You're Not My Mate

The Meeting

Aurelia POV

I jump awake. I’m sweating and my hair is matted to my face. Was that real? Did that just happen? I look around and notice that I’m now in my pyjamas, my diary is nowhere to be seen. s**t. Who changed me? And where’s my diary? I look over, and it’s on the bedside table with my pen on top. It has my plans in it. I hope nobody read it. A mind-link interrupts me from my mother.

“Good morning - or  almost afternoon I should say. The visiting pack have arrived and are in your father’s office. Can you get ready and meet us outside for lunch?”

I groan. Of course I slept late. 

“Be down now.”

“Oh no you don’t. Please make an effort. This is a really important meeting for your pack.”

“Fine”

I growl inward, but decide to give her what she wants. Soon, I’ll be off. I decide I might as well give them something to remember. I don’t know why but I really try to make an effort. I loosely curl my long blonde hair so it hangs down my body. I pick out a cream dress with different colour flowers over it. It’s low cut and shows off my breasts nicely. It also hugs to my figure, enhancing my hips and bum. The back is low cut - like low cut all the way so I go for a strapless bra. I pull out my jewelled sandals and slide a flower into my hair. I swipe a small amount of lipstick on my lips that matches the colour perfectly, just enhances them, and I look in the mirror. Yes, girl. Out with a bang. 

I look at my watch, I still have a bit of time yet, so I head over to my bedside table. I pick up my diary and notice a page is torn out. I blink and look closer. I panic, looking around me, through the different pages. It’s the page where I talked about Juno and how much he means to me, and how disappointed I was that he wasn’t my mate. s**t. He’s taken it. It wasn’t a dream, he was in here. I bite my lip. Damn it. I try to reach him through mind link but he has a block up. Why does he have a block up?

I’m an Alpha’s daughter, so I’m stronger than your regular wolf. I try to force through again and this time get through. 

“What’s up, Boo?”

“Why were you blocking me?”

“I just.. I needed a minute.”

Oh really. A minute. A minute with my diary, huh?

“Did you come in here last night and read my diary?”

Nothing.

“Junus, God Dammit!”

“You never use my full name. Must be serious. Yes I did.”

I scowl.

“Did you take something? Like a page from my diary?”

“Yes.”

Well, s**t. At least he didn’t deny it.

“Where are you?”

“I’m out in our spot in the garden.”

“Fine, I’m coming to you. Stay there.”

And I cut the mind link. I pick up a small pink crossbody bag and put my phone inside. I hide my diary in a shoebox in my closet and head down. As I climb down the stairs, I can smell something. What is that?

It smells like hot cross buns. Was Cain making hot cross buns? It was a bit early for Easter. Surely he hasn’t made them for lunch for everyone?

I keep walking and the smell gets stronger, and more amazing. I get halfway down the bottom staircase and see Junus. My mouth is almost watering with the smell. I catch his eye as he holds up the note. My heart is pounding. Crimson is going crazy. My legs are wobbly. Oh my Goddess. Has the Moon Goddess changed her mind? Is he my mate now? Is that what my dream was about? Trusting her? Maybe to be together we have to leave.. And now that I’ve made the decision..

A loud roar stops my thoughts, and makes me and Junus both jump. He looks away and then looks back at me horrified and holds up a hand signalling me to go to him. I raise an eyebrow, but still can’t get rid of that sweet smell. It must be him. I walk forward looking straight at him, beaming from ear to ear. He’s finally my mate.

“MINE!”

Just as I get to the bottom step, something hits me from the side, knocking all the wind from me, and pinning me against the wall. “AURELIA!” I can hear Junus scream. What the hell is going on?

“MINE.” My face is pulled roughly to face the most gorgeous man I’ve ever laid eyes on. Crimson starts to go wild. “Mate! Mate! We found our mate!” Dancing around my head. My mouth goes dry, my body shakes. It’s my mate. And it’s not Junus. Oh no, it’s definitely not Junus. 

He releases me slightly, searching my eyes, and I step slightly back to look at him. He’s way over 6 feet tall. I’m only 5 foot 3, so he is towering over me. His hair is sandy blonde, just like Junus I noted to myself. His eyes though, they were a deep chocolate brown. Like when you melt chocolate and it swirls around and around in the bowl. “Mate.” I whisper. And his face breaks into the most beautiful smile. He pins me up against the wall again and showers me in kisses, across my face, down my neck. We’re in our own world. And I need him, right now.

Suddenly, a loud cough breaks us apart. “Alpha Kustoff, if you wouldn’t mind putting my daughter down for 2 minutes?” He asks, half politely, and half an order. An Alpha can not command another Alpha. But as a sign of respect, they do usually listen to each other, especially in the other pack. Alpha Kustoff turns around, pushing me in front of him and breathing in my hair. I beam. I can feel it. I’m beaming both inside and outside as if someone’s connected me directly to the sun and the light is radiating from me. My mate. I found my mate. Or rather - my mate found me. My father starts to speak to Alpha Kustoff and then it hits me. I was down here for Junus. I look around and can’t see him anywhere. s**t. He really isn’t my mate. And now he’s alone. 

I go to walk down the final step on the stairs but Alpha Kustoff puts his hand firmly on my arm, keeping me in place. I’m torn. I want to stay here with my newfound mate. I want to just stand and stare into his eyes and figure out all of his secrets and who he is. But, I also have Junus to worry about. We had unfinished business that we needed to talk about.. And now I’ve found my mate.. In front of him. “Alpha Kustoff. It appears you have mated with my youngest daughter, Aurelia. We are delighted to welcome you to the family.” I remain stiff as my father talks. My mate picks up on my change in mood and massages my shoulder, I instantly feel calm and at ease. Oh wow. How did he do that? “And she’s the most divine women I ever did see.” He says, kissing my neck.

“Yes, yes. Please put her down though, she is my daughter.” And he chuckles. He chuckled? My father chuckled? He hates me. Can’t say a single word to me. But chuckles at my mate? Probably because he’s an Alpha. Ugh. Again as soon as my shoulders tense, I can feel him massage them. Oh Goddess. I love him already. And then everyone breaks into applause. They all know how much I’ve wanted to find my mate. And now I’ve found him. I can’t hide my grin. But I also need to find Junus. “OK everybody, come on, let’s go for lunch!” My father booms, and everyone heads out to the garden. 

“Come on my sweet baby. Let’s go.” My mate says, pulling my hand to his mouth and kissing it. And when it’s done, I’m going to bury myself in you.” And he nibbles my ear. Woah. What? My whole face flushes red and I try to stop my mouth from hanging open. Crimson sits beaming and looking dreamingly at him. “Yes, Alpha Kustoff.” His face drops. “Oh, sweet baby. It’s Liam. Always Liam to you, my gorgeous girl.” And he lifts me up to give me the gentlest of kisses. I stretch up and wrap my arms around his neck, feeling the fireworks shoot across my skin as our bodies touch. Oh this is amazing. I run my hand through his hair and he lets out a soft moan. “Oh sweet baby. I’d love to bury myself in you now. But, we have lunch. I promise, as soon as we can, we’ll be straight in that bed of yours.” And he wiggles his eyebrows at me. I can’t help but stare at his face, while trying to take in everything he’s saying to me. His face is chiseled perfectly, like an artist has spent hours perfecting every angle. And those eyes. So soft, and gentle. So full of love. “Breathe sweet baby, breathe.” I blink and take a breath. Oh my Goddess, he made me forget to breathe!

I take his hand and lead him out into the garden, and then he starts to pull me to the table my father is sat on. He sits down first, and as I go to sit next to him, he grabs my hips and pulls me to sit sideways on his lap. Food is quickly placed in front of us as I smile and lean into Liam’s chest. Cain has really outdone himself with the menu today. To start we have prawn cocktail. And it smells delicious. Liam picks up each piece in his fingers and puts it into my mouth. I take great enjoyment sucking his fingers while I’m there. “Ok, Alpha Kustoff, let’s continue our talk.” Liam snaps his head to my father and nods. I climb down into the seat next to him and he rests his hand on my thigh while I continue to eat. He uses his free hand to pick up his fork and start eating his food too. I hadn’t even noticed that with him feeding me, he hadn’t even been eating himself.

The warmth from his hand resting on my thigh makes my whole body tingle. And I can’t help but feel giddy. They start to talk business and I zone out and look around. I spot Avitus and Marcella sat with Dominik, Lucia.. And an empty seat. That must be where Junus is supposed to be sat. I look around and can’t find him. I try to mind link instead.

“Juno, where are you?”

“Hey, I’m just in my room.”

“OK. I’ll be there now.”

“Uh, it’s ok. I don’t feel too good. Headache or something. I’ll see you later.”

I wince. It’s like I can almost feel his pain. I’ve grown up with him, there’s no way he has a headache. And I don’t miss the fact that it’s the first time he’s never called me Boo. My bottom lip trembles.

I go to get up and Liam looks at me, pushing down on my thigh. “I’ll be back, I just have to go and sort something.” He studies my face, nods and kisses my nose. “I’ll miss you, sweet baby.” I can’t help my smile, “Me too.”

I try to walk and not run into the house and then up to Junus’ room. I get outside and go to knock. But we’ve never really been ones to do that. I creak open the door and he’s sat at his work desk across the room. He doesn’t turn or acknowledge me, this breaks my heart.

“Juno?” “Hey.” I bite my lip. “Oh Juno.” I sob. I can feel my legs almost collapse under me, but before I drop to the floor he rushes over to catch me. His eyes are red and full of tears. “Oh Boo. I’m happy for you. I am. It’s just.. You’re my Boo. You’ve always been here. And now I’m losing you. Twice in one day. And we didn’t get to even lose our virginity together. Or shift together.” I reach up. Junus has always been so sensitive and sweet. It’s why I’ve always loved him so much. But, I realise now... I love him, but I’m not in love with him.

“Juno, how about we shift together for the first time? That can be our thing forever. And you’ll always be my Juno. And I’ll always be your Boo. This changes nothing for our friendship.” I lean up and kiss his cheek. He wraps his arms around me, nestles his face into my neck and breathes me in. “You will never understand how much I’ll miss your smell.” I chuckle, but breathe him in too. “I understand more than you know. The Moon Goddess obviously has other plans for us. And I’m sorry we aren’t mates. But one day you’ll have your mate. And everything will make sense.” I say. He holds me close again. “Boo, you better go. Judging by what I’m hearing, your mate is looking for you.”

I bite my lip. “Are you OK? I’ll stay if you need me.” He shakes his head. “Although I am sorry I won’t get to f**k you on your 19th birthday. But shifting with you for the first time... That’ll always be our thing. Go on, go. I love you. And in case nobody else told you yet. You look absolutely beautiful. So, so beautiful.” I lean up, place a hand on each of his cheeks and pull him to face me “I’ll always love you Juno.” I pull away and walk out, closing the door behind me with tears in my eyes. I catch my breath and start to walk downstairs and bump into Liam.

“Oh, sweet baby. There you are! I couldn’t find you.” And he scoops me up in his arms, carefully positioning both his hands on each of my butt cheeks. I know his game. I stroke his face and watch his nose wrinkle slightly. He leans forward to smell me and his eyes widen, looking furious. Oh damn. He must be able to smell Junus. “I’m sorry. I had to talk to my best friend about how I have a mate now.” I say quickly, while flashing a smile at him and resting my hand on his neck. He grins at me, flashing all his teeth and his eyes appear calmer again. “So, is that your room?” He nods towards the room I just came out of, with a low growl coming through his chest. I shake my head. “No, that’s Juno’s room. You can see my room later. I think we have to go to a football match first.” I say, crossing my eyes. He pretends to pout. I wrap my legs around his body, and within seconds he pushes me against the wall. “Oh sweet baby. I will take you here if you tease me.” My mouth goes dry.. But everywhere else is wet. “Oh, it’s best not to keep the Alpha waiting though.” I grimace. He breathes in my hair again and sets me on my feet. 

I briefly think about how I’ll never have s*x with Juno... But, by Goddess. This man. I hope he’s not as big down there as his body is. He’ll rip me in two. He takes my hand in his and we head down the stairs and out across the lawns. We just follow the very loud shouts and screams to find the way. “So, sweet baby, is this dress your daily attire?” I look up at him, confused. “Because, you look absolutely gorgeous. And as much as I love this...” And he leans down to slap my left ass cheek. “I don’t like everyone getting to eye up your very sexy legs and cleavage. That is all MINE.” He growls. I turn to stand in front of him. And realise this isn’t going to work when I tell him off. I’m at least a foot smaller than him.

I stand up on my tip toes and push my finger into his chest. “Liam. You get all of me. But you don’t get to tell me how to dress. Except for the bedroom, maybe I’ll let you choose that.” I wink at him and walk away from him and then, without even realising what I’m doing, I lift up the back of my dress to flash him with a wicked grin on my face, knowing full well I have no underwear on. His growl is ear piercing. I can feel him race behind me. “Oh you’ll pay for that later, sweet baby. I’m gonna punish you.” I grin. This is everything I could want in a mate. “I hope your room is sound proofed. You’re gonna scream all night long.” He whispers in my ear, huskily. Oh wow. I can feel the wetness pooling between my legs. Why did I not wear underwear again? I’m gonna have to try and cover this up otherwise everyone will be able to smell my arousal.