CHAPTER TWO
A SHARED KISS
Aria's POV
I stared at the image of myself in the mirror, I couldn't recognize what I was seeing. The existence of makeup was definitely the best thing to ever happen. I wasn't naturally ugly. In fact, I was the prettiest of all wolves both old and young, in Moonstone village but the makeup that the beautician had applied on my face made me more pretty.
I smiled heartily even though the mating union between me and Lucas was the last thing I wished for as I had heard different stories about him being a promiscuous, deceiving, and selfish alpha-to-be, I still had to try to be happy. I made a promise to myself not to let him get the best of me or have me fall for him which I believed I would uphold after all, he said he wasn't fond of me and for that, he didn't think marrying me was a good thing.
The bell gong went off and it was officially the mating ceremony time.
Scarlett held my hand, leading me out to the ceremony arena. It took place under the light of a full moon that promoted a glow upon the ancient oak grove where it was held.
Lucas and I stood at the center of the grove, surrounded by the members of our respective packs, who had gathered to witness our mating ceremony. The ruthless Alpha Robert, spoke of the importance of our union, not only for the happiness of Lucas and me but for the peace it would bring to our respective packs.
"Oh, shut up," I cussed undertone. What happiness was he speaking of? Such a liar.
I stood there, adorned in a gown made of moonflower petals, my silver fur glistening in the moonlight, while I awaited Lucas's presence.
In a short while, Lucas appeared, walking towards me in his ceremonial attire, his chest puffed with pride.
I gulped down my saliva which had already filled my mouth. I've heard different stories about him but what I didn't hear was that he was extremely handsome with a height of 6'2ft, his brown eyes were charming, and his dark brown hair shone which matched his eyes. He had an Oval face with a Skin color— olive-tanned that exuded elegance.
Wait, did I say I'd try not to fall for him? Oh moon goddess, I take that back.
I had already been attracted to him and wished that he'd reciprocate the attraction.
He looked at me intently, his face showing no emotions. We exchanged our vows and touched our foreheads, sealing our commitment with a kiss.
Yes, a kiss.
We leaned in the same time and shared a kiss. Aside from the feelings it sparked inside me, I hoped that me being mated to Lucas would bring peace among our respective packs.
Anyway, our packs howled in unison, celebrating our union and the promise of a peaceful future for our world.
"You have done so well," my father said to me
"I would do anything for you and my family," I said, looking at my pack who had started to mingle with the Silvermoon pack already. It was obvious that they had been waiting and craving this opportunity. An opportunity to have and explore freedom.
"Thank you, Aria," he said softly
I hugged him tightly. After a while, he pulled away and smiled at me with so much love in his eyes.
"You'll be leaving with them in a short time," he whispered, almost losing his voice.
I nodded wearily. The thought of leaving my father and my pack behind weakened me but what would I have myself do? I signed up for it and I had to see it to the end.
"I have a request, Father," I implored
"Speak, my daughter. I would do anything for you because you have saved us," he said firmly
I chuckled. His comment melted my heart and I couldn't help but chuckle.
"I want Scarlett to go with me," I said
"Scarlett? Why? They'll definitely assign a new maid to you once you get to their kingdom," he said
"No, father. I want Scarlett," I insisted
"Okay. Scarlett then," he said, approving my request.
Just as I was about to say something, Scarlett came running to me.
"Aria, the carriage is ready," she said, panting
Those words pierced through my heart, causing tears to flow uncontrollably.
"Are you ready, Scarlett?" I asked amidst tears
"Huh?" She was taken aback. It was clear enough that she wasn't expecting to leave for Lucas' kingdom where his father reigned with me.
"Yes, yes, I am!" She cheered, engulfing me in a hug.
She genuinely cared for me and would always choose to be by my side at any given point in her life.
I turned to my father, giving him my last hug, I pecked his cheek and said my farewell.
Immediately, Scarlett and I made our way to where the carriage was.
After what felt like ages, we arrived at the Thornton's kingdom. It was nothing like ours, everyone lived in fear and hate. It was obvious that they were being treated poorly.
The chamber door squeaked open, revealing Lucas.
"What are you doing here?!" He thundered.
I jolted at the sound of his voice. What could I have done that would make him speak to me in such a manner?
"Am.. I.. not.. supposed to… be… here?" I stammered
"Why do you think you're in the right room?" He questioned
"This is your room, Lucas and I am your mate," I said firmly.
"Oh, you must be stupid. You must think that I really rate you, huh?!" He bawled
"But…"
"But what?! Hold on, you're throwing yourself at me. How shameless," he spat
I was shocked, totally shocked. What have I gotten myself into?
"Lucas…"
"Shut up!" He yelled
He walked slowly, closing the short distance between us. With his finger pointing at my face, I began to tremble. I was going to move backward but how? I was seated on the bed.
"If you insist on sleeping in the same room with me, Aria, you'd have to sleep on the floor and that is final!" He thundered.
"Lu…"
He didn't let me speak again. Instead, he flung the robe in his hands on the bed and stormed out angrily, leaving me in bewilderment.