I slowly moved backward, crying internally and cursing every damn book I read about this mate stuff.

I thought a mate was like someone's soul mate and not some freaking maniac trying to kill me. I had sometimes fantasized about meeting my mate, and I thought it would be the most romantic experience ever.

Who was I fooling? The manic standing right in front of me was the perfect mate for a weirdo like me. But I wasn't going to stand around until he killed me.

His eye color suddenly became pitch black, and he advanced toward me, smiling like the maniac I called him. I spun on my heels to run out of the penthouse, running as my legs could carry me, but the door snapped shut before I could run outside.

I turned frantic and breathed heavily; he was standing behind me. I can't have him corner me; I made to move, and he held me against the wall.

I noticed that his eyes were not just pitch black but they were glittering, with mischief lurking in it. I tried to push him off, but it only made him move into my space more.

"Let go," I said. I tried to knee him in the nuts, but he held my leg with his.

"This is the end," I pitifully said to myself. If I knew I was only going to meet my end here, I would have lived more freely.

I felt life seeping away from me, he suddenly groaned and staggered back.

Released me, and I fell on my bum, crawling away from him while coughing so hard.

I looked up to see him clutching his heart while on one knee; his face was all red, and you could tell he was in a lot of pain.

I jerked off the floor, turning the door handle. I bolted out, ran without looking back for a second, got to the elevator, and kept on stabbing the button nonstop while stealing a glance behind me to make sure he hadn't caught up with me.

The door swished open, and I hurriedly went in, stabbing the button to close right back. My heart began racing when he stood up, still clutching his chest.

"Shit!" I exclaimed, stabbing the button more furiously. He staggered forward, his once-pitch black eyes now back to how they were before.

"Wait, please, don't go," he said calmly while advancing towards me. I was beginning to doubt if he was the same man who decided to kill me a few minutes ago.

He was almost at the door when the door closed, and I fell on my buttocks, breathing heavily. I hurried out of the elevator once the door open and made my way out of the damned hotel.

I pulled open the door and rushed outside. Hailed a cab and immediately got in while checking around.

I fished out my phone from the jacket I was putting on, and I screamed out when I noticed the screen was broken.

"Another expense when I don't have a job," I yelled out angrily, banging my hand on the chair.

"Is everything okay?" the driver asked, looking in the rear mirror.

"Yeah." I stuttered, clearing my throat.

"4325 Seneca street?"

"Yes, I will be getting off here," I replied. I got off from the car immediately, made to get money from my imaginary bag, and screamed.

I had dropped my bag while running from that monster.

The driver gave me a weird look, and I quickly searched my clothes in case I put a dollar in them.

"I don't have all day," he blurted out.

"Are you looking for this?" I heard someone say from behind, and my heart skipped a beat. I turned to see my bag dangling in his hands while smiling.

"Did he follow me?" I asked, shakingly looking at the man smirking.

"You left the hotel room in such a hurry," he said, smiling. The driver cleared his throat and I immediately understood what he was saying.

I grabbed the bag from him and paid the driver. "So this is where you stay, and you were clinging onto life as if you had anything to live for," he said, staring from me to the house in front of us.

"Get the hell away from me, or I will call the police," I yelled at him and ran into the house.

I climbed the staircase heading to my apartment. I fished the key out of the bag and opened the door. And was about to get in when a gush of wind blew past me.

The last time it happened, I was almost choked out in a hotel room. I quickly pulled out my phone and dialed 911.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you; I might have hesitated from killing you, but I wouldn't hesitate killing anyone that tries to arrest me, and their blood will be in your hands," I heard him say from my apartment.

"Hello, thank you for calling 911. How may we help you?" I heard a lady's voice from the other end of the phone.

I quickly hung up and shoved the phone back into my jacket.

"Good, now come have a seat," he said, then pulled out a seat for me.

I walked into my apartment, not sure I was going to walk out alive. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw him seated comfortably on my couch.

I could think of a thousand curses to haul at him, but I know better. Even though he acts cool, the guy is a walking time bomb.

"Please, let me go. I promise no one will ever find out I am your mate. I will leave the city if you want, please," I begged. If there is one thing Mom taught me, it is to choose your enemies wisely.

He instantly jerked off the couch, paced a few times, and suddenly stopped.

"It's stupid enough that the moon goddess matched us, and I can't kill you without hurting myself; that is even crazier, but I won't be stupid to let you out of my sight." His eyes suddenly became pitch black like before in his penthouse, before he went all maniac on me.

I moved back gently, praying he wouldn't lose control again. He smirked, and his eyes color changed back to the normal color. Maybe I am the crazy one to think two different eye colors are anything normal.

"I promise you, I won't tell a soul that I am your mate; I don't even know you."

"But you do; besides, what if you decide to go looking for trouble like you did today and get yourself killed?"

"But they won't know that I am your mate. So how is that any of your business?"

"You must be as dumb as you look; if anyone kills you, they weaken me. Great, now I have to babysit you all the time." he announced gently massaging his fore head.

I was speechless, wondering what the fuck was going on. I remembered reading something like that in one of the editions of the Wolf dictionary, but I thought it was just one of those stupid folklores, now that he is repeating it,

"I.... "

The door quickly flew open, and two tall guys walked in. They weren't humans, judging by their scents, but I had no idea what business they had in my room.

"Pack up your stuff; you're going with me," he blurted out, getting off the couch. He stretched his hand, and one of the men who had walked in earlier opened the file he was holding and handed him a piece of paper.

"Sign this, bring it with you downstairs; I can't spend another minute here," he got up, staring at the room like he was looking at garbage, then walked out.

While the men stood guard at the door, one was inside, staring at me like a zombie.

I picked up my suitcase and packed up a few of my essentials. I went through the paper, and my mouth fell open while reading through the contract.

"I will be dead rather than sign it," I said and got up. I pulled open the bathroom door, and he followed me immediately.

"You are going to watch me do my business in the bathroom also?" he sighed then looked and moved back.

"Don't pull a fast one on me," he warned.

I nodded and went into the bathroom. Turning the water on, I opened the window and gently climbed it. Thank God my apartment was on the first floor. I landed on the small balcony facing the other street.

I pulled down one of the iron staircases stacked at the corner of the building; it didn't go all the way down, and I jumped off.

I had always hated the stupid old building while living here, but right now I can't tell you how happy I am.

I landed on my butt. I quickly jerked off the ground and turned to run, but I slammed into a rock.

I felt butterflies in my stomach, just like I felt when I was with Mr. Reed.

I looked up slowly, and there he was, scowling at me. I tried to move backward, then he grabbed me and pulled me up. The place he was touching was tingling; I felt goosebumps all over, and my wolf kept purring at the back of my head, asking me to kiss him.

"I remember telling you to go get your bag so we could leave. So, what are you doing now? Answer me?" He growled out.

"I..." I kept stammering.

"So infuriating," he said, then grabbed me by the throat and fused his mouth to mine.

His other hand went to my back, squeezing it. I had never been kissed in my life, but if this was how it felt, I wanted it every damn minute, I I felt him sucking everywhere and his hands on my ass were massaging it.

My hand went to his neck, and he pulled me up into his hands, still kissing. His mouth licked a wet trail to my neck, nipping my neck. His tongue was going to my breast when someone coughed.

"What is it, Liam?" he asked while still holding me.

My face was flaming, so I buried it in his shirt. I could not believe I was kissing a man in the alley.

Hold up, shut the front door. Did I just say a man? I mean a monster that tried killing me earlier today.

"What did I just do?" I exclaimed, jumping off his hands and cleaning off my lips with the back of my hands.

He shot me a glance, ignored me, and turned his gaze at the guy who gave him the contract earlier.

"We are ready to leave Alpha; her bag is already in the car," he said.

"Good."

"He is an Alpha." I heard my wolf whispering, feeling all giddy, but I didn't share the same feeling with her.

"No wonder the aura he exudes." I thought to myself,

"Time to go. Your bag is in the car," he said, and he started dragging me.

"This is kidnapping, and I won't let you take me." I did not finish what I was saying when he lifted me off the ground, throwing me like some sack over his shoulders.

"Let me go!" I yelled while kicking and hitting him hard, but it was like, I was hitting some rock.

"Damn it!" he yelled. I guess I was getting on his nerves. He set me down, still holding onto me. He shook me a little bit, and I began feeling dizzy. It felt like the stress of today was trying to catch up with me. The more I fought to keep my eyes open the more I lost consciousness saw.

I heard him saying something, chuckling dryly, and then he lifted off the ground again.

I wanted to call him a psychopath, but I could not talk; my mouth felt heavy and my eyes closed.

***

When I woke up, I heard the sound of someone. I groaned, then pushed up. I did not know where I was, but the room smelled of money. The bed was extra soft, and the decor was fit for royalty. I was lost for a second, wondering if I had moved to another time in space.

When I looked up, I saw a large portrait of Mr. Reed, I was wondering why that lunatic picture was staring back at me when I remembered what happened

. I put two and two together, and then I instantly knew we were back at the penthouse.

"He kidnapped me!" I yelled, realizing that I was being locked up in this room without my consent.

"This is against the law!" I screamed, banging on the door.

"Let me out!" I yelled out, still banging on the door, but there was still no response. I heard no one outside the door, and I began imagining a lot of things. Since he didn't want anyone to know I was his mate, maybe he locked me away to die in here.

I nearly started to cry, but then I remembered that if I died, he would get weak, so I dried my tears.

I was still lost in thought when I heard a knock on the door, and I hurried back to the bed, but not before grabbing a glass that I saw on the table for safety.

The door revealed a middle-aged woman who started to smile as soon as she saw me. I sighed in relief.

"How do you feel?"

"Great, I mean, I was kidnapped, drugged, and locked in here. I feel so wonderful," I said, smiling awkwardly while still looking at her.

"That's good to hear, Are you hungry? Do you like beef noodle soup?"

My stomach growled immediately when I heard her mention food, forgetting my predicament. "Yes."

"Then come to the dining room and eat, Luna. The Alpha said, To make sure that you eat."

I looked at her in surprise, then remembered the contract guy called him Alpha: "My name is Anabella, not Luna, and where is your Alpha?"

"He went home, Luna; I can't address you by your name."

"What! Where is home? He can't keep me locked in here forever, will he?" I asked her.

"Home, at Celestial Pack, he is the Alpha King, and as such, there was something that required his attention."

"What, and when will he be back?" I asked.

She shrugged. "I don't know, but I have everything ready for you. Would you prefer to take your bath or would you eat dinner first?"

"Hold, he is not just an Alpha, but he is the Alpha fucking king!" I screamed out, and she looked at me weirdly. I guess my language offends her, but I don't fucking care right now.

For fucks sake, the messed-up maniac is the Alpha King? It now explains why he was pissed off that he was mated to me. I fell on the bed, looking into the space.

"Is everything okay?" the middle-aged woman asked.

"Dinner, I will have dinner; I haven't eaten for so long," I said, then stood up, pretending I was okay.

"What is your name?" I asked her.

"My name is Ana, Luna. Please sit." She pointed at the chair.

Everything about this place screamed luxury; I didn't get a better glimpse of the place when I came the first time. The table was made of silver glass, which was so beautiful. There were three golden buffets at the end of the table. The plates were not the kind I had ever seen anywhere before.

Maybe it's strictly made for the Alpha King. What was I expecting? He dominated the human world with his companies and chains of hotels.

The Forbes listed him as one of the most influential men in the world.

There was no picture of him, as such, no one knew what the mysterious Reed looked like. I thought he would be an old, sickly man. He was wise to hide, though, to preserve the image the public had of him because if he interacted with people more, no one would want to have anything to do with such a monster.

I wonder how humans would react when they found out that one of the most influential men is a supernatural being and not a human.

She dished my food and then brought it to me. It smelled so delicious that I wanted to dig in, but then I remembered.

"Sorry to ask this. How do I know that it isn't poisoned?" I asked. Don't blame me; blame the bastard in the portrait staring at me.

She grabbed a spoon, said, "If you do not mind," and ate two spoons from it.

I started eating the noodles while trying to get information out of her, but she was very tight-lipped. Maybe he had threatened to kill her too; if she breathed a word to me.

"What is the alpha like?" I told her I wasn't going to give up so easily.

"Like every other Alpha," she answered.

"What is every other alpha like?" I have never been to any pack; as a matter of fact, I have only met a few wolves, which were my mom's friends.

"How long have you been working here, and how come there is no one here but you?" I asked.

"I don't recall how long, but it's been a long time, and the Alpha prefers it that way," she said.

"What of the door? Do you have the key to it, and can you get me out of this place?" I begged.

She glanced at me like I wasn't speaking the language she understood.

"Please stop, Luna; I can't help you escape."

I was just being selfish and unreasonable; I was not sure if he wouldn't hesitate to kill her if she helped me.

I stopped asking her questions and finished my food in silence. She grabbed took away the plates.

"Can you show me around?"

"If you want Luna but only the inside, the Alpha doesn't want you outside."

It was on the tip of my tongue to protest and ask her to take me outside as well, but I remembered I was only going to put myself in danger and decided not to. Even if they did take me outside, I have a feeling it would be heavily guarded since I tried escaping earlier.

It's not like I could jump off the building; it's a fucking penthouse.

"Of course," I said, and she went on to show me the main room, two other rooms, a mini library, the swimming room, a small cinema for just two people, and a mini gym. He pointed at his office. I had no idea a penthouse had that much.

There wasn't much to see, but I was kind of impressed with the ones she showed me.

When we were done, I went into the room I was locked in earlier. After grabbing two books from the library, I wanted to dive right in and divulge them, but I decided to bathe before the Alpha came back. I have no idea where that maniac was sleeping, but I don't want a repeat of what happened in the alley.

I got naked since I was alone and started searching for my towel and phone, but I couldn't find them anywhere in the room, not even in my bag I saw on a couch.

I wrapped my body in the sheets and stepped out of the room.

"Ana, I'm looking for my phone."

"The Alpha King took it; he said he would give it back if you behaved, Luna." She said, my grip on the sheets tightened, and I wanted to murder him.

He was scared his threats wouldn't get to me, and I ended up calling the police.

"Bastard," I cursed under my breath.

"Can I at least get a towel?" I asked her, pissed off.

"Yes, Luna," she replied, hastily disappearing into one of the other rooms.

"Here," she said, giving me a towel. I went back into the room and put back the sheets. I went into the bathroom, dropped the towel on a hanger, and turned on the shower.

Memories of the kiss we shared in the alley filled my mind, but I quickly shoved it aside, sticking my head in the shower as water trickled down my body.

I heard the bathroom door open, and I turned, facing a naked Alpha King.

I was lost for words while trying to figure out what was going on in his head.

"He is freaking naked," I gasped internally, my eyes almost bulging out of the socket.

"You!" he growled like he was staring at a disgusting sight. Before I couldn't say a word, the lights went off. We were both standing in the darkness, but wolves are blessed with night vision. But seems like a curse right now.

I quickly snapped out of it, and grabbing the bathing robe hanging at the corner, I maneuvered my way out of the bathroom. While he stared, I didn't so much as glance in his direction.

I sat on the bed breathing heavily, but the moment I heard him squeeze the door handle, I dashed out of the room.

I don't think I can handle another breath-stopping episode again. Pressing my back to the door, I was working on steadying my racing heart.

My wolf fighting to take control, but I wouldn't let it. The last thing I want is a repeat of the episode at the alley.

I heard his footsteps heading towards the door.

And I grabbed the handle.

"What are you doing?" I heard his deep voice from the other end of the door.

I didn't think I could face him yet, and I didn't want to piss him off either. But I was doing a bad job on the latter.

I was still holding the door handle when I felt someone touch me from behind.

I gasped and turned around frantically to see a slender-looking lady standing behind me; my brows furrowed the moment I smelled Mr. Reed's scent on her.

My wolf growled. I was still trying to figure things out. Mr. Reed walked out; he was loosely tying a white towel. His chest was bare, tanned, hot, and enticing.

"What are you still doing here?" He blurted out,

"Kane, Come on, it wouldn't kill you to have some fun," the slender lady said, grabbing his hand and leaning her head on his shoulder.

"No! Snap her head," I heard my wolf growl, but I knew better than to charge at her.

"Why did he let her touch him like that?" I whispered under my breath.

"Please..... It's my birthday, for me, please..." She made baby faces at him.

"Your majesty, dinner is served," Ana announced, bowing her head before she turned to leave.

"Ana, what was she doing in my bathroom?" He pointed at me.

I felt my stomach churn in disgust; he didn't just refer to me as she.

"She..." Ana stuttered.

"You didn't!" He scowled and hurriedly went inside, pulled open the door to the walk-in closet to see my bag stacked in the corner.

"You asked me to show her to a room. I thought as your mate, it's only ideal you stay toget..…"

"Ana!"

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty, I will get it done...." She stammered and hurriedly went inside to get my bags.

I stood there watching the entire drama, my hands clenched into a fist. I wanted to punch him, but what did I expect from my so-called mate?

He tried killing me the very minute he realized who I was.

The slender lady gave me a condescending look, grinning as she walked past me, entering the room the minute Ana stepped out with the last bag.

He walked back inside, not sparing me a glance as he shut the door.

"Luna, let me show you to your room," Ana smiled at me.

I wanted to bite her head off for calling me Luna but decided to let it go.

I headed into the room next to Mr. Reed's; it wasn't as luxurious as the first room, but compared to my room at my apartment, it was beautiful.

Ana stacked up my bags in the wardrobe while I sat on the bed.

"Luna, you should come out for dinner...."

"I'm fine, Ana. I want to rest now." I quickly cut her off. To think she would even suggest I eat with Kane and his whore—is she that clueless, or does she just want to get on my nerves?

I lay on the bed fuming with anger when I heard them leaving the penthouse.

I couldn't help but imagine the two backed into a corner, tearing at each other's clothes.

I kept on tossing and turning on the bed, till I dozed off.

* * *

I woke up the next morning with bags under my eyes; I looked more like a ghost than an actual human being.

They must have slept out because I didn't hear them get in yesterday.

I didn't want to spend another second in here, or I might lose my senses. To think that whore locked me in here only to go frolicking with his slut.

I hurriedly brushed, took my bath, and picked out a dress from the wardrobe.

Did a light makeup to cover up the evidence of staying awake half of the night?

Picking out a bag and shoes to match, I dashed out of the room. I saw Ana in the kitchen cooking. I glanced at the entrance door, and it was slightly ajar.

"Good morning Lu..…" The words caught up in her mouth the moment she noticed I was all dressed up. Sneaking past the door.

I ignored her and made my way out, I quickly stabbed the elevator button.

"No...No," she screamed, heading towards me.

The door swishes open, and I hurriedly step inside. I stab it one more time, and it swishes closed before she can get to me.

I sighed in relief. I wasn't going to spend another minute with that whore. To think he was my first kiss. Made me sick in my stomach.

Immediately the elevator chimed, the door pulled open, and that whore was standing in front of the elevator.

I couldn't move; the smirk on his face sent chills down my spine.

"Going somewhere?" he asked with amusement on his face. He slowly walked into the elevator and pressed the button, the door sealed shut.

"I...I"

"Why do you continue to defy me?"

My heart skipped a beat, wondering if this would be my end. I grabbed the dress I was wearing. While putting on a bold face to mask my fear.

Immediately we were back in the penthouse. We met Ana on the floor, bawling her eyes out. I guess she understands her fate since she lost me. I felt guilty for making her cry, but I had to get away from him.

She jerked off the floor at the sight of me and Mr. Reed.

"Ah....."

"Follow me," he spat out, ignoring Ana.

He pulled open the door of his study, and I quickly followed him in.

He didn't offer me a seat, and I didn't bother sitting either.

He picked up a file on the desk and a pen.

"Sign this," he said, placing the file on the table. Without being told, I knew it was the damned contract again. There is no running from this hellhole if I sign that.

But if I should stay, it will be on my terms, not his.

"I get to keep working."

"What?"

"If you get to keep your whores, I get to keep working," I spat out, looking him dead in the eyes.

He smirked, came closer, and ran his fingers through my hair, taking in my scent.

"Jealous much?" I could swear he was enjoying my misery. But I wouldn't give him the satisfaction he craves.

"You wish, no touching; you should include that in the contract too."

He smiled and grabbing the paper, he tore it in half and tossed it in the waste bin.

"Sit," he said, firing on the laptop to make some adjustments.

"I'm fine," I said, struggling to keep a bold face.

Within a couple of minutes, he was done and printed out the new contract.

I went through it, and satisfied, I signed it.

" Since we are done, I should return to work now." I turned almost immediately, clutching my bag tightly, fighting hard not to crash.

"Only if you have a job to return to." I stopped in my tracks the moment I heard him.

"What? thought you were fired yesterday." He walked casually to the chair to sit.

That was when it hit me: I came up here because that bastard fired me.

"Shit!" I forgot about it; I should have included that in the contract before Isigned it.

"He played me," I whispered to myself.

But I wasn't going to back down now.

"You can fix it, if you want to," I reminded him.

"If I want to..." I knew what this whore was playing at. He gave in knowing I had no job to get back to, but I won't give in yet, not without a fight.

"Fine, I guess I have to go hunting for a new job. I wonder which of your enemies I would run into." I made a sad face and left.

When he didn't call me back, I felt defeated, although I was still proud of myself for standing up to him, even when I was scared. But I lost in the end.

I decided to go back to the office to clear my desk and say goodbye to my colleagues.

Immediately I stepped inside the office, I heard voices at Mark's office, then the door was pushed open and two security staff were dragging Mark out of the office with the hotel manager standing at the corner.

In a matter of minutes, they cleared out his desk. I was still trying to figure out what was happening when the hotel manager handed me a letter. While apologizing for any inconveniences caused before leaving.

I tore the envelope open, and the moment my eyes rested on the content of the letter, I froze.