Annabella pushed her jet black hair from her shoulder and sighed as she stared at her reflection. The knock on her bedroom door told her it was time. Checking her make up for the last time she stood from her dressing table and smoothed her red silk dress.
"Ready sweetheart?" Deacon Ramos asked his daughter when she opened the door. Nodding Annabella offered him a small smile. "You look beautiful. I know you hate these things but please try and enjoy your self. There's no pressure tonight"
Annabella fought not to roll her eyes. Of course there was pressure. She was the daughter of an alpha and had yet to mate. Since she had first shifted three years ago her pack had been patiently waiting for her to find her mate so they would know to which pack they would be aligned with. As much as she didn't want to let her pack down she struggled with the concept of giving herself to a man she didn't know. And so her mind was a constant battle of wanting to and not wanting to find her mate.
Of course her wolf promised her that she would know and that they had nothing to fear but Annabella was sceptical. She didn't trust fate nor did she believe that the divine always got it right. Just look at her mother and father. They may be married and mated but they despised each other. Holding on to her fathers arm Annabella allowed her father to help her descend the stairs in her impossibly high heels. Anxiety shot through her as they neared the bottom of the stair case. The air was filled with restlessness as all of the single shifters of age hoped to find their mates.
Annabella always hated that about the mating ball. The stench of desperation in the air. It was the last full moon of the year which of course added to the tension, everyone's hormones racked up and their wolves at their strongest.
These parties could get pretty wild and Annabella could already see some of the guests intentions should they not find their mate tonight.
Xavier Cross looked up from his phone as his driver pulled to a stop infront of the Ramos estate. He took in the beautiful mini mansion with curiosity, he hadn't attended a ball here before and he knew nothing of his hosts. Still he was undeterred. He was here upon his fathers request but once the clock struck midnight he would leave and return to his nomadic lifestyle. Sure he was son of an Alpha but he left all things pack related to his twin Kent. He preferred to run the business side of things and his family were happy with the arrangement however his father did hope that Xavier would at least find a mate and continue the family name.
Stepping out of the car Xavier nodded at his driver before buttoning his tux and making his way to the front door. Moments after his arrival he had already caught the eye of a few women and smiled to himself. Maybe he wouldn't rush off at twelve with all this talent. Annabella sat in the main hall with her glass of champagne waiting for the clock to strike twelve. She was bored. The majority of the men here were ones she had already seen and with each scan of the crowd she came up with no new faces. "Wanna dance?" A familiar voice said over her shoulder and Annabella swivelled in her chair to find her best friend Ben looking dapper in his tux. Smiling she allowed him to lead her to the dancefloor where he pulled her in close and swayed with her.
"Still no Mr right?" He asked as she rested her head on his shoulder. "No. I'm destined to be my fathers biggest disappointment" she only half joked as she let him lead her around the dance floor. "It will happen Anna, have a little faith" he said rubbing her bare back with reassurance. Annabella found herself wishing for the millionth time that he could be her mate. Ben was kind and smart and funny and not to mention handsome. Dirty blonde hair, brown eyes and dimples he was considered a catch. His friendship with Anna causing problems with his various conquests over the years. Still they endured. They had played together as children and Ben had been her first kiss. But for some reason they had never hooked up.
Ben seemingly content with fucking his way through the pack and local humans as he awaited his mate. Annabella longed for that level of freedom and unbotheredness. Ben was not the son of an alpha or even a beta and that meant that regardless of how well he hunted and his prowess as a soldier he had no real responsibility in the pack and as such was left to do as he pleased.
Xavier watched from the doorway as the various couples danced along to the orchestra playing and felt his wolf surface. This was odd for two reasons. One, his wolf never pined for a mate and here he was growling at Xavier to let him hunt. And two he could not smell a particular scent that would lead him to believe his mate was even here. Let alone doing something that would make his wolf this aggressive. Deciding he should get some air and clear his senses Xavier moved through the crowd on his way to the terrace.
Laughing at something Ben said Annabella lifted her head from his shoulder to look at him, her body freezing as sensations coursed through her body. And a smell so strong it made her dizzy hit her nostrils. He was here. Her mate was close. The realisation hit her square in the chest and she stumbled in Bens embrace. "Woah, you ok?" He asked clutching her to him. Anna could not respond, her voice lost as she looked over bens shoulder straight into the eyes of her mate. Raven hair and over six feet of pure muscle beneath a tux that fit just right. He was broad and hard in all the right places and Annabella couldn't catch her breath as his eyes the colour of coal pinned her in place.
Xavier halted mid stride nearly crashing into to a couple as he locked eyes with the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. Long black hair bone straight and cascading over one shoulder. Grey eyes and the most perfect bone structure. She looked like a doll. Her scent invaded his senses and he gasped in a breath as realisation hit. It was her. She was the one. Before he could think his wolf was dragging him towards the girl desperate to get her out of the arms of another man. Jealousy making him growl outload as he neared her.
Various eyes in the room followed Xavier as he stalked to the middle of the dancefloor not once breaking eye contact with the vixen that had caught his wolfs attention. "Easy boy" he murmured trying to reign in the familiar feeling of an impending shift making his bones ache. Sensing what had happened Ben stepped away from Anna and turned to face the beast of a man that was Xavier Cross. Ben wasn't a small man and still Xavier dwarfed him as he stopped infront of him his hands balled into fists to stop himself from wrapping his fingers around the younger man's throat.
Annabella stood shaking as her wolf clawed at her to get to her mate. She fought back not wanting to make a scene like she had seen so many others do at these events. Last year one girl barely made it out of the main hall with her clothes on. Annabella had promised her self she would not be the same.
Xavier stood irritated as he waited for the woman to speak. She was trembling and he smiled. The idea that he had a mate was annoying but he was confident she wouldn't cause a fuss when he told her of his mistresses, it seemed that she couldn't even look him in the eye. Not that he was looking at her eyes anymore. As beautiful as they had been the rest of her was equally as distracting now that her dance companion wasn't blocking her. A red silk dress with thin straps draped over her accentuating a full bust and tiny waist before spreading into hips and thighs that Xavier could get lost between for hours. Maybe he wouldn't be needing to visit his mistresses as often as he had thought. The growl he let out was without his control and the woman's gasp in response was enough to let him know she wasn't immune to him either. Still neither of them moved.
Clearing his throat Ben let out a small chuckle. "I will go and get your father. Perhaps you should take your mate somewhere more private before you both set this place alight with the sparks flying" Xavier was perplexed. If he was the man he would not be laughing at the idea of his lover finding her mate. But he couldn't dwell on it because his mate was backing away from him. Before he could speak she had spun on her heel and was moving through the crowd at a speed he hadn't expected from someone wearing towers for heels.
Tutting Xavier followed the girl through the crowd eventually catching up with her at the entrance to the great hall. Perfect, lesson number one of being his mate would begin now. Grabbing her wrist he spun her towards him and caged her between himself and the wall. Grateful they were no longer in the view of the crowds partying in the room just beyond the corner he had positioned them in. "I don't expect to have to chase you" he growled at her. She was already a pain in his ass and he didn't even know her name yet. Before he could rectify that by introducing himself Annabella was pushing her body into his making him grunt at the contact of her grinding against the apex of his thighs. Her hand snaked up his chest stopping at the nape of his neck to pull him down to her lips.
Annabella couldn't allow everyone in the hall to see her lose her mind in lust. She was the daughter of an alpha after all. Thank god Ben had pointed that out because the growl her mate had let out as he looked at her had her ready to hike up her dress and beg him to take her right then and there. So instead she had spun on her heel and practically sprinted out of the room in search of somewhere more private. Unfortunately it was short lived, as soon as he had touched her she had lost her composure completely. Her wolf was so close to the surface she knew she had no choice but to give in to her or risk shifting and losing all control.
Anna wasn't shy. She wasn't expecting to be chased. She was more than capable of letting him know she wanted him and despite not wanting to make a scene she had to make sure his first impression of her wasn't a weak one. She could already feel his need to dominate her radiating off him and if she allowed it she would lose his respect. So when she finally came up for air she grabbed at his chin turning him so his ear was to her mouth. "If I want you to chase me. That is exactly what you will do love" she purred before biting his ear and pushing him away.
Xavier didn't budge as he stared in wonder at the little minx trapped between him and the wall. His erection strained at his slacks eager to get to her. She didn't seem phased by the prodding against her belly as she looked up at him lust in her eyes. Wiping her lip stick stain from his lips with her thumb, Anabella smiled triumphantly at having caught him off guard. "I'm Anabella Ramos, you can call me Anna." She murmured as if their introduction was anything but bizarre.
Clearing his throat Xavier hit her with his most dazzling smile. She was a Ramos. That meant she probably lived here. Excitement coursed through him at how quickly he might be able to get her naked and beneath him in a bed. "Xavier Cross. Its a pleasure Anna."
"It will be" Annabella agreed. Before glancing past him. "Now maybe you should fix your pants so I can introduce you to my father." A smug grin spread across Xavier's face. He wasn't one to be scared of a girls father he was twenty eight years old and judging by her dress, Annabella's father was under no false pretences about what his little girl would be up to when she found her mate.
"Father, Xavier Cross. Xavier, Deacon Ramos my father." The two men shook hands and Anabella noticed the power battle the pair shared. Xavier had alpha written all over him and Anna knew this would please her father no end. She had heard of the cross family. Marcus Cross, Xavier's father was currently the alpha of the Jade moon pack and they were known for being one of the wealthiest packs this side of the border, this union would be a beneficial one to Annabella's pack.
Annabella sat in her fathers study with a smirk on her face as she watched him make arrangements with Xavier. From her seat at her fathers desk she couldn't hear their hushed conversation across the large room but she could see from their stances as they stood by the fireplace that both men seemed to have a mutual respect for the other. Xavier looked even larger since removing his blazer. His white shirt sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Other than the frequent glances he sent her way she was free to watch him openly. Taking in every beautiful feature.
Xavier took a sip of his whiskey his eyes moving to where Anna sat for the hundredth time since they had entered the study. She was driving him crazy and he was struggling to keep his body in check infront of Deacon Ramos. "I'm afraid you will have your work cut out for you with my daughter, Cross" Annabella's dad warned calling Xavier by his surname.
"She is hard headed and stubborn and the least submissive woman I've ever come accross. But she is smart and pure hearted and loyal and I think you can agree she is not difficult to look at"
Smiling slightly Xavier focused his attention back on the older man knowing he had been caught staring. "Forgive me Mr Ramos, it appears my wolf is leading me tonight" chuckling Deacon slapped xavier on the shoulder in a fatherly manner. "I was a young and restless wolf once my self . I understand. I only ask you treat my daughter with dignity and respect."
Xavier nodded earnestly knowing his thoughts were anything but respectful at the moment. The way she had dominated their kiss and then bit on his ear earlier had been wreaking havoc on his wolf. He longed to get her alone so he could bend her to his will and own her. As much as her defiance was a turn on, xavier liked his women seen and not heard and his mate would soon submit to him whether she wanted to or not. The thought of breaking her in had his mouth watering. "I had hoped to return home tonight Mr Ramos. Do you have any objections to your daughter travelling before our mating ceremony?"
Laughing Deacon downed the last of his drink before looking straight into Xavier's eyes. "It is not me you will need to convince son. As I said my daughter has an incredible ability at being a royal pain in the arse. I suggest you discuss it with her and come and find me once a decision has been made." With that Deacon patted Xavier on the back in passing as he left the room. "I'll leave you two to get to know each other" he called to his daughter on his way out. Xavier's eyes immediately flew back to Annabella as she sipped her champagne.
"Your father has no aversion to us travelling tonight. You should pack a bag of essentials. I'll alert my staff that your arriving" he said matter of factly as he walked towards her. "You mean you'll tell them to remove which ever little whore is currently warming your bed?" She asked amused as she stood from the desk and walked around it to stand infront of him leaning back against it so she could stare up at him.
"Who is in my bed isn't and will not be your concern Annabella. The sooner you understand that and stop being jealous the better" Xavier stated sternly making her giggle. She had been right he would not respect her if she did not let her voice be heard from the get go. "Oh I'm not jealous baby. But I won't be returning with you tonight. I have my own goodbyes to say if you know what I mean."
Taking his shock as her opportunity to leave she moved past him clicking towards the exit. Stopping halfway she turned back to him. "Oh and when you do return please let your staff know I like silk sheets and oat milk" winking she turned back to the door.
The soft click of her heels had Xavier moving at speed. No sooner had Anna opened the door was it being pushed shut again by Xavier. His large hand just above her head on the wood. His other hand circled her throat. Stepping into her so his front was pressed against her back Xavier leant forward to growl in her ear.
"I will rip a man's head clean from his shoulders if he touches you Bella. Be sure this is what you want" he threatened his fingers tightening around her neck. The shortening of her name in a way she wasn't used to had the whole ordeal feeling far more intimate. Turning in his embrace she licked her lips enjoying the way his eyes followed the movement darkening with lust. "Now who's jealous?" She whispered running her fingers up his arm to rest on top of his hand at her throat, squeezing slightly she moaned at the sensation and Xavier felt his whole body stiffen. She was a temptress if nothing else and he knew that their sex would be explosive. His canines ached to mark her and his dick throbbed in the space between them. Leaning to kiss her Xavier was surprised to see her turn her face away from him. Moving back to stare at her Xavier raised an eyebrow in question. She wanted him he could smell it on her.
"I'm afraid I do not share love. So if your girlfriend back home is the one you want please reject me so I can return to my own lovers bed" her words had Xavier's wolf howling at him. Surely she didn't mean it. "You would rather I reject you than sleep with another?" He asked incredulously to which Annabella nodded as if it wasn't a big deal. "like I said. I don't share. If you want me it will be only me" anna stared matter of factly watching him as he processed her words. "And will it be only me?" He asked jealousy tainting his words as he thought of her with the man she had been dancing with earlier. "Yes it will be only you." She promised not wavering as they locked eyes. A moment passed as Xavier battled with himself on what to do. He could still have his mistress he would just have to be discreet but if he was honest right now he wanted Anna so badly that he would agree to near anything.
A subtle nod of his head told Annabella he agreed to her terms and in the next instance their lips were fused together. Tongues sparring as they consumed each other backing into the door with Xavier's hand still wrapped around Annas throat.
Lifting her with ease Xavier pressed annas back against the door, his erection pressing against her core. Moaning Annabella grinded her self against his arousal through his trousers, the thigh high split in her dress allowing her to wrap her legs around his waist. Xavier was more than ready be inside her. His hands slid between them to undo his slacks. "Uh uh. You are not fucking me for the first time here." Anabella spoke between kisses finally releasing her legs and sliding back down to her feet. "Wait what? What are you talking about?" Xavier asked confused as he panted for air.
"We are mates zav. I won't go anywhere if you don't. We have plenty of time to fuck all over this place but our first time will not be like this."
"You have got to be shitting me? What the fuck kind of games are you playing Annabella." Xavier complained stepping back from her. He had never had to beg a woman and he wasn't about to start now. No matter how much he wanted her. It didn't help that his wolf was ready to rip her in half.
Taking his hand she led him to the leather armchairs in front of the fire and gently pushed his large frame down in to a chair. "Shh baby, no games. I want you. But I want our first time to be in a bed. Without a risk of being caught" Annabella explained as she moved to her knees between his legs and continued his task of unzipping his pants. Realisation of her next move was enough to send Xavier into overdrive as he rushed to help her free his shaft from its constraints.
Humming with appreciation at the thick head bobbing in front of her Anna licked her lips as she looked Xavier square in the eyes. His intake of breath let her know she had him right where she wanted him and without breaking eye contact she parted her lips and swallowed the length of him into her mouth. In one easy glide. Groaning Xavier hand fisted at the arms of the leather chair as he fought not to buck into her mouth.
She felt exquisite wrapped around his cock and after a few twists of her tongue Xavier had to look away. Resting his head back and squeezing his eyes shut as her tongue ran up and down the length of him. "Fuck you feel good" he panted as she paid attention the head of his dick. "Tell me Xavier are we going to have problems with faithfulness in this relationship?" Annabella asked after taking his member deep into her throat. Before fisting the base and placing sloppy open mouth kisses on the tip. "Hmm?" She asked after a few minutes of him doing nothing but cursing.
"Fuck. No Bella. No problems. Just don't stop baby. Fuck yeah" Xavier grunted one hand flying into her hair to guide her back down onto him. "I'm so close" he warned easing his hold on her head so she could retreat but instead she took him deeper into her mouth humming around his dick as her hands played with his balls. "Bella baby. I'm going to come" he tried again and still she didn't move instead flicking her eyes to his as he exploded in her mouth on a long growl.
When he was completely spent Xavier watched through hooded eyes as Annabella gently released him. Swallowing and wiping at the corners of her mouth with a smirk on her face. "I'm so glad we have come to an understanding. Go home and do what you have to do. When I arrive there will need to be no trace of another woman."
"What do you mean when you arrive? We will be travelling together tonight Annabella"
Shaking her head Anna stood from her position on the floor as Xavier stuffed him self back into his trousers rising to Tower over her.
"I am calling for an official ceremony before I attend your home" she stated and Xavier nearly lost his mind. "Absolutely not. You think I'm going to wait that long? You will be in my bed tonight Bella. There will be no negotiating on that."
Laughing Annabella shook her head. "If I go back with you tonight we will consummate the mating bond and be stuck with each other. This way you get to decide whether you really want this. If your able to give up who ever waits for you back home then you can return next week and we will make it official"
Shaking his head Xavier chuckled before stepping into Annabella and making her crane her neck to look at him. "I don't think you quite understand how this works sweetheart." Annabella grunted at the hard tug on her hair that had her forced to stare in his eyes. "I have humoured you this evening for the sake of making a good impression. But I've reached my limit. Your are mine. You understand? Mine Bella." An extra tug for good measure had her whimpering in a mix of pleasure and pain. "Now I can take you home and do this in my bed with out interruptions as you requested. Or I can bend you over that desk and let the whole party hear you scream my name. You decide but either way we are bonding tonight. And you will be wearing my mark by morning."
With that he placed a swift kiss on Annabella's upturned lips before releasing her to lean on the arm of the chair he had not long vacated. "What's it going to be Bella?"
She hadn't corrected him when he had called her Bella the first time because she liked the way it rolled off his tongue but now hearing it had her panting. Her wolf was growling at her to chose the desk and she knew he would do it if she said yes. The fact that he wasn't concerned about her father walking in on them excited her. She could only imagine the naughty things she could talk him into.