Hunters POV
We were waiting a few minutes when the servants started bringing out our food. I was hoping when the door first opened that it would be her. But unfortunately, it was the male servant that showed us to our room and a few others.
When we all got our steaks, I got hit with the amazing smell. She walks out with two big bowls of salad. One in each hand. She flashed me a quick look. Sadly it didn’t last longer than a second or two.
I turned and saw Alpha Jaden staring at her hungrily. I’m going to assume it wasn’t the food, and that he wanted her. I could feel the rage building up just thinking about it. I wanted to slam his face into the table.
“Oh man, this is really good!” Mark said, taking another huge bite of his steak. I had barely paid any attention to my steak with her on my mind. Just waiting for her to stay outside. She made my heart skip a beat. I just wanted to take her home with me.
“Dude you’re right. This is so good.” Mathew said. I swear he was eating it so fast, that it looked like he was inhaling it. Matthew is my gamma.
I finally broke my train of thought of her and started cutting into my steak. I see that she left most of it raw, and seared the outsides. It definitely smelled amazing. And it’s exactly how I like it cooked. I took a bite and I about melted in my seat.
“Wow, you guys are right. This is amazing.” There’s some seasoning on it that I can’t pinpoint. But whatever it is, it’s delicious.
“She knows how to cook! Let’s take her now, please.” Marcus has never acted like this before. I want to know what’s up.
“Yes, she’s a good cook. A very special girl.” Jaden said smirking. Like he knows all about it. I really don’t like this guy.
“Kill him,” Marcus growled.
He brings her up a few other times, making everyone at the table uncomfortable with how he talks about her. Even though she’s gone and went back inside, I can tell she’s lingering by the door. I can smell her and hear her heartbeat.
“She turns 18 the day of the festival. I will claim her as my mate right before she shifts for the first time.” He grinned before taking a sip of his whiskey. WHAT? Taking her as his mate? What if she meets her mate? That’s not right.
“No. We should take her. If he touches her let’s bite his hands off.”
Now that I’m thinking about mates, that would explain why she smells so good to me. He can’t have her if she is my mate. Which I’m starting to believe she is. Not a chance.
“Mmm. Yes. She’s our mate.” Marcus purred.
“Do you think she’s your mate?“ I asked Jaden. He looked offended by the question.
“Yes. But if not, I’ll claim her anyway.” He says, cocking his eyebrow at me.
“I think not. She’s mine..”
“Marcus be quiet. I can’t think with you sometimes.”
“What if you’re wrong and she’s not your mate, what then? You’d be taking her away from the one the Moon Goddess made for her.” I said before cutting another piece of this mouthwatering steak.
“What does it matter to you? If I’m not her mate, and if she finds her mate, I will make her reject him. She’s MINE.” He growled.
“You dare growl at me, alpha?” I sneered. I will not tolerate this.
Wow, this man is bold. He shifts his eyes to the door, and I can tell he’s looking at her with his mischievous grin. He waves his hand to come outside, and out she walks.
Marcus starts stirring in my mind.
“Do you want a mate that’s not me?” He asks.
“What do you mean, alpha?” She replied almost so quiet I could almost not hear it. I can tell by her heartbeat that she’s uncomfortable. I want nothing more than to kill him right now.
“Exactly what I asked. Do you want a mate that’s not me?” He asked a little more angry and pushy. Like she’d better say what he wants to hear or he’ll do something. Not sure what though.
Everyone at the table is looking so uncomfortable. My guards are looking at me like this dude is crazy. His beta on the other hand is smirking at her. While the female beta has done nothing but stare at Mark the whole time. What the h*ll is wrong with this pack?
“No alpha. I am yours.” She said quickly and gave a small smile then turned to go back inside, but the alpha stopped her.
“Where do you think you’re going? You have not been excused.” He growled.
I hear the betas mate snicker. That’s the first time I’ve ever seen her look away from my Beta. She would be a lot better looking if she’d calm down with the makeup. It’s way too much and it looks so cakey.
“Sorry alpha. I was just going inside.” Her heart is beating so fast, that I’m surprised it hasn’t burst out of her chest.
“Whatever. Go get me another bottle of whiskey.” He replied. This dude is a complete a**. I wonder what he’s like when we’re not here. I’m sure he’s so much worse.
I see Jadens Gamma, William I think his name is, just sitting there glaring at the alpha. I can tell he doesn’t like him either. He then flashes an apologetic look to the girl. I wonder what her name is. I’m tired of referring to her as “the girl” or “her”.
My beta opens a mind link with my gamma and I.
“Dude. What the hell is wrong with this guy? Her heart is pounding out of her chest. I can smell the fear.”
“I know. It’s absolutely crazy.” Mathew replied.
“I don’t know man, but I think she is my mate. She smells so good and the alpha just talking about her or looking at her makes me want to kill him. I won’t know for certain until she shifts.” I said
“What are you going to do? I know you’re not going to give her up if she is.” Mark said.
“No way in hell. If she is I want you guys to prepare for a fight. Mindlink the guards and let them know just in case.” I said. I closed the mindlink not wanting to talk more about it, otherwise, I’ll rip this alpha's head off.
We finished our plates and the servants come and take them. Dinner was absolutely divine. But I’m sure that’s because she made it. I have got to know her name.
She comes back outside with a bottle of whiskey and the alpha shoos her away. And she leaves. I think to myself for a second then decide I’m going to go meet her officially.
“If you’ll excuse me, I need to go to my room for a moment,” I said standing up.
“Yes sir. We’ll be right here so we can talk some more before we all head to bed. We have a fun day coming up!” Alpha said glaring at me. I need to just kill him right here. But I don’t, because I have no legal reason to yet.
“Yes, we do,” I said heading towards the door. I walk in and I follow her scent. It takes me all the way to the opposite side of the castle which is about a 5-minute walk. Then I see her. Man, beautiful is an understatement..
“Hey there. I never did catch your name.” I said. She looks around, Maybe expecting to see me talking to someone else, or seeing if anyone is around so they won’t hear us. I’m not sure.
“Uhm. My name?” Her heart starts racing again and I can smell the fear flowing out of her.
“I’m not going to hurt you, you don’t need to be scared. I just wanted to know your name.”
“My name..” she mumbles.
“Mm yes, my beautiful mate. Your name.”
“Marcus.. calm down.”
“Yes, your name,” I said chuckling. Taking a step closer to her. She backs up a little. She is so timid. I just want to pull her into my arms and make her feel safe.
“It’s, uh, Jess.” She said looking at her feet and fiddling with her hands. I can definitely tell she’s lying. What is her deal. No way she’s telling the truth. Her heart says otherwise as it flops just like everyone else that lies.
Just then, I hear the Alpha come in and I assume she does too because she darts for a door in the middle of the hall. I turn around only to see the alpha standing there.
“What are you doing in here?” He asked looking irritated.
“C*ckblock,” Marcus growled.
“ Oh, I was just talking to the cook. I wanted to know what seasonings she used for the steaks. They were quite good.” Obviously he can smell her so I have to tell him something.
“Mmhm. Well, my king, we’re all waiting outside for you.” He said motioning towards the main hall to lead me back outside. I turn around and realize she disappeared into the doorway.
“Ah yes, let’s head back out shall we?” I said following him. He really doesn’t want me near her. But I want nothing more.