8

When I woke up the following morning, I resembled a zombie. June was on the verge of panicking as she stared at my face. My entire face was swollen, and my eyes were red from crying and lack of sleep. My entire body appeared pale. I hurriedly took a shower.

When I finished bathing, June gave me a white gown. The dress was extremely simple, with no special decorations. However, it still appeared very graceful. I put on the dress, and the puffy sleeves and white lace on the front fit my figure flawlessly. My white-blonde hair complimented it even more. If only my face wasn't swollen!

"Why did you give her the white one?" Cathy asked June. "She will work in the kitchen. It will be ruined in no time."

"It's fine. Today is an important day, and everyone should dress nicely. Plus, she is single, and so is Alex. What if he falls for her?" June chuckled, expressing.

I had no idea that she was envisioning this. I felt somewhat embarrassed. All of a sudden, our team leader issued a warning.

"Are you girls going to take forever? Hurry up and come out! If you keep taking your time, who do you think will do the chores?" repeated a curvy woman, almost at every door. We hurriedly made our way upstairs from the dungeon. Cathy and June wished me luck and went to their assigned tasks. The woman I had seen earlier was standing in the hallway.

"Hey, you! Come over here with me. Do you honestly believe that dressing up like Cinderella will magically transform you into one? Instead of wasting your time and effort on your appearance and clothes, go lend a hand to those girls outside who are busy making those pies," the woman yelled at me with disdain.

I felt ashamed at her remarks. "Have I put on something too noticeable?" I questioned myself.

I couldn't understand why a simple white dress made her so angry. However, I didn't want her to become upset with me once more. Therefore, I swiftly left her line of sight and went to the kitchen.

The pies were prepared to be baked. I could hear voices coming from the hallway. Within a minute, all the officials entered the dining area for breakfast. I recognized most of them. However, upon seeing me working as a maid, they wore mocking smirks on their faces. It seemed as if they were implying that I was receiving the consequences I deserved.

I no longer wanted to give them the satisfaction of looking down on me, so I decided to take on the baking responsibility instead of serving. Suddenly, the hallway became more crowded once again. I had just taken a tray filled with pies out of the oven, and a delightful aroma filled the air.

Initially, I believed the source of the sensation was the pies. However, the feeling continued to intensify. Lexa, my wolf, began displaying unusual behavior. She appeared restless, and this was uncharacteristic of her. Her impatience was growing.

The scent in the air resembled a combination of citrus and lotus, definitely not coming from the pies. It was evident that someone in the hallway was wearing this fragrance. However, it seemed peculiar for someone to use such a strong perfume so early in the morning.

I struggled to keep my inner wolf under control, but my entire body felt as though it had been sedated. I no longer had a sense of direction. It was as if I had an urgent need to discover the origin of that perfume. Lexa was getting restless. Just as I approached the kitchen door, my wolf let out a howl, "Mate."

I regained consciousness and immediately halted my actions, concealing myself behind the door frame. After a long time, my mate had returned. I could sense his wolf, growing increasingly thrilled.

I could feel my mate's wolf's presence and its strong desire to connect with me. Curiosity compelled me to steal a quick glance at the individual.

I glanced over to the dining area and that's when our eyes locked instantly. He was also looking in my direction. His gaze landed on mine. Midnight black hair, cropped short, emphasizing his strong jawline. His eyes, a piercing shade of rare purple, exude an air of authority—masculine, attractive build, resembling a mythical figure. I had never seen a man as gorgeous as him before.

It didn't take him long to realize. He was aware of my presence too. However, his ability to control his wolf was remarkable. He remained completely rigid.

His facial muscles remained completely still, maintaining the same cool expression as before. It was impossible for anyone to detect the intense emotions that surged within us at that moment. Yet, he exuded an air of complete composure. With his captivating eyes, regal features, and defined jawline, he briefly met our gaze before effortlessly shifting his attention to his meal. He paid no attention to his wolf or me.

I heaved a deep breath and hurriedly returned to my spot in the kitchen. I gasped for air. My wolf was incredibly joyful. I couldn't quite identify the exact emotion, but I was also feeling delighted. I had never experienced such happiness before. My wolf was yearning to leap onto my mate's chest and embrace him. My body was growing weaker as it persistently tried to fully take control. Suddenly, the truth dawned on me.

"Zen," I whispered, the name slipping from my lips. "The son of the alpha, Zen."

It seemed impossible for it to occur. I never anticipated finding a mate. However, after all this time, my mate had arrived. At last, I experienced happiness and excitement. Yet, I also felt fear and anxiety simultaneously.

I wouldn't have a problem if it were an omega, or someone as vulnerable as I am. All I wanted was someone who could understand me and love me, embracing me just the way I am. Why did it have to be the next alpha? I never wished for this. I was even embarrassed to confront him as his mate.

However, my heart rate began to rise. I wondered, "Will my mate accept me? Should I approach him in person once the pack meeting concludes? How will he respond? Are we soul mates? Could he be my other half? Does this imply that he will also love me?" Numerous thoughts raced through my mind, driving me to the brink of madness. I nearly lost control and dropped the tray of pies.