The Unsought Mate

(GARDENIA)

"Gard...Gard!"

He tugged so hard at me and shoved the bedsheet off my body. Then I felt him pull at my hands and wake me in the roughest manner known to me.

I sat up and yearned heavily. However, I was quick to shut my mouth when I met his gaze which was riddled with disgust and hurriedly looked around the room.

'Good lord, this is not my room!' I muttered inwardly while jumping out of the bed on which I had nestled all night.

He stared at me with furrowed eyebrows while I scurried around the room, picking up my clothes which he shoved to the corners of the room while we were...wait, we made out last night!

I spurned him and looked him dead in the eye. I never had the intention to let him take off my clothes since we met just a week ago, but he somehow managed to lure me into his room in the Matinas cabin last night and went down on me.

"I'm sorry, Gard, but last night... it never happened." He stood up, exposing the entire length of his naked body, except for his groin, which was concealed by the drawstring pants around his inviting waist.

We did something. But now... now he simply stated that it never happened?

Was this the same man who blessed my ears with lovely words and promised me a lifetime of care in his arms?

How come he changed so quickly and denied everything right in front of me?

I was unable to utter a single word as my gaze lingered some seconds longer on his expressionless face.

I was in a hurry to get my clothes-to get dressed as best I could and make my way home before my family noticed that I was missing and came looking for me in Marlowe's country mansion, which was where we had all gathered the night before for Mariam's marking ceremony. Thus, I couldn't afford to waste any more of my time with him.

I did my body the favor of masking it up with my pants and my gown, and then I picked up my hair ribbon from where it was lying on the floor while he picked up his shirt and his trousers and put them on.

"Would you be so kind as to assist me in girding my hair with this?" I stretched the girdle towards him, recalling how I removed the hairband when I bent to suckle his shaft. That was at the height of the business we did in his room last night, which he just denied a minute ago.

He gave a slight shake of his head, then carefully approached me and took the hairband from me. I turned around to let him assist me with putting my hair together. That was the only thing I could say I have never been very good at.

The maids at my father's house were the ones who always styled my hair but they weren't present now. I was certain they should still be with my father and stepmother at The Marlowe's mansion. So I had to ask him to help me, and he did an excellent job.

That is precisely one of the reasons I was drawn to him. He was the kind of man that women gravitate toward. However, the fact that he said nothing happened between us the night before was a level of insanity that I simply could not comprehend.

I was aware that Gerald did not hold a significant rank in either our pack or in our country neighborhood; however, he was the kind of person that every girl fantasized about. His striking appearance and impressive physique put him in that position.

The hair of a male Korean model and the blue eyes of a Native American were both characteristics that he possessed. He was tall and slender, just like the men we look up to in movies. He was an absolutely mesmerizing creature.

His aura was the thing that drew us in the most, and his scent was so delightful that it could be smelled even from a considerable distance to the air. However, on the other hand, he did not show any interest in us, which was a drawback.

He was constantly busy serving his master, Lord Matinas, who was a member of the council, a wealthy neighbor, and a friend of the Alpha in our pack who lived in the countryside.

In addition to working as a gamma at the Matinas horse ranch and stables, Gerald lived in the Matinas cabin, which was located in close proximity to the ranch.

On the other hand, we continued to feel affection for him and longed for even the tiniest amount of attention from him. Up until the day that he came into contact with me at the riverside, where my stepsister, our companions, and I had gathered to celebrate at the riverside beach, he had never met me before.

This get-together was not your typical beach party for girls; it was something very special. It was Mariam and Ryker's engagement party, and it was a tradition in our pack for young people to attend events of this nature. Not only did we attend these events to show our support and enjoyment for the couple, but we also went to these events because it was anticipated that we would find our perfect partners during these celebrations.

"Thank you!" I said and turned away from him.

The fact that I needed his assistance with my hair made me regret having spoken to him. It would have saved me a face to simply leave his room in the cabin of the Matinas and get on with my life.

"I can give you a ride home," he said coldly. His voice lacked the vivacity that had been present at the beginning of our encounter.

The sudden shift in his demeanor made me feel despondent. He finally exposed his true nature as the scoundrel that he actually was.

This was a facet of him that I never knew existed.

"No, thank you," I responded as I made my way towards the entrance of his room. However, it came as a complete surprise to me that it was locked.

It subsequently dawned on me that he had locked it the night before, prior to our passionate exploration of each other's mouths.

I recalled how one thing led to another... how he entered me with such force that I was unable to stop crying out of agony.

"Sorry," he muttered as he opened his drawer to retrieve the key and hastily approached the door.

It amazed me how he went from being a self-assured adult to a cowardly young boy.

I was under the impression that I had found a man, but instead, I made the mistake of allowing an insufficient boy to see me in a vulnerable state and made me lose my V-card.

"Goodbye!" I uttered those words as soon as the door opened, and then I walked away without giving a second thought to whether or not he would respond to my farewell.

(GARDENIA)

~Flashback~

"Hello," his soft voice caressed my ears as he approached from behind, delicately holding a glass of ruby-red wine.

He embodied the irresistible charm of the gentlemen we often saw in movies, his presence a blend of mystery and allure that transcended human realms.

His scent, a heady mixture of cedarwood and earthy musk, filled my nostrils, stirring a primal longing within me. Yet, it was not just his physical appeal that drew me in; it was the enigmatic energy that radiated from him, captivating my every sense.

Who wouldn't be enchanted by him? Who wouldn't yearn for his attention?

Amidst the bustling crowd, I felt like the chosen one, aware of jealous whispers and envious glances.

"Hello," I responded, a coy smile dancing on my lips, my eyes shimmering with an eager anticipation.

It should have troubled me that none of the male wolves at the beach party were my destined mate, while other girls effortlessly found their connections. But amidst the uncertainty, a flicker of hope burned within me, knowing deep down that my mate was yet to appear.

"I'm Gerald. And you?" He extended his right hand towards me in a gesture reminiscent of bygone eras, evoking the chivalry of knights and the romance of ancient tales.

"Gardenia," I replied nonchalantly, placing my hand within his firm grasp.

If only he knew how we, the girls of the pack, admired and yearned for him.

His scent alone spoke volumes about his captivating nature.

"I've noticed you around the neighborhood, particularly when I have stolen moments away from my duties at the ranch and stable."

Like many other girls in the pack, I frequently strolled past the Matinas ranch and stables, hoping for a glimpse of him amidst the ethereal moonlight.

Up until now, those attempts had remained futile. And yet, here I stood, my hand gently held by Gerald, the striking Gamma of Matinas, the blush on my cheeks betraying my hidden desires.

"Really?" I couldn't contain my excitement, an electric current coursing through my veins.

This situation defied all logic, challenging the very fabric of our existence.

We both knew he wasn't my mate, and we weren't meant to intertwine our destinies.

Our connection was merely an illusion, a temporary dalliance born out of human desire.

As creatures governed by the intricate dance of fate, we rarely strayed from our intended paths. Yet, in this moment, we found ourselves treading forbidden grounds.

"Indeed. I've been eagerly awaiting this day," he confessed, his deep azure eyes locking onto mine with unwavering intensity.

He wasn't my destined mate, and we both acknowledged it.

We weren't meant for each other in the grand tapestry of life. And yet, perhaps in this fleeting moment, we were succumbing to the intoxicating allure of the human world.

"Really? I had no idea you noticed me amidst the humdrum of my usual errands for my stepmother."

That was the most significant lie I had told thus far.

My stepmother never burdened me with trivial tasks; her doting omegas carried out every duty with precision and grace.

As the esteemed daughter of a prominent council member, time was a luxury I possessed abundantly. However, in this particular instance, weaving tales was the perfect excuse to justify increasing my presence near him.

"Oh, so many errands," he shook his head knowingly, seemingly aware of my deception. "Would you mind joining me for a chat by the shimmering river? Or perhaps something more daring like an exhilarating water game?"

I knew precisely what he meant by a "wet game" - diving into the crystalline depths of the river, our laughter mingling with the playful splashes of water.

Just like those who had already found their mates, they reveled in such carefree indulgence.

Girls like me, who had yet to find that elusive connection, were expected to remain on the fringes, watching as others reveled in their newfound bliss. But here we were, on the precipice of transgressing boundaries with those who existed far above our social strata.

"Okay," I consented, my curiosity ignited like a spark in the night.

I wondered if he had come here seeking his mate like the other men at the party. Or did he come for me, to ascertain whether fate had bestowed its blessing upon me yet? To seize this fleeting opportunity that lay before him?

We strolled along the riverbank, our steps entwined like a melody playing softly in the night air.

Whispers and envious glances followed our every move-eyes filled with longing and hearts tinged with envy.

I couldn't blame them; I might have felt the same if he had chosen someone other than me. But little did they know, he wasn't my mate.

I yearned to experience the electric surge that accompanied the discovery of one's destined partner, the feverish feeling of recognition, the tantalizing scent that would guide us unerringly towards each other. Alas, none of these sensations flowed through my veins as we walked hand-in-hand down the riverbank with Gerald.

"Congratulations, couples. May your courtship be blessed by the fickle hands of fate," whispered the guardian of the river, bestowing upon us a single white flower as a benediction.

I glanced at Gerald briefly before returning my gaze to the ethereal guardian, a smile dancing upon my lips.

We weren't each other's fated mates, and we shouldn't receive a blessing that wasn't meant for us. Yet, he remained silent, allowing the misconception to persist, and I had no choice but to play along, pretending to be what the guardian assumed we were.

~Flashforward~

"Gardenia, where have you been? We've been searching for you," Kate, the omega assigned as my companion by my father's decree, stood at the edge of the lush garden as I emerged, her eyes raised inquisitively.

"I was captivated by a rare bird that alighted upon our gardens. Such vibrant plumage; it was a sight to behold," I spun a yarn, luring her into the verdant oasis with a playful tug of her hand.

Indeed, our gardens were teeming with avian life-a symphony of melodic trills and colorful plumage brought about by the enchanting melody of the wind whispering through towering trees.

Among them were elegant sparrows that frequented the garden, their feathers resembling delicate strokes of paint on an artist's canvas.

And it was towards these graceful creatures that I would lead Kate if she were foolish enough to fall for my ruse.

"Come now, Gardenia. Let us find your mother. She has been anxiously searching for you," she insisted, gently disentangling her hand from mine.

"Okay," I acquiesced with ease, fully aware that I had successfully woven a clever deceit.

Anyone who heard my tale would undoubtedly believe that I had indeed been chasing birds amidst the lushness of our secret garden.

Even the heavens above remained blissfully oblivious to my clandestine escapade with Gerald under the cloak of night, while the revelries reached their zenith at the party.

In those stolen moments, we delved into a realm of passionate intimacy-his touch igniting sparks that set my skin ablaze.

And it was within those stolen hours that I felt alive and consumed by a warmth that coursed through every fiber of my being.

(GARDENIA)

"Let's go," she said, her voice filled with determination and a hint of mystique, assuming the role of a leader as if destined by ancient prophecies to guide me toward my stepmother, whom she referred to as my mother.

Her eyes gleamed with an otherworldly wisdom, hinting at the secrets she held within.

With silent grace, I allowed her to take the lead, knowing in my heart that she would be my staunch advocate when questioned about my mysterious whereabouts.

The Marlowe Mansion, though grand and imposing, stood humbly in comparison to the opulent estates that surrounded it in our hidden urban enclave.

My father's abode surpassed all in its sheer magnitude, boasting watchtowers that reached towards the sky like sentinels and even a hidden dungeon that was whispered about only in hushed conversations and complete with an oubliette where secrets were buried forever.

Descending the majestic staircase, we entered Marlowe's Hall, a breathtaking chamber suffused with an aura of enchantment.

It was a nexus where time seemed to stand still, and guests continued to revel in hedonistic delights - indulging in delectable freshly baked cakes that promised a taste of paradise and savoring succulent grilled steak that could rival ambrosia.

The marking ceremony, a sacred tradition passed down through generations of our mystical countryside pack, would span three extraordinary days.

As per age-old customs, many of us young women were destined to meet our fated mates during this ethereal event.

Nobles from prestigious packs near and far would grace us with their presence over the next two days, their very existence shrouded in an air of mystery and allure.

"Where have you been, Gardenia?" my stepmother inquired sternly, her gaze icy and unyielding as it met mine.

She paid no heed to the presence of my loyal omega companion, who stood by my side, silently urging to speak on my behalf.

Towering and robust, she was a formidable Latina woman whom my father had marked in a distant pack known for its legendary warriors and countless triumphs in battles.

Her visage rarely graced me with a smile, but my father insisted it was her duty as my stepmother to keep a watchful eye on me.

Her name, now Laura Michael, had changed from Laura Farris - a transformation that seemed to symbolize the shift in power and the new role she played in our intricate pack dynamics.

"I was in the garden, chasing after birds," I replied, my voice laced with innocence carefully constructed like a web of intrigue.

It was a delicate dance, playing the part of a naive child uncertain of the world's complexities.

"While you were chasing birds, other girls busied themselves, eagerly awaiting the arrival of their destined mates," she retorted sharply, her words dripping with insincere concern for my fate in finding a mate.

"Mate?" I excelled at feigning ignorance, masking the truth that simmered beneath the surface.

Deep down, I knew that I would forsake any mate appointed to me and elope with Gerald - the one who had captured my heart. My lover!

He was an enigma, shrouded in mystery and contradiction. Despite his denial of our clandestine rendezvous from the previous night, my body still yearned for his touch, drawn to him by an inexplicable force that defied all reason and logic.

"Go join Mary and the other girls over there and wait for any sign of your destined mate entering the hall," she instructed with an air of authority, extending her hand to give me a gentle nudge towards my predetermined path.

I shook my head softly, an act of defiance hidden beneath an obedient facade.

Making my way towards the corner where the girls huddled together, engaged in whispered conversations and barely sipping their sparkling wine, I chose a stool near the window.

The ethereal light cascading through the glass seemed to dance on my skin, igniting a spark of rebellion within me.

I neglected to request a glass from the omegas serving the effervescent wine, finding no allure in sipping from those delicate vessels when I could instead abide by tradition and patiently await the appearance of my so-called mate.

None of the girls spared me a glance, not even my stepsister Mary, who had witnessed Gerald's choice of me over them during our fateful encounter at the beach. But amidst the sea of unfamiliar faces and masked intentions, I found solace in my solitude.

Content in being alone with my thoughts, I perched upon the stool like a hidden gem awaiting discovery.

"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen."

The voice reverberated throughout the hall, its resonance commanding attention that surpassed even the enchanting melodies emanating from the radiogram.

It belonged to Barlon, the orator - an elderly sage with a bald head glistening in the ethereal light and a full beard that hinted at ancient wisdom.

A close confidant of my father's, he stood before us with an air of gravitas befitting his role, addressing the crowd as if weaving spells with his words.

"Ryker, the alpha's son, has successfully marked the next Luna of our pack," he announced, his voice tinged with pride for this union that held great significance for our sacred lineage. "He desired his heir to find his mate and claim her while he still drew breath. Now, we seek more unions like this, as our young men and women gather among us. Many of you must have already glimpsed your destined partners."

A pause hung in the air like a veil of uncertainty before Barlon took a deep breath, gathering his words like fragments of ancient prophecies before bestowing them upon us.

"Young men, go forth and choose your mates from that enchanted corner," he declared, his arm sweeping across the room to indicate our designated area.

Eagerly, the boys rushed forward, their eyes alight with a sense of purpose and a longing for connection that mirrored our own.

Yet, deep within my heart, I knew none would approach me.

I felt no magnetic pull or inexplicable connection to any of them.

And beside me, my stepsister Mary seemed equally disenchanted by the prospects laid before her.

Unlike the other girls who radiated joy and anticipation, Mary appeared distant and disinterested, as if her heart clung to secrets known only to her.

I thought sadness would have enveloped me like a cloak of despair. Instead, I took a deep breath and leaned against the wall - finding solace in its firm support.

At least now I could meet Gerald once the ceremony concluded and confront him about his claims that nothing had transpired between us, despite the wildfire of passion that had consumed us in his secluded cabin.

"Not again," one of the girls nearby sobbed, her tears flowing freely like crystalline rivers down her cheeks.

I couldn't comprehend their obsession with finding a mate solely through predetermined paths. For my heart had already chosen Gerald - a gamma whose existence defied the expectations thrust upon us.

Therefore, I saw no reason to actively seek a mate when I had already made my choice, just as humans did in stories whispered around campfires.

I acknowledged deep within me the convoluted nature of human ways and the countless obstacles that littered their path. But if our hearts had been initially drawn to Gerald's enigmatic aura, then I believed it was my right to fall in love with him - daring to embrace the human traits that lay dormant within me even though I had never aspired to be human.