Marcus

Marcus

Damon's P O V

In the evening of the next day, I had my servant dress me up. Father and mother invited me to dinner with Betty's family. I know what they'll probably discuss.

I know they want me to get married to her as I've not found my mate. I also think she can become my queen even if she's not my mate.

After I was done dressing up, I went out to the car prepared for myself. Matthew was already waiting for me inside, he got out and held the door open for me to get in. He sat down beside me and ordered the driver to take off.

We drove for a short while before pulling over in front of the restaurant only made for the wealthy. It was built by my grandfather when he was still a king. I'm going to refurbish it once I become king.

Stepping out of the car, I buttoned up my shirt. Dad doesn't like anything that will cause embarrassment to him, he is a very harsh and straightforward man so I try to avoid him talking to me at every turn.

We were led to the only room my family prefers to use. The door of the room was opened and I got in to see everyone already seated there. Even Betty was sitting pretty there beside her father.

I know this marriage or agreement is only possible because Betty's father owns the second-largest pack here in California. He is second in command after my father, the king. And they fought side by side years ago when war broke out with other neighbouring countries.

"Son, you are here." Mom smiled. Mom is a very beautiful woman and she is also dad's fated mate. He found her when he was about 21 years old, then he was still a prince and she was living with her old father who was also an Alpha. She isn't an Alpha but she is really strong, she believes in fated and true mates.

"Mom," I called then moved to kiss her on the cheek.

"My prince," Betty called with her head lowered.

"Hi," I waved as I sat down beside my father who has a stern look on his face. I don't need to greet anyone else here.

"You arrived 2 minutes late, I've always told you that as a prince and as part of the royal family. You have to behave the way you want your subject to behave. I'm not getting younger Damon, if I leave the throne to you, are you sure to handle it well?" He sounds displeased.

"Haha, you don't have to be angry with him my friend, he is still learning, just as my daughter is always learning." Betty's father said.

Although he is Betty's father, I don't like him. Most times he tries to control me into doing things he wants which I don't do. I mean he has no fûcking right to tell me what and what not to do.

The only people I can obey in this world are my parents.

I heard father sigh.

"I apologize for his lateness on his behalf my good friend. So let's start," father told.

The door was opened and different dishes were brought in at once.

*

"So, how is it going to be? Are you going to engage her immediately?" Father asked.

I looked towards Betty who was staring at me with expectant eyes.

She's beautiful. Intelligent but she's spoilt, just like me. I know she is obsessed over me and I also kinda like her, but marrying her, can I?

I looked towards my father with a sigh.

"Father, can you give me some time to think about it?" I implored.

"Why? Are you not sure about her, do you have someone else in mind? Mind you, it is when you get married that I can hand the throne to you." Father reminded.

"I know, I just want to think about it first. Marriage is not a joke," I answered.

"Alright, I'm giving you just a week to make up your mind. Once you decide to marry her, get a ring and engage her. Then inform us about it so we can pick a good date." Father instructed.

"Yes, sir," I bowed slightly as I answered.

"Alright then. I hope you make a good decision." Betty's father fixed his gaze on me.

"I will,' I mumbled and watched as he stood up and left the room with my father.

Now it's just my mother, Betty and I.

"Son, do you have anything to discuss with me? You can talk to me," mother advised.

I turned to look at Betty, telling her to go outside with my eyes. She stood up and bowed to my mother before going out.

I turned back to mom.

"Mom, I want to understand the whole thing about mate. How does it feel to be with

your mate?" I inquired.

"Your mate?" She stared at me.

"Have you found your mate?" She gasped.

"No..no, I haven't. I'm just curious, in case I find her tomorrow." I mumble.

"Well, I've told you this before but seems you have forgotten. Firstly, her scent will be the only scent you'll come to love, it'll be the best scent ever. You'll fall in love with her scent and sometimes can't do without her scent.

Her scent is the first link.

Second is your wolf, your wolf will come out once it senses its mate out. He'll want to claim her, mark her and make her his. He'll be so eager to claim her, you won't even be able to control the wide urge and hunger for your mate." She deciphered.

I nodded as I absorbed everything she explained.

"Thank you. Thank you so much." I thanked.

"But is there any other thing I should know?" I probed.

"Well, yeah. When you have finally found your mate. And get close to her, when she gets hurt or in pain, you'll also feel it. You can mind link and connect with her at all times. You can read her thoughts. Those are the things you should know." She concluded.

I nodded again, trying to absorb everything.

"But Damon, tell me seriously, did you find your mate? Is that why you asked your father to give you some time to think?" Mom screened staring intensely at me.

"Mother, I promise you'll be the first to know once I find her. I just have a feeling that it won't be long before I finally find her." I reassured her.

"Alright, son." She smiled and hugged me.

*

"So, what does that mean, does it mean now that she is your mate?" Matthew asked.

"There is a fifty percent probability, Matt. I'm not so sure even till now." I tell.

"I thought we have concluded on this tho, whatever she did, she tricked you," Matt argued.

"I thought so too until yesterday when I saw her in my room cleaning, I didn't know she was there because her scent has been masked. I was surprised and annoyed to see her so I sent her out, I carried Betty to the bed to make out with her but couldn't proceed because my heart started hurting.

I'm so sure the pain didn't come from me. I'm so sure of it." I say.

"But how are you sure the pain came from her, how are you sure it's not part of her way to trick you? She might be a witch." Matthew asserted.

"She's not a witch," I grunted suddenly getting annoyed at him.

"Oh, I'm sorry but I don't want you getting hurt, man. It'll be dangerous for all of us if you get hurt. Maybe I should interrogate her on who she is, she doesn't smell wolf. What if she's a human?" Matt implied.

"I had her questioned yesterday. But you can also question her again. The other things my mom said aren't happening, I can't connect with her wolf at all, my wolf doesn't seem eager for her as well." I confessed.

"Alright. I'll do as you say once we get to the Palace."

Aria's P O V

Walking out of the sitting room and to the garden area, I lifted my bruised hand to stare at the injured area.

That Betty girl injured me and I don't know why it isn't healing. Werewolves heal faster than humans heal, why is my own so different? I'm not a human, I'm so sure of that.

The dreams I constantly have always show a younger vision of myself running through the woods at a speed of lighting but it's also strange because I didn't turn into a wolf, I only grew hairy and a lot more beautiful. It's still strange because I don't understand why I am like that there.

Maybe it's truly nothing.

"Hey," I cracked my head to look at the owner of the voice.

"Hi," I waved.

"Hey, I'm Marcus. Nice seeing you here." He gave me a kind smile.

"Same," I say and quickly turn to leave but he spoke up again.

"I've seen you a couple of times since you came here but I have not been chanced to speak to you. Hope you don't mind?" He implored.

"No, I...I don't mind." I turned to look at him.

"Won't you tell me your name?" He probe.

"I...I'm Aria," I introduced myself.

"Hi beautiful Ria, can I call you Ria?" He inquires and I shake my head.

"Okay, I'm pleased. So how long is your contract lasting, 4 years or?" He questions and I turn again to fully focus on him.

That's right, the crown prince mentioned that too.

"I thought we are to stay here forever." I probed.

"Uh..who told you that? The minimum years for a maid to stay here is 3 years, you are allowed to leave after 3 years." He smiled as he explained.

"Really?" I exclaimed.

Then why did that woman tell us that we aren't allowed to leave, why? I thought to myself.

"Is anything the matter?" He asked.

"No..no nothing, I...I didn't know anything about the contract. Please where can I find out the woman who handles the contract?" I asked.

"Oh, she isn't around now. She'll only come by when the recruitment of new maids and new guards starts." He clarified.

"Oh, really, and when will that be?" I asked yet again.

"I think 6 months from now. She'll be back, don't worry. I'll remind you when it's time." He gently smiled at me again.

I honestly don't know why he is being like this with me. I've never met a guy that smiles so much, it's making me a bit uncomfortable but at the same time I'm pleased.

"Okay, I'll go now, Ria. See you later." He turned back to leave but I stopped him.

"Wait."

"Are you..are you also a worker here?" I polled.

"Yes, I...I am a guard here and I'm a Beta." He introduced.

"So..how long will your contract also last?" I ask.

"5 years. 5 years from now. I've been working here for more than 10 years, but my contract will end in 5 years." He disclosed.

"Woah, it's been so long. That means you know a lot of things about the palace, don't you?" I asked him.

"Of course, I do. I know things most people don't know." He said and I nodded my head.

"Okay, see you later then."

"Bye," he smiled before finally disappearing.

He seems like a good guy. But...why did he approach me? It's the first time a Beta could walk up and start a conversation with me.

I'm kinda impressed. Maybe I've become more beautiful since I got here.

I mean, I eat three times a day, I think I added weight.

"Aria?! Aria?!" I turned at Lara's loud voice.

"What is it?" I inquired.

"The crown prince's beta is searching for you. What on earth have you done?" She gazed at me with wide eyes.