***
I sat on the bed, unsure of what to do or where to go. Nothing made sense anymore. Not after everything that had just happened. My body longed for the man leaning against the door to my left and yet my heart could not help but call out to the man who we had left behind.
My mate had left no options or openings as he carried me away from the rest who had gathered to take in the wondrous sight. His hold was possessive as he carried me all the way to the guest suite that he would be occupying during his stay in our pack.
My protests, requests to walk the rest of the way had been aptly ignored, silence reigning between us just as it did now. My heart beat picked up at the first sign of movement from him, my body tensing as I realized he was now coming towards me.
I couldn't look at him. Couldn't even breathe as he squatted in front of me, his gaze solely fixed on my nervous form. Although I did not want to, goosebumps engulfed my skin at the proximity of the man who was destined to be my other half. His scent, rain and spice, left me drunk and high on it. Everything about him spelt power and I could not help but wonder whether that was why everyone regarded him with absolute caution.
"Look at me, little wolf."
He whispered, the sound of his voice igniting a spark of electricity I had never felt before. Butterflies swarmed my stomach as I slowly turned my gaze to him. For some reason, despite his words that held no commanding edge to it, I could not rebel. I could not refute him.
Honey-Gold eyes met my own Amethyst-colored eyes as we gazed at each other fully for the first time. I was hooked, obsessed with the flecks of gray that swam within his intense depths. His expression revealed nothing and yet his eyes showcased a world of emotion I could not comprehend.
"So fucking beautiful..."
He breathed, clearly just as enamored by me as I was by him. My heart stuttered in my chest, my body alive with longing and elation at his compliment. Something so small, so innocent had elicited a violent reaction of want within me. The mate bond was working and goddess was I enjoying it. I always believed I would never be privy to the blessing and yet here I was, completely amazed by my mate.
I just wish it was with someone else...A person who would accept my brokenness.
My mate leaned forward, the sudden action pushing me to hold my breath in anticipation. It was an inevitable reaction to the mate bond that pushed us to mate and mark each other. I knew it was coming and yet I couldn't help the hesitation that bubbled up from deep within me as I thought of the man I had crushed on from my childhood.
He's probably doing the same thing to his own mate, Alexandra...The thought left a bitter taste in my mouth and a lurch of pain within my heart.
My mate seemed to have noted my tense reaction for he stopped his exploration of my neck with his nose and, instead, pulled back to look at me. A part of me felt bereft whereas another was glad that he had pulled back. My emotions were too raw already for me to engage in yet another tryst with a man.
Not when another still possessed me...It won't be fair...
"You are Alexandra Pierce, yes?"
My mate inquired, getting to his feet once more. He easily towered over me when I was standing but looked all the more intimidating as all 6"4 of him stood before me. I nodded, speechless as I took in his handsome features. Copper colored hair that was cut into a fade, he beheld a strong jaw, lean muscle and tan skin. He was every woman's wet dream and then some.
I had always believed that, if ever the goddess blessed me with a mate, he would be as broken as I am. But this man...well, this man was the poster child for perfection.
Tattooed hands folded over his muscular chest, his expression just as blank as always but there was a raging storm within his gaze that took me aback. Almost like a wildfire before it consumed everyone in its wake with its golden form.
"Well, Alexandra, its a pleasure to meet you. My name is Dante. It seems the fates and the goddess have brought us together."
His voice was clear, the excitement he had beheld gone and replaced with simple finality. Almost as if he was simply stating facts and nothing more. Irrationally, I missed his warmth and wanted to know why his demeanor had so suddenly changed.
Fucking mate bond...
"Please, call me Alex."
I managed to get out, fixating on the one thing he had gotten wrong. I hated using my full name with a passion, despite how fucking amazing it sounded on his own lips.
It's like he was meant to call out my name...and indeed he was...
My mate raised a brow, saying nothing as he watched me through those inscrutable eyes of his. I could not fathom his true emotions and I was beginning to realize that the only way I would is if he chose to open up to me.
"You seemed rather sad when your 'friend' found his mate in Alpha Victor's sister. And more so when we found each other. Does it have any relation to why the fuck Reed Michael's scent is on you, Alexandra?"
He spat my full name like it was a distasteful gum but that was not what I could focus on. No, the only thing I could truly fixate on was my accelerated heart beat from the unexpected statement. Fear clawed through my body as I took in his calm body language that did not reflect the raging anger in his eyes.
Swallowing the lump in my throat as I searched for a reason to keep Reed alive and away from my mate's wrath, I got to my feet and assumed the best poker face I could. Although Reed and I had slept together before I met my mate, the mate bond was still a force that required full possession of one's mate. Altercations between former lovers and mates was common place in our world but a clash between Alphas would be a bloodbath.
I cannot let that happen. I have to protect them from each other.
"Reed and I have been friends for a very long time. My longing may have been mistaken for sadness because things would definitely change and I would be separated from all my friends and family. That was the same emotion I felt when I realized you were my mate. It is a happy and sad event. As for Reed's scent on me, it probably has to do with this shirt. We got rained on last night and he gave me his spare shirt to wear this morning since my clothes were still wet and dirty. Nothing more."
I could not dare tell him that I put the shirt on willingly this morning because I wanted his scent to surround and comfort me. I couldn't let it slip that it meant to me more than anything, especially now that I might not ever be able to be around him again.
Dante said nothing, his eyes silently assessing me for any signs of deceit no doubt. It did not sit well with me that I had to lie but I didn't really have a choice.
My poker face better be as good as my friends and family claimed it was...
Silent apprehension radiated through my body and evaporated at the sight of my mate's small sigh as he turned his gaze away from me. Relief flooded through me. It felt almost as if I had evaded a whole minefield unscathed. A true miracle of sorts.
"Raise your hands."
His words stunned me to silence, pulling my gaze back to his inscrutable face that expectantly awaited my acquiescence. Every single nerve ending in my body came alive with the prospects behind his words but I could not dwell on them.
Not when Dante was staring expectantly at me, seemingly waiting for me to slip up and give him reason to pummel Reed into a pulp and punish me for my lie.
I have to do this...I have no choice...
Silently, I lifted my arms, never once breaking eye contact with my mate who seemed pleased as fuck by my obedience. Stepping right into my personal space, my body shivered once his hands found my waist, lightly caressing it before he grabbed the hem of my shirt and slowly pulled it off.
My black, lace bra was visible to him now and his eyes latched onto my half naked chest that exposed my pale skin, belly piercing and rib tattoo to his darkening eyes. He took his time to take me in, his eyes scorching my skin as he went, leaving me hot and bothered.
I could not find it in me to flinch or cover myself under his gaze. Part me of enjoyed the hell out of his visible reaction to my body whereas another part simply couldn't stop eyeing the shirt in his hand.
I prayed hard that he would not do what I was thinking.
It's the only thing I have, dammit!
"Since that is the case, I am sure you wouldn't miss this at all."
Dante's smirk was borderline sinister as he easily tore the shirt into pieces, all the while watching my reaction for any signs of grief and goddess did I struggle to hold back. I watched in pained silence as he destroyed the one thing I still had from my crush.
I relaxed too soon. I underestimated his intellect. His need for dominance and possession over me. He did not seem too sure of whether I was being truthful or not but had still taken measures to ensure I would not remain with anything that was Reed's.
"Underestimating him and assuming is a mistake I shall never make when it comes to him."
I silently promised myself, keeping my emotions locked away as I watched him step over the shredded pieces of the shirt and right into my personal space once more. I was numb, unable to truly say anything or feel anything.
His thumb found my chin, lifting it to make me look at him despite my urge to rebel.
"From now on, any male article of clothing that graces that stunning body of yours will be mine. I will provide you with anything you may need, little wolf. My imprint will be on your body wherever you go so that you remember who you belong to."
It was a sure statement of possession. Of ownership of my body through the mate bond. He was reminding me where I stood in his life and who I belonged to. His words dripped with pride and power.
He was an Alpha male in that small moment and although a small part of me longed to spit in his face and tell him that I would never truly be his, I could not help the other part of me whose panties were soaked by his clear declaration of ownership and intention.
"Now, go take a shower. We have an event to attend and I would very much like to see the look on everyone's faces when they learn that I now own you, little wolf."
Pride and apprehension surged through me at the prospect of attending the ceremony. A ceremony that was supposed to be the happiest day of my life...
With a simple nod, I turned and locked myself in the bathroom, letting the scalding hot shower spray engulf me, drown out my silent tears and wash away my arousal...
***
My body was aware of everything he did, most especially the way his hand possessively settled on the small of my back and occasionally rubbed soothing circles whenever I least expected it. Butterflies swarmed my body as I walked beside him, my head held high as we stopped for the occasional conversation with the guests.
It was certainly a welcome distraction from the newfound mates who were being congratulated for their beautiful union and undertaking the marking ceremony as soon as they had met, as many wolves did.
I had felt sick to my stomach when I spotted the fresh mark on Natalia's neck. He really had done it. After sleeping with me just last night...
I couldn't fully blame him. The mate bond was a Celestial force granted by the goddess herself. But I really had hoped he would fight it. That he would reject her and take me away from Dante.
Wishful thinking, especially now that you know who he truly is....
The news had come as a complete shock to me once I stepped out of the shower and found the freshly prepared outfit. It was certainly not the laid back, white skirt and matching crop top I was going to wear for the event.
No, this was classy as hell and reminiscent of the position of future Luna Queen of the Werewolf world and current Luna of the strongest pack in the world, CrescentMoon.
Yes, Dante wasn't just a simple guest.
The reactions we were garnering from everyone were not misplaced.
They were in awe, appalled by the sight before them.
The heir to the King of Werewolves' throne had found his mate.
He was Dante Livorno, only son of Alpha King Damian Livorno.
He was also one of the most ruthless men in our world, feared and revered by many.
I was still dazed from the revelation and more so by what it would mean for me. The responsibilities that would be expected of me moving forward. Responsibilities I was already bearing as we walked around the party and gave our regards to the guests despite not being the party hosts.
A mixture of awe, reverence and pity engulfed the women we met who simply looked upon me with either one of those emotions. I couldn't blame them for they knew what we all knew.
That the future King was more monster that man. He had led his pack with no help or connections from his father. No, the crown Prince had grown his pack's power and strength with his own two hands. And with a ruthlessness unlike any other.
Those who knew him knew that he was a man to be feared. He showed no mercy to anyone, let alone his mate, no doubt.
I knew better than to believe rumors but he had already proven himself a pretty unpredictable character and had yet to show me so much more...
"You look amazing, Luna Alexandra."
Yet another envious Luna to one of the visiting Alpha's voiced, her eyes assessing me from head to toe. I was suddenly glad for the outfit change as I faced off with the impeccably dressed women.
Off the shoulder long sleeves that exposed my generous breasts perfectly, the dress hugged every single curve of my body and showed off part of my thighs and legs, down to the white, red bottomed stilettos I was sporting. My hair was in a messy bun that exposed the diamond choker on my neck that matched my stud earrings. My make up was light with simple mascara and red lipstick.
I looked completely different but I welcomed the change all the same. It was my armor against them all and my childhood crush whose gaze I occasionally felt on my skin. I focused on responding to the women, carrying out my duties with Dante close by my side.
I don't know how I would have been able to get through this without him...
Despite everything, I was grateful for his presence and more so when Alpha Darren Michaels announced that it was time to welcome Reed and Natalia to the stage. My body tensed under Dante's touch. I did not want to show my true emotions but my body was slowly betraying me as I watched Reed hold Natalia close and present a picture perfect front of the happy couple before their guests.
That should have been me...I should have been the one standing where she is...
"You know, for someone who claims to not give a fuck, you seem to care more than you think."
Dante's whisper was calm, accusing. I couldn't look upon him and lie some more. Not when I did not have enough control over my body and emotions that were leaking through dangerously.
"My only consolation and the only reason that motherfucker is alive is because he seems to have recognized that he can NEVER have you. He's a smart one. Will be a good Alpha."
My heart froze before crashing into a million pieces at his words.
Words I knew to be true as I watched Reed grin down at Natalia who shyly smiled at the crowd and gave her own speech. She didn't seem like a bad person but by the goddess, I hated her.
Just like I am slowly hating Reed for acting like nothing between us was real. That the promises meant nothing.
Dante grinned from beside me, the smirk more sinister than amused as he pulled me close to him. My body leaned perfectly into his, my gaze turning to meet his once his thumb latched onto my chin. Darkness loomed within his honey gold eyes, seemingly reflecting my own true emotions.
"In as much as I would love to encourage that pitch black darkness within you, I refuse to let that piece of shit hold any sort power over you. Now, answer me this, little wolf. Would you like me to be his executioner, destroy him and erase him from your gaze and your heart? Or would you rather we garner revenge in another way? Whatever you want, it is yours."
I did not expect such a proposition from him. Not when he seemed to have gotten a small glimpse into my true emotions for Reed. He was deathly serious, his eyes shimmering with danger and anticipation for my answer. Almost as if he was waiting to see just how alike we were.
It was a tempting proposition. It really was. But I could not help but remember our childhood memories and his parents who had been so kind to my father and I when we had nowhere to go. His own sister eyed me from a few ft. away, seeming genuinely worried for me. It seemed she had caught on to the bits and pieces of what had happened between her brother and I.
I won't do it. I will not let the darkness consume me whole.
"Can we just go? I don't want to be here anymore."
I responded, waiting for backlash or disappointment from my mate. For anything.
All I received, though, was a swift nod as he latched our hands together.
"As you wish, Alexandra."
He stated simply before turning us away from the conversing couple. From all my friends and family. From my betrayer. From the guests who watched us leave with silent confusion.
We left behind questionable glances and speculative chatter but we didn't care. Not when we had each other...
***