"Nanan, the Alpha sent for you" Blake informed the beautiful woman in her mid eighties

"I'll be there right away" she answered getting up while Blake turned to go "Blake son," she called and he turned smartly to her. "The work in the palace is beyond the maids, I have called for assistance... do let them in when they arrive " she informed him

"Okay Nanan" he replied taking her hand and helping her up the stairs

"Yes, you don't have to worry, they are people I know... very beautiful ladies, you'll like them" she teased and he laughed softly knowing where she was heading

All the young men in the pack like their Alpha were unmated, Nanan had been on their necks especially the Alpha blaming him for leading the other men astray in the area of mating. Finally able to convince him to settle down with his mate, Blake was her next target.

They approached the palace hall and her eyes caught a red decoration near the throne. She immediately knew why the Alpha had sent for her

"My Lord" she greeted bowing slightly

"Nanan" he answered signalling her to arise "who is in charge of the decorations here?" He asked knowing fully well she was

"It is I, Alpha "

"It seems you are forgetting my colours, do you want me to remind you again?" His firm voice came

"My Lord, the work in the palace for the past two days has been beyond the maids and servants. Hence, I got extra hands, they must have done this. But, I will see to it that this is taken care of, I apologise"

"And the chairs... is this how you intend to leave them?"

"We are not done with the decorations yet. But I can assure you that the food, drinks and decoration are in good hands. What you should be worried about is the security, the escorts for your bride and looking your best for tomorrow" she advised warmly looking into his eyes

"Umm" came his short reply "you are dismissed " he added

"Alpha... do try to relax, you'll make a great mate" she encouraged like a mother would her son before taking a bow and turning to leave. He watched her go with genuine love in his heart towards the woman he had grown to take as his mother. She knew him too well, nothing gets pass her when it comes to his feelings.

***

"Kayden dear, I know you are tired but can you help me take this to the Alpha's room."

"Nanan, won't the Alpha be mad at me for entering his room without being summoned?"

"Don't worry about that, I don't think he's in his room; but if he happens to be there, just take a bow and tell him I sent you, then keep it on the table, bow again and leave. You can do that for me right?"

"Nanan, I'm scared of the Alpha and you know"

"Please don't refuse me my child; if I go myself he'll keep me there for too long"

"Ok, let me have it" she agreed taking pity on the old woman

"Thank you my dear, see you tomorrow" Nanan said kissing her forehead tiredly.

She walked quickly into the Alpha's chambers and into his room. She looked around and saw nobody then moved quickly to the table keeping the well wrapped box and turned to go but felt a presence that even her wolf recognised and became excited. She turned to go, but she heard a voice behind her

"Mate!" He called and she turned swiftly knowing he felt what she was feeling

"Alpha..." Kayden called in a whisper as his hand went for her face caressing her cheek warmly.

"Mac" he corrected "call me Mac" she shook her head negatively as he moved closer to her

"I think you are mistaken Alpha, your mating ceremony is tomorrow; I only came here to keep that box" she explained rushing her words nervously

"You are my mate" he said firmly and his face held a lot of emotion. Wasn't she feeling the same thing he was feeling for her? Was he making a mistake he asked himself as he took another step towards her making her lose balance since she was already at the edge of the of the bed. He caught her before she could fall on the bed. Pulling her closer than she was, he sniffed her hair and the intoxicating fragrance of strawberry and hibiscus filled his nostrils and he closed his eyes. Despite her gentle struggle he pinned her to him. His hands went for her shirt unzipping it and she jerked immediately freeing herself from his grip. He got hold of her hand in time to stop her from running out of the room.

"Alpha..." She pleaded as he drew closer to her caressing her cheek with his fingers "I don't want this" she lied a tear dropping from her eyes and Skye her wolf moved restlessly inside of her angry at her pretence. For an answer he took her hand placing it on his chest

"Can you feel it?" He asked and she nodded, "What do you feel"? He asked

"I feel you calling out to me" she replied searching his eyes; she allowed herself drop at edge of the bed burying her face in her palm. "This is not right" she whispered looking at him

"The moon goddess never makes mistakes, she chose well and I accept you"

"Your mating ceremony is-"

"Look me in the eye mate and tell me you don't want me? Tell me you reject me..." He interrupted her his voice though firm sounded so full of pain and she immediately felt his fear of rejection

"I..." She started but shut her eyes tightly allowing her tears speak. Unable to complete her sentence Mac planted a soft kiss on her lips, "Alpha Xerxes will kill me after this" she whispered when he looked at her.

"I won't allow him to" Mac assured her kissing her again, when she didn't retaliate he deepened the kiss leading her unto the bed. With each caress from his fingers and every kiss he trailed on her body as he explored it gently, the mate bond between them intensified and even when she was sure she may not survive the next day, she gave herself to Mac damning the consequences of her actions. She tried to think through but Mac's touch made it difficult for her. The moment he marked her, she knew there was no going back.

Kayden laid still in Mac's arms as he stroked her hair lovingly with her head on his chest. The door creaked and they both turned towards it, just as an elegant pair of legs appeared. And a gorgeously dressed woman came to view filling the room with her aura, her expectant countenance changed immediately at the sight before her and Kayden stiffen as Mac turned to her.

"Alpha?!" She called with so much disappointment and pain and Mac turned to her again without saying a word before turning to look at Kayden again. But when their eyes met, she knew it wasn't Mac again but the dreaded Alpha Xerxes. His eyes held death in it and she knew her fate was sealed.