The Beta and his Mate

Chapter 1

~James~

I groaned loudly and rolled out of bed, my eyes blinking trying to adjust to the entering sunlight. How hard did I party again lastnight? I patted to my private bathroom and turned the shower on. I let the spraying hot water ease my muscles.

My name is James Edwards, I am beta of Jasper Baknor's pack, and damn glad for it. Jasper was easily the best Alpha a guy could ask for. I washed my hair quickly before getting out. I hurried to dress and rushed down to breakfast, knowing the other pack members, the good food would be three quarters gone. I sat down across from Jasper and picked up three pancakes.

"I thought you'd never join us." He laughed, I cracked a small smile. I was known as the wild of the bunch, I did enjoy the alcohol and the women.

"So how many she-wolf did you manage to bed lastnight?" Elijah asked, elbowing me. I reached over and snatched a piece of bacon off of his plate.

"A real man doesn't kiss and tell." I declared before shoving the whole piece in my mouth. Elijah growled slightly before taking another piece.

"Hey Elijah, leave the horn dog alone!" Lucas laughed. I rolled my eyes at his comment and took a big swig of my orange juice. I never had the experience of growing up with real brothers, so my pack brothers really made up for it.

"So, did you hear the big news, Jasper is getting married." Sam said loudly. I almost choked on my pancake.

"Shut up Sam." Jasper said, leaning across just far enough to cup the side of his head.

"No, say more." I said, taking another drink.

"The old man has arranged for me to marry Princess Alexandria, some sort of peace offering or something for the lands." I let out a loud laugh. Princess Alexandria was well known, as a very snobby, stuck up, spoil she-wolf. Jasper would sure have his hands full with that one. I knew Jasper, better then any of these men, and I knew this must have killed him. The few times Jasper and I have talked about a mate, or marriage he always seemed less then interested in all of it. I , on the other hand, I had no interest at all. Sure, I had a sometimes girlfriend, Larissa, but other then that, no. Larissa was not someone I loved, and she was not my mate, just a good time and someone to fill the void. We all finished breakfast and headed out for morning rounds. I walked around the property, taking it all in. I was really lucky to have ended up where I did.

"Hey James, come here." I heard Jasper call from the front steps and I hurried my way over.

"What is it boss?" I asked, standing a few feet from him.

"So I guess, there is some kind of party tonight, and engagement party or meeting party, anyways I have to go and meet Princess Alexandria, want to come?" He asked.

"Sure." I loved any excuse to go to a good party, especially the royal ones, good, expensive booze and plenty of she-wolf. I would defiantly be getting lucky tonight. I gave Jasper one quick nod before continuing my rounds.

----

I sprayed myself with some cologne before fixing my tie. Tonight would be a great night. I hurried down the stairs to meet Jasper, who looked honestly less then pleased to be doing this. Accompanying him was myself and Lucas, the rest of the pack where to stay back and guard the kingdom. The three of us walked to our private limo and made our way to the party.

The hall was huge, everything was decorated to the nines, with such lavishness that was only to be expected of royals. I made a b-line for the bar right away and grabbed a drink, time to get this party started.

I hung back with Jasper and Lucas until our attention was forced to the front.

"Guess this is my call." Jasper grumbled when the Princess Alexandria's father announced his arrival. I watched as Jasper turned to face the front and stiffened, something was clearly very wrong. Lucas and I tensed in response to whatever it was that had knocked Jasper off guard. In the seconds it took him to be caught away, he masked his emotions and walked to the front. I stopped paying attention after that.

I drank more as Jasper made small talk with the Princess, his body language still indicating something wasn't right.

I turned my head just in time to see a small red-headed women run by us and threw the doors. I recognized her as the women standing next to the Princess earlier. I titled my head in confusion when Jasper went after her. No paying much mind , I walked up to get another drink.

I smelt something right then and there, that caused me to stop dead in my tracks. I whipped my head around, trying to find the source of the sweet aroma.

My eyes scanned the room until they rested on a small women, with beautiful silky blonde hair. My wolf whined in response, he wanted me to go to her. I refrained from making any immediate moves. I almost lost my balance completely when her big beautiful blue eyes took in my own. Her body tensed up in response, and I knew she had to have felt exactly what I did.

This Mystery women was indeed my very own mate.

Fuck , f**k, f**k!

I grumbled to myself. I turned my back away from her, trying to gain some clarity over my head. I didn't want this, I didn't want a mate! It took everything in me not to slam my fist into the counter top. My body seemed to want to act on its own. My wolf whined again as I did everything I could to ignore her. I slammed back a few shots, thinking if I got drunk enough, maybe I could avoid it.

How could this have happened! I was completely content on being a lone wolf, not having a mate! I was happy being alone! I was the wild one, the one who liked to party, and bed any she-wolf I came across.

I shuddered at the thought, the only one I wanted to bed now was that women. I groaned again louder this time.

I felt a few small taps on my back, and I knew before she even spoke, it was her.

"It's y-you." I heard a golden voice whisper from behind me. I whipped my head around to be met by the girl I knew was my mate. I couldn't help but almost be brought to my knees. This mystery women was absolutely stunning.

"You're my mate." I claimed, looking down at her.

"I, yes I am." She said, smiling her dazzling smile at me. I was in awe of this women.

"My name is James, I am the Beta of Alpha Baknor's pack." I said, proud of my title.

"My name is Caroline Gabriel." She said, bowing to me slightly.

I may have only met her moments ago, but I knew I wanted to be captivated by this women for the rest of my life. I knew that all my plans, everything I may have thought about earlier, was over now. I thought maybe I could reject her, but after getting a closer look at her, and her beautiful face, getting to hear her golden voice, that reminded me of sunshine. I knew I couldn't, I knew I needed to be with her. I was lost in her.

I would spend the rest of my life, devoted to Caroline Gabriel.

James, the wild beta, the stud, the man that was desired by many, was all of the sudden gone.

Now, I was going to be the loyal mate of Caroline Gabriel.

Forever.