The Secret Mate

Chapter 4 (Rewritten)

A cold breeze somehow made its way into my room sending chills throughout my body. I groaned as I felt as if I had just gotten comfortable after shifting for hours. Sleep was evading my mind and body as I was only able to think about tonight and the rest of my life. No one from my family has attempted to contact me while I've been here; I mean it has only been a day but it's still nice to show that you care. Sitting up in bed I realized that sleep was most likely not going to happen. My room didn't have any windows so the only indicator of the time was the clock on the nightstand. Three thirty-three. I groaned as I had only gotten into bed about two hours ago and have yet to get an ounce of sleep.

When I can't sleep back home, I typically go to the pack gym and get an extra workout in to help tire me mentally and physically. My wolf Laura has not spoken a word since before we left Washington. When we arrived I felt her get uneasy and restless, but nothing more. I know I will be unable to shift for us to run without her actively present as I cannot force an unwanted shift, so it looks like I will be running in my human form.

I made sure to pack some athletic clothes and shoes just in case I felt the urge to run or couldn't sleep. After slipping out of my pajamas and into a change of clothes I quietly made my way out of the shared suite. The living area on the main floor was quiet and dimly lit. Everyone was attempting to get their beauty rest before the big event in hopes of looking their best for their mates. I knew when opening the main door that I had to be quiet as I didn't want to wake anyone or get myself into trouble for being out this late. The cold air whipped around me causing me to shiver even more than I already was. It has somehow managed to get colder every hour I have been here and that doesn't look like a good sign. The courtyard was dead; not a wolf or even bug in sight. The other three homes were brightly lit up on the outside, but all windows were dark. Being outside this late at night on unknown grounds gave me an eerie feeling that made me want to be on my toes and aware. I knew I was safe; probably the safest I will ever be, but darkness is the unknown.

Upon arrival I saw some others jogging around the property that looked to be a dirt path. I remember which way we entered the property from as I made sure to memorize my way out of here just in case I needed to plan my escape from Alpha Asshole and his pack. Lightly jogging away from the sleeping quarters and courtyard I managed to find the dirt track based on the sound coming from underneath my feet. The wind had picked up a bit in the short time frame I was outside causing the temperature to drop even more. I knew that without running in my wolf form it would be harder to keep my body temperature up. I began to stretch as I made it a priority before and after every run. Humming is what I did when I was alone to keep myself distracted and to make time go by faster. It kept me calm and provided sort of a security. It's weird, but it makes sense to me.

"Katharine, why are you out here so late." The statement startled me causing me to jump and quickly turned around. I thought I was alone out here, but clearly I am not. It was hard to make out some of the man's features as the moon was the only direct light source and even that was being covered by the trees. "Katharine, it is disrespectful to not answer someone," the man said again but with agitation laced in his voice. I have never heard the voice before and the only males who knew my name were Alpha Sean and his beta. I mentally rolled my eyes as he stood before me. It was sickening to be in his presence. I may not be able to make much of his features, but you could feel the alpha power and confidence. "Alpha Sean, I could ask you the same question." I stated firmly, holding my ground. Despite his title, I have alpha blood fueling my body and I refuse to let some arrogant, narcissistic alpha tell me otherwise.

"Did your mother never teach you not to disrespect your husband?" He said, stepping closer to me. I could feel his body heat. He was so close. Truthfully he made me more uncomfortable every minute we stood here. "Now, answer my question. Why are you out here so late?" He asked for the final time. I scoffed as he felt that he had enough power over me to tell me what to do. Taking a second to think about which answer I wanted to give; I realized that I didn't want to give him an answer, I wanted to be left alone. The repercussions of that choice are unknown forcing an answer out of me. "I couldn't sleep. Came out here to run instead." I made sure to add as much attitude to that statement as I could. Was I making it harder on myself, possibly, but I wasn't going to conform to what he wanted. I may have always tried my hardest to be perfect for my father, but not for Alpha Sean. He lightly chuckled at my comment as he tightly grabbed my upper right arm. "Oh Katharine, you will learn sooner or later to respect me. Now I will take you back up to your room and you will go to bed like every other female so you can look your best for me at the ball." As he finished his statement I realized we had already begun walking towards the courtyard and sleeping quarters. I was in shock, but at the same time I wasn't. It's not surprising that my father is trying to sell me to an alpha who has the same terrible personality as him. The grip he had on my upper arm was tight, too tight that if I jerked away my skin would be pinched. "Fine, at least tell me how you knew I was out of my room." I said to him as we walked up to the home I was staying in. "I had Justin go check on you and you were not in your room. So instead of sending him, I chose to come meet my future Luna." We came to a stop outside the front door. This man was weird as he was already stalking me. He hadn't even met me until now.

This was the first time that I was able to get a good look at him. He stood right under six feet with shoulder length dirty blonde hair. He was wearing a short sleeve white shirt that accentuated his muscles with jeans and black boots. As I looked at him I saw his lips moving signaling words were coming from his mouth, but I heard no sound. I focused my attention back on the commands he was telling me, "-now run along." I only caught the end of what he was saying. After he finished he signaled for me to go back into the house. I sighed and did what I was told to prevent comotion.

By the time I made it back to my room I was angry. Angrier than I was when I found out my father was arranging me to mate with Alpha Sean. I knew that I needed to get some sleep or I would be in an even worse mood later this evening. I kicked off my shoes and laid on my bed. I didn't even try to change out of the clothes I was in. As soon as my head hit the pillow I drifted off into sleep.

Today is the day. The day that I either meet my mate and live happily ever after or I sell my soul away to a man who clearly has no respect for me. Today is supposed to be an exciting day and I can't help but be rather depressed about it. I roll over to check the clock on the nightstand that reads close to noon. When I got back to my room last night I remember quickly glancing at the nightstand clock before going to bed, which read four something. Alpha Sean angered me last night. I developed more resentment towards my father after officially meeting him. I'm truly praying to the moon goddess that I meet my mate tonight so I don't have to be with someone that my father wants me to be with. I laid in bed a little while longer staring at the wall before deciding that I should start getting ready. I naturally take a long time to get ready for special occasions, but with my preexisting mentality it will take me twice as long today. Rolling out of the bed I made my way to the attached bathroom. I took a brief shower last night, but I needed a long hot one to relax me. Turning on the water I stripped myself of the clothes I wore running last night before placing my body underneath the hot liquid.