Claiming My Beta's Mate

5

Delilah.

I storm away in fright and anger. It’s like I’m stuck but at the same time protected. The only reason I came to have an audience with the Alpha is because I wanted to beg him to extend my stay. Now, did I think he would mark me and bind me as his mate?

No!

The pack house is huge, unlike anything that I have ever seen before. One of the house features are large windows with ornate wooden frames that allow ample natural light to flood the interior. The living spaces are adorned with plush furniture in rich fabrics that complements the warm tones of the aesthetic.

There are many enclosures and rooms in the house. As I take my last bag up the stairs, a lady stands in front of me and I stop for a while. I’m not sure how many live here along with the Alpha but I know he has an extended family.

So, she could be his sister or cousin. I’m not too sure. As I stop along the stairs, another young man and woman step out of the training room and they look at me in awe.

“Who are you?” A young, tall woman who could be the same age as I am questions me. She has blonde hair, slim figure and honestly, she looks like she belongs in a fashion magazine.

They are all gazing at me mysteriously and I’m not sure what I’m supposed to say. How do I tell them everything that happened yesterday? How do I say that I was marked by the Alpha and the elders of the pack made it his responsibility to keep me here?

This is too much. My fingers begin to shake as I look at them in wonder.

“Whose bag is that?” The lady asks again and this time, there is an air of arrogance to it. It sounds like she is getting uneasy and I’m not doing anything to relieve it.

“It’s mine.” I replied.

“Why would you bring your bag in here?” The young man asks and once again, I am flabbergasted.

“Oh, Delilah! There you are!” Susan says and I finally feel relieved.

“Susan, please, who is she? She isn’t saying anything.”

“Emerald, this is the Alpha’s mate.” Susan says and they all open their mouths in shock.

“What? Alpha's mate!” The person who I presume to be Emerald yells and I flinch for a second.

“Wow!” The young man says and pushes his hair behind.

“Nice to meet you, I’m Adrien and I’m Thorn’s friend.” He introduces himself and I bob my head. He has a very strong stature, brown hair and good height. I have heard about him from Brad. The three of them were the closest friends of the Alpha.

“How come my brother didn’t tell me anything about having a mate? A younger girl asks, she sounds like someone who is throwing a tantrum.

“Housekeeper, please, take Delilah’s bag to her room.” Aunt Susan says and the housekeeper collects the bag from my hands.

“Delilah, this is Maddy, she is Thorn’s little sister and that is Emerald, Thorn’s friend too. She trains the women of the pack.” Susan says and I clear my throat.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you guys. You haven’t had breakfast yet, have you?” Aunt Susan asks.

She is really a nice person and because of her, I feel safe even when I’m torn in between the rest of them.

“No, not yet.” I answer.

“Come on, let’s eat together.” Aunt Susan says and everyone retreats from the staircase to the dining table. The table is full of exotic dishes and mouth watering recipes. There is a big brisket at the center of the table, bacon, eggs, toast and fresh orange juice.

From the corner of my eyes, Emerald is looking at me weirdly like I do not belong here. She is not wrong. I don’t belong here. As I take my seat, Maddy stands next to me.

“That’s my seat!” She says and I look at her with wide eyes.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” I say and I walk to the nearest seat to where the head of the table is supposed to sit.

“Maddy, be nice. It’s just a seat.” Aunt Susan says.

Alpha Thorn walks in and Maddy’s face is in a frown. At this point, every hair on my body stands when I realize that he is going to sit right next to me. I catch a whiff of the lavender and chocolate—it’s fascinating and scary at the same time.

I do my best in turning away from him. I pick my fork and I slice through my stake slowly. The moment I place it on my tongue, I almost moan at the softness and tastiness of the meat.

I chew slowly and focus on my plate. I can tell that they cannot wait to ask Thorn about me.

“Thorn, we had a meeting this morning. Why did you fail to tell me that you have a mate? You didn’t even care about mates for the longest.” Adrien says.

“Aunt Susan said she is your mate. Is that true? What family is she from? Brother, you are an advanced werewolf. I can tell that she is an ordinary omega from here. So, how is she your mate?” Maddy asks and I pause my food.

It’s like she doesn’t even realize that I’m here and I can hear all that she’s saying. Honestly, my appetite has gone and all I want is to get out of here.

“Maddy, can you be respectful!” Aunt Susan raises her voice and Maddy pouts.

“She is my mate and that is all you need to know.” Thorn replies in his cold, arrogant voice.

“Wow, so the bonding ceremony will be soon?” Adrien asks.

“No, not yet. My beta has just died, there won’t be a ceremony until we find out who is responsible for his death and give him justice.” Thorn says and I pick a glass of water to swallow the food in my mouth. At the mention of Brad’s name, I’m not able to swallow on my own.

“I know Brad had a fiancee, any idea where she is?” Adrien asks and Thorn drops his fork.

Is he going to tell them?

“Why would you want to know about her? I heard she is cursed and was born under a cursed moon too. Brother, it’s best if you kick her out of the pack. Who are we to defend someone the moon goddess is against!?” Maddy says and I hold a sob in my throat.

That’s enough, Maddy! Aunt Susan says.

“Well, what did I say wrong? I’m not pestering Thorn about his mate anymore. Can’t I ask other questions?”

Maddy says.

“Please, if you will excuse me. I have something I need to do.” I say, taking off the napkin from my lap and heading out of the dining room.

The moment I walk out of the pack house, I take a deep breath and I grip my dress. Luckily, I have my wallet and my keys. I don’t need to enter into the pack house and witness their insulting words.

How long do I have to take this? It is bothersome and diminishing on so many levels. I start the engine of my jeep and I begin to head out of the pack gate. At this point in time where I feel horrible, I have a friend, Angel who knows everything about what I’m going through.

Her brother helped me with my belongings earlier this morning and Thorn rebuked me for it. I don’t understand why he would even do that. I step on the porch and Angel opens the door immediately.

“I have been waiting for you forever! Come in.” Angel says and I embrace her.

“What is it? You looked like you were bullied.” She asks.

“I just had breakfast with Alpha Thorn and his family. I wanted to rip my skin off. I couldn’t wait to get out.” I reply as I take off my bag, staring at the brushes and paints.

“Why? Do they know that f*****g Brad claimed you?” Angel asks.

“No, not yet! But I know what their reaction would look like when they find out. It won’t be pretty.” I say, putting on paint-stained apron.

“Who amongst them was rude” Angel asks with curiosity.

“Maddy, the Alpha’s sister and another woman, I think her name is Enerald. I don’t understand why she looks down on me. Also, undoubtedly, Thorn is also insane. Why does the moon goddess keep making mistakes with my mates?” I ask.

“Wait. Did you say Emerald?” Angel asks.

“Yes, why?”

“According to the rumors in the pack, she’s in love with the Alpha. She is the one who trains the female wolf trainees and everyone thinks she would be luna.” Angel says.

“Oh no! I say, hysterically.

“Soon, everyone in the pack will find out that I’m the Alpha’s mate. They will realize that Brad claimed me. What do I do, Angel?” I ask.