ESCAPE INTO MY LORD'S ARMS

Chapter 1 Lia pov My heart raced as the driver started the engine and sped off. I leaned back, trying to calm my nerves, but my mind was flooded with questions. What if? What if? I wasn't trying to be overly dramatic, but the thought of seeing my mate tonight filled me with dread. How would he look? Like a shark? Unattractive? I really shouldn't speculate too much before facing the reality. I was lost in my thoughts when the driver’s voice pulled me back to the moment. "We're here, ma'am." "Oh, I’m sorry," I replied with a slight chuckle, reaching for my purse beside me while bending down to fasten my heels. I had taken them off in the car to let my feet breathe because I’m not great at walking in them. I raised my eyebrows. After stepping out, I walked to the driver's side and fished through my purse to pay him. "Thank you, ma'am. You look stunning, by the way. I hope you find what you're looking for," he said with a shy smile. I felt a bit embarrassed. What did he mean by that? What does anyone look for at an event like this? "Thanks! Can you go now?" Standing in front of the grand black gate of the pack mansion, I felt a mix of confusion and excitement. My heart raced, and I found it hard to move, as if my legs were glued to the ground. "Hey, Lia! You made it!" A woman greeted me with a wave, and I was taken aback by how she knew my name. “Not really,” I said, shaking my head. What am I even saying? I took a step forward, moving slowly until I reached the main entrance, where the gate stood open. As I walked into the mansion, the sight of beautiful and confident young women gave me the strength and courage to enter. “Wow!” “I'm 30 and still haven't found my mate. I've been involved with guys who only used me, which has left me with a bad history.” A woman nearby was venting to her friend, and at least I felt a bit better knowing I wasn't alone. My sister left him before I did, so I needed to find her. I navigated through the crowd, trying to breathe in and out of the toxic atmosphere. Then, a particular scent caught my attention. It smelled earthy, like a damp floor—it's the best way I can describe it. As I got closer, a rush of adrenaline surged through me, and my heart began to race. What is this feeling? My wolf instincts were on high alert, and I felt uneasy in a way I had never experienced before. Mate! Mate!! This is insane, my mate? I pushed through the crowd. Hey, watch it! “Sorry!” She is absolutely wild; just picture how she carelessly dismissed me like a toy. I apologize, man. I followed the scent until I finally spotted HIM. “My mate!!” “Wow!” I’m bonded to the alpha king of my pack. This can’t be real, I thought, shaking my head slightly, my eyes wide with astonishment. He suddenly looked in my direction, and I felt a rush of electricity coursing through me; the connection was beyond words. Mate!! I chuckled quietly. It seemed everyone around us noticed the intense moment and decided to create a circle, their eyes locked on us, leaving me standing with the alpha in the center. “You’re my mate,” I said, smiling with my head lowered. Sorry, I’m mated to you, Alpha. It doesn't matter, young lady; you're an omega wolf, and I can't tolerate your weakness. He said this harshly, his brows furrowed. I wondered if he was about to give a speech until he suddenly approached me and yanked me closer with aggression. “I can't be your mate; there must be some mistake,” he stated, and everyone around us erupted in mocking laughter. Tears streamed down my face as I lowered my head, avoiding his gaze. “We are meant to be together, Alpha. I've never experienced anything like this before; it means I should be your Luna and mate.” “And I am rejecting you,” he replied calmly. I gasped in disbelief, my eyes widening as I looked up at him. “You're rejecting me? No! You can't reject me; I am your mate.” “What is she talking about? The alpha just rejected her, and she can't accept it,” someone from the crowd remarked. “No, he can't reject me.” He stepped back, raising his arms to quiet the crowd. “Calm down; she just can't accept it.” “I, Alpha Eric Reed, reject you, Lia Adams, as my mate and choose your sister instead.”