Dahlia stood at the top of the grand staircase, its sweeping curves framing her like a scene from a fairy tale. The polished marble gleamed under the flickering torchlight, casting a warm glow across her face and the Alpha's as he raised his goblet in a toast to her. The crowd below gazed up
Dahlia's POV
'Alright everyone', the Alpha said as he clicked his glass of wine.
'As you all know, today is the birthday celebration of...', he paused for a while and stared at me
'Today is the birthday celebration of one of us', he finally added
As the Alpha made his toast, I felt a shiver run down my spine. Someone was watching me, and I could sense the intensity of their gaze. I turned to face them, and my eyes met those of a guy who seemed to be boring into my very soul.
He stood tall and muscular, his broad shoulders and chiselled jawline hinting at his strength and power. His dark hair was cropped short, accentuating his sharp, piercing eyes. His dark, ruggedly handsome features seemed to draw the attention of every maiden in the room, but his focus remained solely on me
His eyes bore into mine, filled with a venomous mix of disgust and hatred. I felt a chill run down my spine as I wondered what I could have done to warrant such a malevolent glare.
'He's your mate', Nyx said, breaking me from my thoughts
"Huh?" I asked, seeking clarification.
Nyx's response was straightforward. "He's our mate."
I noticed a lack of enthusiasm and asked, "Nyx, why aren't you excited? He's really good-looking."
Nyx's tone turned solemn. "Don't you see the way he looks at you? With disgust and contempt?"
'I do, but let's not judge a book by its cover'
"I guess I'm not exactly the perfect mate, huh?" I said, trying to make light of the situation.
Nyx's response was playful but firm. "Hey, hey! No talking down about yourself! You're awesome, and don't let anyone make you feel otherwise."
I grinned, feeling a bit better.
"Let's just ignore him and enjoy my special day."
Nyx smiled, seeming to relax. "You got me, I won't let it bother me."
While Nyx and I were having our little chit-chat, the Alpha was still giving a speech
Nyx raised an eyebrow. "It's just a birthday party, not some formal pack gathering."
I smiled at her sarcastic tone.
The Alpha concluded his speech, and the room filled with polite applause.
'Everyone, let's welcome the celebrant', the Alpha said and with that, everyone had a huge round of applause with a smile on their faces while I stepped forward with a smile plastered on my face
Nyx muttered, "Their smiles are fake."
I chuckled. "Let's give them a break."
After the introduction, the party resumed, and I was largely ignored. However, the young man's gaze filled with disdain bothered me.
Nyx noticed my unease. "Don't let it get to you."
I confessed, "But you said he's my mate, and that worries me."
Nyx's tone turned defensive. "A true mate wouldn't look at you with contempt, especially upon first meeting." She expressed her frustration.
"I don't get why they all look down on you, even your mate."
I reassured her. "I won't let it bother me. Please calm down; it's making me uncomfortable. Usually, you're the one who comforts me."
"Also..."
Nyx interrupted me, saying, "Fine! I get it!"
We both laughed and then Nyx's expression turned serious.
"Speaking of the devil..." She gestured toward my sister and the young man. I turned to see them talking and felt a wave of disgust.
"They're a match made in heaven, aren't they?" I said sarcastically.
Nyx nodded in agreement. "Absolutely."
After walking around the venue for some time, unenthused and disconnected, I decided to leave the venue.
"I'd like to head out, is that okay?" I asked Nyx.
"I'm fine with it, this party's a bore," she said.
As we neared the exit, my supposed mate appeared, confronting me directly.