The day dawned heavy with gray clouds and a promise of storms, but Athena had barely registered the weather. Today was supposed to be special, her eighteenth birthday, the day the Moon goddess would allow her sense her fated mate the one destined to be hers.

Instead, she was handed a list of double chores by madame Ysolde before the sun had even risen.

"Since you've proven yourself so forgetful." Ysolde sneered " let see if hard-work will shake the foolishness inside your head."

Her tasks began immediately.

First, she was ordered to the laundry hall, where of the mountains of the garments, noble cloaks, soiled linens, even royal hunting leathers, awaited her.

The steaming cats of water burned her arms red as she scrubbed and rung out fabrics one by one. Her fingers stung from the soap, her wrist ached.

Next, she was sent to the garden terraces, where she spent hours kneeling on sharp gravel, pruning the thrones of the late queens private gardens. She pricked herself a dozen times, her blood mixing with dirt as she worked in silence.

After that, she was made to clean the bathroom floors, all four of them alone. Her knees were raw by the end, her arms were trembling from scrubbing the polished black marbles. She could barely lift the bucket.

Still, no one offered her water. No one asked if she'd eaten.

The only acknowledgment for her birthday came in passing whispers, a few kitchen girls who noticed her eyes glowing faintly with the promise of a coming mate. But they said nothing. There was no celebration. No hug. No rest.

Just... work.

------

Mid afternoon...

   Later that day, as she carried fresh linens through the west corridor, the sound of heels echoed against the polished floors.

One of the maids whispered." She's here. Lady Celeste, daughter of Alpha Eric of Nothern peaks."

Athena turned a corner, and there she was, Celeste. Regal, tall with long wavy dirty blonde hair braided down her back and eyes like frost.

Dressed in pale blue silk embroidered moonstone threads she looked like she belonged in a fairytale.

Athena offered a pilot bow as she passed.

Celeste stopped. "You-maid."

Athena turned "Yes, my lady?"

Celeste tilted her head, studying her. "You've served here for long?"

"Yes."

Her tone was neutral, but Celeste's next question cut deeper than Athena expected.

"Do you know if Prince Lucian has a favorite flower? Or color? I wish to make a favorable impression."

Athena's heart twisted not in jealousy, but in something sharper. Still she kept her expression calm.

"I wouldn't know, my lady."

Celeste stared at her a moment longer and gave a dismissive smile then walked off, her silk trailing like mist, behind her.

Athena stood for a heartbeat.

Then she carried on. Silent. Focused.

------

By the time the sky turned purple and the palace lit its braziers for nightfall, Athena was tired with exhaustion. Her body ached, her body screamed and her stomach rumbled.

  But just as she was finishing her last errand, one of the maid girls. Melina. Tapped her arm and smiled gently.

"I saved you a slice." She whispered.

She handed Athena a wrapped cloth containing vanilla honey cake baked that morning for a nobles celebration. It was barely the size of her palm, but it glistened with sweet glaze.

Athena's eyes softened. "Thank you." She said quietly.

She didn't eat it then.

Instead, she tucked it away and made her way through the servants hall to the old maids cottage,hidden just behind the west wall.

------

The warmth of the fire greeted her first followed by the scent of lavender and old wood.Mara, the retired maid who had trained Athena since she was a newborn, opened the door before she could knock.

"My sweet girl." She gasped, pulling her in. "Look at you. Stars. You've grown."

Athena laughed tiredly and placed the cloth on the table. " I brought something. Nothing much but..."

"Cake? For us?" Mara gasped

Athena nodded "For my birthday."

The old woman's eyes misted immediately "Of course... today is the day."

They sat beside the hearth, sharing the tiny piece of cake with reverence. Afterward Mara lit a small candle and pulled Athena's hands into hers.

"Let us pray to the Moon goddess." She whispered.

Together they closed their eyes, head bowed.

"Bless my child. Moon Mother, Bless her with a mate of Kindness. A wolf with a noble soul. A protector. A true companion. Let her be loved and cherished... not because she is beautiful, but because her spirit is rare."

A tear slid down Mara's cheek. She reached forward and cupped Athena's face.

"My baby has grown into a woman."

She kissed both her cheeks, then pulled her close into a soft warm hug. Athena held her close, heart full.

And then-

A loud knock ponded on the door.

They startled.

Mara quickly stood, limping slightly as she opened it.

A palace guard stood under the moonlight, torchlight glinting off his armor.

"Athena of the palace kitchens?" He asked

"Yes?"

"You are summoned. By Prince Lucian himself."

Mara paled "What for? What has she done wrong?"

The guard shook his head "We weren't told. Only that the Prince doesn't like to wait."

Athena's heart jumped in her chest.

She stood slowly. Nerves swirling. "I'll go."

Mara gripped her hand tightly " Child... be careful."

Athena offered a soft smile " I'll be fine. I promise."

------

The corridors to the Royal wing were dark, lined with classy lights and velvet drapes. The guards led her to a familiar tall double door carved with a sigil of the royal house. A crescent moon and a wolfs head howling skyward.

They knocked once.

A deep voice called from within. The sound sent shivers down her spine."Enter."

They pushed the door and Athena walked In alone.

The scent hit her.

Dark chocolate with fresh wine.

It was intoxicating. Heavy. Addicting. Her knees nearly buckled from the intensity of it.

And then she saw him.

Prince Lucian.

Standing at the far end of the room, dressed in loose black tunic, his hair unbound, falling past his broad naked shoulders in dark waves. His blue eyes were Locked on her. Intense. He eyed her body hungrily.

She froze.

His chest rose and fell, nostrils flaring as if he could smell her. But not the way she could.

And then a voice deep within Athena blurted out through her lips.

"MATE."

Lucian moved in a flash in front of her. He grabbed her by her waist and pulled her flush against himself.

Before she could even gasped he sealed her lips with a deep, long, hungry kiss.

Prince Lucian held Athena close, his hand firm around her waist, the other gently cupping her jaw. His lips met hers in a kiss that deepened with urgency. At first, Athena melted into it, heart pounding, but then she hesitated there was something off.

  She pulled back slightly, breathing heavily and her brows drew together. A strong unmistakable scent wafted off him.

"You've been drinking." She said quietly, her eyes scanning his face. His pupils were slightly dilated, cheeks flushed.

Lucian leaned in again, reaching for her, but Athena stepped back.

"I said your drunk." She repeated firmer this time.

He scoffed, stumbling softly as he tried to follow her retreat. "I'm not." He muttered, but his words were just a bit too blurred, his stance just a bit too unsteady.

Athena's gaze flickered to the side. On the ornate table by the hearth sat a half empty bottle of strong amber liquor. Her heart sank.

"Prince Lucian..." she whispered, disappointment lingering in her chest.

When he tried to get close again, she caught his arm and gently ushered him toward the bed. He resisted at first, insisting he was fine, but eventually relented, swaying.

The moment she let go, he collapsed onto the mattress, one hand reaching lazily for her wrist, but she slipped out of his grasp just in time.

Within seconds, his breathing evened, his features softened, and he fell into a deep, dreamless slumber.

Athena stood over him, sorrow swimming in her eyes. So this was how the Fates chose to reveal her mate to her, drunk, unaware and unable to see her for who she truly was.

She went to the bathroom and got a basin filled with water. She dipped a towel into the basin and quietly began to clean his face, brushing away the sweat and the remnants of the night lost to drink.

Her fingers moved with care, but her heart ached with every motion. And when she finished, she tucked the blanket over him and stepped away.

He hadn't recognized her.

Did he even know she had been there?

------

The old wooden door creaked open as Athena slipped inside, wrapping her cloak tighter around her.

   The fire was still warm from the hearth, casting flickering shadows on the stone walls. The scent of herbs and soap lingered in the air, a comforting contrast to the princes chamber.

The old maid looked up from her knitting, eyes narrowing with concern.

"Child. What is it? Your as pale as death."

Athena hesitated for only a moment before whispering. "It's him. I saw him tonight. The Prince. He's my mate."

The maid gasped, the yarn slipping from her fingers.

" Hush!" She hissed quickly standing up and checking the doors and windows. " By the spirits girl keep your voice down. The walls have ears, and tongues sharper than blades, if the King were to hear-"

"I know." Athena said softly, eyes brimming with unshed tears. "But I had to tell someone."

The maids voice trembled with urgency " You're a maid. An Omega. You know what this means."

Athena nodded "I know."

The old woman touched her cheeks gently, thumb brushing away the tears. "Did... did he recognize you too?"

"No." Athena's voice cracked " He was drunk."

The silence hung heavy for a moment, and then the maid exhaled, her shoulders sinking. She led Athena to the cot by the fire, pulling the blankets up to her chin.

"You must forget this for now. Sleep child. There will be time for heartbreak tomorrow."

As the old woman tucked her in and returned to her chair, Athena stared into the fire, her thoughts tangled with longing and pain.

Somewhere in the castle, her mate lay dreaming.

And he had no idea she was his.

------

In the morning....

  The late morning sun stabbed through the velvet curtains, slicing golden lines across the room. Prince Lucian groaned, burying his face deeper into the silk pillow. His head throbbed like a drum beaten in war,slow, deep and unrelenting.

He sat up sluggishly, wincing as the world spun for a breath. The scent of alcohol still clung faintly to his skin, mingled with the lavender from his sheets.

"Gods." He murmured, rubbing his temples, his voice was dry and hoarse.

He snapped his fingers. A young maid, who had been silently placing logs by the hearth, jumped to her feet.

"You." he croaked " Lemon water.Now!"

"Yes, your highness." She curtsied quickly and darted out the room quickly.

While he waited, Lucian dragged himself toward the adjourning bathroom chambers. Warm water had already been drawn, thankfully someone remembered their duties. He sank into the water with a hiss, steam curling around his aching muscles.

As she soaked, his meteorites of the previous night flickered into the palace. Half formed. Blurred images. Lips against his. A soft voice the silent wind of fresh flowers. The name. Athena lingered in the back of his mind, and for a moment his brows furrowed.

She'd been here.

He remembered her pulling away from him. His drunken attempt to hold her. He laughed like a maniac.

Shame curled in his gut like smoke.

After the bath, he dried off, dressed in dark navy robes trimmed with silver, and stepped back into his royal chambers. The maid from earlier was there waiting with a glass of lemon water in her trembling hand.

He took it form he without a word. He looked to her and said." Where is Athena? Bring her to me."

The maid hesitated. "Your highness... Athena had gone to the eastern fields to gather wildflowers.... For lady Helena's procession in two days."

Lucian froze.

Helena.

His face darkened with sudden tension. He had completely forgotten she was due to arrive at the palace.

His jaw clenched " When Athena returns," he said carefully, suppressing the frustration rising in his chest. " have her come straight to my chambers. If I'm not here, she is to wait for me, is that clear?"

The maid nodded quickly " Yes your highness."

"Good. Go."

------

The heavy oak doors creaked open as Lucian stepped into his father's study. The scent of old paper,ink and tobacco smoke filled the air. The King sat behind a wide desk littered with scrolls, maps, and documents, a gold seal glinting on his finger as he read through a scroll.

"You look like you drank the whole wine cellar." The King remarked without looking up.

Lucian dropped into the chair opposite him. " I feel like I did."

A short silence passed between them before the King set his scroll aside and steepled his fingers.

"Let's speak of something important then," he said " You still haven't found your mate."

Lucian leaned back, annoyed " Not this again-"

"It's not a suggestion anymore. Your nearing your twenty fifth this year. Your heir to the throne. The court grows restless. You know how this works."

Lucian narrowed his eyes.

" I know exactly how this works. You want to parade me like a prized stallion and handpick someone you can control."

The Kings jaw tightened " Watch your tongue, Lucian."

  Lucian stood up in agitation " You've had someone in mind for a while now, haven't you?"

A pause.

"Yes. Helena."

Lucian laughed bitterly " Of course. Of course."

"She's noble born, graceful, intelligent-"

"She's like a sister to me!" Lucian snapped.

"We were children together, we played together, snuck into the kitchens. I watched her chase butterflies and she watched me scrape my knees climbing apple trees. She's not my Mate!!"

  "You dated her." The king growled "The realms know it."

Lucian's voice rose in defiance. " We were young, and ended it. We didn't feel anything real! And I would not take a chosen mate just to ease the councils nerves."

"You don't have the luxury of waiting for some Fantasy bond." The King barked, standing now. " You're a prince, you marry for duty. Not dreams!"

Lucian's fist clenched " And what if I already have a mate?"

The King froze.

A long silence hung between them.

" is that so?" He asked slowly

Lucian looked away, not answering.

The King stepped around the desk. " If this is another rebellious stunt-"

"It's not." Lucian said, his voice low. " But if it were... it would be better than marrying sometimes I don't love."

He stormed toward the door, anger radiating from every step.

"Lucian-" The King called out but he didn't stop.

He threw the doors opened and and left without looking back

------

Penthouse Rooftop.

Fashion shoot...

   The sun was dipping low casting a molten glow across the skyline. On the edges of a glass and steel penthouse rooftop, the wind teased at long, flowing fabrics and tousled waves of rich brown hair.

The photographers camera clicked in a rapid rhythm, flashes occasionally adding burst of light against the velvet sky.

She moved with practiced ease, one hand on her hip, the other brushing through her hair as she titled her head, eyes lidded. Her mouth curved just slightly, not quite a smile, not quite a smirk something between innocence and sun.

   "Gorgeous! Hold that! Yes-chin up,eyes on me!" The photographer shouted.

Her legs, long and graceful, peeled through the slit of a black satin gown. She exuded both elegance and danger. A woman could walk into the room and own it without saying a word.

   Her body was flawless, sculptured and trained for perfection. She wore confidence like a crown, and no one could look away.

But when the camera dropped and assistants rushed to fix her makeup and hair, she sneered.

"This light makes my skin look like clay." She snapped at the makeup artist. " I said golden, not orange. Are you color blind or are you just stupid."

The woman flinched apologizing quickly. A stylist rushed to fix her dress.

"Don't touch me with those sausage fingers." She said sharply " You'll ruin the line of the fabric. Just-ugh! everyone get out of my way."

The set fell silent under her storm. Assistants and creatives who had once admired her beauty now scrambled, hoping no to be next in line for her fire.

She pulled out her phone and texted someone.

She smirked.

" Almost time for the palace. Let's see if Lucian still plays the hero."

A final breeze swept across the rooftop, lifting her rich brown waves up. The photographer called out again, but she turned back to her lens.

Helena was done for today.

------

The palace. In the evening....

   The corridor to the princes wing was quiet, too quiet. The lamps lining the walls flickered, casting Athena's shadow long against the walls as she walked.

The maid who was sent to get her walked in front and she walked behind.

"The prince said.... You should wait for him in his chambers." The maid whispered. Her eyes nervous.

Athena's heart pounded, leapt out so loud she was sure it could be heard.

He remembers. Or maybe not. Maybe he just wants to asks why I left. Or maybe...

Her wolf stirred restlessly beneath her skin, pacing and screaming mate, mate, mate.

But something weird clawed at her thoughts-a strange weight in her chest. Not fear, not quite. A knowing. Something want right.

Still, she walked.

The moment she reached the door, she hesitated. Her fingers trembled. She took a breath and stepped inside.

She looked around.

The room was empty.

Quiet.

She moved to the chaise near the hearth and sat, scanning the place. Everything was as it had been the night before. Except now a new rose sat onto vase table. Red. Freshly cut.

Her heart thudded loudly.

Then-click.

The door shut behind her.

Locked.

She turned sharply.

Prince Lucian stood there, his eyes dark and intense. His broad frame leaning against the door as if he had been waiting for this moment all day.

"Athena" he said, his voice low and Lust filled.

"Let's have sex. Shall we?"

Before Athena could answer, he crossed the room in three long strides and captured her mouth with a kiss so fierce it stole the breath away from her lungs.

His hand slid to her jaw, the other to her waist, pulling her against him like she belonged there. Like he'd found something he couldn't let go off.

Athena's body froze.

Sparks danced on her skin. She felt aroused.

She felt the pull, the fire, the bond.

Her wolf howled in her mind.

But in her mid an uneasy feeling curled like smoke.

Before she could think further, Lucian pushed her to the bed and hovered over her, he kissed her neck making sure to leave a hickey.

He kissed her lips again, he liked them. They were sweet. He moved to her breast and with his claws he ripped her dress open. He dipped his head licking the valley between her cherry blossoms. Athena moaned.

 He had just taken her right pink nipple into his mouth, sucking onto it like a starved newborn.

When-

An urgent knock pounded on the door.

"LUCIAN!!"

The Knock pounded on the door again, this time more urgent. Yet Lucian stilled sucked Athena's nipple.

"LUCIAN!!"

"Your highness. Your being called." Athena said,  breathlessly clearly consumed by the pleasure Lucian was giving her. He release her nipple with a pop.

"Call me Lucian." He said.

"Say it."

"Lucian." The way she said it was like a prayer.

"Focus on me. Drown in this pleasure." Lucian said, his voice hoarse. He just wanted to be buried deep inside Athena. He wanted to know what being in between her folds would feel like.

"Lucian I know your in there. Come on man. I know your still upset after your conversation with the king." Luca said.

Lucian licked the skin of Athena's breast, he moved his tongue round her nipple, without touched it. Athena was trying to control her moans.

She didn't even care at this point whether he recognized her as his mate or not.

"Lucian? Why don't we go to a club or something. Yeah?... we could get some girls to release tension?." Luca suggested, unaware of the fact that Lucian was already releasing tension.

At his words Athena seemed to come down from the clouds, she was about to protest again when Lucian licked her in between her folds. She moaned aloud, not caring if the future Beta heard her or not.

Lucian licked Athena from her Asshole to her clit, he focused his attention on her clit. Licking and sucking on it, increasing his speed at each lick.

"It seems he wants to see you." She said between breaths.

"All I want to see is your naked form."

"Lucian? It seems ur already sorted man.." The Future Beta laughed "Well use protection."

He said, his footsteps retreating.

Lucian sucked Athena's clitoris with such severity that Athena she'd tears. The pleasure she was feeling was too much. She had been Consumed by lust.

As he picked up his pace while massaging her nipples, Athena felt a tingling sensation in her lower abdomen.

"Your highness... Aaah... I need to use... Mhmm ...yes. The Bathroom." Lucian didn't reply, froze Athena's shaking voice he knew he had taken her up to the clouds.

"Scream my name. When you cum. Let the entire Kingdom know who makes you feel good." He ordered slapping her pussy.

"Your hig-Aaah Hmm. Yes, keep licking me. Right there. Aaaaa. I feel like I'm going to pee."

"Lucian." She moaned out his name as she came.

 Athena just had her first orgasm.

It felt heavenly, she enjoyed every moment of it. But Prince Lucian didn't stop. He bit her clitoris softly and continued, this time he thrusted a finger into her tight vagina.

"Aaaahhh. It hurts..." Athena whined, still enjoying it.

Lucian added another finger as time went by, feeling her walls loosen around his fingers. He increased his speed as he felt her walls tremble. Her legs which were spread apart now closed tightly with his head still in between.

  Her toes curled and her eyes rolled back. She released her hold on his head with a sigh.

She felt she couldn't continue. She was fully naked, she didn't even realize when he removed her undergarments.

Lucian raised his head to look at his masterpiece, feeling proud of his work. He bent down and kissed her stomach all the way to her left breast where he took his time. While working on the left cherry he fondled with the right one and occasionally twisting the nipple.

He looked at Athena's face. It looked beautiful, her hair was sprawled across his pillow, her eyes clouded with desire.

"You looked so fuckable."  He said as his big man poked her stomach.

She looked into his eyes, blushing. Too shy to gaze at him for more than two seconds.

"Come Athena." He commanded.

She obeyed. He pulled her off the bed and sat on it. He made her sit in his lap, and kissed her lips, while he squeezed her huge ass cheeks.

"Kneel." She knelt down, her eyes innocently watching him, waiting for his next command.

"Take off my pants." And she did , she unbuckled his belt, then pulled down his pants.

She stopped.

"Continue." She looked at him again for confirmation, when she saw the seriousness in his eyes she removed his boxers. His thick veiny long red tip cock sprang free.

Athena looked at the huge thick in horror.

"Was it going to fit?" She asked herself.

Lucian watched her as she stared at his member. He knew he had a big dick. The Whores he fucked always praised it, they always begged for more.

"Suck it." He said, his voice now low.

Athena stared at the thick shaft with precum dripping from its tip. She stared longer and it moved on its own. She backed away startled.

Lucian laughed within. Her reactions were cute. She was the epitome of innocence. And he was going to Claim that innocence.

Athena hesitantly licked the tip.

"Ugh." Lucian groaned. And moaned when she sucked his tip. It tasted like salt. But sweet.Her teeth grazed his dick.

"No teeth. Athena. Just your lips, mouth and tongue." He Said guiding her mouth to take him.

She sucked him all the way down to the base. He moaned. Her mouth felt good.

"Your mouth is so fucking warm Athena.... Yeah... Now move up and down slowly."

She obeyed and moved slowly, licking his dick like it was vanilla flavor ice cream. He was surprised, she didn't gag. She didn't have gag reflex.

As Lucian moaned he moved his hips to meet her mouth. Athena felt she was doing a good job, so she increased her speed.

Lucian started fucking her mouth, he pushed her head down and thrusted even deeper into her mouth. He kept going deeper and faster.

Till he came.

"Swallow it. All of it." He ordered. She swallowed it all. He was her mate and she had no fear. So she wanted to believe.

Lucian picked her up bridal style, and loved her on the bed, hovering over her, he kissed her lips. This was a soft and sweet kiss it want rushed. It was an expression of unspoken feelings and unnamed emotions.

He spread Athena's thick, creamy thigh open and stared at her pink pussy, then placed his dick at her entrance.

"Will it hurt?" Athena asked, her eyes wet with tears from so much pleasure.

"I can't lie and say it won't. But I'll be gentle. I promise not to make it hurt as much." Lucian said reassuringly.

Athena nodded

And Lucian slowly penetrated into her. She hissed at the pain, wanting to scream but Lucian sealed her lips with a kiss, muffling her screams and thrusted into her in one go.

He stayed like that for some minutes, kissing her to pacify her, letting her adjust to his size.

They broke the kiss.

"Are you ready?" Athena nodded and Lucian move slowly. It was painful. She had heard maids talking about their first sexual experiences. They said the first time hurt like hell. But with time they experienced such pleasure they didn't want to stop.

That was how she was feeling now. As Lucian moved, her walls adjusted to his size so it was less painful and she started to feel pleasure.

As Lucian's strokes grew more faster, she moaned out loud. She was enjoying it, she was on cloud nine. All she could see was Lucian and All Lucian could see was her naked form.

He thrusted faster and deeper into her without stopping, he would kiss her and say some things in her ears like: "God's your pussy is so tight. It feels so good."

Athena came for the third time that evening, but Lucian was far from coming. His thrust grew more urgent, more violent. But Athena loved every move he made.

She came again while he was sucking her nipples. She noticed he had picked up his pace and was about to come when he pulled out.

He came on her stomach. Groaning with each drip of Cum.

Athena was brought back to reality by that one actually.

He didn't recognize her as his mate.

He rolled to the side of the bed, pulling her face to his and kissed her. While playing with her clitoris.

She knew he wanted more.

And since he has always made his intentions known.

He would do what he wanted. And no one could stop him.

Not even Athena.