Chapter 2
1189 Words
Verity POV
“Verity, I thought you weren't coming.”
"Omgoodness, Laura, you scared the s**t out of me," Laura was my only friend but I couldn't trust her to stick up for me.
"Sorry, I just wasn't expecting you."
I scoffed, “Not when Killian has something to say.”
Her eyes softened as she peered at me. “Killian is really giving you a hard time. He's only in training for the Beta position but that doesn't mean he should keep bullying you."
I placed a hand on her shoulder, "Look, don't even bother."
We joined the others, a mop in my hand and my thoughts drifting to the mating ceremony. It was the only hope I had for a better life. It meant I was going to find a mate and he would love me and protect me. The thought was almost enough to expose all my teeth.
Laura nudged me. “Don't tell me it's the thought of the mating ceremony that's making you this happy.”
I twirled the mopstick in my hands, “I just want to find a mate, one that's caring, and will love me and protect me. And everything will happen tomorrow”
“Do you have anyone in mind?”
I sighed heavily. “Not really, I just want a nice guy.”
“I wish Dylan was my mate, he's so hot.”
“Maybe the moon goddess will grant your hot wish,” I said, still twirling the mopstick in my hand I didn't notice Jessica, my tormentor, and the Alpha's daughter approaching until her presence disrupted my joy.
"What's making you so damn happy?" she sneered, her voice dripping with mockery. I shook my head, trying to deflect her attention, but Jessica wasn't one to be easily deterred. She was the absolute worst, even worse than Killian.
She laughed a harsh sound that echoed through the cavernous room. "Oh, don't tell me you're excited about the mating ceremony. Do you think a disgusting ass girl like you could find a mate?!" I flinched at her words. No matter how many times she was awful to me, it always hurt.
I tried to ignore her and continued mopping. But Jessica will be Jessica. She struck my face, the sting of her slap burned into my cheek, and I instinctively yelped, my hands flying to cup my burning face. Shocked and hurt, I stared at her, searching for answers in her ugly face.
"What's the matter, Verity?" Jessica's tone turned cold as ice. "Did you think you could just ignore me when I'm talking to you?" Her eyes bore into mine. "I'll have you know that my father will have your neck once I demand it, so I suggest you don't make me demand it. You're only alive now because I enjoy hurting you." She spat.
The pain on my cheek throbbed, I couldn't think of what I'd done to deserve such cruelty. Laura stood a little bit far from me. I hadn't noticed when she moved away. Sometimes I just wanted to hate her but I couldn't because I knew she was only trying to save her life. Just having a friendly conversation in the open was already risking her life.
Nobody was allowed to be nice to me.
The mating ceremony was exactly as I expected it to be. The Packhouse was decorated in the fanciest of ways. With balloons, streamers, and expensive silverware. The place was crowded with werewolves from other Packs. Allies of our Pack because we were hosting this year's. Everyone was dressed so formally.
Everyone, but me.
Jessica made herself in charge of the whole event, making sure she gave me a hard time. "Verity," she snapped, "be a good waitress and go drop a drink on that table. And make sure you don't spill it. We wouldn't want you ruining anything, now would we?"
I nodded, keeping my eyes on the ground to avoid the daggers in her eyes. "Yes, Jessica." I wasn't the only waitress with a stupid name tag, but she only had her focus on me.
I made my way through the tables with a tray of drinks in one hand when suddenly it hit me; the scent of desire overpowering even the fragrance of the carefully arranged flowers. An aroma so powerful it made me pause in my tracks. I turned my head, and there he was— future Alpha Leon of the Jawdine Pack. His eyes met mine, and for a moment, the world seemed to fade away.
I carried the tray with the drink, my hands feeling oddly heavy. "Excuse me," The word was slurred, but my eyes were still locked with Leon's.
The woman at the table, engrossed in conversation, looked up. I recognized her as one of Jessica's friends. "Finally decided to join the celebration, Verity?" she said. I ignored her and carefully set the drinks on the table. Leon's gaze lingered on me, an intensity in his eyes that sent shivers down my spine. My wolf prowled in delight. She wanted to rub against his scent and claim him. It was an instant connection and I had no doubts he felt it too because that's just how things went.
"Thank you," he said, his voice deep and unexpected.
I managed a timid smile, not trusting my voice to respond adequately. Turning away, I almost bumped into Jessica. "Watch it rat. Don't get in my way and get back to work!" she barked. I know Leon must have heard her.
"Sorry, Jessica," I mumbled and walked away. The ceremony went on and people were called to make their choice and when their choice was made there were handclaps.
I moved through the festivities, my eyes following Leon's every move. Sometimes I would catch him staring at me and then he would bend down to whisper to Jessica's friend. I hoped they weren't saying anything bad about me.
When it was Leon's turn, he stepped forward and was followed by catcalls.
"He's so handsome," Laura whispered beside me, her eyes glued to Leon. I nodded. He was handsome and my wolf was losing her mind just watching him walk. "I heard he might just be made Alpha next year. The Jawdine pack is lucky to have him."
"He's more than just a future Alpha, Laura," I mumbled, Laura had no idea Leon and I had shared a moment earlier, a connection that made me certain he would choose me.
Laura nudged me playfully. "Verity, you're blushing! Do you have a crush on the future Alpha?"
I chuckled nervously, I wasn't about to tell her my feelings. "No, of course not. It's just... he's impressive."
Laura nudged me again, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Look at him, Verity. I think he's looking at you. Maybe you're his mate! Verity, he's coming here!"
He was.
Slowly, Leon approached me. I swallowed hard. He stopped dead in front of me, so close I could smell what he was made of. Oceans and flowers. Then he leaned forward for what was unmistakably a kiss, but it was not.
- Writer
