Enticing The Alpha

Chapter 7

"Thank you for being here today. I really appreciate your presence here today for me and your Luna Queen" The King said, walking up the stage that had been set up for the event. Elise followed him, looking absolutely stunning in that pale blue dress she was donning with minimal pieces of jewelry, "Today we are gathered here to thank the moon goddess for letting us win the recent war"

As the King spoke I couldn't help but feel distracted again. The scent hit my nose again, almost staggering me back this time. I suddenly felt overwhelming emotions and for some reason, I felt my eyes starting to tear up. I quickly wiped it away before anyone can notice it.

What in the world is wrong with me?

I put a hand over my chest, my eyes were still latched on the King. His lips were moving, he was saying something but my ears felt like I was suddenly submerged deep into waters. I couldn't hear him...

Is my wolf sick or something? Should I maybe go for a run?

Discreetly, I brought my palm to feel the skin of my neck to see if I was running a fever but no, I usually felt this warm.

I could see Nadine watching me from the corners of my eyes, the worry was clearly evident in her eyes. I know she wanted to ask me what was wrong but since the King is talking in the front, it is considered to be rude to talk behind.

I took a deep breath again, trying to calm my breathing and shake off whatever I was feeling. Again the woodsy smell hit me again and a little gasp left my lips but I was grateful it was too low for anyone to hear except for Nadine.

My wolf was wagging her tail in excitement. I could feel her jumping up and down, anticipating something.

I tried to think what possibly could make her this worked up and my eyes widened at one possibility.

There is no way...There is no way my mate is here...

As soon I thought about my mate, my wolf barked playfully. She was amused with me. She knew I didn't want to find a mate but now here we are, in a crowd that I can't escape with my mate being here. Life knows when to throw me under the bus like this.

Knowing it would be best to not breathe through my nose, I took a couple of breaths through my mouth, crossing my arms against my chest. I'll leave to my room as soon as the King is done with his speech. There is no way I am staying here to meet my mate.

I can't do that right now.

I could feel my wolf's disapproval within me but I ignored her. I waited impatiently for the King to end his speech, unconsciously tapping my right sole on the ground. A habit of mine since I was little when I am nervous.

I wonder if my mate can sense me here as well.

Even if he did, I prayed to the moon goddess that he won't notice me just yet.

Eventually, The Alpha King was done with his speech and asked everyone to feast upon the food that was arranged by his world-class chefs. I sighed in relief and turned away from the crowd to run towards my room.

But someone held me back. For a second, my heart threatened to jump out of my chest but I relaxed when I realized it is only Nadine, "Are you okay?" She asked me, sounding worried.

I didn't turn around to face her, afraid of what she might see on my face if I did, "Actually I really need to use the restroom right now" I lied, "Don't worry I will be back before you know it"

I won't be back for tonight, Nadine. I am sorry...

Nadine sighed, "I thought something was wrong," She said, letting my hand go, "Make sure you come here as quickly as you can or you will miss most of the food. You know how wolves tend to be" She continued.

I nodded my head, still with my back to her, and started to run towards my room. From the corners of my eyes, I thought I saw a tall man with dark hair looking around him desperately and it only made me run faster.

I knew he could be my mate and he was probably looking for me.

Ugh, if I knew this would happen, I would have stayed in Black Alder and let my family attend the event.

Every cell in my body was against me and tried to turn me around to face my mate but I kept running forward. Luckily for me, I managed to get into the castle walls in a record of time, using my speed. I sighed in relief, glancing behind my back to see no one behind me. Knowing I can't stand here for long, I run towards the room I was staying in and locked myself in there.

I can't go out right now. How did I land in a such tangled mess?

I went to my bed and flopped on it, not caring to change what I was wearing. My mother probably lose her mind if she saw me doing this but for now, she isn't here and even if she was here, I probably wouldn't care.

I knew I can't escape this forever. I have to attend the wedding tomorrow and I am pretty sure that my mate would be there. I took the pillow next to me and put it over my face, letting out a frustrated growl against it.

How am I going to attend the wedding? I can't-

"Sophia, where are you?" I heard my father in my head.

I sighed, "I am in the bathroom, dad. I had a drink earlier and I think it made me sick" I lied.

Oh god, the number of lies I am telling to the people who are dear to me tonight is probably going to land me in hell.

"Are you okay? Should I come?" I could feel his worry as if he was standing right next to me when his voice rang in my head again.

I shook my head, "No, I think I will feel better if I just lie down for a minute" Another lie, "Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. Please make sure you have a great time tonight"

The last thing I want is for to him be constantly worried throughout the night.

"Let me know if you need anything, okay?" I heard him say.

"I will" I agreed.

The link wavered after that and I let out a breath that I didn't realize I was holding. That was close.

I sighed again, shaking my head. I didn't want to think of tomorrow and worry myself so I decided to take a long relaxing bath first. I am not brave enough to go back to the party so I didn't have to be dressed in this gown anymore.

I pulled myself into a sitting position and my eyes immediately fell on my reflection in the mirror. It is a waste that I couldn't walk around the evening in this dress but what I couldn't believe is my cheeks were flushed.

As if I was shy or embarrassed.

I shook my head and undid the hair I spent twenty minutes on and sighed. That is a waste too.

I stripped of my clothes and dumped them in the laundry basket before stepping into the bathroom to take a quick shower. While I stood under the spray of the shower, I couldn't help but wonder how that tall man has actually looked. I didn't get a good look at him but I knew he was attractive.

I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts. I shouldn't think about him if I didn't want to be with him now. If I keep wondering about him, then who knows what will happen. My wolf would probably gain some control over my body and take me to him.

Again, I felt my wolf inside of me. She was uneasy and want to be let out. She wants to go to her mate.

It is pretty unfair to her, now I think about it. I have been thinking only about myself-

I shook my head again, slashing droplets of water everywhere. I can feel I am going against myself now. I quickly shut the shower and dried myself off before changing into the pajama set that I brought with me here.

I heard a knock on my door and instantly, I felt my stomach dropping. Cautiously, I went to answer it, expecting the worse but I let out a relieved breath to find Nadine standing there, "I thought you were going to come back" She said, her eyes assessing me calculatingly, "You have changed" She noted, taking in my pajama-clad body.

Before I can say anything, she pushed the door wide open and stepped into the room, "I know something is wrong. Come on, spill now" She urged, turning around to face me again while crossing her arms against her chest.

I sighed and shut the door behind me, "It is nothing" I shook my head at her. It wouldn't be a secret if someone else knows about this.

"Oh come on, Sophia. You can't fool me. I am old enough to be your great greatest grandmother. Something is bothering you and I can tell it by looking at your face" She glowered at me, "Look, I don't want you to go through anything alone" She added in a softer tone.

I stared at her, biting down my lower lip as I debated if I should tell her or not, "Alright. I will tell you but you have to promise me that no one else can know about this. At least no one can know from you" I said everything in one breath.

Nadine tilted her head, looking suspicious now, "You're making me curious now. Enough with the prologue-"

"I think I found my mate" I interrupted her. It felt strange to admit that out loud.

Nadine looked completely flabbergasted with this new information. Her mouth hang open a little and I would have laughed at her comical face if we are talking about something else, "You- what?" She blinked.

"I found my mate" I cringed at her expression.

Nadine quickly got herself together, "You ran because you found your mate?" She asked me, watching me incredulously.

I could only afford to give a meek nod at her.

Her face was unreadable so I didn't know what is her actual reaction to this news, "Okay, who is it?" She asked, her eyes never leaving mine.

"This is probably going to sound funny but I don't know exactly who he is. Or which pack he belongs to-"

"What?!" Nadine screeched.

I flinched away from her, "As soon I realized my mate was there- You know the amazing scent and everything, I just dashed to my room. I didn't look behind to see who it is" I admitted, "I know, it is stupid of me but I just- I am not ready for this"

Nadine shook her head and crossed the distance between us, "Sophia, you just made the biggest mistake of your life. That man out there is specially born to be your mate. You might not be ready now but did you pause to think how long he might have been searching for you?" She asked me, "You wouldn't understand the pain of searching for a mate, Sophia"

"I just- I didn't know what to do" I admitted.

For some reason, Nadine looked offended, "I think you should be ready for the consequences. Excuse me, I have a party to get back to" Her words were sharp as she walked past me to leave my room.

I heard the door opening and banging close again before letting out a sigh. What should I do now?