Bound To The Feral Alpha King

CHAPTER TWO

Sophia

“Miss Sophia! Please open the door!” Thumps sounded from the persistent knocks on my door.

“Go away,” I called out, barely moving an inch from my curled up position on the bed. My bed was close to the window, and I could see the bustle moving through the pack. Everyone was in a joyous mood. Everyone but myself. It had already been two days since my parents ordered me to attend my older sister’s mating ceremony–which was tomorrow. I vehemently refused. I wouldn’t be humiliated that way.

“Miss Sophia, you have to eat something. Please!” A maid’s desperate voice called out again. I heard the sharp clang of something hitting the ground. Probably a tray. Then the sounds of footsteps receding, followed. I heaved a sigh of relief, and rubbed on my head. I was not in the mood to talk.

“Can you believe it, Edna?” I whispered, my voice sounding pathetic. “He cheated on us. That bastard hurt us.” Tears rained down my cheeks once again. It was all I’d been doing for the past two days. Wallow in my sorrows.

I felt my wolf’s pain through our bond, and my veins sizzled like hot oil was running through them. It hurt so much, I wanted to crouch and cry to my heart’s content.

My phone rang just then, and I ignored it. It rang out once more, and groaning, I placed it on hands-free.

“Hi,” I mumbled.

“Hello to you too.” A familiar voice sounded from the other end.

I sat up. “Elsa?” I called out.

“One and only. Be at my place by six tomorrow.” She said firmly. I groaned. I knew that tone. That was how she sounded whenever she had something planned.

“Elsa, I’m not in the mood.” I sank into my bed, my eyes fluttering close.

“The hell you are not!” She snapped. “Tomorrow is your birthday. The girls and I are making sure you celebrate it with full pomp, and style. And don’t tell me you’re still crying over that goddess-forsaken bastard.” Her words flew out so fast, I took time catching up. And when I did, my eyes fluttered open.

“I can’t attend whatever it is you’re planning, Elsa–”

“Planned,” she interrupted.

“Yeah, whatever it is you have planned. I will celebrate it alone.” I said, trying to sound firm. It didn’t work.

“Tomorrow, at my place. I’ve picked a dress for you. I’d be damned if I let you sink into your misery, anymore than you have. I dropped by at your place yesterday.” Her voice dropped a note lower as she spoke the last words.

I frowned. “You did?”

“Yes, I did,” she sounded grim. “And your door was locked. The maids told me you weren’t eating. And you spend the entire day in your room, crying,” she paused. “Happy birthday in advance, Sophia. Don’t let a worthless man take away your precious happiness.” And with that, she hung up. I stared at my phone’s screen, sighed, and crossed my legs.

Elsa was a friend I’d known since our days at Flutterguard Academy. She was from Redleaf pack, and was someone I wouldn’t trade her friendship for anything in the world.

My lips pursed. I would go to the party.

…

“You look smoking hot,” Elsa complimented, as I tried to force a smile on my face. It was finally my birthday, and I simply wasn’t…feeling it. I felt empty. “Cheer up, girl. We don’t want to scare away potential suitors,” she winked, and gestured at a guy whose eyes were trained on our table.

“I don’t have potential suitors,” I retorted.

“Yeah? Tell that to the men who have been stealing numerous glances at you since we walked in. You’re the celebrant, after all.” She snorted.

I grinned. “I’m not the one they’re looking at. We are eight girls seated around this table. It could hardly be me.” I shrugged.

“Uh-uh,” Elsa ignored my words.

I loved the dress Elsa had picked for me. It was a black party dress that was open-backed, and had a nice curve in front that displayed my cleavage. I wore black pointy high-heeled boots to match.

“Happy birthday, Sophia. Cheers to getting rid of useless mates!” Elsa cheered, and we all clinked our glasses.

“I have a little gift for you. Not all of it, but just the first one,” Elsa leaned in towards me and whispered. “You look so wound up and nervous, I’m afraid someone would suspect that we abducted and brought you here against your will.” She teased.

I sighed. “I’m sorry, it’s just–” I trailed off, not knowing what to say.

Elsa placed her hand above mine. “It’s fine, babes. You don’t have to apologize. I understand. We all do.”

“So,” I leaned back, forcing a teasing smirk on my lips. “What’s the gift?”

“Right. The hotel has hot springs that are famous for helping guests relax and relieve stress. I’ve booked a private VIP pool for you. You can check it out, and see if you like it.” She explained.

I gave her a blank stare, horror surfacing from my mind. I didn’t want to be alone. At least, not now. Being here, surrounded by the loud music, the happy laughter, and my friends, I hadn’t thought about Kael. At least, not deeply. But the moment I was alone, I was sure the thoughts would rear their ugly heads.

“You need this, Sophia,” Elsa prompted. “Please.”

I nodded, got the directions from her, and made my way to the wing that held the private VIP pools. Elsa and the girls had organized my party at the largest and tasteful hotel in Moonvale pack—Walter’s Hotel. I was touched by how much they were willing to go for me. It was nice to have people who genuinely cared about me, for a change.

I soon got to the private hotel pool, and my jaws hung at its beauty.

“Damn,” I breathed, taking in the sight. Steam surrounded the water, creating a mystical sight that subconsciously made me relax. My hands made quick work of my dress. I was not afraid of anyone seeing me. Elsa had assured me that she had specially booked this one. So, I was all alone.

My toes tickled with anticipation as I sauntered down to the pool, fully undressed. Just then, my eyes caught on the faint silhouette of another party. I could tell it was a man.

“f*****g hell,” I cursed beneath my breath. Leave it to me to walk into the wrong hot spring. I hurriedly turned back.

“I’m sorry, I must have gone in the wrong direction. Don’t mind me, and carry on,” I called out, hoping he wouldn’t see my nude body through the steam. It was discourteous to leave without an apology, but it wasn’t my fault either.

“Let’s get out of here, Edna,” I said to my wolf, as I grabbed my dress, and prepared to leave.

“Mate!” Her sharp voice echoed through my mind, her excitement coursing through my body, and almost making me stumble.

I froze. “What?” I questioned aloud.

“That man in the spring, is our fated mate!” She repeated, and I felt my knees go weak.