The ball and the seduction...

Astrid's POV

The palace was decorated, and every servant seemed too busy to even lift their heads. Wasting no time, I got ready and joined my mother in the queue, wearing my mask this time. It made me feel safer than the last time I had gone without. The tables were set and all the food arranged.

The palace was beautifully decorated for the party. The walls were lined with glittering golden drapes, and the floors were adorned with luxurious Persian rugs. Delicate ivory sculptures stood in the corners, and sumptuous velvet cushions filled the seating areas.

Elegant chandeliers hung from the ceilings and added a hint of sparkle to the atmosphere. In the center of the room was a large fountain overflowing with fragrant roses, and an array of flickering candles illuminated the room.

Outside, a grand fountain sparkled in the moonlight, and the grounds were alive with colorful lanterns. It was sure to be a night to remember.

The guests began to arrive, and we increased our pace. I placed wine bottles on each table. Soft music bloomed in the background. My feet moved with the beats, and everything looked so elegant, like a fairytale.

With wine glasses in their hands, handsome men searched for beautiful ladies.

"Will he be here?" Mellasia asked me.

I knew who she was talking about, but pretended not to hear.

"Stupid w*ore! What are you doing here?" Princess Amaira asked, shooting daggers at me in her anger.

My hands shook. "I’m just cleaning the table. I—”

She grabbed my jaw in her deadly grip. "Monsters like you need to be locked in the dungeon. You slaves don’t deserve social gatherings. I don't want my guests to run away looking at your scary face." She dragged me from the ballroom into the dark dungeon, then turned and looked at me with disgust. "F*cking ugly as sin!"

The door lock clinked, and my heart shattered. I wasn't going to have the tasty dishes again.

I removed my mask and looked at the mirror. Maybe she was right? I wasn’t ugly, but the part about me being a slave was true. Slaves had no life, no reason to be included in social events. Our lives were of no importance.

The bed seemed to be the only thing with a loving embrace, so I dropped my tired body into it, feeling immediate relief. A welcome sleep overtook me.

Loud music and banging coming from above woke me. Cheering and laughter echoed around. They were enjoying themselves.

Then I smelled him. My eyes fluttered open and Mellasia growled and fought within me. She didn’t want to be held captive in the dungeon. His scent was intoxicating. I rose and touched the locked door to see if I could feel his presence. He was definitely at the party, and I could smell him, too.

What did that mean?

Was he really my mate?

When the scent faded, I sat on the bed again. Maybe he went outside or into the royal chambers?

Could he smell me too?

***

Alpha Dominic's POV:

Every member of my pack seemed thrilled. Their eyes followed mine everywhere I looked. But I couldn't find her. Her beautiful face didn't leave my memory for a second and Carden, my wolf wanted to see her again and for ever.

I was mesmerized by her beauty, her beauty so captivating that it felt like I was in a trance. Her eyes were like liquid gold, twinkling with a sparkle of life and joy, her hair a cascade of deep mahogany that danced in the wind. Her skin was like porcelain and her lips were soft and inviting. Every part of her was entrancing and I couldn't take my eyes off her. She was perfect and I was completely captivated when saw her. And I wanted to dive into that beauty now too.

Where was she?!

Maybe she was late. That was the only plausible reason.

My wolf growled in anticipation.

"Calm down, Carden. She will be here," I whispered.

Then it happened. The scent of her beautiful body called to me. I looked around, searching for her, but she never came into view.

"Is everything okay, Alpha Dominic?" Alpha Jonathan asked, eying me.

"Yes, everything is fine." I didn't want to engage in conversation with him.

"That's great to hear. I’d like to introduce you to my daughter.” He turned toward her. “Princess Amaira, come here."

I didn’t even glance her way. Why bother? I wanted nothing to do with his daughter. I had already found my mate and had no interest in other females.

"Hello, Alpha Dominic,” a woman said, with a slight seduction in her voice. “I welcome you to our kingdom with love and respect."

I turned to shoo them away but was shocked to see the girl from the woods. My mate!

But something was wrong. Her eyes looked different and Carden didn't growl at her. In fact, the scent was still far away. Maybe it was some sort of misunderstanding? But I knew she was the girl from the woods and had no interest in thinking about it further.

The pack needed a Luna.

My wolf needed a mate.

I didn't need anyone.

If everyone else was getting what they wanted, then I wouldn’t complain about the choice.

"Nice to meet you, Amaira." I stretched my hand out.

She excitedly took my hand in hers. I felt nothing. No spark. No physical attraction like I expected with a mate.

Alpha Jonathan left us to talk, wearing a grin.

"You love going to the woods, huh?" I asked her.

For a second, she looked lost, but her smile resurfaced. "Umm. Yes, of course. Nature is beautiful." She put a strand of hair behind her ear.

An uncomfortable silence hung between us as we stared at one another.

Eventually, the princess asked if I’d like to go to her room.

It would be wonderful to finally f*uck a destined mate. I wanted the pleasure. "Yes, of course," I said and followed her closely.

The scent of my mate faded, even though she was walking right in front of me. What kind of mystery was this?

In her room, wine had been set out, and her bed was decorated with flower petals.

She sat down on its edge, then bent, showing her cleavage. "Have some wine, Alpha Dominic," she said, handing me a glass.

I accepted it and took a sip. It tasted odd, but I liked it and downed half of it quickly. The room started spinning, and my clothes seemed too heavy. My wolf growled in protest and screamed in my head. The erection in my pants made me restless and I wanted to release myself as soon as possible. Carden howled in excitement as I felt the tingling sensation. He needed his mate but insisted it wasn’t her.

"What the hell did you put in this?" I asked her angrily, my red glowing eyes penetrating her.

She began crying, but I didn’t care. She was a fraud. I would have killed her right then, but the scent came rushing back. So, I just pushed her by her throat and angrily growled at her as a warning for her behavior.

My mate...

Carden furiously paced within me and dominated my mind. I pulled the door open, leaving the fraud crying on the bed.

My mate. Where are you?

Carden cried out in frustration and led me down a dark staircase. With each step, the scent grew stronger. Eventually, an iron door stood before me.

Carden let out an angry growl, shaking the calm place.

A meek response came. Someone was scratching against the door, and her arousal sent me crazy with desire.