I'm his mate

RENEE'S POV 

My face fell as I scanned the empty space, realising that Bane and Sofia had gone in without me. I didn't have a problem with Sofia, but I did have one with Bane.

I was his mate, and weren't Alphas and lunas supposed to arrive at an event together?

For a brief moment, I considered calling him, demanding he come back and walk in with me. But the truth was, if he had wanted to, he already would have. I had to walk on my own.

I felt really nervous walking into the hotel without Bane.

Even after three years of being mated to him, I had never truly been introduced to his inner circle. His closest allies, his childhood packmates—wolves who had known him long before I entered his life. There was always an excuse. I was busy with Luna duties. The moment never presented itself.

But now, standing outside this gathering of high-ranking wolves, I realized the truth: he had never wanted me here in the first place.

After a few seconds of indecisiveness, I decided to walk in alone. I took a deep breath, smoothed my dress, squared my shoulders and made for the entrance door.

As I pushed open the door, the scent of strong mead, roasted meat, and burning wood filled my senses. Laughter and deep voices rumbled through the hall, the energy thick with dominance and camaraderie.

Woa! This was definitely a party for people that matters, I decided. I scanned the room, my eyes adjusting to the surroundings. And that was when I spotted them- Sofia and Bane.

Standing near the Alpha’s table, he was surrounded by wolves who regarded him with admiration and loyalty. He was laughing, relaxed, completely at ease. Sofia stood beside him, her hand resting lightly on his forearm as she whispered something in his ear.

Pain twisted deep in my chest. Did he even notice my absence? Did he even recall that he came with his mate.  

I scoffed under my breath. Of course not. Why would he, when Sofia was already filling the role perfectly?. He was already laughing care free, happy with her. Sofia held onto him, smiling and waving at everyone that stopped to greet them.

My heart churned painfully at the sight and I quickly averted my gaze. I forced a smile on my face as I turned to make my way to the rows of seats at a corner, the less-crowded section of the hall.

But just as I made to take a step, two voices stopped me. Their topic of discussion rather. I paused to listen to the men's conversation, while not giving off the hint that I was eavesdropping but their conversation immediately sent a chill down my spine.

"Did Alpha Bane really take Sofia as his mate? I still can’t believe it."

"Of course, he did. If he didn’t, why else would he bring her to a gathering meant only for Alphas and their Lunas? The invitation was clear, only mated pairs could enter together. Why will he come with her if she's not his mate?",

My blood ran cold.

"But there was a loophole for those without  mates . Unmated Alphas could bring a female companion. And you know Bane and Sofia have been friends for decades."

"Exactly! But look at their bond. They’re practically inseparable. Have you seen the rings they wear? Sofia is even pregnant, of course the pup belongs to Nicholas. No Alpha would let his female carry another wolf’s child while parading around with him."

My stomach twisted violently. They thought Sofia was Nicholas's mate? His Luna? And worse, his child’s mother?

"You're right, Nate," the second man, who I would love to call a doubting Thomas said, finally giving in.

I swallowed the lump forming in my throat then I decided that I had heard enough, and made to leave because I was already feeling bad that I was Nicholas's mate, yet my identity was unknown to his Alpha friends and pals. It was really disheartening that once again, Sofia had the upper hand in Nicholas's life, compared to myself. 

For a moment, I hated myself for not fighting harder, for not demanding my place at his side, for letting Sofia overshadow me.

Ready to leave now, I turned again, but the next line of the men's conversation got me hooked once more.

"Aren't you amazed by Alpha Nicholas's transformation?" The first man began. He seemed to be the instigator of the gossip.

"I don't think I understand you," the second man responded.

"Look at him, commanding, refined, a true Alpha, all dressed up in neatly ironed clothes, a stark difference to his arrogant and rough self to the old days. Who would have thought that he would turn out to be the fine gentleman he is today."

I blinked, my interest fully piqued now. The Nicholas I know and mated to, is a meticulous gentleman, how come I was just hearing about this side of him now? And yet again, I felt that familiar tug at my chest, a painful reminder that I don't really know my mate..

Wanting to hear more of the men's gossip, I inched closer. Who knows, they could deviate and talk about Sofia and Nicholas's relationship while as teenagers and I just might be able to gather some useful information,  something that could explain why she held such a powerful place in his life.

But just as I took another step, my purse decided to give me away by slipping off my hands and landing on the floor with a thud that startled the two gossiping men.

"Shit!" I cussed under my breath, crouching to pick it up, but the first man beat me to it.

"Here," he said, handing the purse to me. "Are you okay?"

I took it and smiled gratefully, trying to mask my embarrassment. "I'm fine."

The man nodded, and then he looked at me intently."

His brow furrowed. "I don’t recognize you. Which pack are you from?"

I hesitated. "I’m not… I’m not from your pack ..... I'm  the."

The man's brows shot up, almost touching his receding hairline.

"You're not? Oh well, I apologize, miss, but this is an exclusive gathering for Alphas and their Lunas. If you’re not one of us, I’m afraid you shouldn’t be here."

My throat tightened. "I didn't just come here unvited, I came with someone."

"Oh, I guess you're a mate or a friend to one of the men here. Tell me, who did you come with because I am well acquainted with most of my buddies' partners." His expression shifted slightly, curiosity turning into mild suspicion.

I lifted my chin. "Alpha Bane." I responded simply.

The man was taken aback, and it reflected in the way his eyes widened. "You came with Alpha Bane?" He looked me over as if trying to place me. "And who exactly are you to him?"

I took a deep breath, the words heavy on my tongue.

"I’m his mate. His Luna."