Page 12 of Alpha's Unclaimed Mate

If anyone finds out about this…

I get out of my chair, letting it scrape harshly over the floor behind me, and breathe out, “Fuck that!” before walking over to the window.

“See, this is a response I don’t understand. This sharp reaction you have every time someone mentions Seren isn’t normal.”

“Because I don’t like hearing her mentioned.” I grit my teeth. I’m not sure where he’s going with this. “And I don’t understand why you think I’d be interested in her. Have you seen her? In a crowded room, she’d be invisible: no curves, no looks, no personality. She’s as compelling as fucking wallpaper.”

The words rush out of my mouth, and a heaviness settles in my stomach, but then she always does this. She makes me feel like I’m the bad guy in her life.

“So you don’t deny that she’s your fated, do you?”

I huff out a harsh breath, feeling trapped.

“Yeah, Seren is my fated mate. So what? It isn’t something to be proud of. Of all the females out there, I got stuck with the weakest fucking link. Can you picture her by my side as my luna? She doesn’t know how to talk, how to act, or even how to dress.”

My wolf protests, screaming inside me, hurling curses at me for putting my mate down. But now the floodgates have opened, and I have to get everything off my chest.

“I can’t imagine how last evening would’ve gone if I’d taken her with me instead of your sister. Vanessa had the alpha queen eating out of her hand. I wishshewas my fated mate.”

The weight of my words settles on my tongue, thick and metallic. A cold sweat prickles my skin. Am I throwing away my future, my happiness, with a careless wish?

But it’s hard to stop midway through a rant when you’re on a roll, especially when the thrill of rebellion outweighs the howls of your wolf.

CHAPTER 5

SEREN

The chipped blue mug feels cold and reassuring in my hand as I pad toward the dining room. It’s still early, so I’m not sure if everyone’s returned from the gala yet. A hushed murmur drifts through the cracked-open door as I reach for the knob. Luna Marie’s voice, laced with barely contained excitement, stops me in my tracks.

“...nailed it,” she whispers. “Everyone’s buzzing about them and how perfectly matched they are. Finally, everything is falling into place.” Her voice trails off for a moment. “Oh, Dan, at least pretend to be interested.”

I tilt my chin to the side. Who is she talking about?

I generally stay out of pack business, but Luna Marie’s excitement is infectious, and for once I itch to know what they’re talking about. Ignoring the sudden urge to eavesdrop, I tap lightly on the door before entering.

“I’m thinking…”

Luna Marie stops mid-sentence as I enter the room.

“Hey! Sweetheart, come join us for tea. Ella just brewed some with a few fresh sprigs of lavender from the gardens.”

I notice the beautiful aroma of lavender in the air and smile.

“Thank you, Luna Marie.” I walk to my usual spot at the side, whispering a soft “Good morning” to Alpha Dan. He’s never been much of a talker, and over the years I’ve come to understood it isn’t personal, but just how he is. He grunts as a way of greeting me and checks his phone.

Except for the flowery porcelain teapot and a platter of cured meat, there’s nothing on the table. I frown. This isn’t enough for them; wolves have huge appetites.

“I’ll quickly check if the breakfast will take much more time,” I murmur, leaving my mug on the table as I start to stand.

“Oh, sweetheart, we’re going out for brunch. Your alpha and I just thought we’d have some tea before we leave,” she says, exchanging a glance with the alpha. “But do grab something from the kitchen for yourself.”

Brunch? I wonder if Theron is going with them.

“Umm, I’m not particularly hungry right now,” I answer, and proceed to pour myself some tea.

Unlike every other time I walk into a room and they continue talking like I’m not there, today, my entry feels like sudden death to their conversation.

“Sorry, did I interrupt?”

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