I Want my mate

Aria's pov

When I wake again, I am met with the comforting embrace of warmth. I'm nestled against someone, and I can feel a strong arm draped around my waist.

My eyes opened and I'm met with the harsh light from the sun. My mind was still hazy from the impulsive events from the night before.

I inhaled all of a sudden and the scent shocked my senses awake. The scent of pine and crisp winter fills the air. I furrowed my brows at that but my eyes widened when my wolf, Artemis, roared with excitement in my head.

She was never excited.

I'm lying against his broad chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat as I gather my thoughts.

The events from the previous night came rushing back, and I sighed. Of all the times I dreamt of meeting my mate, it was not like this.

I still looked like a mess after yesterday but thankfully, all my injuries have healed.

I squinted up at him, my heart lodging in my throat as I caught a sight of his handsome face. Artemis did a backflip in my head out of happiness.

The same happiness filled me when I realized he was my fated mate. My mate was carrying me.My heart pounds in my chest as I recall the touch of his warm chest against my body.

I shifted slightly in his embrace, and his arm tightening around me instinctively. I gaze up to see his piercing blue eyes already open, observing me with a soft smile on his face.

The light catches his dark hair, making him look almost ethereal. He was so handsome I could cry.

His jawline was so sharp that I could cut something, his lips were full and soft. Or looked soft.

Judging from the way he carried me, he was strong.

Seeing that I was awake, he dropped me gently on the floor. His eyes never left mine.

I was lost. My lips parted as I stared at him. He was simply beautiful, his eyes roamed around my body like he wanted to commit my entire features into memory.

His face suddenly moved closer to mine and I panicked.

His sudden presence caught me off guard, and I hastily sat up, trying to sort through my thoughts. My heart raced as my mind raced even faster. What's he doing here? I need a moment to gather myself.

Did he expect me to pack my things and follow him?

Does he know that I am trying to escape?

Artemis rolled her eyes at me for my train of thought. I rolled mine back at her. She wouldn't understand how this came at a very bad time.I was never going to stop till I found a way to leave this wretched kingdom. If he thought I was going to be a perfect wife and bear him children then he had another thing coming.

'Aren't you getting ahead of yourself?' Artemis asked me.

I started to snap back when I realized she might be right but I was still worried about his expectations.

History says as a moon maiden, finding your mate leads to the Mate Games.

I scoff at the absurd rule that strips one of freedom, determined to escape its hold on my life. Tradition or not, it's my life. I should be able to choose what happens next.

The moon goddess shouldn't be destroying people's lives in the name of Mate Games. Everybody hated it.

I had no idea what to do here. I looked up at him thinking he would give me a clue but he just kept looking at me intently.

I couldn't read the emotions in his eyes but they were there, quite heavy too. He wasn't saying anything and that bothered me.

I was the best at reading people's emotions but he was locked up tight.

Did he want the bond or was he just going to ignore it? Saving us the trouble.

I fidgeted with my fingers, I had to do the right thing.

"Thank you for saving me," I started.

He nodded but didn't say anything other than that. I gritted teeth.

"This doesn't change anything," I said as I gestured to the two of us hoping he would counter that.

He still didn't say anything and kept looking at me with that indescribable look on his face.

"I would still like to leave, there is nothing for me here. We can reject each other," I suggested.

His eyes blazed with fury, the first real reaction she had gotten since she started talking.

His fists clenched and unclenched, his body language told me he was fighting with himself but why?

It was simple, either he wants me or not.

"I mean…"

"We will meet again," he said.

He turned and left me standing there, puzzled.