Mate

Aitana went up to her room feeling uncomfortable. Her body was having strange reactions, and she thought perhaps she was getting sick from everything that had happened. Her body felt heavy and hot. She lay down on the bed and began tossing and turning. The heat was unbearable — even her clothes felt uncomfortable. She stripped down to her underwear and turned the air conditioning to its lowest temperature. She continued feeling that way until she finally fell into a deep sleep.

"Aitana, wake up." She heard someone calling her name. She opened her eyes and found her friend standing there. "Damn, it's freezing in here," Sam said, turning off the air conditioning. "Are you okay?" Aitana nodded as she sat up in bed. The heat in her body had diminished to a tolerable level.

"What time is it?" she asked, glancing toward the window. It had already gotten dark.

"Time to get ready — the party starts soon." Sam pulled out the dresses they'd be wearing that night. "By the way, I found out this party isn't just to celebrate the King's birthday. It's also for him to choose a mate, whether fated or chosen. It's been many years since he took the throne, and there's still no Queen Luna. People are worried because they say the King is losing control of his wolf and turning savage."

"Savage?" Aitana whispered. She'd heard about that — those who didn't find their mates within a certain time would turn savage or could even die. "But from what I know, he's not even thirty yet. He still has time to find his mate," she said, getting up and taking her dress.

"Remember, the King is of lycanthrope descent. He's different from us wolves who live normal lifespans. Lycanthropes can live hundreds of years without even aging, so finding their fated mate is essential once they come of age. If that doesn't happen, they have to choose a mate and perform a blood pact to keep their savage side under control," Sam explained as she began undressing.

"Oh, I see... Poor King, then," Aitana said, grabbing a towel. "I'm going to take a bath. I'm still so hot." She headed into the bathroom, leaving Sam somewhat surprised — Sam actually felt cold, and not just because the air conditioning had been blasting at full power minutes ago. The night itself was very cold.

"Are you okay?" asked a man with chestnut hair and hazel eyes, dressed in an elegant black suit.

"I don't know. My wolf has been restless all day — more than usual," said a tall man with a well-defined build, his eyes blue and his black hair tousled. He was putting on a white shirt that fit snugly, outlining his muscular arms.

"You need to stay calm. There'll be many guests, and hopefully you'll find your fated mate — or choose one. Everything's ready, even for the blood pact," the brunet explained.

"Good. I hope it doesn't come to that," he whispered as he finished buttoning his shirt. He walked to the mirror and studied his reflection. He'd spent so many years searching for his fated mate. He still held out hope of finding her rather than resorting to a blood pact with a chosen mate. But he also didn't want his wolf to take over and destroy everything his predecessors had built — a powerful kingdom backed by great packs. "Please, Moon Goddess..." he whispered. His loyal friend and Beta sighed upon hearing his King's plea.

The celebration began. Families from different packs enjoyed the grand banquet the King had prepared. Everyone danced and chatted, and some had even found their fated mates at the event. Aitana observed it all. Her rose-gold mermaid-cut gown accentuated her curves beautifully, with a straight neckline and no sleeves, her hair loose in well-defined waves. All eyes were on her — and not only because of her beauty. Those without mates could smell a scent emanating from her, one that could become an addictive drug.

"Shit," Damian muttered, covering his nose. He looked around, searching for the source of that scent. He was being affected because he hadn't marked his mate yet, nor had she marked him.

"What's wrong?" Melissa asked, concerned. She looked around and noticed that even her brother was in the same state as Damian — though he seemed to be enjoying it.

The music stopped. Everything went silent. Those affected by the scent struggled to keep themselves under control. The King made his entrance accompanied by his loyal Beta, and everyone bowed. They were in the presence of the most powerful lycanthrope King they had ever known.

Aitana stared at the blue-eyed man. Her breathing quickened. The heat in her body intensified — she felt like she was burning. Even her tongue was unbearably hot. She began fanning herself with her hands, but it was useless. Her vision started to blur. She placed both hands on her neck, feeling like she couldn't breathe. Her throat was on fire. She didn't understand what was happening to her. Her entire body was boiling, especially her most intimate area.

"What is that smell?" Alpha Elias whispered. Even he, with a mate of his own, was beginning to feel drawn to that scent.

"Aitana?" Marcus said, looking at his daughter. The sweet aroma was coming from her. "Alpha," he said, turning to Elias, who was covering his nose.

"We need to get her out of here — she's going into heat," the Alpha said. He looked around. Everyone was being affected by the scent Aitana was releasing — even he was affected. But his love for Aitana wouldn't allow him to harm her, and he wouldn't let anyone else harm her either. "Dafne, get Damian away from here," the Alpha ordered, seeing his son on the verge of losing control to his wolf.

Aitana began backing away, though she stumbled from side to side. Her legs were giving out. She called to her she-wolf for help, but her wolf seemed to be in the same state — or worse. She looked around, her vision barely able to make out how everyone was closing in on her with lust in their eyes. Fear gripped her. She fell to the ground and began dragging herself backward until her back hit one of the great hall's pillars. She hugged herself and looked around in terror, searching for her father, who was fighting his way through the men to reach her. She could even see Alpha Elias punching some of them, and her brother pushing others away. She looked for Damian — he seemed just as affected as the other men. Luna Dafne and Melissa were struggling to keep him under control.

"What the hell..." Aitana whispered. The heat was unbearable. The desire to be touched by a man began flooding her mind. The heat between her legs was so intense she couldn't help pressing her thighs together, trying to find relief. She saw a redheaded man just inches away from her. Fear overtook her despite her sexual urges — that man disgusted her. She didn't want him to touch her.

"What a delicious thing you are..." she heard the man say, licking his lips.

Aitana squeezed her eyes shut and clung to herself. She could hear her father, her brother, Alpha Elias, and even Damian screaming her name, but their voices sounded so far away.

"I don't want this..." she whispered. Tears began rolling down her cheeks. Then, suddenly, everything fell silent.

Every person in the hall felt a crushing pressure descend upon them. Their bodies weakened. They looked toward the source of that force and began clearing a path wherever he walked, lowering their gazes in fear. The dark-haired, blue-eyed man reached the woman who wouldn't stop releasing that sweet scent. He looked at the redhead who had been about to touch her. He wanted to punish him — end his life — but it wasn't worth wasting his time on the man right now. He intensified his authority over the redhead, who had no choice but to back away and clear the path to the brunette. He knelt before her and caressed her face, wiping away the tears that had wet her cheeks. He felt her trembling. She opened her eyes slowly, and those dark gray eyes met deep blue ones, as blue as the sea.