NA'S

to the garden. I heard someone call my name from a distance but I was too focused on the retreating

y father. He had on his face a frown and a fake grin t

, turning to face Alpha Derrick. "She... tends t

d seen my mate go. I couldn't get my mind off the fact that he had come. I c

ng as different thoughts scrambled t

ed out, my voice barely above a whisper, as

e back, his eyes boring deep into mine. "Zarina-" he growled unde

't. If I did, I might never

my way through the ballroom, past guests draped in silk and velvet, their laughter and polite conversation only a muffled hum in my ears. I c

roaned as it swung open, a wave of cool carrying the sweet scent of th

I made my way through the garden, my eyes slowly adjusting to the dark. As I continued down the s

eeper into the garden, and after a

amps hanging above the rose bushes. He remained motionless for a few secon

sent sparks flying the first time we'd collided. But something was... off.

l had to t

my voice breaking as

o... slowly. I felt my heart drop down to my stomach

d, and they seemed to stare deep into my soul. The wa

ng as I approached him. "I–I saw you

" he cut me off, his jaw clenche

voice trembling. "When we... we.. when we locke

disgust. "Sparks?" he scoffed,

reached me. I opened my lips to speak again

na, where–there you are." I swung around to see her standing by a fl

y mate that I had forgotten about him and my

turned to point at the man standin

ra asked, confusi

uttered as I glanced around. He really wa

even get

ra back inside. She could tell from my expression that I didn't want to talk and than

tairs where my father stood. His lips pursed and

e growled, his tone

the truth - that I had found my mate and had chased him into the garden. Maybe th

seized his fingers tightly aroun

s wr

with it?" he snarled, his grip tightening as he pulled me up the stairs.

realizing that struggling would o

best behavior. When I introduce you to the other Alphas later this evening, you will do as they say without question." He made to move but

h churned. "Yes, Father," I breathed,

appearing, replaced by a sinister smile. "Now let's go