The Ruthless Alpha and His Slave Mate

Chapter 5: A Slave's Dilemma

“Damien—”

“Mother, please.” He interrupted her. Obviously, he wasn't desiring any pet talk or advice.

Iris facepalmed. She hadn't seen any stubborn Alpha like Damien. Was it because he was young?

“You cannot reject your true mate, the goddess gave her to you and there's no way you two can live apart from each other,” Iris said.

“Watch me.” He said and left.

Queen Bethany sighed.

****

THE NEXT DAY

The news about the Alpha getting mated to a slave spread throughout the pack like wildfire. Everybody was talking about it. Some were worried about her, knowing how ruthless the Alpha was. Others were jealous, while most people just resented her.

“Alpha, how are you going to deal with this problem?” Elder Gavin asked. As a result of shock, they said nothing during the mating ceremony and had left for their different homes. Now, they have returned to speak on the issue.

Damien didn't answer them. He only stared.

“I still can't believe something like this happened.” Elder Raphael sighed.

“Why don't you reconsider, Alpha.” Elder Blaine spoke up.

Damien looked at him. “Are you telling me to accept that pathetic slave as my mate?” He asked.

“Think about it.” Elder Blaine added.

“There is nothing to think about, Elder Blaine. Absolutely nothing! She is a slave. She doesn't measure up to my standards.” Damien scoffed.

“It's not her fault that she turned into a slave. Fate is different for everyone.” Elder Blaine said. He hoped Damien would see reasons with him and not make a mistake.

“Why are you defending the girl like she's your daughter?” Elder Dan asked.

“Because I understand their plights. They're only slaves here because they were sent away from their pack as a result of one thing or another. They were like you and me before all this happened to them.” Elder Blaine explained.

“You're not the one facing the problem, so I'd appreciate it if you don't mention such before me.” Damien said.

The door to the throne room opened and a guard entered.

“Alpha Stefan from the Blazers pack is here to see you.” The guard bowed.

Damien exchanged looks with the elders. He didn't remember inviting Alpha Stefan over, or was there a problem?

“Let him in.” Damien said.

A full-grown man with shaved beards and round face with brown eyes walked in. He was a little chubby and looked like someone who loved an extravagant lifestyle. He was Alpha Stefan, best friend to Alpha Kai, Damien's father. He and Damien's father had made an agreement that Damien would get married to Candice, his daughter, when they come of age, but it didn't go as planned.

When he heard that Iris had organized a mating ceremony, he prayed vehemently for him not to find a mate. He even pulled some stunts to make sure it was stopped, but none of them worked. Now that he found out that Damien was furious as a result of being mated to a slave, he came back to try again.

“Alpha Stefan, what a pleasant surprise!” Damien forced a smile. He had respect for the man because of the kind of relationship he had with his father.

“Alpha Damien, it's been quite a long time.” Alpha Stefan smiled.

“You're right. You know how all these things are,” Damien said, and he chuckled. “Have a seat.” Damien gestured for him to sit down.

“I actually came here to discuss a very crucial matter with you. Can your elders excuse us for a bit?” He requested with a smile.

The elders said nothing but stood up and started walking out one by one. They weren't on good terms with Alpha Stefan. They saw the man as selfish and overambitious.

“So, what is it that you want to discuss?” Damien asked, trying to make his voice sound as light as possible.

“I heard what happened at the mating ceremony. I'm deeply sorry it had to lead this way.” He said, looking hurt.

Damien's facial expression changed. “Oh, you heard.”

“Everybody heard about what happened. I'm still surprised,” He said, and Damien sighed. “That's part of the reason I'm here.” He said.

“How?” Damien asked. He wasn't interested in whatever the man had to say, but he had to listen for courtesy sake… All he wanted was just to go cool off somewhere.

“You know Candice, right?” He asked.

“Yes, I know her.” Damien answered.

“Well, she is fit for marriage, and I'm sure she's going to make a great wife. I believe she is the perfect match for you.” He said.

“Alpha Stefan—”

“It's not something to think about, Damien. Candice is perfect! She's got everything a man would want in a woman and most importantly, she is not a slave. She is my daughter and if possible, might be the next Alpha of my pack.” He said.

“That's a good offer, but I'm really not myself now. Why don't you give me some time?” Damien stood up.

“I'll come with her tomorrow, so you can see for yourself, Damien. You can trust that I would never lie to you. I'm your father's friend and will see you through until the end.” He said.

Damien nodded and walked out of the throne room.

“Did I sound too desperate?” Alpha Stefan questioned himself after Damien left.

Damien decided to cool his head beside the water fountain in the garden. He closed his eyes and tucked his hands into his pocket.

Tessa was watering some flowers around that area. After that incident, she had not been able to sleep well, making her weak on her feet, but it was her turn to do all those tasks, and she couldn't refuse to avoid getting starved.

She saw Damien closing his eyes with his head up. She used that opportunity to admire him more than she already did. She wished she wasn't a slave, she wished she were still the beta's daughter, that way, he would have looked at her with love.

Damien opened his eyes immediately and caught her staring. When he saw her, he felt disgusted and irritated.

“What were you doing?” He asked.

“I was watering flowers,” She answered.

“Yet, I caught you staring. Now, let me give you the final warning, I hate you and will never take you as a mate. You're not my type and worse case, you are a slave. Slaves serve masters, they don't become Luna.” He said.

“But—”

I grab her wrist and pull her close. "The only reason I've not rejected you is because my mother thinks this is fate. But let's get this straight, I'm in love with someone else."

"That's not possible."

"You can choose a life of always coming in second or you can save yourself now and leave because I will never fall for you.”