Chapter 118
I couldn't believe my ears. This stranger, this Alpha Jeremiah, had just declared that I was his mate. Panic surged through me as my heart raced at an alarming pace. I had to think fast, had to get away from this man I didn't know.
"Step back!" I stammered, my voice trembling. I couldn't tear my eyes away from him. He was impossibly handsome, like a vision of a Greek God carved from the finest marble. Jet-black hair framed his chiseled face, and crystal blue eyes gleamed with an intensity that sent shivers down my spine.
Jeremiah stood tall and confident, a smirk perpetually gracing his dimpled face. "Oh, I have no intention of stepping back, mate. You are most definitely mine," he said, his tone chilled and naughty.
He had to be lying I hadn't even gotten my wolf yet he couldn't possibly know this and after all If he was the Jeremiah everyone was fussing about then he couldn't be trusted "You better stay away from me or else..."
He raised his eyebrows looking very amused and it made me feel weak . This man wasn't taking me seriously he was looking at me as if I was nothing but little person in front of him. "Or else?"
My heart pounded even harder, and I took a few steps back, my mind racing for a way out of this situation. This couldn't be happening. I wasn't ready for a mate, especially not one as cocky and enigmatic as Jeremiah. Of all the days for this to happen to me it had to be on my birthday , me stepping out of my fathers territory was supposed to be a happy moment. A moment of freedom not to be claimed by some Alpha who by the way is a bad man causing trouble.
Without a second thought, I turned and sprinted away, my legs carrying me as fast as they could. Surprisingly, he didn't follow me. Perhaps he thought I'd give in easily, but he was sorely mistaken. I was not weak and I definitely did not believe his bullshit.
As I raced back towards my father's territory, my heart still thudding in my chest, I couldn't help but wonder what kind of mess I had gotten myself into. Meeting my destined mate was supposed to be a joyful occasion, but this felt like a nightmare.
Just as I stepped back into my father's territory, breathing heavily, I ran smack into him. His expression was a mixture of anger and concern, and he gripped my arms tightly. "Astrid..." he said my name his voice dangerously low and I whimpered "make sure its safe!" he told his men and they shifted before crossing the border while some of them stayed guarding the border.
My father's grip on my arms was unyielding as he practically dragged me back toward our building. His anger radiated off him in waves, and I knew I was in deep trouble. I had crossed our borders, a reckless move that could have had dire consequences, and I had no good explanation for my actions besides wanting that feeling of freedom. Obviously my father wouldn't understand that even If I tried explaining it to him a thousand times.
Once inside, my father released his hold on me but his face remained stern. "Astrid, do you have any idea how dangerous it is beyond our borders? You could have been attacked, or worse. What were you thinking."
I stammered, unable to meet his furious gaze. "I... I didn't think, Father. I'm sorry."
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You're are to stay within these walls, Astrid. And I will have more guards stationed outside your door, even if you go to use the bathroom they will be stationed outside the door..."
I widened my eyes in horror , I already had four men following me around what did he mean 'more' guards "But dad you can't possibly have more of them following me around that's ridicul..." before I could finish my statement he growled loudly.
"Next time you will think carefully before you act. Actions have consequences Astrid and these are the consequences of your own actions." he said before walking away
I nodded, knowing I probably deserved the punishment. But I couldn't let my father know the real reason for my reckless escapade - the encounter with Jeremiah, the rogue Alpha who claimed to be my mate. The thought of my father's reaction to that news terrified me. He would lose his shit.
After my father left to organize more security around the borders, my mother, Lucy, entered the room with a stern expression. 'not this again' I thought to myself. She didn't bother to hide her disappointment. "Astrid, what were you thinking? You haven't even shifted yet, and you're out there, risking your life!"
Why didn't any one of them understand me! I was so frustrated at this point. Tears welled up in my eyes as I tried to explain, "I just needed some freedom, Mom. I didn't choose this life, this responsibility. I want a simple life, even if it means never getting my wolf. It would make everyone so much happier, especially since no one wants a female heir to the throne."
Lucy's expression softened, and she pulled me into a hug. "I know this is difficult, Astrid. But you are strong, and you will make an excellent queen someday. You cannot go out there its not safe my baby"
I couldn't hold back my tears any longer. "But Mom, I'm not ready for all this. I just want to be a little bit normal , to find my wolf without the weight of the crown on my shoulders."
Lucy held me close, soothing me with her comforting words. "I understand, sweetheart. We'll get through this together."
I appreciated her support, but my frustration and confusion still gnawed at me. I pulled away from her embrace and stormed out of the meeting hall, retreating to my room. I was a jumble of emotions - sadness, anger, and most of all, confusion. I did want my wolf, but I wanted it without the overwhelming burden of being a queen. It was a life I hadn't chosen, and it felt like it was closing in on me, leaving me with more questions than answers.