C3 CHAPTER 3

FREYA POV

Today was the annual fair. An event that brought various packs close to celebrate together and strengthen alliances further. It was usually a busy day during the fair. Servants would scurry around just to make sure everything was prepared. Gamma leaders would make the pack warriors practice in case there was any form of attack on the pack. But that rarely happened.

"Freya, the Alpha requested for you to clean his room. You must not keep him waiting" Lydia said looking less than pleased. She muttered something under her breath but I was unable to catch it. I didn't bother to dwell on it. I made my way to Ace's room. I was excited to see him. I missed his warmth and comfort.

I opened the door to find him shirtless and looking out the window. My face suddenly became warmer. As if noticing my presence he turned, a bright smile growing on his face.

"What are you doing over there? Come closer," he said. As I came closer I noticed his eyes looked darker, hungrier.

But it was gone just as soon as it came, like it was never there. I wondered if my mind was playing tricks on me.

"Which one do you think would look better on me?" he asked pointing to the bed. I came closer and picked the black one up, turning around I saw him standing close to me.

"Black always looked good on you." I said looking down. His effect on me was stronger today. I should make haste with the cleaning and leave. As I was about to pick up the cleaning materials, Ace held my hand coming closer to me.

"How have you been, Freya? It feels like ages since we've talked. I've missed you" He said eyes moving to my neck and his breathing growing rapid. Like my neck somehow fascinated him.

"Are you okay, Ace?" I asked, worried. Suddenly his expression changed, like a switch was flipped and he kept a little distance from me.

"Of course, Freya, I'm just a bit tired. I spent most of my time with my mother. Learning what it is that was expected of me today. It was exhausting to say the least.

"My brother knew all of this already. I have to learn since I've already stepped into the role he was supposed to take." He said. I remembered his brother, Rogue Kye. No one ever talked about him so I never got the facts about how he was exiled. I came closer to Ace and touched his shoulder he seemed to become suddenly tense as he looked down at me.

"You should rest before the fair. I know you'll do perfectly. You're already doing wonderful as Alpha. What's a few more packs to tame?" I said smiling and looking up at him." Suddenly Ace held my face, his hand stroking my cheek, eyes looking at my neck again. What was he doing?

"Freya" he whispered my name silently as he moved close to inhale my scent. I should leave, this shouldn't be happening. What has come over me? What has come over us? A little noise from the door made me move away from Ace. It was Darren. I quickly bowed my head down and left the room with the supplies and running as fast as my legs could take me.

ACE POV

"What was that?" Darren asked.

"Nothing," I said flatly.

"Ace" he said

"Not now. We have a lot to do before the fair," I said wearing my clothes and leaving the room, Darren right behind me.

The fair had started in full swing, pack leaders associating with each other and forming deeper aliances. I was sitting with my mother, Ralia and her father Yuri, second in command to pack warrior leader.

"I'm sure you're as excited as my daughter about your upcoming nuptials, aren't you, Alpha?" He said, deep respect radiating off him. Ralia looked at me, a smile on her face. My mother spoke after.

"Thanks to the moon goddess for choosing such a wonderful girl as my son's mate. Your rule together as Alpha and Luna of this pack will be one of great strength." She said with pride in her voice. I was listening until my eyes drifted to Freya; she was with her mother and the other servants, serving drinks to people.

I smiled a little. Today was a close call. If Darren hadn't arrived, I might have done something incredibly stupid. Ralia noticed my gaze and touched my shoulders making me look at her. Her eyes looked hurt.

"I would like to take a walk with you, Alpha Ace. Would you indulge me" she said. I nodded my head. We both excused ourselves from the table and took a walk not far from the fair.

"You were looking at her again," she said.

"Ralia," I said.

"I am your mate, Ace. I accept that Freya is your childhood friend. But I don't understand why your eyes are on her all the time. You should be focused on me. I should drive you wild. But it's like I don't and I just don't get it." She said.

"I don't as well, trust me." I said.

"I just feel a stronger connection to Freya. I'm confused about it. You're my mate and it should be you, but I feel nothing when we're close." I said and saw her face transform to one of pain.

"Just reject me, Ace. Reject me as your mate and save me from the pain of an unhappy marriage with you, a marriage with no connection!" She said sobbing.

"Ralia, I..." Before I could finish my sentence I felt a sharp pain in my abdomen. It was an arrow. But not just any arrow; it was covered in wolfsbane.

"Ace! " Ralia screamed.

"We're under attack! Assemble the pack warriors and get the Alpha and his mate to safety!" Gamma Devon screamed.

That was all I heard before everything went dark.