Grandfather had sent his driver to collect me and Pearl from our city apartment.

The urge to open the door and flee was all-consuming as erratic thoughts and irrational fears spread through my mind.

Stop, calm down. We can do this.

My wolf kept quiet.

Seeking to dispel my unease, my hand drifted smoothly across the material of my dress, the one my grandfather had delivered. It was truly a beautiful gown designed by Jenny Packham—silver sequined embellished with a rather plunging neckline, and one that was slightly over the top for the occasion.

I would have preferred to meet Victor in something a little more relaxed, less formal and with definitely less skin on show.

I was practically a gift-wrapped 'mail-order bride.'

Peering out the window, about to wear a hole in my cheek, worrying about my upcoming conversation with my grandfather.

A thought emerged. Perhaps a fresh approach to my problem?

Would it be better to speak with Victor, and share with him my feelings? Tell him I had no wish to marry a man who was practically a stranger?

Would he be more understanding once he understood my reservations about our arranged union?

Perhaps he didn't want this either?

My stomach stirred up anxiety mixed with unease at my task ahead, almost jumping when Pearl's hand squeezed mine. Turning, I offered a quick smile before focusing my attention to the outside world rushing by. Every mile an inch closer to what would inevitably be a battle of wills between myself and my grandfather.

"You okay Sage, talk to me?" Pearl asked, dragging me from my repetitive thoughts.

I wasn't. "Oui," replying absently, my response on autopilot.

"Don't bloody lie to me Sage—not me."

My head flipped around to meet her worried eyes. I didn't need my gift to sense her anger and frustration.

"Sorry Pearl, I'm worried if I think about it too hard, then I might crack open." It was true I had never been so conflicted, desperate to make him proud, I craved his approval, his love.

But I would live a lie if I didn't follow my heart and make my own choices. And my heart belonged to Hunter and not some American.

She squeezed my hand again. "None of this fucked up situation is okay Sage, but I'll be there with you and you're gonna leave there a free woman." She nudged my shoulder. "Well, maybe not a free woman, as it's my guess you've been well and truly taken by the head of Wolfe Industries, sex god, Hunter Stone."

My cheeks reddened. The notion of being his and him being mine sent a rush of excitement right through to my core. She was right. My mind drifted back to earlier.

"Do you think he's the one, y'know your mate?" she asked.

Sylar popped into my head. But was he even real? I couldn't sit around waiting for a dream man. Looking down at my wrist, I remembered the feel of his grip, The burning heat of his hand.

"My wolf seems to think he is."

"Ahh," she lifted her eyebrows. "But—Do you want him to be?"

Having read everything I could get my hands on with regards to 'Mates.' My grandfather had always told me they were an old wives' tale, used to control women over the years to ensure alpha's got what or who they desired.

But I couldn't deny something had stirred inside me, and it went beyond explanation or being able to rationalise it. I recognised one thing for certain. I wanted him and the more time spent in his orbit, I didn't want to leave. "I think I do." It was an honest answer.

"Well, thank the lord." She put her arm around me and hugged me tightly. "He's smokin' hot." She fanned herself with her free hand.

She was right again. He was.

As we approached the wrought iron gates of our grandfather's home, the familiar knot in my stomach grew. Surprisingly, they were already open. He seldom opened the gates. Slowly the car headed up the long driveway. In the distance, I could see the house and surprisingly there were cars up ahead. Lots of cars—with people freely walking around.

What's going on?

"What the hell?" asked Pearl, craning her neck around me, also surprised by the sight that greeted us.

"Look." She pointed out what looked like servers. "I think they're handing out champagne. Did he mention this earlier?"

"No." A rush of uncertainty swallowed my plans.

How could I meet Victor—a stranger in front of all these people?

As the car came to a stop. I focused on ensuring my blocker was in place, mentally running through the exercises that held it there. The car door opened, and I smiled my gratitude to the driver as I climbed out, followed by Pearl. She reached for my hand. "C'mon let's find out what's going on?"

The sound of laughter caught my attention as up ahead, some guests were walking along the side of the house. And I could see the edge of what looked like a marquee peeping from the corner.

What is Grandfather up to?

Pearl yanked my hand. "Sorry, coming." We walked towards the entrance of my grandfather's home and I recognised some faces before me. I had seen them at the function that Hunter and I had attended briefly last Friday. Most of these guests were Alpha's accompanied by their mates and Beta's.

Many turned, tipping their heads in our direction. I took a risk and dropped my blocker, wanting to get a sense, curious to assess their emotions, perhaps a peek inside their heads.

My feelers spread like tentacles, touching, and feeling different aura's. A charge like static electricity passed through me, they were all so easy to read. Desire, both sexual and envious was prominent amongst the Alpha's looking our way, splitting their attention between Pearl and I.

An alarm triggered as a rolling wave of jealousy pushed through all my emotions, prickling the hairs on my arms. Twisting my head, I saw a woman glaring at me, her aura darkened with the negativity she threw my way. I didn't have a clue who she was but watched as she took the hand of the Alpha she stood alongside, his interest in me noticeable. I didn't need to feel his emotions or read his thoughts to know his intentions towards me. I smiled sweetly, restoring my blocker.

As we entered the house I politely declined the glass of champagne offered. Pearl however was quick to pick up two glasses, downing one after the other. She had decided the best way to get through tonight was being intoxicated.

Thanks, Pearl!

Pearl stole a glance around the room. "Shit Sage, I have slept with half of the men in this room." She grabbed another glass of champagne. "Slow down Pearl, I need you to stay focused, you're supposed to be my wingman tonight."

As expected, she tutted, emptying the third as swiftly as the first two.

"Ladies and Gentleman if you could all follow me towards the marquee, refreshments await you." I heard a young man speak out loud. Grandfather had gone all out for this occasion—whatever it was.

Placing her empty glass down, Pearl raised on her tiptoes. "Sage!" She pulled me towards her, pointing. "There's my dad."

I could see my uncle as more guests vacated the room.

"C'mon, he'll know what's going on." I nodded as we walked towards him.

He turned and smiled as we approached, emptying the drink in his hand. Like father like daughter, he too had chosen to handle the evening the same way. His cheeks flushed pink, having consumed more than one drink. He hiccupped as he leaned in and kissed me on both cheeks. "Girls, you are simply breathtaking." He turned his attention to Pearl, pulling her in for a fatherly hug.

"Dad, you're squishing me!" she yelped.

"Sorry sweetheart," he replied rather jovially. "I don't see you often enough."

Pearl tutted as she freed herself from his tight grip. "What's going on here Dad, what's with all the packs being here?"

"What don't you know?" His gaze passed between me and Pearl as I shrugged my shoulders before turning my attention to gaze around the room, it was almost empty.

"Duh... wouldn't be asking if I did Dad," said Pearl.

Uncle Harvey raised his finger, pointing as he narrowed his eyes before smiling again. "Enough of the smart mouth Pearl, we're here to celebrate."

She huffed. "Whatever... Celebrate what?"

"Sage's engagement of course."

My head snapped around. Everyone was here for an engagement party—my engagement party!

Mon Dieu.

My heart kicked up a gear as my throat dried.

"What? No way, you've got to be fucking kidding me?" said Pearl, in the only way Pearl could say it. I was still processing his words, the knot in my stomach tightening and growing.

"Language young lady," he said.

Pearl ignored him, looking at me with horror in her eyes, mouth slightly ajar. "You had no idea; Grandfather never dropped a hint?" Her eyes ran the length of me as if seeing my dress for the first time. "That explains the outfit."

I shook my head, whispering. "I wouldn't have come if I had known." I turned to see out the window—more guests arriving, walking past the door, no doubt towards the marquee. I turned my head back. "Excuse us, Uncle Harvey."

Pulling Pearl to one side. "I can't do this Pearl; I can't be here." Raising my hand in exasperation of the situation I'd walked into. My wolf growled.

Pearl looked left, then right. "Let's go through the back—get out of here before the shit hits the fan." I would have laughed if I hadn't been so stressed. She grabbed another drink from a server and threw it down her throat. "One for the road," she grinned.

It tempted me to grab a drink—but a clear head was essential.

As we headed towards the back of the house. Pearl rummaged around in her bag. "What's our chances we can sneak out of here with no one noticing and the next problem is—how do we get home?"

Bloody hell. I hadn't considered that far ahead.

"I have an idea." Pearl quickly turned and ran down the hall.

Where the hell was she going? "Pearl!" I said in a hushed tone. She disappeared around the corner.

Nervously waiting, my palms sweaty, a hornet's nest swirled around my stomach. Every inch of me wanted to get out of here, get home. Call Hunter.

I inhaled a relieving breath when she reappeared, lifting her hand and allowing a set of keys to dangle from her fingers.

Fantastique! "You're a genius, Pearl." I grinned.

"Grandfather will hit shit a brick when he finds out we've taken the Aston Martin, but we can deal with his bull shit later."

I nodded—anything was better than being here for my engagement party.

Pearl hiccupped.

"Give me those." Snatching the keys from her, there was no way she could drive us. The alcohol was starting to have an effect.

She giggled, lifting her hand to cover her mouth. "Oops, sorry."

I raised my eyes to heaven, shaking my head. Pearl was a happy drunk but sometimes a noisy one too! "Susssh Pearl, we don't want to draw any attention to ourselves. You should have eaten before you began drinking!"

Pearl giggled again. "Okay, okay, don't get your knickers in a twist."

We passed another server with a tray full of drinks. Pearl reached to grab another. I slapped her hand. "No, you've had enough, we need to keep a clear head."

"Spoilsport," she retorted, pouting. I noticed her flushed cheeks and a sparkle in her eyes.

"I'll take you to a bar when we get out of here."

My suggestion was greeted with a wide smile. "Well, what are we waiting for?" she said.

Feeling a little confident, we only had to walk through the kitchens, and we would be free.

As I stood to one side to let another server pass, an artic chill shot up my spine. Fingers wrapped themselves, coiling like a snake readying its prey for imminent death. I didn't need to turn to see who had taken hold of me. Goosebumps decorated my arm and my wolf growled.

"Sage, my dear. I'd heard you'd arrived and fashionably late I see," said my grandfather. My stomach dropped.

I put my hand behind my back, hiding the keys to his vintage car. Forcing a smile, I turned to face him as his eyes trailed the length of me.

"And you wore the dress, beautiful, a prize to be sure." He leaned in to kiss my cheek, releasing his grip on my arm.

"Grandfather." My wolf snarled. Easy girl.

It was too late now, no time to escape, time to face the music. "Grandfather, I was looking for you. May we talk, in private?"

He eyed me carefully, jaw slightly clenched, the pulse in his temple throbbed. He hesitated before a smile returned shifting his attention to Pearl. "Pearl, my dear, you look beautiful."

She scoffed barely containing an eye-roll. "Thanks."

"I need you to find your father and tell him to welcome our guests in the marquee. Inform him I—" He looked at me again. "We—won't be long."

She ignored him. I had to admire Pearl's feistiness, wishing I could channel some of her confidence. She stepped towards me leaning slightly, her lips pushed against my ear, as her hand reached around my rear to take grandfather's car keys from me. "Do you want me to come with you?" She hiccupped again as she pulled away, her eyes burrowing into mine.

I had to do this on my own. "I'll be okay, I know what I have to do." My grandfather released an irritated sigh.

"Let's take this through to my study." He turned, walking back the way we had just come.

Drawing a deep breath, I looked at Pearl one last time and began the walk to what I hoped would be my freedom.

I can do this, I've got this. I just need to tell him what I want. And that wasn't a man named Victor.