Bitten by a Goddess

Annoyance

***Present Day***

Jackson

"A Masquerade Ball?"

Says one of the Council Members says. I can already feel my patience wearing thinner by the second...

"Yes, a masquerade ball, nothing fancy, just your typical masks, ball gowns, and tuxedos. If all is settled and this is what the meeting was for, I'll be on my way."

"Jackson...." Alpha Max says with a stern look on his face. I turn to look at him before walking out.

"Don't waste this chance. I know you have a lot of things going on, but I promise having a mate won't be what you think it'll be like. " I just look at him and walk out.

Mindlinking Steven, I let him know I'm on my way back and to meet me in my office. I take a detour on my way home and stop by the river it's late September, so the current it getting stronger with the winter months coming. I dont know why, but being near the water has always soothed my restless thoughts. Getting up from where I was sitting, I head back to the pack house and head straight to my office.

Inside waiting for me in Steven and Braden.

"So what was the meeting about?" Braden, my Gamma asks me as I go to the bar I have in my office and pour a glass of my favorite liquor.

"We're holding a ball this Saturday. The council has decided its best for me to try to find my mate and that I've become too brutal. Supposedly, having a Luna and my mate will calm down Asher and make the people feel more safe. "

I hear Steven chuckle behind me, and I turn around, shooting a glare at him.

"What's so funny? You haven't found your mate either."

"Oh, Nothing just the fact that you've refused to look for your mate since you took over six years ago might I add because you think the world's gonna end. Most people find their mates when they are 18 Jackson. You just turned 26. As for me, I haven't found mine because you never hold events like we used to, and we're always hunting rogues." He says with a mock expression and throwing his hands behind his head leaning back in his chair.

"Yeah, and I've definitely need to bring a mate into this Rogue mess. Who knows, she could be a small fragile omega, and I'll have to worry about her being hurt rather than doing my duties."

Braden, my Gamma, speaks up first

"For all you know, that quote on quote prophecy could be real, and your mate could be stronger than you."

Asher growls at him in response. I hate hearing about that stupid prophecy it corrupted my father and made the kingdom not trust me. I've worked my ass off these last six years proving to my people we are on a better path and the Rogue Prince will be taken care of. My patience is getting extra thin just from talking about it. So I change the topic.

"How are the patrols going, and have our scouts found anything on the rogues?"

Steven sighs knowing that I'm specifically changing the topic.

"Some of the pack warriors have been trying to get a lead but everytime they get close they lose their scent. It's odd, it's like they disappear completely, but we know that's not true. They were able to capture one, and he's currently being interrogated in the cells."

I pinch the bridge of my nose before I run my hand through my hair.

"Okay, get more details from the pack warriors in the dungeon, and Braden, can you take over preparations for the ball this Saturday. It's currently Wednesday, so you have to be quick."

I get quick answers from them, and they walk out of my office closing my door. I take a deep breath before finishing off what's left inside my glass. I walk to my office desk, and sit down pulling out the folder I kept from my father's trial.

I open it, and see a picture of a beautiful family Alpha Riley James with his Luna and a little girl about 10 years old.. Everytime I see it, I always end up staring at the girl wishing my father hadn't gone down his corrupt path. She looks like her mother in the photo but has her father's hair. I look between her mother and her. Her mother wears a pendant in the photo, but they couldn't find it on her body after their murders. My father made specific note of it. They however did find a journal, but it's protected with an enchantment of somekind and has a special lock. Since I took over I've tried everything to try to get it open, but even the strongest witch we have in our pack can't seem to break it. Saying it's ancient magic and hasn't been seen for quiet a few centuries. Closing the folder and putting it back in my desk. I get up and decide I need to go for a run. Asher is feeling annoyed just as much as I am.

I walk out of my office and to the back of the pack house before shifting and heading towards the woods that lead back to the river. Once we get there Asher talks to me.

"Having our mate would make us feel better and help us relax, she could be strong just like us and maybe help us with this Rogue issue"

"I know Asher, but if this prophecy is somehow true, that puts everyone in this kingdom at risk. Including us. You read that letter with me all those years ago. If she is real, and matter of fact still alive if my father didn't succeed in killing her. We have a bigger problem on our hands because the Rogue Prince wanted her unharmed."

I feel Asher get upset and growl at me before retreating. He wants his Mate. Everyone wants their mate it's the Goddesses greatest gift to us they are the other half to our souls.

Understanding I made the situation more of a headache, I head back to the pack house and to the top floor where my chambers are.

Wanting to take a brisk shower. Turning the water on, I look in the mirror. I hate seeing my reflection it reminds me of what I had to do for my kingdom. My father left a permanent scar down the left side of my face going from my ear to my jaw. I don't know why but it wouldn't heal like the rest of my injuries.

It always made me wonder if he knew it was gonna happen, and he came prepared some how. Hopping in the shower I try to relax and get my thoughts in order, but nothing is working. So I mindlink Steven and let him know we're gonna go patrol this evening after dinner and cut the mindlink. I finish my shower, and get dressed heading down to my office before I finish what's left for the evening.