Chapter 3

• Emilia’s POV
• The soft waves lapped and crashed softly against the cliffs. The water of the sea dazzled in the soft moonlight making it look magical. The beauty of nature always gave me a sense of belonging. So, I found myself coming here whenever I was upset.
• I picked up a handful of stones and started throwing them one after another. Soft ripples spread out in circles with every plop. If only my mother was alive, my life would have been so different. I would have run straight to her and poured out my heart. I sighed ruefully as her sweet image flashed in my mind.
• I would have been celebrating my birthday today with her. Who knows she would have thrown a party for me or maybe she would have taken me to my favorite places?
• Another sigh escaped my lips; this time longer, deeper, and laced with agony. I threw another stone. It landed a bit further this time with a shaper plop.
• After my mother passed away, I tried to find solace in friends but they always left me feeling used. This was the reason I never opened up to people. It was easier to be the rude, uncaring version. That way no one could hurt me.
• I was gazing at the dazzling stars in the sky when I sensed a presence behind me. A strong scent of musk and sandalwood filled my nose. Entranced by the heady mixture, I got to my feet and turned around.
• A man was standing a couple of yards away from me. In the dark, I could only make out his silhouette. My wolf swooned at the sight of the figure and the word 'mate' popped into my mind. My heart pounded against my ribs as the man walked toward me with slow and deliberate steps.
• I craned my neck and stood on my toes in sweet apprehension. But, dark clouds floated in front of the moon plunging everything into darkness. I could barely make out his profile now. My heart started hammering like crazy as he drew closer. My wolf was going completely bonkers. She wanted me to set my claim by marking him. I had to keep her on a tight leash to stop her from taking over.
• The man stopped mere inches from me. He brushed the back of his knuckles along the length of her jaws sending a pleasurable shudder through me.
• I found myself leaning into his touch; relishing the feeling. Her heart started fluttering erratically and I wondered if I should give in to the urge and mark him. Right at that moment, the clouds drifted away; illuminating the man’s face.
• A gasp escaped my mouth and I staggered backward. No! It couldn’t be him. The moon goddess couldn’t be so cruel. Shaking my head vehemently, I said in a desperate voice, Please tell me that this is a dream.”
• My words seemed to bring him back to reality. He tore his hair and muttered, "I should probably reject you." Then he turned on his heels and walked away.
• I was too stunned to react. My mate was the beggar I had kissed in the pub. Moreover, he said that HE WANTED TO REJECT HER! How was he even qualified to do that?
• An excruciating scream escaped my mouth. I pulled my hair and stomped my feet, "Hey! YOU! COME BACK HERE! HOW DARE YOU TALK TO ME LIKE THAT!"
• I was shaking with anger by now but the man remained unaffected. He continued to walk away with steady steps.
• Tears of humiliation stung my eyes. How dare he? What in the hell did he mean by 'I should probably reject you?'
• My jaws clenched together and my eyes lit up with grim determination. I would make him beg for my love; tempt him with a sweet future and then REJECT HIM!!
• ***
• A week later…
• I looked at myself in the mirror as I added some final touches. The long, black gown hugged my slender waist before falling in soft waves. The glimmer of the tiny diamonds made me look like I was enveloped in a star-studded night. I tried to smile causing a wave of pain to course through me.
• My father had organized my birthday party today; just because it was convenient for him. It wasn’t about me at all. It was more about strengthening his relationship with other alpha.
• The sound of clicking heels sounded from the doorway drawing my attention. Jenna rushed over as she gushed, "You look so gorgeous, Emilia. This dress is just perfect for this party!"
• I smiled but it didn't reach my eyes. My mind drifted to the blind beggar. I still couldn't wrap my mind around the fact that someone thought of rejecting me.
• Jenna stopped rambling when she realized that I wasn't paying attention. She waved her hand in front of me and said, "Hey! Birthday Girl.... what is the matter?"
• I shook my head, "Nothing, let's go. Everyone must be waiting...."
• I started walking towards the door but Jenna grabbed my hand. Picking up an earring from the dressing table, she said, "What is the matter, Emilia? You were going down with just one earring. You never make mistakes like this...."
• I lowered her eyes and let out a long, suffering sigh before muttering, "It is nothing, Jenna... I am just... nothing...." I wasn’t sure if I should share everything with Jenna. What if she betrayed me?
• Jenna placed her hand on my shoulder and insisted in a sympathetic voice, "If there is something, you can talk to me."
• I bit her lower lip and contemplated for a few moments before blurting out, " I found my mate."
• "Crap! Holy F***!" Jenna exclaimed smacking her head. Her face turned excited but the next moment the color drained from her face as she said, "You haven't told anyone yet.... does that mean he is someone you don't like?" She paused for a moment before adding, "Did you already reject him?"
• I picked a lock of my hair and twirled it around my finger, "I would have rejected him but...."
• "But, what Emy? Don't kill me with suspense!" Jenna prodded when I didn't speak for a long time.
• "He told me that he should probably reject me...."
• Jenna did a double-take when she heard this. Her eyebrows knitted together and she cried, "He said what!!?? Is he blind or something?"
• "When I heard him say those words... I was so stunned that I couldn't say anything... It was as if he had questioned my entire existence!"
• Jenna patted my back and said in a soothing voice, "Don't worry, Emy. We will make that moron realize his mistake and then you can reject him." Her eyes narrowed and she huffed, "Who is he to reject you?"
• My mood lightened up after talking to Jenna. I put on my earrings and walked down the stairs regally with Jenna.
• All the people paused their work and gave me their complete attention. The moment I alighted into the hall, I was surrounded by people who wanted to wish me and talk to me. I knew that all of this was just a show yet I couldn’t help but feel high. Soon, I forgot all about my beggar mate.