The Alpha's Marked Mate

A starry night

Dinner was thought-provoking, to say the least. Stefan displayed excellent manners, offered charming conversations, and focused his efforts on determining my likes and dislikes. Mom and Jane appeared flustered and unprepared during our meal. He gave me part of his Prime Rib. His gesture chastised the rules of our family with one simple motion.

 Stefan is utterly handsome, too handsome. His hands displayed strength when he cut his food. I watched—a true Alpha in a different way than my twin. Never looked at my twin like that, anyway. Masculinity vibrated off of his body. His aura of power dominated our dining room. Dinner is over. Tomorrow brings another day of display for possible fathers. Stefan's lips looked soft and firm. I didn't want him to kiss his lips are lovely.

Lavender oil scented steam rose from my porcelain bathtub. They gave you things when they plan to murder you after being used as a  broodmare for your older sister. A few years ago, Mom remodeled my bathroom with a fancy tub and shower along with a fantastic skylight. It was 3 feet by 3 feet square. On specific nights, I stargaze in a hot scented bath. Tonight was a bath night.

Lifting a leg, soapy foam trailed slowly down my leg. Not two many stars in the sky; it was a dark velvet jewel case night sky. A shiny start started moving around in the middle of the atmosphere. It lopped and curved. Wait, is that a letter?

A tiny sparkling star wrote," Get out of your bath now! Put on a shirt and shorts! Go quietly into the garden and wait. Don't leave until I tell you. Wear a bra. Just wait. Don't ask any questions!"

Wait, I am supposed to sneak into the gardens. Doesn't the goddess realize it is hot and humid without the sun and daylight? Just go play in the gardens as mosquito bait. Not talking back to a celestial being. Grip the sides of my tub, I pushed my soaking body out of the tub. The tile was cool under my feet. Hurrying towards my bed, I rubbed a thick towel over my damp body. Why did she say a bra? When the sun goes down, it is bra-free time. Not arguing.  Soft bra and panties for garden duty. My favorite purple romper. The nannies don't like me to wear it. It doesn't have a scoop or V neck. A boat neck. It doesn't serve a purpose for the ultimate goal.  Tossed on my clothing. Decided against brushing my hair. It's not a social call.

I popped my head out of my bedroom door. It was a silent night. Every wolf and mouse in their bed profoundly sleeping. Main staircase or the one closest to the kitchen. Kitchen. I can use the kitchen door to go into the gardens.

Disappointed rang in my mind. Nobody goes to grab a cup of milk or cookie during the night? What's the point of sneaking out of your room, and nobody is on patrol. I swept past the kitchen. Nobody is home.

A wave of humid drenched as I sauntered into the garden.  Where should I sit? Perhaps, I should go into the rose gardens. They say my birth mom loved Rose. Mom tends to them regularly. Plopping down on a bench, I sat criss-cross apple sauce and waited for a message.

Breaking twigs caught my attention; it must be her to tell me a stupid riddle. A calmness settled over me as warmth spread down my back; every fear fled my mind. Maybe, she wanted to have a calming session with me.

A figure stepped out of the shadow. Moonlight gleamed off of his golden hair, powerful eyes gazed intently into mine. Stefan?