Enchanted Worlds

Book 1 Chapter 3

I avoided any interactions with the pack. My greatest fear was seeing him and hearing the words of rejection. Nix wouldn’t survive a rejection. Slave could handle the pain.

Keeping busy was very easy. Surprisingly, staying away from the pack was even easier. They were holding tournaments in honor of Jace coming home. Maybe the Goddess had just an ounce of sympathy since I didn’t have to endure seeing that torturous monster.

My silence was noticed by Madam. She was quite pleased with my silence. Truth be told, she also seemed to be relishing my agony.

Nix wouldn’t talk to me at all the second day of the celebrations. Come the third day, she was gone. I couldn’t feel her anymore. She even left me. Never had I heard of someone losing their wolf. It was bad, but I was okay. I found peace in my decision.

While Alpha was on stage passing on the title to Jace, I would go to the water fall and jump from its highest peak.

It was nearing dinner time, which meant the ceremony would happen soon. I felt calmness that was all consuming.

Dinner was a buffet of sorts. Made of all kinds of choices. I gave it my all since this would be my last meal. I even learned how to make fried ice cream. A delicacy I had always wanted to learn. Is this the way human death row inmates feel? No wonder they didn’t fight. Had I committed a crime in my life? Yes, simply living was a burden on everyone.

Madam came through the kitchen with a disgusted look on her face.

“Slave go wash up, Alpha wants you at the ceremony to welcome Alpha Jace,” under her breath, as she walked out of the kitchen, I could hear her mumble under her breath “No clue why he would want an odious slave there.”

All of the peace and calm I had felt disappeared in the blink of an eye. Well, so much for that. Madam was right, though. Why does Alpha want me there? I am no one. Insignificant in the most substantial of ways.

As I walked to my room, I had to rethink my plan. Could I sneak away from the ceremony, but the likelihood of that being possible was almost none. Patrols will be in force around the pack to ensure a safe transfer of power.

Consumed by my thoughts, I washed myself with the cold water I had and tried to make my hair look okay. Looking the best wasn’t something I was worried about. No one will recall my name after a few months. They won't even go looking for my body, I would bet.

“Hurry it up!” Madam yells from the other side of the kitchen.

I tried to give myself a smile in the broken mirror I had. It looked weak and pathetic. This is why my mate couldn’t wait for me. This slave girl is nothing and will never be anything. At least he will be able to move on with a new mate. A mate that he can be proud of.

I took a deep breath and left my room. The stage was in the garden. That might actually prove to be useful. If I place myself strategically by the forest entrance, I could sneak away without being noticed. It would also allow me to keep away from my mate.

Within a few minutes, the garden was filled with wolves. Alpha Leo and Luna Jennica stood on stage discussing how they would enjoy retirement. Some of their comments were very uncomfortable and caused unwelcome images to flash through my mind.

Down the middle of the crowded path opened for Jace. He looked absolutely stunning. His suit was a forest green color and accented his deep features. The whole way to the stage, he held his head up high and with the biggest smile.

I always loved his smile. It was one of my favorite features of his. His smile held mystery and protection. Even as a child, when he would torture me, his smile left its mark on my heart.

I began looking around, remembering my mate was hidden somewhere in the crowd. UGH! I should have looked closer to see what he looked like so I could avoid him.

Jace made it up to the stage and was welcomed by his loving mother and father. I do have to say they were good parents to him. A few tears left my eyes at the thought. Quickly, I wiped it away to hide my shame.

Alpha Leo began by giving a speech of magnificent proportion. However, I was not inclined to listen. After a few minutes of Blah Blah, this and Blah Blah, he called on Jace to step forward. A dagger was handed to each of them. Alpha Leo made the first cut by pressing the blade into his palm. Jace followed suit. Jace took his vows and shook his father's hand. This melded their blood together and transferred the power.

Jace turned and bowed to the crowd as they screamed and cheered.

This was my queue to get the hell out of here before he spotted me. As I turned, I bumped into something. Beta Ash. Oh, lovely. This can’t be good.

“Slave, what are you doing? Pay attention!” Beta Ash hit me across the face and busted open my lip. I turned just in time for my eyes to meet Jace’s and froze. His eyes told me everything. I couldn’t voice it but I knew in my heart, “Mate”.