Jilted Mate (Wolf Series #2)

Jilted Mate 03

Veronica slightly turned her body when the sun's rays hit her on the face. She slowly opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling of the room she was currently in. Sounds of cars passing by and people talking caught her attention. Veronica stood up, wearing only her underwear and a thin sleeveless top while rubbing her bleary eyes. She adjusted the flowery curtains and stretch her hands.

Last night was hectic. The Mondragon's shop is full that it made her feet and hands ached after serving so many beers and snacks to the customers. A knocked from the door snapped her out from her thoughts.

"V, wake up, and let's eat," Jarvis yelled outside her room.

"Coming, Ja!" she responded. She looked at the clock that was hanging on the cream-colored wall and sighed. It was already past nine in the morning. She took a clean set of clothes, underwear, and went to the bathroom.

Veronica descended the stairs after bathing and saw them already preparing the breakfast. She sat on the vacant chair and smiled at them. Lou gave her the plate and utensils while Jarvis sat beside her.

"Got a good sleep, V?" Jarvis asked while putting a jam on his bread. Veronica took the bacon that was placed on the plate and bread.

"Yeah, my feet and hands are still killing me right now," Veronica exaggeratedly said that made Jarvis laughed.

"You know Jar, I almost broke the customer's nose last night because of V," Lou said while chuckling. Veronica made faces and ate her bread.

"Why? Did he try to make a move on our V?" Jarvis seriously asked and sipped his coffee. Lou nodded his head and took the morning newspapers.

"He did. I gave him a fair warning already," Lou said. Jarvis raised his thumb and grinned at him.

"That's good, but I'll be happy if you punch him on the face," Jarvis said. Veronica laughed. It's true that Lou almost got into a fight because of her last night. A customer was harassing her and offered money for her body. At first, she ignored him because she doesn't want the shop to have a bad name, but he tried to make a move on her again. That's when Lou saw her and went to her side. The customer reasoned out but knowing Lou. He wouldn't believe him. Veronica has to butt in between them to avoid a fight.

"Thanks! I knew I could always count on you, guys," Veronica said. The men smiled at her.

"It's nothing, V," Jarvis said. "Oh, before I forgot, I need to borrow your private room, Lou," Jarvis added.

"Why?" Lou asked with confusion. Veronica looked at them and wondered how these gorgeous men are still single.

"Rafael Fortalejo," Jarvis simply said and shrugged his shoulders. Lou looked at him and folded his newspaper.

"Another tattoo?" he asked Jarvis.

"Who is he? Is he somewhat important?" Veronica butted in the conversation. It's the first time she heard Jarvis borrowing Lou's private room. Jarvis ruffled her hair and gave her a small smile.

"He is. He's the strongest fighter in the South. Ever heard of Dusk Hunters' pack? He's the Alpha," Jarvis said.

"And yes, he wants another tattoo. You know that guy hates my private room," Jarvis added and put his cup down. Veronica nodded her head. She doesn't know who he is, but he's an important customer to them.

"Did Mikkel gave your things?" Jarvis asked.

"He did. He brought it to my room last night along with my snacks," she answered.

"Well, that's good," Jarvis said. They finished eating, and she helped the men clean their table. Veronica went together with Lou to check some stocks.

Veronica was carrying a box of can beers when she heard faint sounds of men arguing.

"You brought a rogue in here!?" A baritone voice yelled. A fit of faint anger can be a sense in his voice. Veronica halted. A wolf like her without a pack is considered a rogue. She must join a pack, or sign a treaty to prove that she's not hostile to the surrounding packs around.

"You have nothing to worry about, Veronica's with me, Rafael. I was about to discuss this matter to you," Jarvis said, defending her. Veronica's heart beats faster. She doesn't want Jarvis caught up in her mess. She put the box down and hurriedly went out. Suddenly, she was hit by a strong sweet smell. It was beyond intoxicating. Vien whose inside her kept pacing back and forth, saying incoherent words she couldn't understand. Her hands were sweating bullets. She couldn't breathe and couldn't focus. Veronica stood there as a model stuck on the floor.

"Mine!" A strong man, about 6 feet tall, stood in front of her and engulfed her into a tight hug. She quickly pushed the man away and ran to Jarvis' side. Jarvis shielded her while she clasped his shirt, still panting heavily.

"Rafael," Jarvis cautiously said. He knew what was happening right now because he already witnessed this a dozen times. Rafael Fortalejo glared at him. The Alpha wolf in him didn't like what his mate did.

"Back off from her, Jarvis," he said and growled. Jarvis firmly stood on his ground.

"Leave her alone, man," Jarvis said. Veronica doesn't know what to do. She wanted to embrace her mate, but at the same time, she's afraid of him.

"Back the fvck off!" Rafael shouted. Jarvis' employees started backing away, avoiding the fight between the men.

"No," Jarvis said and held Veronica's hand. It infuriates Rafael to the core. No man is allowed to touch what's his.

"Last warning, Mondragon. Back the fvck away from her, or I will break the treaty off," Rafael said, emitting a loud growl. Jarvis Mondragon signed an alliance treaty with the South's powerful pack, and that was Dusk Hunters.

"How about Grace? You are engaged, Fortalejo!" Jarvis shouted. He doesn't want Veronica to know this, but he has no other choice. It was the only way to stop Rafael. Hearing this, Veronica looked at Jarvis and back to Rafael. She glanced at his hand and saw the ring glowing on his finger. Veronica gulped, trying to fight her tears. She promised herself that she won't cry.

Rafael snapped out of his thoughts. He looked at his mate and took a step back. He was a loss for words.

"I…" he stuttered. He remembered Grace, his fiancée, but he must get his mate. "It doesn't matter, Jarvis. She's mine," he said with conviction and pulled Veronica close to him.

"Go pack your things, hunny. We are leaving right now," he said with his Alpha tone. Veronica glanced at Jarvis and followed Rafael's order. While packing, she thought of the ring again and smiled bitterly.

Karma is finally hitting her in the face, and she wasn't prepared. It was too early for her. She finally found her fated mate, but he belongs to someone else's.