of my stomach. I turned around, ready to leave and chase Alpha Reui when Fernando suddenly spoke.

"Stop. Don't go after him. You will only put yourself in danger."

I instantly stiffened. "W-What do you mean?"

"You probably know he's an alpha, right?" he asked. I turned my heel to Fernando and nodded my head reluctantly.

My heart was tightening. Did he just leave me?

"You c-called him Alpha," I stated. "B-but... he's my m-mate," I stuttered badly, confused and hurt. "I felt it. The spark. The bond. Our connection. When he touched me, I felt the electricity all over my body. And his scent. I've never smelt a scent like that before. It was intoxicating. I know he's a mate of mine."

Fernando flashed a small smile, shocking me. He had never smiled before.

"I know," he said softly.

My brows creased. "Then why did you send him away?"

He only shook his head and walked towards his swivel chair behind the table. He gestured for me to sit across the table, which I reluctantly did.

"You don't understand it, dear Katia."

"Then explain it to me," I eagerly demanded.

He sighed. "As you know, werewolves, specifically men, lose control whenever they see their mates for the first time. They wouldn't want to let you go unless you get marked by them, Whether you agreed to it or not. You will be forced to be with your mate because you're already marked. "And you probably know the next thing that will happen after that," he trailed off, sending me a knowing look.

"What do you mean?" I nervously asked.

"You're barely an adult, Katia. You just turned eighteen. Can you imagine yourself bearing the alpha's pup?"

His words shocked me. I gasped as my eyes widened. I think my heart just took a leap.

Fernando continued, "And being a rogue doesn't make everything easy. You will face discrimination, questions about your honesty, and so more. Are you ready to face them all?"

For a moment, I was lost for words. What Fernando said made me realize a few things. He made all the sense. I'm a rogue. Werewolves in packs see rogues like a threat to their families. They hate my kind. They won't accept me. But if they did, it would surely take time. I have to gain their trust and their respect.

But do I really have to do that?

I was raised with humans around me. I don't follow the rules. Heck, I don't even know what the werewolves' rules are. I know nothing.

The old man suddenly spoke, "Prepare yourself, Katia, because you're going to attend Ythuel University, the school for werewolves."

Shocked, I looked at him. "What?"

He sighed. "It's either you will go or you will be forced to mate with the alpha. Now that they have found you, you can't just leave and run away. I'd never planned on telling you about the annual coming of age because I thought no one would come to find you, or so I thought." He sighed. "Worry not, you will not pay anything. It's actually mandatory for all teen wolves to attend school, rogue or not. If they didn't find you between the ages of 18 and 19, then you are safe not to attend school. But because you are eighteen and they have seen you, you have no other choice but to go."

I clenched my jaw, not liking what this freaking rule they have built. It's certainly unfair!

"Why would I have to follow it? I'm a rogue! I follow no one!" I hissed, irritated all of a sudden. The audacity of those well-sheltered coward wolves to drag someone silently living outside any packs with their freaking mandatory law! Huh!

As if they could force me with it!

"You have to... otherwise you will be slaughtered."

All the thoughts in my head vanished and I stared blankly at Fernando as if he had grown a second head. It almost deafened me how much silence filled the whole room. The deadly atmosphere around us nearly suffocates me. The continued silence was starting to shatter me.

Fernando never breaks eye contact, showing me the exact answer I needed. He was unfortunately telling the truth.

With a trembling voice, I asked, "W-What? How? W-Why?"

He shrugged off his shoulders and he replied nonchalantly, "It is to decrease the population of rogues and their potential danger in every pack. The reason why they mandate every teen to attend school is because they want to turn them into one of their members." In short, they want to give them a chance to start anew. Schooling and learning things about werewolf history, abilities, and rules are some of the things you will learn in the lectures you will attend. "

Again, for the ninth time on this day, I was speechless. Shocked beyond belief. What the hell is going on? One minute I was living my life with its usual flow, plain and simple, but in a blink of an eye, I was suddenly put in a situation where I could hardly even understand. I haven't heard of any of these before. Things happened like a blur in just a day.

I just wanted to live a peaceful life...

Chapter 3

I went back to my apartment, distraught. My head seems to be nearly exploding with too much information I have learned today. First, I met my mate, who was unfortunately an alpha. The second is about mandatory schooling. And thirdly, is about what Fernando told me before I left the shop.

"They will take you tomorrow morning. Again, prepare yourself."

I don't know if I'd believe him or not. He must be kidding! It was barely 12 hours since I had met that freaking alpha and it wasn't that long ago when I learned about this mandatory thingy! No way on earth I am going to come with them! I will never belong to any pack! Over my dead body!

I gritted my teeth and slumped down on the sofa of my apartment. Since the payment I am receiving from the part time job is quite huge, I have to rent the whole apartment by myself and I have to buy some furniture to add some decorations on this boring and pale room. The most favorite thing that I bought for myself was my bed. It was queen sized and it was the best bed ever. My sleep was always comfortable as always. But then again, as I remembered my situation, I don't think my bed could cheer me up tonight.

"Why is this happening to me?" I muttered to myself, closing my eyes and leaning my head atop the backrest of the sofa.

I should've chosen death instead of this. If I , it would be much easier. I have nothing to worry about in my life. I no longer need to work every day and study.

I could've chosen death as it was easy.

But as much as I wanted it, I knew I was only fooling myself. I don't know how to end my life. No, no, scratch that. I CAN'T end myself. Because as much as I deny it, I knew deep down that a huge part of me wanted to live.

for a reason.

Suddenly, Fernando's words rang through my head once again. "You have to... otherwise you will be slaughtered."

What if they kill me? What can I actually do?

I have a reason to live. I don't want to die without having gotten what I wanted. If I die early... I won't be able to achieve my goals.

I can't die yet...

I didn't know I had drifted off to sleep, I just realized it when I was woken up by the knocks on my door. Yawning, I stood up and stretched my bones. I didn't realize that I had fallen asleep on the sofa. I rarely sleep here because I love my bed so much.

Another knock from the door interrupted me. It must be Anastasia and her daughter, sending me breakfast early in the morning. I had to remind myself that I have gotten a generous neighbor and I should get used to it already.

Not even bothering to look in the mirror to fix my face and hair, I opened the door and flashed a small smile to the person standing outside my apartment.

But my smile eventually faded when I realized who the heck was standing before my eyes...

He smiled handsomely. "Hi."

I took a step back as my heart raced widely against my chest. I looked at him in shock. My eyes widened and my jaw was hanging open.

He took a step forward and leaned his head, and before I knew it, his lips were pressed against my cheek.

"You look beautiful, by the way," Alpha Reui whispered in my ear.

"W-what... h-how..." I stuttered as I gazed at him, flabbergasted. Tell me if I was only imagining things! This can not be real!

I slapped my face while looking at him still. But no! He was still there! I slapped my cheek again to try to wake myself up from this nightmare. This couldn't be real! How the hell did he find out where I lived and why the heck is he here in the first place?!

"Hey, stop that. You're hurting yourself." He caught my wrist just when I was about to slap my cheek again. I gasped and blinked my eyes twice.

Alpha Reui let out a chuckle. "I'm real, baby. Now, let me in. I haven't had a coffee yet," he spoke with his voice laced in nonchalance.

Before I could even say anything, he had his hands wrapped around my waist unceremoniously as he let himself in along with me. My jaw dropped to the floor.

"Your apartment is quite big, huh?" he muttered, and that's when I snapped out.

I removed his arm wrapped around my waist and pushed him away from me.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" I yelled, baring my canines. I thought that by showing my wild behavior was enough for him to back away from me. After all, he's an alpha and I'm a rogue.

But what I didn't expect was the amusement dancing around his silver eyes. "My mate is cute," he said, like a love sick puppy.

I gasped as my heart betrayed me. It was a fast beat to the compliment.

"GET OUT OF HERE!" I shouted.

He shook his head, his smile widening even more. "Later, baby."

I gritted my teeth. Who the hell does he think he is? Yes! He may be an alpha, but I am not a member of his pack. He can't command me. I follow no one but myself.

"What do you want?" I asked, straight to the point. I knew there was some reason why he came here. Either he would kill me or force me to get mated with him. which are both absolutely insane.

Alpha Reui cleared his throat as all the emotion on his face wiped off and was replaced by seriousness. "I came here to fetch you."

Confusion swallowed me. I tilted my head and looked at him questioningly. An amused smile appeared on his face once again.

"Fetch me?" I asked after a minute of silence.

He nodded his head. "Yes." He walked past me and then slumped down on my one seater sofa. He crossed his legs and leaned his back nonchalantly. He then flashed a panty-dropping smirk. "You're going to come with me, sweetheart."

**

I didn't know what I was doing. No, it should be, 'Why the heck am I doing this? '. I knew what I was doing, but now I don't understand why I am doing this. This is insane. It happened so fast that before I could even bat an eye, I was suddenly in this situation. One minute I was working my ass off and living my life peacefully, and then I met this jerk of a mate, and now he wants me to come with him!

"Hey, I'm still waiting for the coffee!" I heard him talking outside my room as I changed my clothes.

"Go make a coffee for yourself!" I hissed as I struggled to zip up my luggage. I refused to let him in my room when he offered help. Huh! As if I needed his help!

"But I want you to make it for me," he said.

I gritted my teeth and rolled my eyes. When I finished packing up my things, I went inside the bathroom and took a quick shower. I chose to wear jeans and a shirt. I tied my hair into a loose bun and put a lip balm on my lips. I didn't bother to make myself look presentable in his eyes.

When I was done, I opened the door and got out, holding my full luggage. Alpha Reui was watching television in the living room. When he sensed that I was already out, he turned his head in my direction and flashed a smile.

He stood up and turned off the TV before he approached me. He looked at me from head to toe. I expected him to grimace at my choice of outfit or get disgusted by it. Who wouldn't react that way, right? I look so cheap. Sure, there are countless beautiful women who are after him. He's undeniably handsome, anyway.

But Alpha Reui's reaction wasn't what I expected. He looked rather pleased. When our eyes locked, he said truthfully, "You're beautiful."

I blushed profusely and looked away. What's wrong with him? I looked rather cheap. He must be blind.

"L-Let's go. I'm ready," I lied. I am far from being ready. I am scared and hesitant. I don't know what's waiting for me at that freaking university I'll be attending.

Just the mere mention of the university made my stomach churn. But do I have a choice? If I don't attend, I'll be killed.

"Wait." He grabbed my arm when I was about to turn around. I gasped silently and looked at his hand on my arm. I couldn't deny the fact that it felt good. His touch pricked my skin.

I peeled my eyes off of his hand and raised my gaze to see his face.

"Y-Yes?"

"Before we leave," he trailed off and took a step forward toward me. He circled his arms around my waist and pulled me closer to him. He then leaned his face closer to mine until our lips were nearly brushing. My heart thumped fast and loud against my chest so that I could literally hear it in my own ears. Alpha Reui continued, "Katia, I want to kiss you."