Mating ritual

MAGNUS POV

The crowd erupted into cheers and raised their glasses, toasting to our union. The lights dimmed too, and the atmosphere became charged up. This part was generally the best part of a Lycan King's union: the mating ceremony. As if it was bribed, the moon chose that moment to make a dramatic entry, emerging in its full glory from a cloud, casting a radiant glow on the event.

I looked over at Sophie; for some reason, she had gone pale. Our argument earlier on had made us ignore each other all day. For a quiet werewolf, she was pretty headstrong. A simple request to wear what I had selected, and she had rebelled. I intended to work on changing that part of her. Elena had been a lot more submissive.

But my prediction proved correct as I spotted Sophie heading towards the exit, her steps quick and determined. A wicked grin curled on my lips; I had anticipated something like that and had told the guards to keep a close eye on her. There was no escaping the mating ceremony; it was