Chapter 1

Mason's POV

It has been seven years since I went abroad to study. To be honest, I didn't really want to come back, but I had to because duty calls. It's not like I don't want to be an Alpha, it's just that I want my freedom. It's boring running a pack, all those responsibilities, too bad I'm an only son.

If only I had a younger brother, I would have relinquished my duties and continued staying in America. There is only one thing that excites me though; finding my mate, I'm sure my parents invited all unmated girls from our surrounding packs just to find my Luna. I'm turning eighteen tonight, so if all goes according to the goddess, I'm sure I will find her today.

I bet she will be gorgeous and to my liking, I mean I like my women tall and slender. I smile looking at myself in the side mirror, if I look like this then imagine my mate, she will be ten times attractive. I can't wait to have her in my arms.

Zahra, my girlfriend, stirs up in my arms bringing me out of my thoughts. I look at her pretty round face, her beautiful arms around mine as her head is laid on the side of my arms. Her beautiful blonde curly hair always turning me on. I guess I fell for her hair first. It's weird but that's me, Mason Wilder.

Zahra has always been by my side, so being my girlfriend came naturally. We just found ourselves fooling around with each other. I didn't ask her out, nor ask her to be my girlfriend, it just happened. I couldn't push her away cause a man gotta eat some... You know what I mean. I'm an Alpha so my blood is always hot.

My chosen Beta Raphael is with us as well.

“We are almost there, Mason.” Raphael announces. Despite being so close, Raphael has always respected me, he has never crossed the line with me and that's why I picked him. Because I need someone I can push over whenever I want. I require a loyal dog and that's him. I could have selected for James, but of course he is way too talkative, so I made him third in command; my Gamma.

“You can get out now, driver.” I order the old man driving us, he sure is old he needs to be replaced soon. I mean how can they be reckless to let an old man drive their Alpha. I will have a word with mum the moment I settle. I think I will make Raphael the driver for the meantime. Who else can do that job better except him. I mean he is my human shield. He will protect me with his own life if danger arises. Come to think of it, being an Alpha isn't that bad. I will just have to adapt.

I order Raphael to take over, as I said earlier he doesn't oppose me so he takes the driver's seat despite being tired. Our flight took almost nineteen hours, I bet he is exhausted but my word is the law, so he obeys.

I just want to get home, refresh, enjoy my party, meet my mate and enjoy the night together with her.

“Babe, I hope I'm your mate, as you know we are only hours old apart.” Zahra says when Raphael takes over. I just nod, to be honest, I don't see myself with her for the rest of my life. “Babe?” She speaks a bit louder when I don't answer her ridiculous question.

“What?” I answer impatiently.

“You can show a bit of excitement to what I said, or do I not fit to be your mate.” She asks. See, this is what I hate, she nags.

“Don't start with me please Zahra.” I push her off me. "I'm tired." I turn away from her, pretend to sleep. I hear her sighing.

“We are here, Mason.” Raphael announces again. I open my eyes and the beautiful scenery greets me. Nadine-west pack is breathtaking. It's green with all the natural resources present. I roll down the window and the fresh air fans my face.

The city still looks the same though, nothing much has changed. I can see the mansion from where I'm sitting, it's in the middle of the city, it's the biggest building so of course no one can miss it. The sun is setting beautifully behind it, the music can be heard from here. As we approach the vast gate, I see alot of guards standing in two lines they are all armed and their eyes are on us. The car passes in between them, as they bow in respect.

The party decorations start from the gate. Well, I'm not really interested in them, I only want to meet her, my mate so that I can ditch this nagging b***h.

Two guards step forward as the car pulls up at the parking lot. I see my mum running towards us with her arms open.

"My son." She opens the door with all her enthusiasm pulling me into her arms. She visited me in the states every chance she got. But still I miss her.

"Mom." I circle my hands around her, and sigh, I missed her so much.

"Have you been well." She asks leading me towards the mansion completely ignoring my company. I can hear Zahra's prickling heels following me behind. I look around but I don't see any ladies around, the party must be in the field.

"Yes mom I have, where is dad?" I ask when I don't see him around.

"He had a meeting to attend so he couldn't make it but he will be with us soon." She explains smiling. "You just need to freshen up, then come down so that you can have some dinner. Then I will take you to your welcome back party. I bet you can't wait to be there." She winks. She knows me too well. I just smile and kiss her cheek. I love my mom so much, I can do anything just for her.

"Let me take you to your room." She adds.

"No need mom, I don't want to tire you with the stairs. Just wait for me at the dining room I'll be there in twenty minutes." She nods.

I take the stairs to my room, looking back I see Zahra standing at the door looking all mad. Why doesn't she go to her house? I don't see Raphael he must have gone home. I'll check on him later.

As I'm ascending the stairs to the first floor, a foreign scent hits my nostrils. A faint alluring scent, warm, rich and earthy with a hint of sweetness. My heart beats so fast, my body seems to work on its own.

'Mate.' My wolf screams in my head. How come, I'm not yet eighteen. I have a few more hours.

I don't really care, I run towards her, with each step the scent grows more intoxicating. My whole body is shivering, I can't contain myself, the push inside me is too strong. I want her already before even setting my eyes on her.

I stop in my tracks as I see a tiny woman, wide eyes, unkempt hair, small lips and her face so plain looking at me. I've never seen such an unattractive woman before. And what is she wearing?

'Mate?' It comes from her mouth, she looks surprised.

What the f*ck! That's when it dawns me, she is my mate? This ugly woman? No way, it must be a joke or something of that sort.