The chosen mate

In a luxurious room of a castle, a man was lying on the bed covered with silk bed sheets and a silk blanket covering him up to his waist. His hands were clenched into tight fists, sweat covering his forehead. He appeared disturbed in his sleep, in an attempt to grab onto something but failed. He was having a nightmare.

He jolted awake from his sleep, breathing deeply. He always seemed to wake up when he was about to see the girl's face. His balled up fists hit the bed hard in frustration and he growled loudly. He always believed his dream is related to his mate because he always felt a piercing pain in his heart as if it was being has ripped into many pieces, when he was unable to see her face.

He wished countless times, wanting his dream to extend a little longer until he saw her face but all he could ever see was the long wavy hazel brown hair that flowed down the girl's back. Sitting on the bed, he ran his hand through his hair, sighing deeply, "Why do I always have to wake up at the crucial moment, when she is about to turn around. Damn it!!!"

This man was the "Great Alpha King" of the werewolf kingdom. He was known to be the only heir to the throne of the Reed family, Easton Reed. He was famous in the human world as the great business tycoon, the only owner of "Reed Company and Industries". He was the renowned and the most eligible bachelor, every girl dreamt to be with him but the world was unaware of his true personality.

Easton is one hundred and eighty eight cms tall, twenty five years of age with a well built god gifted body, fair complexion, grey eyes, dark brown hair and thin pink lips. It would not be wrong to call him a Greek God with his goddamn facial features. He had been dreaming this particular dream for the last 5 years since he was 20.

It's like he forgot a very important part of his memory and life and he couldn't recall it no matter what due to a sudden accident that happened 5 years back. He was in a coma for three long months after that incident. After waking up, nothing seemed to have changed but he always felt a certain part of his memory was still missing.

He investigated to his best to find out the real reason behind the incident, but all the proof pointed to the same conclusion that the driver of the truck which hit his car was drunk driving which resulted the accident.

Since that incident, he and his wolf lost their power to detect their mate's scent and the reason behind it, was unknown.

He consulted the royal witch about the issue but she couldn't detect any trace of drugs in his system which prevented him from smelling his mate. He came to learn about this issue a few years back when he tried to find his mate but realized that he was unable to, which was inevitably related to that fateful and horrible accident.

He sighed for the hundredth time thinking about all of these, even though he was the "Great Alpha King"of the werewolf kingdom, one of the strongest among all, still he was helpless when it came to fate which orchestrated his life events.

He felt lonely not only for himself but also for his wolf, "Jack" because now they could only detect their mate's smell on the night of the full moon, which was very surprising at the same time but he was equally glad. He and his wolf have tried their level best to use that one night but guess what destiny would never always be in one's favor.

Most of the time he couldn't control his wolf, oh... he was not a normal wolf to begin with, he was a Lycan, a big burly and dangerous black Lycan with fascinating silver grey eyes. On the night of full moon, he would be desperate to find his mate resulting in unimaginable consequences because he would literally go on a hunting spree without caring about anyone or anything and the ultimate weapon to control him would be the "wolfsbane."

Easton was always reluctant to hurt his Lycan but what could he do, he was the King of the werewolf kingdom and it's his responsibility to protect his own people. He and his Lycan had always been on edge because of their mate to the point that they were nearly losing it. Hitting the bed hard he exclaimed being annoyed, "Where are you?? Have I been blessed by a mate or am I cursed to not have one??"

Feeling extremely angry, his eyes started changing color alerting him of Jack's attempt to take control. He calmed himself down by taking several deep breaths. Nowadays, Jack had been so frustrated at him that he had been avoiding Easton completely, only surfacing himself on the full moon's night in his attempt to find their mate because Easton always tried to control him using wolfsbane.

People are terrified of Jack especially on the night of full moon because he literally gets changed into a beast, ready to tear everyone up. "I probably won't be able to sleep now", he murmured and got off the bed deciding to go for a run into the woods to calm the turmoil and rage inside him.

Later that morning, inside the court room sitting high above everyone he looked at the court people below with his parents seated on either side, the session began and the matter was undoubtedly related about his mate which changed his aura into freezing cold.

The ministers and his parents had long been suggesting him to mate with a female wolf of some pack because the kingdom was in dire need of the "Luna Queen". He did not understand their logic when he had been managing everything fine until now so why cant they let him wait for his mate patiently and peacefully?? It was the same discussion again that day, not only was he angry but Jack also was on his edge growling inside him trying to surface.

"Are they even my people?? Do they respect me as their king?? Why are they not thinking about my happiness?? How can they not understand I will not be happy with anyone except my mate?? Everyone has a mate, he also has been blessed by the moon goddess it's just that he has not found her yet!!!", thought Easton with his gaze fixed piercingly on his subordinates.

Easton was very sure that Jack would definitely kill any of the female wolves that came near them. He had been desperately waiting for his one and only and now his own people were forcing him to mate with anyone making Jack enraged enough to jump and growl inside him ready to attack everyone present there.

Sensing his son's rage, Royal father spoke, "It's high time now, you need to choose a female wolf to mate with her and let her bear your pups." A loud growl came out of Easton's throat making everyone present there flinch and gulp down their saliva.

Jack surfaced and was standing in his beastly form glaring at everyone with his piercing grey silver eyes, "I am not going to mate with anyone other than my mate", he growled loud enough which showcased his fury and authority as a king.

Although the Royal mother felt miserable for her only son, she tried to persuade him, "Easton... son just how long are you going to wait?? Haven't you searched enough, maybe the moon goddess did not bless you with a m...", she was interrupted with another loud and painful growl.

Jack was getting out of control, sensing the danger his beta Lucas quickly alerted the guards to inject him with wolfsbane. With endless efforts and strength they were finally successful in controlling him and with a last growl Easton lost his conscious with disappointment and heartache in his silver eyes.

In one of the pack houses called "THE COMET PACK", there was a sudden commotion with people running here and there. Then the sound of a woman screaming loudly was heard, "Call the doctor, quick he is bleeding a lot. Philip wake up, open your eyes." All this chaos brought a girl back into her senses, who was lost staring out of the window in her room. Recognizing her mother's voice, she hurried out of the room.

The scene in the living room shocked her to the core, there she saw her father lying on the sofa bleeding profusely from the deep gash on his arm and stomach. Her mother was crying her eyes out cradling her husband's head in her lap. She ran down the stairs asking hastily, "Mom, how did this happen to dad?" Seeing her daughter Mrs. Harlow cried loudly with tears streaming down her face.

Esther hugged her mother tightly, patting her back gently to console her, now tears running down her cheeks too. She saw her brother standing by the side with red teary eyes, "What happened to dad, Noah?? Why is he like this??" Noah fisted his hands before answering, "It's because of me, the rogues attacked us suddenly and we were fighting when one of them was about to attack me, dad jumped forward to save me but got injured instead. It's all my fault, I failed my duty as an alpha."

Esther shook her head, "You are not at fault, Noah. Dad did it willingly, he will be alright. Don't worry!!" Meanwhile the doctor came and examined her father, after checking him, he told them, "He has bled a lot but it's nothing serious. I will bandage his wound although he will heal naturally but I will prescribe some medicine to hasten his recovery."

Their mother was still panicking while tightly holding Esther's hand, "The...then wh...why heee... is... still unconscious?" she stuttered. "Its because he lost a large amount of blood, rest assured he has alpha blood running inside him so he will recover soon", assured the doctor.

Everyone heaved a huge sigh of relief. Esther walked to her brother asking, "Noah, why did the rogues attack again? Didn't we win last time against them?" Noah sighed, running his hand through his hair, "Yeah we did but they started attacking again since last month with more numbers. We are a small pack so the situation is tricky this time."

"Then why don't we ask for assistance from the other packs?", suggested Esther. "We tried to but no one is ready to help because they are scared they will attract the rogue's attention", sighed Noah in a dejected tone. Esther got very angry, "How could they do this?? We all are the same and they are our enemies yet they chose to ignore us. Cowards!!", she exclaimed.

Noah looked at her then patted her head while consoling her, "Don't worry I will think of a way soon." At this time, his beta Sam opened his mouth, "Actually, there is a way to get rid of them." Noah and their mother glared at Sam which made him realize his mistake and he guiltily lowered his head down.

Esther noticed this, she scrutinized her mother and then at her brother before raising an eyebrow as she asked, "What is it? Why are you both so nervous?" Their mother tried to stabilize the situation, "It's nothing sweetheart. Your brother will manage, you don't have to worry." Sensing they were indeed hiding something from her, Esther did not probe further but decided to ask Sam secretly later.

After dinner, when nobody was around and finding Sam alone Esther walked towards him, "What is it that my family is hiding from me?" she inquired straight forward. Sam was startled by her question, seeing his abnormal reaction Esther's doubts were confirmed. She sighed, "I can tell it's related to me to make them anxious enough. You said there was a way to get rid of rogues, what is it?" Sam was put in a tight spot, he decided to placate her, "Esther, it's nothing since Noah said he will find a better way. Let's wait and believe in him."

Esther used a hard tone being firm, "Sam, I need answers...." Well, she had alpha's blood running in her veins so Sam could not do deny her anymore but he knew if he would be damned if he told her everything. He gulped down, suggesting her for the last time, "Esther, I think its better if you ask your brother or mother about this."

Esther folded her hands in front of her chest clearly being annoyed by his refusal, "Do you think they will tell me??" Sam sighed, since he couldn't escape from the situation anymore, he decided to take the bullet.

"Actually we proposed our situation to the royal palace asking the King for the assistance to help get rid of rogues...." He gulped down as he couldn't bring himself to say further but a single glare from Esther forced him to continue.

"But....but....", Sam stuttered. Esther was frustrated now, "Tell me clearly!!", she ordered. "They have a condition and only if Noah agrees to it will they help us", answered Sam not meeting her eyes. Esther frowned, asking him again, "What condition?"

Sam stuttered, "They...they... I mean the royal.... family is finding a mat... mate for...the werewolf King and only if...you agree to be... his chosennn... mate, will they help us." Esther felt like the ground beneath her was crumbling down, shaking her existence.

For a second, she thought she heard wrong but it was all true when she saw hurt flashing in Sam's eyes. Tears quickly formed in her eyes, this silence was so frightening that Sam could not help but avert his eyes from her. He regretted revealing the condition after seeing her tears.

He had always considered and treated Esther like his sister but the tense situation in the evening made him run his mouth unknowingly. He was all too aware about her situation and how much devastated she would be after learning about the condition but he could do nothing to ease her sorrow and pain except for standing there still and stiff.

He looked at her apologetically and wanted to say something but no words came out from his mouth. He bowed his head and whispered, "Sorry!!" Esther smiled bitterly mocking herself for her ill fate and situation.

She thanked him for telling her the condition and then walked away with a blank expression on her face.

She reached her brother's room and knocked on it with trembling hand. Noah opened the door, he panicked seeing Esther's dull and red eyes. Bringing her inside the room he asked hurriedly, "Esther, what happened? Why are you crying, princess?"

Esther came out of her reverie and glanced at her brother before asking in a hoarse tone, "Is it true, Noah?? About the King's condition..... him finding a chosen mate...." Noah panicked as soon as he heard her before guilt and sorrow flashed in his eyes, "This matter does not concern you, princess besides I myself will not agree to that lousy condition. Brother will definitely find another way. So don't worry, okay??"

Esther looked at him with her teary and red eyes, "Is there really another way, Noah?" Noah became tongue tied as he had a bad premonition in his heart. She smiled sadly, "I agree to it, brother", said Esther while closing her eyes. Noah shouted angrily, "Esther!!"

"Admit it Noah we don't have any other option", saying that she walked out of the room. Noah balled up his fists tightly and hit the wall in anger several times as he watched Esther's sad and lonely back and soon dark red blood dripped on the floor. He felt helpless, not being able to do anything but was reluctant to see his only baby sister give such a big sacrifice for him and the pack.

Esther did not know how she was able to walk inside her room. Closing the door behind, she slid down and sat on the floor with her knees bent towards her chest as she took in protective position. She started crying bitterly, tears rolling down her cheeks. The pain was so much for her to bear, it felt as if someone had cut open her heart and the blood was seeping out endlessly.

She questioned in a sorrowful voice, "Why moon goddess? Why me.... being a werewolf, my wolf hasn't been able to surface. I can neither communicate with my wolf nor can feel her presence anymore. Is this not enough, how much more pain do I have to bear??? What is my sin???"

FLASH BACK

It all happened 5 years ago, Esther had just turned18 years old and it was her upcoming age of ceremony, the most blissful period of her life when she would change into her wolf and then would be able to find her mate.

A banquet was held for her birthday and all of the neighboring packs were invited for the celebration.

Since young she had always heard about the power of mate bond in between the mates. She also wanted a true mate to feel those unknown and foreign sparks that would come from his touch, feel the unconditional love and passion and be able to love each other deeply for a lifetime.

Her best friend Josie had been teasing her since the morning about her mate, bothering her with the same question again and again about what she would do if she was lucky enough to find her true mate on that fateful day

Esther seriously had no answer, for she was both nervous and excited thinking about her mate and she had a hard tie dealing with her only best friend. Early that morning she had changed into her wolf. Her wolf "Amara" was a very beautiful with snow white fur and sea green eyes just like her.

Esther had always been praised for her graceful beauty since young. She was one hundred and seventy six meters which was considered quite tall among girls with an hourglass figure, snow white smooth skin, hazel brown waist length hair and the most attractive feature of her was the sea green eyes which was uncommon between the werewolves.

Previously she was a beautiful girl but that day she got a beautiful wolf too. Now, she only had to wait for her mate, her only soulmate. As the celebration was coming to an end Esther smelled a very captivating and intoxicating scent, something that had her wolf stirring inside her, the smell of lemon grass mixed with fresh mint. Her wolf and she both recognized it to be her mate's.

She walked around each corner of the hall to locate the source of the smell. In one of the corners, where the lights were dim she saw him. The man of her dreams standing tall with his towering figure holding a glass of wine. As soon as she saw him, he also turned around looking in her direction.

They both stared at each other intently feeling the pull of the mate bond. The man then advanced his way towards her hastily after putting the glass down on the table. Her wolf Amara was jumping inside her, unable to hold her happiness and excitement.

Her heart started beating crazily and she became nervous not knowing what to do. Subconsciously she also stepped forward and noticed that the man was wearing a mask, the place was not properly lit so she could not see his face. Just when they came close to each other, the lights of the whole hall went out suddenly.

Soon, there was a big commotion in the hall and everyone started running around because they were attacked by the rogues. She got panicked both by the situation and the fear of not seeing his face. Just as she was about to open her mouth, something happened that caught her completely off guard.