Chapter 1

I could feel a smile on my face as I woke up today. It was my birthday and also the day I would finally meet my mate. Many times, I wondered how people found their mates. I had imagined it would be under the moon, with lots of family members cheering for us. Then the Alpha would call us in, me and my mate and we would kiss each other while the others applauded us.

“Wake up from your dream.” I urged myself, then laughed. It was going to be a good day, I could feel it in my bones. I went to the bathroom and I made sure to brush properly, many times in case I had to kiss my mate.

I tidied up my room very quickly because I had to make breakfast for Mother and Cassandra. I took the framed picture of my father, smiled at it and then told him what today was.

“Dad, today is the day finally.” I was literally dancing, the way a new bride dances on her wedding day even though there was no music, just the one playing in my head.

“Did something happen?” It was Mother, she was standing at my door, watching me.

“Mother, how long have you been standing there?” I asked her.

“What are you doing? Aren't we going to have breakfast?” She asked me. She didn't look happy, not that she had ever been happy with me though, I just didn't let it bother me.

“I'm sorry, Mum. I'll be down in a giffy.” I replied and quickly tidied up my room. I must have been carried away by my excitement that I didn't know what time it was.

“Better.” She responded and went downstairs. She was my step mother whom I loved so much and Cassandra, my step sister who was older than me with a year.

We shared everything together since my father married her mother. We became one family and tried to help each other. It was hard for me because I was left to do most of the house chores because, according to them, I was the last child. I didn't complain but did everything I could to make our family grow and be happy.

I rushed downstairs at the speed of light and attended to my chores. I washed and cleaned the dishes from last night, cleaned the kitchen sparkling white and made breakfast. Scrambled eggs, they were my favorite.

When I was done, mother and Cassandra were already waiting to be served.

“Should we wait for you till we die before we can get good food served to us?” Cassandra asked, currently in one of her messed up moods.

“I'm sorry.” I responded and continued humming my songs. It was a song my mother also sang for me on my every birthday untill she died.

“I need water.” Cassandra ordered. She sat comfortably not willing to move or stand.

“You can stand to get the water, Cassandra. I'm serving mother's food at the moment.” I responded and It didn't come as a shock to them. They knew I was an outspoken girl and wouldn't let someone step on me.

“Stubborn” was the word to describe me.

I could see how she stared deadly at me while waiting for mother to stand up for her. Mother said nothing in response so after waiting, she walked while mumbling to the kitchen, to get a can of water.

We ate quietly for a few minutes before mother cleared her throat.

“Amelia, I need you to work harder at the warehouse. The people your father owe are asking for their money and making demands that I sell this house and pay them.”

“What?” I and Cassandra gasp in unison.

“That can't happen, mother. This house can't be sold.” She looked around with a dissatisfied look. “Even though this house is old, it's still better than the rat hole we came from.”

“That's why we should work hard.” Mother responded.

What they meant was “I” need to work harder than I already was. I was going to do that, if it means saving this house which my parents built with their sweat and blood. The house and the factory was the only inheritance I had which reminded me of my parents, I couldn't bear to lose them.

“Mother, what should we do? I need to live in this house to maintain my status in this park.” She was whining.

“Your status?” I asked, quite curious.

“I know you'll not understand but this house is one of the biggest houses in the park even though it's old. So because I live here, most people see me as a high society girl and I can't lose that. My self respect is at risk, mother. Do something please.”

That was all that mattered to her. Self respect!

“That's why we all need to work hard, increase the hours we spend at the warehouse to increase profit.” Mother responded.

“Mother, spending more hours at the warehouse won't increase sales, instead it'll wear us down. Why don't we get a manager that'll see to the affairs of the warehouse..”

“When did you learn business?” Mother interrupted me.

“I'm sorry.” I apologized. “I was only trying to make a suggestion.”

“Your suggestion doesn't matter.”

“Mum, I'll be off to go see Alpha Lycan, we have a meeting at the river bank.”

“That's actually nice.” Mother replied.

“Mother, you just said we should all work harder at the warehouse.” I glanced at Mother, eating the last bit of the scrambled eggs on my plate.

“She'll come later on.” Mother responded, obviously not happy that I was boldly challenging her decisions.

“Alright. You heard mother, Cassandra.” I picked up everyone's plate to the kitchen since Cassandra was also too big to wash her plates.

I was not going to let the horrible mood of anyone spoil my birthday. None of them remembered that it was my birthday and I didn't bother to remind them. It was difficult leaving with both of them especially when both of them are always against me but it was my father that taught me to stand up for myself and not let anyone intimidate me.

I carried my basket and headed for the factory warehouse where I would work for the whole day and still not get any rest when I got home. Today was different. It was my birthday so I decided to treat myself.

I followed the long route to the warehouse, the route that passed through the river. I would get the chance to stop at the market, talk to the birds, sing and dance as freely as I want.

Strangely and suddenly, It seemed like a strong force pushed me along. My wolf suddenly got excited.

“What's the problem?” I asked.

“Mate.” It screamed and didn't say much again.

“Where?” I was dragged again, as I ran through the forest with my basket still in hand. “What's happening?”

“Mate! Mate!”

I stopped abruptly, I turned to see my sister Cassandra and Alpha Sebastian kissing by the river.

Was he my mate? Alpha Sebastian?