I couldn't move nor stir in my position. My eyes were still widening in shock as I felt Claude's face in my neck and his lips were pressing in my weak spot. Then his lips started to move. He was licking it. I automatically closed my eyes in submission.

"You really smelled so good just what I thought, mate."

I instantly opened my eyes as he whispered. I clenched both of my fists as to how annoyed I was because of what he said to me. I nudged him using my elbow and hit his stomach and with that, he released my hands at my back. I glared at him angrily. "You pervert!" I snarled. I'm starting to hate my mate. My unexpected mate! He's so perverted in a different kind of way! I hate him! I hate him!

I gnashed my teeth when Claude flashed his signature smirk. "It's very normal for mates to be so intimate. What I did is very normal, am I right?" I'm starting to hate the way he sounds. He sounds so calm and not affected by my actions.

"Normal?! Do you think it's normal?!" I said, half annoyed, half angry. This Claude guy gets on my nerves already. I came closer to him. "For me, it's not normal. You're taking advantage of me, PERVERT!"

"You're amusing." He chuckled.

I glared at him in disbelief. "You're unbelievable!" I couldn't believe that this guy was my mate. Why do I have to feel shivers in my spine every time my eyes land on his wonderful, luscious lips? I'm thinking nonsensical stuff!

"Thanks." He shrugged.

I creased my forehead. Does he think I'm complimenting him? "You're so stupid and annoying." I voiced my thoughts about him. I don't like him to be my mate. I was expecting to meet him in some other place. But meeting him in my pack was so surprising and that made my blood boil.

He flashed a sweet smile and I simply gritted my teeth. "I'm glad my mate is complimenting me even though we both know that is an insult."

I snorted and crossed my arms. "I am not glad to see you at this unexpected moment, mate. I'm not ready to be with you," I said seriously.

"I know. But don't you think destiny lets us meet in this unexpected moment you are telling? Though I'm quite shocked that I will meet you in my brother-in-law's pack, and luckily, you're his sister. And..."

I sighed and looked away. "I wasn't." I butted in. I wasn't his real sister.

"I beg your pardon."

I glanced at him and cocked my eyebrow. "Nothing. Nevermind. Can you please leave now? I really hate seeing you here and please stay away from me." I couldn't help but roll my eyes. I felt sudden chills crawling in me. This was so foreign to me. I kind of hate this and love this at the same time.

I cut off my wolf when she kept on murmuring at me that I should kiss him wildly and make love to him. Hell! My wolf is getting horny. I could feel my mate's wolf getting horny too at the sudden thoughts.

"You know that you won't. You don't hate me in your first impression of me, am I right, mate?"

I closed my eyes in submission when I felt his lips brushing in my ear after he whispered. I know that he used his wolf speed so that he could whisper in my ear. His hands started to make their way to my waist and possessively he wrapped his hands around me from behind. Then he sniffed me.

"You really smelled like lavender mixed with vanilla." I shuddered as he whispered. His voice was very dark. I couldn't help but feel the heat building inside of me. "I know you feel the bond between the two of us. You feel something. I can wake you up by just my mere touch on your arm." As he said, he touched and caressed my arm.

I grasped the air, still closing my eyes. Jolt of electricity flowed in my skin as he touched my arm. I felt myself being electrified by just the simple touch of his. It brought my wolf howled in a horny manner. I felt wet down there. How did he do this? Was this another description if you're with your mate? You will feel something that was very foreign?

His lips touched my shoulder blade. I flinched. I sided my head to let Claude access my neck carefully as his lips made their way to it. "I love your lovely neck, mate. Your smell is so very addictive and alluring and I can't stop myself from smelling you. You know what? I want to mark you as mine right now." Claude's husky voice was waking up all my sensitive senses but I was snapped out of it when he said that he wants to mark me as his.

I turned around and backed away. I felt a sudden disappointment when I stayed away from my mate who already woken up my cells when he touched me. I clenched my fists to stop myself from being so delusional. I could not accept him right away even though my wolf needed him.

I caught Claude's eyes darkening as I stepped backward, staying away from him. I summoned my hand to stop him when I predicted he would come near me. "No. Not now, Claude. I can't accept you. Not now. I'm not ready."

"So, are you going to reject me? That's it?" He sounded hurt and in pain but his expression remained calm and serious.

I crossed my arms and cocked my eyebrow. "I didn't say I'm going to reject you, did I?" Well, I guess, I wanted to do it but I'm sure Big Brother Storm will be mad at me once he knows I reject my mate. I'm sure that he will wring my neck. Goodness!

"Then what?" he asked impatiently.

I rolled my eyes. "Don't use your Alpha tone on me, Claude. I may not know you very well as an Alpha of your pack but I know who uses their tone the way they order their pack members," I said seriously. Truth is, I wasn't used to the tone of an Alpha. I hate when someone orders me like I was their slave.

Even though Storm usually orders me if there's anything he wants, whenever I was alone, there's a contrary within me. But I knew there was nothing I could do but follow his orders. He's still my Alpha, for moon goddess' sake.

After a moment of silence, he smiled smugly. "You're so feisty, aren't you?"

I ignored it when I smelled his attractive scent and acted as if it was nothing to me. I opened my mouth to say something but I stopped when Storm mind-linked me. 'A call from the palace.' He said through mind-link. I couldn't help but gasp at his news.

"Why? What happened?"

I glared at Claude when he was seriously looking at me worriedly. I felt my inside fluttering and my wolf howled. I ignored her. I shook my head to Claude. "Nothing. I was just being called by Alpha Storm. I have to leave because his news is very crucial for me," I said then I left him, frozen in his position.

I couldn't help but sigh. Now, I was far away from him. Maybe I could calm my heart now. I realized it keeps on beating. I sighed again. Stupid, Rachelle! Very stupid!

I couldn't help the excitement when Storm told me that there was a call from the palace. I was hoping for good news.

I ran to the pack house and met Storm who was holding a letter. I couldn't help the smile that drew on my face as I took it from him and opened it. It was news from the palace. I read it carefully and with understanding.

"What a contagious smile, don't you think, Hance? Maybe that's good news, eh."

I rolled my eyes as I found Beta Hance also smiling widely as also Storm. "Why, don't you stick your nose in me. Mind your own business, will you?" I gave him my death glare and he just only smirked at me. "Asshole! Find your own mate!" I turned my back on them as I walked to my room. I heard their laughs and heard Storm saying something to Beta Hance.

"Don't worry, Hance. You don't have to worry. She just found her mate."

"I heard that, brother." I gave him my most death glare he doesn't want to see in his life. But he was not affected because he just laughed at me.

I rolled my eyes as I turned my back to them, entering my room. My smile drew back when I glanced at the letter I was reading. I sat at the edge of my bed. Taking a deep breath and gulping at the same time as I read the letter again and again. It says I must go back to the palace. Emergency has brought it to the warriors. And as a battlefield commander, I must go. Perhaps, rogues are planning to attack the palace.

I went downstairs and look for Storm. I have to bid goodbye and tell what's the content of the letter the palace delivered to me. I ignored my mate, Claude when I saw him sitting on the couch with my sister-in-law, Casey which was his sister.

"Good day to you too, Rachelle! What's with your smile?" Casey beamed. I approached her and couldn't help but feel annoyed because Claude looking at me intently. His dark hazel beautiful pair of eyes looked at me with an intensity that my wolf melted right now. I looked away and looked back at Casey and gave her my sweetest smile.

"I just got news from the palace. And I want to bid goodbye to my brother. I wonder where he is right now. I mind-linked Hance already and he didn't know where he is right now. Mind if you know where he is? He was blocking my mind link."

Casey smiled and clapped her hands like a little kid. "Yehey! The battlefield commander will be back from her vacation!" I shook my head, seeing her acting like a kid again.

"Tell me where he is." Really, I want to get out of this place. I don't want Claude looking at me and scanning me from up and down. He has been here for the past few days. I was bothered to ask Casey as to when he will be out of Storm's pack. I hate seeing him. My wolf yelled at me. I shut her up and don't want to listen to her rants seeing how handsome he is right now.

"He is in the gym right now," she said out of the blue where she hasn't realized that she has spoken it. Perhaps, she was mind-linking my Alpha brother. Then her eyes fell on me as she nodded her head. "Yeah. He is in the gym!" Then Casey glared at Claude and placed her hands on top of his arm. "Brother, would you mind going with Rachelle? You told me you want to see my husband's training gym. And Rachelle will show it to you. Right, Ray?" She sided her head to me, pleasing her eyes.

My eyes widened when the realization hits me of her statement. "What?! No way!" I exclaimed so suddenly. I don't wanna be with him! My insides shuddered.

"Oh right. Yes, she doesn't want me on her side." I snapped my head to Claude, sensing the sarcasm coated in his voice.

"What do you want to point out?" I crossed my arms, raising my brow. What is his problem anyway? Do I have to mind him? I don't have a plan to go with him. I only want to talk to my brother. Why do I have to accompany him to the gym anyway? I shut off my wolf because she was howling in happiness seeing Claude. The result is my insides knock me off having an effect from him. I don't like this feeling.

Claude stepped forward which caught me off guard. He was all serious right now. I could feel the madness radiating from him. My wolf tells me that I should apologize to him right now. Claude and his wolf were becoming mad at my actions. But I don't care. I raised my chin to hide the horrifying feeling of becoming closer to him. If I let my guard down, he would be able to scope me around his arms. I would melt instantly in his, giving up or rather accepting him as my mate. I stepped backward and shook my head slowly. Claude reacted and soon enough, he had this sad expression which I think he realized what my action is.

"As your Luna, I want you to accompany my brother." I snapped my head to Casey who has the authoritative voice right now.

I opened my mouth to refuse her order but she growled, giving me a warning. I raised both of my hands, totally surrendering instantly. After all, she is still my Luna and I have to follow her orders. "Fine." I sighed in defeat. I narrowed my eyes giving back my glare to Claude. "Follow me." I turned my back and started to go in the direction where the training gym was located. I even heard Casey clapping her hands and jumping on the ground like a happy kid. I just shook my head in disappointment more to myself.

It's very hard to get rid of your mate especially if his sister has the power to manipulate me. I couldn't do anything about it.

I felt the presence of Claude behind me. It gives me an ill at ease. I stopped in my tracks, turning my head to him. I found him staring at my back before he lays his eyes on mine. It gives me a giddy feeling it. "Would you mind walking beside me? You're not a private to be followed by his commander," I said impatiently.

I was starting to feel guilty when he smiled at me sadly and he did what I said. I just ignored that feeling and continued walking together with him.

As we went to the training gym, I started touring him around. I told him every inch of what I did every time I trained myself and trained some of the pack members of Alpha Storm who are usually on patrol in the middle of the night. He asked many questions which I found impressive because he was so intrigued about the pack I lived in. I could visibly see in his eyes the captivation of fascination every time he lays his eyes on me. My heart fluttered seeing his reaction. We acted like we have no conflict regarding about mate thing. We acted like he is my alpha and I am his beta. That is my perception.

My senses automatically alerted me when I felt a thing coming in my direction. I was about to turn my head to my left side when Claude growled and in a blink of an eye, he was now on my left side and blocked something. I was surprised by his action. He was eager and faster. I looked at his hand and an arrow was on it. My gaze found who the hell was about to shoot me using the arrow.

It was my brother, Storm, who was handling a bow. He was with Beta Hance. They were grinning like idiots. Instinctively, I felt Claude's arm encircling my waist which made my eyes widen.

My heart started to thump. I sensed his wolf and how protective he was over me.

I raised my glance to Claude as he started to growl at my brother, Claude. I know that time that I should calm him or worse, he'll be going to attack out of nowhere. I didn't know but my hand has its mind and it caressed Claude's cheek.

I felt him flinch from my touch as he looked at me with his intense glare. I took a sigh before I gave in to his orbs.

"It's okay, Claude. Storm usually does that to me. It's a surprise attack." I didn't know again where did I get the courage to talk like this. Calmly.

"Surprise attack? He was about to shoot you with this." He was talking about the arrow he was holding.

I shook my head and slowly, I slid off his embrace. I took steps backward. He growled at my action like he was mad about what I did.

"You won't understand. It's a part of training with him. Now, if you act like that again, don't you ever come near me. Excuse me..."

I was alerted when he is about to reach me but I turned my back on him. I went forward to where Storm is.

I have to bid goodbye. The palace needs my service.

Moreover, my so-called vacation is now through.

Storm had commanded that I should have dinner before I walk out again from his pack. Supposedly, I didn't refuse him and obliged even though Claude is there. I accepted Storm's offer because I knew it will be too long before I'll be back again in his pack. And besides, I want to bid goodbye to everyone that became a part of me.

"There! You are now a goddess in your new form, Rachelle!" Casey said as she clapped her hands, glaring at me in the mirror.

I smiled widely as I couldn't take my eyes off my reflection. She tied my hair into a messy bun. She ordered me to wear one of her dresses that doesn't fit her off. I found it hard to believe. She has a nice, curve-shaped body that really fits the off-shoulder blue dress that is under the knee I was wearing. I forgot to say that it is a formal dinner made by my brother. I wore this dress for the sake of Casey. She hasn't seen me dress like the way I was now. I did her a favor. I found her amusing because she was giggling like a kid seeing how successful insist I wear this and wore a pair of 6-inch stiletto heels.

"I wonder what my brother's reaction is when he sees you. Damn! I will see him head over heels with you again!"

I rolled my eyes and stood up from my sit. I scanned her from head to toe. She never fails me to amaze with her beauty. She wore a green halter dress and six-inch stiletto heels. She pushed up her hair into a tight ponytail. "I'm sure, Storm will have drooled over you. I wonder what he will do to you tonight." I teased. She blushed, lowering her gaze. I chuckled at her reaction and she just frowned at me.

We went downstairs and met all the men who were waiting for us. I want to huff. Why would they even wait for us?

I got an awed expression from all the men in our pack and mostly, to Claude. I felt a hot sensation crawling down me because of his intense glare. I looked away and walked toward Claude. He has this proud expression on his face.

"Why hell, you are all beautiful!" He declared.

I just rolled my eyes. "As if I have a choice with this formal gathering." I masked my voice with sarcasm. Storm just grinned. "I thought this is just a simple dinner you prepare. But it wasn't!" I said, frowning about this event.

"You'll thank us after this." He chuckled and draped his arm over Casey's shoulder. Then he kissed her on her forehead. "Let's go, Casey. Let's serve the dinner for all of us." With that, all of the people are here left me with... I sighed.

With Claude.

I sat on the couch and crossed my arms and legs as I leaned in. I took an effort to wear this dress just because I thought they would be mad if I haven't participated in this. Generally, I'm not used to this formal event. I used to wear combat suits and guard people around the territory. I'm a bit uncomfortable right now. I don't know how long I would endure this. If patience cuts from me, I'll transform into my wolf form. Yeah, better idea!

"I apologize if what I acted yesterday, Rachelle."

My senses lit when I felt the presence of Claude. He was standing not too far from my position. I could strongly smell his manly scent and the scent I'd smell when I found him in the woods—after rain and mint. He looks so dashing wearing a tuxedo and my wolf jumped in joy seeing how handsome and hot he is. I scolded her and tell her to shut up. He tastes so hot and spicy. I felt my cheeks heat from the whisper of my wolf. Goodness! Graciousness!

"Are you still mad at me?"

My heart pounded as he spoke softly and gently. He sat across me and gave me his intense glare again. I couldn't help but curse in my mind and agreed with my wolf that he is really so handsome and hot in that position.

I smiled weakly. "No. I wasn't. I'm not used to someone who does that. It's part of my training."

"Yeah." He nodded his head. "Storm told me so. He explained it to me yesterday."

"Good thing he does." I nodded. "So that I won't explain myself to you if rather you are a close-minded mate of mine." I was thinking that I am having a high standard for who should be my mate. What Claude's feature isn't my type. Not for my liking, more directly. "But that doesn't mean that I accepted you as my mate. I tell you don't assume." I retorted.

Claude silenced for a moment. "My wolf and I believe that you will accept us as your mate. I could tell your wolf already accepted us. Now, it is only you that we should need to coax with. From the first time, I saw and smell you, we knew by then that we have found what is lost in our life. We have found our mate. And that is you."

I averted my gaze as I felt my cheeks redden from his statements. It was a sugar-coated statement but it shivers the inside of me. I didn't expect him to say that. Additionally, I didn't expect myself that I was fall over from it.

I stood up from my sit. I couldn't take it! I am not prepared for his confession. I am not ready to accept my mate yet!

I was about to leave when he caught my arm. "What is bothering you as to not accept us on your own will, Rachelle?" His whisper from my ear sent shivers down to my spine and heat pooled in my feminine part.

I felt my rugged breath with his hand on my arm, sending shudders on my body. I submissively closed my eyes when his lips were on my right shoulder. It sent more shivers to me when his tongue ran on my skin. My breath hitched from the contact of his tongue with my skin. It was deliriously amazing! I could hear Claude's deep breath in my ear as he encircled his arms on my waist.

My heart beats so fast at the contact of our skin. I was electrified by his touch. I couldn't stop myself to face him and touch his face. A low rumble escaped from his chest at his sudden touch. My wolf told me what to do with my mate. I couldn't take more breaths at how beautiful he is now that I'd seen him too close for my own good. I could see the shape of his eyes, his nose, his lips, and his face. I traced them with my fingers while his eyes closed. I don't know what is happening to me. I was in a deep hypnotized by my own wolf.

Claude opened his eyes. I knew by then that I was meeting his wolf. His massive, strong, and amazing wolf. He was looking at me intently. I could feel pulled back inside. My breath hitched when we stared into each other's eyes. It was pretty amazing seeing her red orbs. It was so beautiful and I so loved to stare at it.

"You're making me crazy." He tugged the strands of my hair on my ear. I found it so sweet. I know by this time, I should have stayed away from Claude. But my body did the opposite. Instead, I stayed in his arms. I swear it feels so great. Claude took my hand with his and brought it to his lips without breaking our eye contact. I couldn't help my heart thumps in a way that it sends shivers in me.

Claude turned me around like we were dancing then locked his arms on my waist, put his chin on my shoulder, and hugged me tightly. "You're so beautiful, Rachelle." He murmurs and sways us like there was music. I closed my eyes in submission and felt him. Why do I love this kind of feeling?

"Dinner's ready! Brother, Rach—"

I snapped my eyes open because Casey's voice echoed in the room. I removed Claude's arms from me and stepped back. I saw the disappointment registered in his eyes.

"Oh! I seemed to interrupt a romantic moment."

I instantly glared at Casey from the door where the way to the kitchen is there. She was smiling from ear to ear. I immediately shook my head like I didn't do something wrong.

"I-It's not what y-you think it is, Casey," I said defensively. I felt my cheeks heat because of embarrassment. Goodness! Graciousness! This is not good! Why did I let myself drown from Claude's touch? It was as if I am hypnotized.

Casey raised her hands as if surrendering. "Okay. Okay," she said, grinning. "Brother, if you are done with your moment with Rachelle, go to the dining area because dinner's ready, okay?"

"Sure, Case. We'll be off."

"Okay," said Casey and left us while giggling. "Honey! I need to tell you something!" We heard her. Her voice echoed.

"Better if we should go or do you want us to do something more." Claude teased and I gave him a glare. I shook my head and passed by him but he caught my arm as he made me turn to him. "What?" I snapped.

I was surprised when he pulled me closer to his body and hugged me. Claude sniffed me on my neck and I shivered from the contact of his nose to my skin. What made me shiver more is when he grazed the soft spot of my neck. "This is where I'm going to mark you as mine." He whispered.

I pushed him away from me. "No! That will never have happened!" I snapped again and stepped back.

"Then accept me as your mate. That would be too easy." An eerie atmosphere circled us. I just frowned to him and measured his said.

"You know I am not ready for that."

"Wanna bet?"

"Shut up, Claude!"

"C'mon! That wouldn't be too hard to bet with me." He sounds like a sulking child.

I spun around and faced Claude. "I couldn't accept you because I'm still not ready to be with you. I'm still confused to have you. And that I'm used to being on my own. This kind of sort of thing, mate, is the last thing I wanted to experience. And..."

"What cause you to hesitate not to accept me?" Claude's face gloomed and I swallowed of seeing him mad again.

I wet my lips and averted my gaze. Why do I feel so sad about saying the truth? This is easy for me to say. But because of him, I don't know what to tell. Does he know I work for the palace? Does he know that I am a battlefield commander?

"Rachelle..."

I stepped back when he tries to touch me again. I shook my head and I saw how hurt he was of what my action did. If it hurts him, it hurts mine more. Why did I feel this way?

Is this the connection they say feeling with their mates? If so, I am already hurt to see Claude's reaction.

'Why don't you just accept him?' My wolf whispered.

I shook my head more causing Claude to misinterpret my action.

"You don't want me." He finalized.

"Not just that. I'm leaving my pack." I turned my back again so that I couldn't see the painful expression in his eyes and decided to walk out of his sight.

I sighed with a heavy feeling. Why it is hard to say goodbye to him?

We haven't created much of memories, because Claude stayed here for a few days and I did staying away from him, or a deep bond with each other but it is like we have been together for so long that it is hard to leave.

That is why I don't need my mate for now. I still have a lot of things to do more to myself and more to the palace I served my life on.