The True Queen

Chapter 5: Becoming a Mate

Later that day, I received a message on my phone. It was from an unknown number, and the message simply said - Meet me at the packhouse after school - It was signed with Liam's initials.

Curiosity and a glimmer of uncertain hope filled my heart. What could Liam want from me? I couldn't deny that there was a part of me that was drawn to him, despite my attempts to stay focused on my plan to leave the pack.

After school, I made my way to the packhouse, my heart pounding with anticipation. I found Liam waiting for me in the courtyard, leaning casually against a tree. His broad shoulders and muscled arms looked even more defined in the sunlight, or maybe it was my imagination going wild. As I approached, he pushed himself off the tree and turned to look at me with his breathtakingly gorgeous eyes.

- Here you are beautiful, I hope you're ready for our deal, - he said, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. My heart stopped beating for a second, as I tried to remember how to breathe. He chuckled and drew closer to me

- I want you to be my fake mate

My jaw dropped in surprise. Fake mate? What was he talking about? But before I could ask any questions, Liam continued.

- Hear me out. My parents are pushing me to find a mate, but I'm not ready for a real relationship. If I have a fake mate, it'll buy me some time, and they'll back off. And it will also give you the opportunity to leave the pack without any interference.

I stared at Liam, my mind spinning with the possibilities. It was an unexpected proposal, and it raised many questions. But deep down, I knew that this could be the opportunity I had been looking for. It was a chance to escape the loneliness and a***e, and maybe, just maybe, find a new path for myself.

- But…but… - I stuttered - I thought earlier you said you wanted to try having a human girlfriend, now you’re saying your parents are pushing for a mate? That's two different things. It does not make sense

He laughed, touching my hair with a playful grin, sending shivers down my spine.

- How so? What is the difference between a human girl and a mate? - he asked, gently playing with my locks. I desperately tried to concentrate on my answer, trying to ignore his dashing presence.

- A mate is a serious thing, you're a future alpha, your mate will be the pack's Luna! - I breathed - a human girlfriend, is a ... a.. - I desperately tried to search for a right word - a temporary distraction, so no one will take it too seriously if you choose to hang out with me, but if you tell everyone we're mates, it will be a disaster!

He laughed, pausing for a second before his answer:

- Having a fake mate would give me some breathing room and allow me to figure things out without pressure and that's what I want.

- But what about the pack? Won't they suspect something? And what about your parents? - I whispered weakly, feeling all the reason leaving me, as he gently trailed down my hairline.

He sighed, his eyes searching mine - We'll have to be careful and convince everyone that we're a real couple. That won’t be a problem now, will it?

With that, he pinned me to the tree he was just leaning on and pressed his body against mine, his lips hovering just millimeters away from mine. The air crackled with tension as his gaze locked onto mine, his eyes filled with a mixture of desire and caution.

A slight mischievous smile played on his lips as he leaned in, closing the remaining distance between us. Our breaths mingled, hot and rapid, as the anticipation built to an intoxicating crescendo. I could feel the warmth of his breath on my lips, a tantalizing tease that sent a surge of anticipation through my veins. The world around us faded into insignificance, leaving only the electric current that pulsed between us.

But instead of yielding to the impulse, he paused just millimeters away, his eyes searching mine. At that moment, I realized that, out of the two, I was the one losing her head.

I took a shaky breath, my heart pounding in my chest. - I agree - I whispered, my voice filled with a mixture of longing and hesitation - as long as you get me Alpha’s consent, I shall be your fake mate for the time being.

Liam's eyes widened with excitement, but he quickly regained his composure, as he pulled away.

- It is a deal - he smiled his breathtakingly gorgeous smile - you’ll have what you asked for.

Relief washed over me as I realized that Liam was willing to help me obtain the Alpha's consent. A sense of newfound hope surged within me. We had entered into a complicated arrangement, but it held the promise of freedom and a chance to reshape my destiny. - I’ve got this, just a few more weeks - I reassured myself, wishing wholeheartedly that everything would go as I hoped.