Jasmine's POV
Heat flooded my cheeks as humiliation crashed over me like a wave. I couldn't endure another second of this torment.
The casual way Jayden dismissed me, as though I meant nothing to him at all...
My lungs constricted and tears threatened to spill. Without warning, I bolted upright and fled.
I needed distance from everything - from Jayden, from Sylvia, from the cruel stares of my classmates. I needed escape from the agony they carved into my soul.
My feet carried me through the school entrance as I stumbled into the courtyard beyond. Each step felt like lead as I dragged myself toward the ancient oak that stood sentinel at the compound's edge. I collapsed beneath its sprawling branches and pressed my face against my knees while hot tears streamed down my face.
This weakness disgusted me. This helplessness made me sick. It wasn't enough that Jayden, who had once meant everything to me, now treated me like a complete stranger. No, he had to broadcast his indifference for everyone else to witness.
The past flooded back as I wept.
Images of my sixteenth birthday with Jayden flickered through my mind.
Most people would never believe it, but I once called the palace home alongside Jayden.
During those years, I believed myself a princess - the adopted child of King Apollo and Queen Jaelyn. They showered me with love as if I were their blood daughter, and Jayden and Ebony became my entire universe. Especially Jayden. My feelings for him had bloomed when I was barely old enough to understand them, but I knew such emotions were forbidden. He was my brother, despite our lack of shared blood, so I buried those desires deep within my heart, praying they would wither.
They never did. I found contentment in my existence, treasuring the affection of Jayden, Ebony, and our parents. I never dreamed that everything could shatter in a single moment...
Yet it did, and still my love for Jayden burned stronger than any sisterly bond.
My sixteenth birthday brought my first shift and with it, the devastating truth crashed down like an avalanche.
That was when I learned about my real father.
I was the spawn of the most despised villain in our history - a bloodthirsty beast who had slaughtered countless innocents.
King Toby.
Nausea churned in my stomach at the memory.
Jayden's parents had simply taken me in and raised me after my biological parents died. My entire life had been built on lies.
The truth remained hidden until that moment when I transformed into the monster they all feared.
The Elders demanded my execution, but Aunt Naia, the woman who now shelters me on the town's outskirts, intervened. She spirited me away from the palace.
That night, I sobbed desperately, pleading with my parents to keep me if they truly believed I was still their daughter.
But they refused.
The school bell jolted me from my memories. I sniffled and scrubbed my face with my sleeves, attempting to look composed.
I returned to the building and felt a wave of relief when I realized I was no longer the center of attention.
Everyone, particularly the girls, buzzed with excitement about Jayden's birthday celebration that evening. Their voices reached fever pitch as one whispered, "I heard the king and queen organized it so he could find his mate."
"What if one of us turns out to be his mate?" another girl giggled. "Do you think he would cast aside Sylvia?"
"He would have to. But whoever she is will be the most fortunate girl alive," someone else added.
I kept my gaze fixed on my notes, pretending their conversation didn't interest me.
The remainder of the day flew by, and soon I was walking home. My eyebrows shot up in surprise when I found Aunt Naia waiting outside with a bright smile.
She opened her arms and embraced me warmly before stepping back and extending an envelope.
"This is for you," she said. My heart nearly stopped when I spotted the royal seal.
I hesitated before accepting it. The bold lettering made my pulse race.
An invitation to the Kent's birthday ball.
"There will be a celebration for Jayden's birthday at the palace tonight. Will you attend?" she asked.
I wavered, uncertainty gnawing at me. Terror coiled in my chest. Part of me yearned to go to the ball, while another part feared I would destroy everything if I appeared. The last thing I wanted was to give everyone more ammunition against me.
"Yes," I finally whispered. Aunt Naia beamed, and hours later I stood before my mirror, barely recognizing my reflection.
"You look stunning," I heard her praise me.
"Thank you," I smiled, my eyes burning with unshed tears.
I felt like a fairytale princess.
Aunt Naia had transformed me with painstaking care. She had exceeded all expectations.
The gown I wore was crafted from silk in champagne gold that made my hazel eyes sparkle. My hair was twisted into elegant curls that cascaded over one shoulder.
When I was finally ready, transportation awaited me.
A gleaming black limousine sat outside despite the setting sun.
I slipped inside, and when we reached the palace, I paused to marvel at the magnificent architecture and elegant guests.
The interior was even more breathtaking. Crystal chandeliers suspended from the ceiling cast brilliant light while elaborate decorations created an enchanting atmosphere. I scanned the room until my gaze found the King and Queen positioned regally on their thrones. Ebony sat nearby, appearing bored despite her stunning blue gown.
They looked flawless, but the scene felt incomplete. Jayden was absent.
The Queen kept glancing toward the entrance as if expecting someone. I quickly lowered my head and melted into the crowd when her eyes swept past me.
Suddenly, silence fell over the assembly. I looked up as the announcer stepped forward and proclaimed in a booming voice, "His Royal Highness, Kent Jayden."
Every gaze turned to the staircase and breathing stopped as Jayden appeared.
He was absolutely magnificent.
A perfectly tailored black suit hugged his athletic build. The confidence radiating from him screamed royalty and gave him an otherworldly appearance.
I was mesmerized, just like everyone else.
I nearly rolled my eyes watching girls around me swoon with admiration. Suddenly I felt dizzy as an intoxicating scent overwhelmed me.
Judy and Atlas howled within me...
My eyes found Jayden across the crowded room, and our gazes locked. Time seemed to freeze around us.
Mate.
I trembled violently. My breathing stopped.
No.
This was impossible.
Horror drained the color from my face and I stepped backward, spinning away. I moved too quickly. With a thunderous crash, I collided with a server and sent an entire tray of beverages crashing to the floor.
Guests gasped.
Mortified, I gathered my gown in my fists and fled the ballroom. I couldn't wait, couldn't stay.
It was more than just the spilled drinks.
I was Jayden's mate?
I had no idea how long I ran, but eventually I found myself deep in the forest near the palace grounds.
Without warning, I heard a low growl before strong hands seized me from behind. I found myself face to face with Jayden as he pulled my body against his.
His eyes held an expression I couldn't identify. Dark yet thrilling. He looked at me like he wanted to consume me completely.
Desire. Scorching and electric.
The atmosphere between us crackled with tension, and I bit my lip, pressing my thighs together to ease my own aching need.
Jayden lifted his nose and inhaled my arousal... his nostrils flared as he watched me.
I swallowed hard.
Before I could process what was happening, Jayden gripped my jaw and crushed his lips against mine.
My first kiss.
His kiss was savage, as though he wanted to devour me whole.
I barely had time to think or breathe. I simply surrendered to his control.
His tongue invaded my mouth, exploring, claiming. No words existed, only the raw heat blazing between us. I whimpered against him, my body shaking as he held me tighter, pressing me to the forest floor.
With one swift motion he pushed my dress up my thighs, exposing my skin to the moonlight - my most intimate places trembling and slick with desire...
Hot breath warmed my core. Strong hands gripped my hips. I cried out in surprise as he tasted me thoroughly.
Ravenously.
Pleasure spiraled inside me, building rapidly, and I was about to shatter when Jayden pulled back momentarily. I could only whimper at the harsh sound of fabric ripping.
Within seconds he positioned himself between my thighs and pressed against my entrance before driving inside without warning.
"Ahh!" I screamed.
Pain and intense pleasure flooded my body. He growled against my skin, pushing deeper and stretching me to accommodate him. His grip left bruises, his movements relentless as he forced my thighs apart to bury himself completely.
He withdrew, then plunged into me again - harder. And again. And again.
My moans dissolved into broken cries as he pounded into me faster. I felt him everywhere - his heat, raw power, the way he stretched me, filled me, possessed me... My nails clawed at his arms as skin slapped against skin in primal rhythm.
The world disappeared, and my toes curled in ecstasy as I shattered beneath him.