Chapter 3 Three

• Jayden
• 'Mate'
• My wolf screamed in my head, making me gasp in surprise.
• What in the goddess' name!
• I took several steps away from the Pen as I tried to process what just happened.
• How could that be possible?
• Of all the places in the world, I had to find my mate in Grayson's mansion. And of all the creatures in the world...I got a...human-dog as my mate.
• I was shocked beyond words. I didn't know what to say or how to react. It all felt like a joke. A big terrible joke.
• I stood upright and hurried away from the Pen. The man stared at me with fury as he struggled to get up.
• "Aren't you Alpha Jayden?" He asked as he finally locked the Pen.
• "What is that?" I found myself asking.
• Even though the answer was clear, I just needed a third-party opinion just in case everything was from my imagination.
• "I am," I tried to sound bold.
• "Hello Alpha," he bowed.
• "What is this thing?" I pointed at the Pen.
• "It's the home for the Graysons' dogs."
• Well, it is a Pen indeed.
• "But that...that...girl," I stuttered.
• I didn't know how to qualify her. Is she a dog or a human?
• "That's Zoraya, she's our....."
• Before he could finish the sentence, he was called in by Estrella.
• "Pardon me, Alpha, I have to go," he bowed before leaving my presence.
• I watched the Pen in amazement and moved forward once again to take a look at the creature in the Pen.
• She looks exactly like a human, but why is she barking like a dog? And why is she living in the Pen like a dog?
• I took one last look at the cubicle and my wolf mellowed as he repeated those words that I dreaded.
• 'Mate.'
• How can this thing be my mate?
• No one must know about this. I left the place hurriedly and went back to the car. Leaving Lewis behind, I drove back home.
• I went straight to my room to take a bath. I needed to get that horrible sight out of my head.
• What the hell does the goddess think of herself?
• How could she pair me up with something like that?
• I opened the shower and unleashed the cold water on my head to help me erase the horrible picture of that...dog...girl...
• I don't even know what to call her. I just want her out of my head.
• However, as fast as she was able to calm my restlessness, it all returned as soon as I was out of her sight.
• Shit!
• I clutched my chest as I gasped for breath. What is this? I wondered.
• I hurried out of the bathroom and changed into something casual. I wore something extremely light, to help get more air into my body and I kept my mouth open to help get more air into my lungs.
• "Alpha," I heard a loud knock on the door.
• After struggling for goddess knows how long, I was finally able to get up. I opened the door and Lewis came in.
• "Why did you leave without telling me?" He sounded worried, yet angry at the same time.
• "I needed rest so I came home to get it," I lied.
• Lewis studied me and noticed that I was bothered by something. He came closer to me, his eyes locked on mine.
• "Is that why you came home or....." He left his question hanging as he came closer to me. "....Did something happen?"
• I raised my head abruptly.
• Did he find out?
• No. I shook my head immediately. Nobody knew what happened out there and no one should know.
• "What do you mean?" I feigned ignorance, pretending not to understand what he was saying.
• "Did you...."
• Before he could speak further, I turned away.
• "I would like to rest, Lewis, please leave me."
• I had to discharge Lewis otherwise he would become suspicious. He is my best friend after all, and he knows when I'm distressed or unhappy.
• "Alright Alpha," he bowed.
• I watched him leave and I went back to lie on my bed but all I saw was the scene from earlier. I tried to connect with my wolf to ask why he chose something so outrageous as his mate, but my wolf was quiet.
• He did not respond to my call.
• Even though I know that my wolf was not at fault, he was also a victim of the goddess' cruel game. However, I couldn't stop being pissed by the entire scenario.
• What the freaking hell?
• I am Jayden Cole, Alpha of Blood Moon Pack. How can I have that thing as my mate?
• It's a good thing that I chose Melissa as my Luna. What would have happened if I was waiting for my supposed mate? Will I be forced to spend the rest of my life with that thing?
• No way.
• I feel so disgusted by the thought.
• As soon as my mind drifted to the scene from earlier, my wolf became restless. He lingered on the surface, struggling to take charge.
• I managed to suppress him but I couldn't stop my raging heart. It felt as if I had run a race, as I was panting heavily even though I was only lying on the bed.
• I closed my eyes and tried to sleep, but sleep eluded me. I was restless.
• My body was covered in sweat.
• What is going on?
• I couldn't understand what was happening in my body or why I was perspiring, but I knew that it was all because of that girl.
• So, without delay, I picked up a shirt and decided to go back to the Graysons' manor. I need to put an end to this.
• Taking my car keys, I hurried out of the room and went straight to the car.
• "Jayden!"
• I heard Lewis call out for me but I ignored his call and zoomed off, splattering smoke in the air.
• I arrived at the Graysons' manor faster than expected. The party was over and the guests were leaving, but I had no business at the party, rather my unfinished business was with the f*cking Pen.
• My heart thumped heavily as I approached the Pen. However, I found it locked. I took a peek into it and I found her.
• My supposed mate.
• She was crouched down on her butt. Her tongue was all out.
• My heart calmed at the sight of her and my wolf cooed.
• I leaned closer to take a good look at her as I wondered how she ended up like that.
• "Who are you?" I foolishly asked, as if she could answer.
• Undoubtedly, her response was a bark. I shook my head in denial.
• I can't have this as my mate.
• Even though my wolf and heart both screamed for me not to say the words, I couldn't stop myself.
• All this while, I always thought that I might be wrong. Maybe the goddess knows what she's doing after all. Maybe she knows what's best and will get a better life partner for me as my mate.
• I was right all along, the goddess is nothing but a joker.
• "What are you?" I rephrased as I studied her.
• She opened her mouth to speak and I leaned closer, hoping to hear her speak.
• Suddenly, I heard loud noises from inside the manor as the crowd screamed, "Fire!"