Chapter 3 Mate
Elena’s POV
My uniform felt rough against my back, every time I turned or moved, it kept brushing against my skin. I tied my apron slowly, breathing through the pain.
The other servants glanced at me, as they walked by, but didn't say anything. They didn't want to get involved and who could blame them, no one wanted to get on the Luna's bad side.
"Move faster," Madam Rachael snapped as she shoved the tray into my hands. "The council elders don't like to be kept waiting."
"Yes ma'am," I murmured.
"And keep your eyes down. You’re already in enough trouble."
I held the tray tightly and tried to move faster, but my body felt like it was on fire. But if I slowed down or made a mistake who knows what would happen to me.
I heard laughter, clinking of glasses, and voices as I stepped into the main hall. I didn't have to look at their faces to know that high ranked wolves filled the room.
Including the most talked-about one.
Alpha Liam Blackwood of the Black Moon Pack.
I’d heard stories.
Cold. Powerful. Strategic. A leader who’d loved only once—his mate who died the day she was born.
And since then?
No softness. No heart.
Everyone said he was cruel and prayed they never crossed his path.
I kept my head down as I made my way through the hall. I hoped and prayed that no one would pay attention to me.
But I felt their eyes.
The whispers from my pack members.
"That’s the orphan girl who stole from the Luna.," a young wolf from my pack said.
"Why is she even here?"
"Alpha Zack is always generous, he even let her attend the council gathering before getting exiled. I won't be so kind to a thief."
I swallowed hard, and kept moving.
The first wolf I served sneered, taking the drink without looking at me.
The second muttered something about "wolfless trash."
The third purposely let wine spill on my apron so I’d have to apologize.
My eyes stung but I refused to cry. Not in front of them.
I turned toward a table at the far end—reserved for the most powerful alphas. My heart thudded nervously. I didn’t want to serve them. Not while I was shaking like this.
"Elena! Table seven! Move!" Madam Rachael sharp voice came as she walked past me.
I forced my legs forward.
That was when I saw Rose who as usual looked good in anything she wore, heading my way with a smirk on her face.
Oh goddess, what did she want now.
She kept walking towards me and by the time I realized what she had planned it was too late.
She clashed with the tray in my hands causing the drinks to spill over her dress.
"Ah, how dare you, look what you did to my dress," she screamed.
"But I didn't do anything,"
"What's going on here?" Kelvin asked, glaring at me.
"This bitch poured the drinks on my dress."
I looked around, we were drawing attention.
I glanced over Rose's head to see that all the alphas were staring at us including Alpha Liam.
I was in so much trouble. I thought as my hands trembled.
"Please forgive me, I had no idea," I pleaded because what else could I do?.
"How dare you humiliate my mate," Kelvin shouted.
"I believe the girl apologized," a deep voice said.
I raised my head to see Alpha Liam already behind Kelvin.
"Alpha Liam, please no need to worry, she's just a stupid girl, we will take care of the situation." Alpha Zack came out of nowhere.
"The girl did nothing wrong. I saw everything, I looked at him in shock.
"But—" Rose began.
"I think it will be wise of you to keep shut" Liam glared at her.
"I am so sorry for the misunderstanding, Alpha Liam. I apologize on my mate's behalf" Kelvin muttered.
Rose just glared at me.
"Please if you may excuse us" Alpha Zack bowed and dragged Kelvin and rose along.
"Thank you, Alpha Liam," I whispered.
I owed him everything.
I reached to pick up the tray that fell and he did too. Our hands touched.
That was when I felt it.
A pull.
A spark.
A magnetic force that punched the air from my lungs.
I froze, warmth spreading across my body.
I looked up at him, his dark hair falling over his forehead and those blue eyes wide with shock.
His breath stopped.
Mine shattered.
My pulse roared in my ears, and something deep inside me—something I’d never felt before—ignited like fire bursting through dry wood.
He stood up.
Everyone was still watching in confusion as Alpha Liam kept staring at me in shock.
My heart slammed in my chest.
No… no, this can’t be happening.
I took a step back.
A gasp escaped my mouth.
His voice came low, rough, and almost disbelieving.
“You.”
Heat curled through my stomach, terrifying and intoxicating all at once.
“W-what?” I whispered.
His jaw tightened. His wolf surged beneath his skin, demanding, hungry, possessive.
“You,” he said again, more certain this time. “What is your name?”
“E-Elena.” My voice trembled.
Liam stared at me with an intensity that made the room shrink around us.
His eyes.
Godess.
They looked like burning storm clouds.
“Look at me,” he commanded quietly—almost gently.
I wanted to look away.
I couldn’t.
When our eyes met again, my heart kicked so hard I swayed.
Liam’s breathing deepened. His hand tightened on the tray. The muscles in his jaw flexed as though he were holding something back.
Then he whispered, barely audible—
“Mate.”
The word stole all the air from my lungs.