Our Other mate

Chapter 1

Ella's POV

"Stop fidgeting!" My mother's voice pierced the air, sharp and commanding. Her hands were firm yet gentle as she tried to tame my unruly auburn curls. It seemed an impossible task, made all the harder by my inability to stay still. The hairstylist, a patient woman with deft fingers, worked diligently to create a semblance of order. Thick curls cascaded over my face, conveniently hiding the scowl I wore.

Today, of all days, was the worst of my life. I was to be married, not out of love or choice, but to fulfill my parents' wishes. Lycans traditionally waited for their true mates, but fate had dealt me a cruel hand. At eighteen, I had met Paul, a werewolf soldier in my father's guard. We loved each other deeply and planned to marry, but he was killed in the line of duty, sacrificing himself to save my father and sister from the Silver Spears' invasion.

After Paul's death, I was shattered. I couldn't sleep, eat, or even breathe properly. My parents tried everything to console me, but for years, I remained numb. On the eve of my 23rd birthday, my father summoned me to his office. His blue eyes twinkled with a hint of anticipation as he offered me a seat on the cream-colored couch my mother had chosen for the room.

"I know you still grieve, my dear," he began gently, "but life without a mate can drive one mad. Your mother and I have thought long and hard about this since Paul's passing. We wanted to give you time to heal. As you know, we just returned from a holiday in Dashpoint."

His words hung in the air, heavy with implication. I felt my pulse quicken as he continued, "The Duke of Dashpoint is very ill, and his only heir, Merrick Saint-James, needs a mate."

I could feel the blood rushing to my face. "Your point?!" I demanded, even though I knew exactly what he was getting at. He smiled, that same quick smile he used when delivering unwelcome news.

"Listen, my love," he said softly, "I know this isn't what you wanted, but Merrick can offer you a home and protection. He may not be your true mate, but he can give your life meaning. In six months, you will be married. You have grieved long enough."

My heart sank. I couldn't believe my father was doing this to me, disregarding my feelings entirely. "This isn't fair to me or Merrick! I had my shot at true love, and just because Paul is... dead," I choked on the word, tears welling up, "doesn't mean I should marry someone else for protection. I loved Paul, and I'll be dead before I let another man touch me!"

I stormed out, slamming the door behind me. In my room, I clung to Paul's old shirt, tears streaming down my face as I wished for an escape from this nightmare.

"Ella! Are you asleep? Today is supposed to be the happiest day of your life, and you are asleep!" My mother's voice jolted me back to reality. Her green eyes, sharp with worry, pierced through me as she pinched the bridge of her nose. We had only a few hours before the wedding, and she was desperate to keep me on track. "If you need to take a nap, dear, do it now."

Reluctantly, I stumbled to the chaise in the corner, my curls bouncing with every step. I could feel her eyes on my back, filled with concern and the weight of unspoken words. "What is it?" I asked, not turning to face her.

"Honey, I know this isn't what you would have chosen, but it's what's best for the Lycan kingdom. Without this alliance, the Silver Spears will destroy us and all the packs within our protection."

"That's the only reason I'm agreeing to this," I snapped, my voice harsh. "So that someone out there doesn't lose their true mate like I lost Paul!"

"I know, dearest," my mother said softly. "But you will come to love Merrick. He is sweet and caring. After the death of his mate, he understands your pain. In time, love can thrive, true mate or not."