His Sweet Mate

Chapter 3

ADRIANA'S POV

A grin flashed across the man's face and she's starting to find it aggravating.

"You want to know who I am?" The man stepped forward, causing her to step back. His gaze burned in her and her wolf side was getting giddy and excited for some f****d up reason. Her human side wanted to hurt this man and then run but then again, they were in the middle of a huge river. Where would she run?

She was about to tell him off when the man lifted his hand and took a strand of stray hair that had fallen from her ear. He tucked it back and looked at her. She was suddenly surprised when he took out a pair of scissors.

"What are you trying to do-" Before she could even finish her sentence, the man cut a strand of her hair. She gasped as she looked at her hair now in his hand. It was just a few inches but she couldn't believe what the man just did.

"Did you just-Did you just cut my hair?" she asked, still unable to believe what just happened.

But the man did not respond. Instead, he took out a small lacy tie before tying it into a knot around her hair and placing it inside his pocket.

"I'll give the necklace to you but in return, I'd like to have this as a little souvenir."

The audacity of the man was out of this world and she couldn't believe she just let everything happen like that.

"I didn't ask for this goddamn necklace, you brute!" she said and was about to hit his chest but the man was quick and stronger that he easily grabbed her wrist.

"Well, maybe not now but I know in the future, you will be needing my help."

Her jaw dropped and she furrowed her brows as she looked at the man. "Are you kidding me?"

"Fortunately, no." He let go of her wrist and then picked the gun up before loading the bullets into it one by one. "You might want to get back inside the cabin, Miss Adriana." He winked at her and her mind still couldn't wrap around the fact that this man cut her hair and got away from it.

However, deep down, she knew why he got away with it. The man is dangerous. Behind those flirtatious smiles and remarks, her wolf side knows this man is not someone she could take on. He's a wolf. A strong one. If she's going to fight him, it won't be a fight she's going to win.

But they were nearing the docks and she will be rid of him afterward. She was about to walk back to the cabin when suddenly, she heard a splashing sound. She whirled to see what was happening and saw that the man was hauling things to the river.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

"Things no longer needed."

As if on cue, the boat shook-a sign that they had reached the docks. She wasn't able to notice it quickly as the fog was still thick by the docks. However, as she heightened her senses, she could hear the bustling town, the mumbles of the crowd. They have reached the city of Westfall.

The man looked at her and smiled. "It looks like we have arrived, Miss Adriana." He extended his hand, offering it to her. She looked at him questioningly.

As if reading the questioning look on her face, he said, "Don't you want me to help you get off the boat?" His eyes raked over her dress before adding, "With what you're wearing it would be had for you, you know."

She bit her lip. She wanted to protest but the man was right. "Let me get my things," she said and when she came out of the cabin, she took the man's hand. But the moment their skin made contact, she almost jolted at the electrifying feeling. She looked at him with wide eyes and the man was looking at her with the same expression.

She doesn't have any idea what that was but the man's shocked expression immediately changed as if he had discovered something.

He played his tongue inside his mouth before he said, "Interesting."

"What is?"

He chuckled. "Nothing. Never mind me, Miss Adriana. I believe this wouldn't be the last time we're going to see each other."

Before she could say something, the man leaned in and kissed the back of her hand. He looked at her and smiled. "Until then, I am looking forward to meeting you again."

She ignored his statement and got off the boat thanks to his assistance. The man jumped and landed next to her before tying the rope to a wooden stake on the dock and facing her.

Adriana realized she was staring and then cleared her throat. "Goodbye," she said and then immediately turned her back to walk away. Just when she was far enough did she realize that she still have his coat with her. She turned around but then there was just the boat in the dock. No signs of the man earlier.

She felt sad deep down and she silently reprimanded herself for feeling unnecessary feelings towards a stranger. Sighing, she removed the coat and placed it inside her luggage. But as she folded the coat, she felt something inside one of the pockets. When she took it out, it was the gun he was using earlier. The one he was filling with bullets earlier. She stared at it for a long time and while she did so, images of her family flashed inside her head. And images of them dying in her hands flashed next.

Adriana closed her eyes and shook the thought off. One thing she learned after what happened to her is to be patient and that she should never let her feelings get the better of her. She took a deep breath and calmed herself before putting the gun inside the coat.

It was nearing sundown so she know she had to be quick. She had to arrive at the Venderly Manor on time.

Today's her grandmother's birthday and at the same time, is the day of her mother's death. She can't miss it.

*

THIRD PERSON'S POV

Racquela Roseinhart has always been a social butterfly. She loves excitement and therefore, every year on her birthday, it has to be the grandest celebration in the whole city of Westfall. The family Roseinhart adored Racquela and the family throws a big feast to honor her life. Today's her sixtieth birthday and the feast is more grandiose than usual.

The Roseinhart family had announced t the whole city that the celebration will last three days and three nights. Everybody in Westfall is invited and the citizens of the city will not let this opportunity pass. The Roseinhart family is the strongest family in Westfall and everybody would try to get into their good graces. Racquela Roseinhart's birthday celebration is their opportunity to do so.

Despite the heavy rain that has been pouring down since early morning, the banquet was still merry and packed both inside and outside the manor.

But when Racquela Roseinhart came out, bedecked in gold and jade and assisted by her maids, the rain stopped pouring. She sat at the head of the table and looked at everyone who came to celebrate her party.

"The rain has stopped pouring the moment you came out. With Lady Racquela celebrating her birthday on this very day, the heavens are blessing us. This is truly a fortunate occasion!" the guests exclaimed, pouring in more compliments to the Lady.

"Indeed," chimed the other guests. "Even the birds are singing and dancing on the branches as if to celebrate your life, Lady Racquela."

"There is nothing more perfect than this. Miss Maeve and Lord Julian Terranova are getting married soon. The date has already been set. The Roseinhart and Terranova family Are joining together. This is going to be a historical union!" someone else added.

Hearing these words, Lady Racquela couldn't help but chuckle. The nice words boosted her ego.

"Thanks to the good fortune of all our esteemed guests, our family is enjoying a series of bountiful and happy events."

The conversation continued and everybody enjoyed the drinks and the food. It was indeed a perfect day for everyone, especially Lady Racquela.

During one of their conversations, the butler suddenly cleared his throat-a sign that he was about to announce something. Everybody's attention went to the butler.

"Lady Adriana Clarence Roseinhart has arrived!" the butler shouted.

The whole hall was silent. Everybody was too stunned to speak after hearing the name.

Adriana Roseinhart died years ago. Her death was the talk of the town. It's been years since they last heard that name and now they're hearing it again. But how can she be here if she was already dead?

The long silence was interrupted by a burst of murmurs. The guests were confused and wondering about the butler's announcement.

The Roseinhart family was frozen too. The smiles on their faces vanished like smoke.

"Who?" Lady Racquela asked. "Who has returned?"

Adriana has become a taboo topic in the family. Adriana and her mother Jacinda have been forgotten. They have formulated a perfect cover-up story of the death of Jacinda and her daughter. Jacinda was unfortunately in a fire and Adriana rushed back home to see her mother but the ferry she was riding but the ferry had sunken in the middle of a deep river.

"Lady Adriana Clarence Roseinhart has returned!" repeated the butler. Lady Racquela was about to say something when a familiar figure appeared behind the butler. The butler noticed the ominous presence behind him and immediately stepped to the side to give way to her.

Adriana stepped into the platform and eyed everybody. When her gaze landed on her grandma, she let out a wide smile before saying, "Happy birthday, grandma."

A collective gasp covered the whole hall. Everyone couldn't believe who they were looking at. The supposed-to-be dead daughter of the Roseinhart family is in front of them, alive and well.

Lady Racquela couldn't believe her eyes, either. It was impossible for Adriana to be here. She was dead!

Her eyes stared at Adriana, noting the all-black dress the vile woman was wearing. The guests' surprised gasps turned into awe as they beheld Adriana more clearly. Her black dress complimented very well with her fair skin and she looked like she was glowing. Her hair was half-tied and half-loose. It was undeniable that Lady Adriana looked fashionable and stunning. However, the family Roseinhart couldn't move as they felt something ominous is going to happen.

Adriana felt different. She wasn't the same girl before. The way she stood with so much confidence and staggering elegance tells them enough that she's not here to merely celebrate Lady Racquela's birthday. She's here for something more. Everyone in the family knew it and they couldn't help but feel nervous.

She walked down from the platform and walked in the center aisle. Everyone's eyes were on her but her gaze remained fixated on her family at the head table.

When she was arm's length away from the table, she started crying, much to the family's surprise.

"I'm sorry I couldn't come sooner," she said, sobbing. "I...I couldn't be happier to see everyone again." She wiped her tears and went on, "Grandma, I've been wandering for three years and I know you've all been looking for me and I am sorry I couldn't find my way to you." Adriana went to clasp Lady Racquela's hand.

"But I am back now, Grandma. I have lost my memories but I remembered my family. So I came here as soon as I could."