Mated to A Golden Goddess

Three

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Chapter Three — Two Sides of Midnight

Matthew’s Point of View

I leaned back in my chair, staring at the tall windows of my office as the late afternoon sun spilled across the polished wood floor. For the past hour, I’d been racking my brain for a way out of this weekend. My uncle’s Beta’s twin children were coming of age, about to shift for the first time, and apparently my presence was “mandatory.” Father had been adamant: No excuses. No debate. You’re going.

I sighed and rubbed a hand over my face. Being a prince at twenty-one came with plenty of perks, but even more responsibility. Soon my father would retire, and by law, I couldn’t take the throne without a mate at my side. It wasn’t tradition; it was the law. If I failed to find her, the throne would go to my cousin—a man driven by power more than duty. That thought alone kept me up at night.

Still, none of that changed how much I didn’t want to go. Three hours in a car, a night under someone else’s roof, endless pleasantries. I zipped my bag shut, resigned to my fate.

But even as I tried to convince myself it would be nothing but dull tradition, my mind betrayed me. It drifted to her—the Beta’s daughter. The girl I’d met a few years ago at a gathering. Midnight hair. Emerald eyes. Curves and a shy smile that had haunted me ever since. We’d spoken until dawn, danced until my feet ached. That night I’d prayed to the Moon Goddess that she might be mine.

And yet, here I was, heading to the very ceremony where she would shift and possibly—probably—find her true mate. The thought made my chest tighten.

I pushed back from my desk and stood, straightening my jacket. This weekend wasn’t going to be easy. But I was a prince. I could fake composure if I had to.

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Lirella’s Point of View

Sleep had been impossible. Tonight was the night—my first shift, my first run with the pack. Owen and I would meet our wolves at midnight and shift for the first time at one a.m. The thought alone sent butterflies swarming through my stomach.

I padded downstairs to the smell of pancakes and sausage, the familiar comfort of home wrapping around me. Mom was at the stove, flipping pancakes onto a platter. “When you’re done eating, go get ready,” she said, her voice warm but brisk. “We’re headed to the salon. Hair, makeup—the Luna insists.”

“Okay,” I mumbled through a mouthful of syrupy pancakes, excitement and nerves twisting together.

At the salon, I gave them only the basics of what I wanted—soft curls, pinned back, with light pink makeup to match my gown. But when they turned me to the mirror, I nearly gasped. My hair was pinned in an elegant updo, tiny pink and white flowers woven through the braids, with loose curls cascading down to frame my face. My makeup was soft and luminous—rose-toned blush, shimmering eyeshadow, and lips like fresh petals.

By the time we got back to the house, my dress was waiting upstairs. Pale pink, strapless, fitted at the bodice and scattered with sparkling gems, the skirt falling in ruffled layers like a cloud. I slipped into it and fastened the matching shoes, then descended the stairs.

Owen stood at the bottom in a dark tux with a pink tie, looking both proud and nervous. Dad wore a sharp gray suit, and Mom was stunning in a pale blue tea-length dress. We were ready. My hands trembled a little as I smoothed my skirt. What if my wolf isn’t what I expect? What if she doesn’t like me?

Owen’s voice brushed against my mind through the sibling link: Stop worrying, little sis. Your wolf is going to be incredible—just like you. I love you.

I looked up at him and smiled, taking a deep breath to calm myself.

The packhouse was already alive with music and color by the time we arrived. The Luna had outdone herself—flowers, streamers, balloons, a buffet that stretched across the room, and a DJ spinning music that had a little bit of everything. It felt magical.

I found Lucie near the buffet, and her eyes went wide. “Oh my goddess, Lirella, you look breathtaking!”

“Thank you,” I laughed. “You’re gorgeous yourself.”

We chatted until more guests began to arrive. I made my way to my parents, who were speaking with Alpha Xavier and Luna Grace. “This party is amazing,” I told them earnestly.

“Thank the Luna,” Alpha Xavier said with a chuckle.

“It was my pleasure,” Luna Grace beamed. “I love planning events like this.”

“I can tell,” I said, smiling. “Everything looks incredible.”

Alpha Xavier’s tone shifted slightly as he mentioned “special guests” who would be arriving soon. My curiosity spiked. Who could warrant such mystery at our coming-of-age celebration?

And then I found out.

The room shifted as the doors opened. King Darius and Queen Elizabeth entered first, regal and commanding. And behind them, taller than I remembered, every bit as devastating as in my memories—Prince Matthew.

He was even more handsome than before. My breath caught in my throat as his eyes swept across the room.

And then his gaze landed on me.

For a heartbeat, the party disappeared.