FOUR

_AVA_

Once our union was sealed with a kiss, everyone rose to their feet and paid their respects by bowing to us.

I caught sight of Hayes from the side of my eye and I could feel his gaze fixed on me, like his aim was to burn a hole in my skin with his eyes.

I looked at him, and he held a smirk in place. That made me sick to my stomach.

How could he be grinning so widely at me after kissing me like he hadn't told me he was going to make my life hell few minutes before now?

I bit my lip, clamping my teeth down on my lower lip, furious. It wasn't until I felt a thick liquid trickle into my mouth that I realized that I had just bit my lip open, and drew blood from it.

Hayes stretched his arm towards me, "Shall we?" He asked, encouraging me to hold onto his arm with a funny glint dancing in his eyes.

I slid my hand into the crack of his outstretched arm, holding onto him and walking by his side as he led us to our seats.

To close off the ceremony, my Dad was asked to come say a few words to the guests.

"Dear esteemed guests," My father began, "I am pleased today to welcome you all to this occasion. I am Alpha Chester, the proud father of Ava Chester, the now- Luna of the Nightshade Pack." He looked at me, pride swelling in his eyes, before he continued his speech.

"On behalf of the Silvermoon Pack and everyone in it, I want to extend a warm welcome and express our deepest gratitude for joining us on this joyous occasion.

I would like to take a moment to thank all of you who have travelled from near and far to be here today. Your presence means the world to us, and we are incredibly grateful to you for contributing your time and support to make this day possible." 

My father continued, "As I stand here today, I can’t help but reflect on the beautiful journey my daughter, Ava, has taken. From the time I was told my Luna had given me a beautiful girl, to the first time she wrapped her tiny fingers around mine.

She has blossomed into a strong, compassionate woman, and witnessing her growth has been the greatest honor and privilege of my life."

As my father spoke, my heart swelled with emotion. I looked at Hayes, hoping to see his eyes reflecting the same thing I was feeling, but I saw nothing. I couldn't read his stoic expression at at all.

"From tea parties to late night heart-to-heart conversations, she has filled my life with immeasurable joy. Need I mention her endless passion for art?" My father paused, and turned to look at me.

"Ava, you are not only a beautiful bride but you're also a brilliant artist, and an extraordinary woman. Seeing you as a radiant bride today fills my heart with an overwhelming sense of pride.” 

I tried to hold back the tears that had formed in my eyes as he spoke, but I couldn't.

I was overwhelmed by different emotions, and it hit me that I was going to miss this man—my father who had done and would do anything for me.

My father watched as I ugly cried, his eyes becoming cloudy as well, but he wouldn't cry. Not in front of everyone here, or even me. He was an Alpha, after all.

He continued, "My beautiful princess, you radiate love and happiness, and I’m so proud to be your father." He sniffed, before looking away from me. 

Jenna came to my side, giving me a handkerchief to dab my tears with before returning to her seat.

My father's speech went on.

"Now, to the newest addition in my family, Alpha Hayes Reid. From the moment I met you when I had gone to see the late Alpha Reid, I knew instantly that you were destined for greatness.

Though quite young then, I couldn't help but observe your wittiness, sense of loyalty, and boldness, and it was with great joy that I had received your betrothal offer to my sweet little girl."

I had been betrothed to Hayes since I was Fifteen because his first mate had died in an attack, and he had to choose someone else to be his Luna when the responsibility of being a leader fell on him.

His late brother, who was the Alpha then, died suddenly in an attack alongside his own mate, and Hayes was in line to rule. His Elders-in-council chose me to be his mate after the death of his first mate, and he agreed.

So Hayes knew about my existence and our betrothal before I did.

"You have come a long way since then, and have employed all the characteristics I saw in your younger self in your dealings as the Lycan King and Alpha. You've been a part of the family for three years now, but I am thrilled to officially welcome you into my family today." My father said and Hayes stood up from his seat, gave a small bow of courtesy to my father, before seating again.

"As you begin this new chapter together, my wish for you is to always cherish and respect each other. Remember to communicate openly, be each other’s biggest cheerleaders and strength, and embrace the journey that lies ahead.

Life will throw challenges your way, but facing them together with humor and a dash of silliness will make them more bearable. May the love between you both grow stronger with each passing day." My father finalized.

He signaled one of the servers over, took a drink from the tray, and everyone grabbed drinks from the servers standing beside them.

"Ladies and gentlemen, join me in raising a glass to the Alpha and his Luna." My father spoke, and everyone rose to their feet. 

My father raised a toast.

"May their lives be filled with an abundance of love, laughter, and countless beautiful memories. To the newlyweds!" 

"To the newlyweds!!" Everyone cheered, and clinking of glasses was heard. Surprisingly, Hayes turned to clink his glass with mine.

He seemed to read the expression on my face because he leaned towards me just seconds after.

"Surprised? Oh, don't be. You're my bride after all, aren't you?" He whispered into my ear, his hot breath dancing teasingly against my skin.

Just as I parted my lips to say something, I heard someone clear their throat... Interrupting what was going on. Hayes leaned away from me, and I met the gaze of my father.

"Erhm... Sorry to interrupt." He spoke, his eyes dancing between looking at me and Hayes. "I think I came at the wrong time."

You came at the wrong time?

Absolutely not.

I giggled awkwardly.

My father catching me in such position with a man was awkward and I didn't know what to do, so I fiddled with my hands.

"Congratulations on the success of your mating ceremony, Alpha Hayes."

"Thank you, Alpha Chester. Congratulations to you too, on raising such a beautiful and intelligent daughter." Hayes said in reply.

Wait, did he just praise me??

Did I just hear him call me beautiful?!

And what more? He called me intelligent!

"Oh, why, thank you for your kind words." My father smiled, grinning from ear to ear. I could tell he was proud of me. 

"I had the housekeeper arrange rooms for your entourage to stay in if that's fine with you." My father said, a little too happy that he was going to be hosting Hayes and his guests for a while longer.

Hayes nodded.

"It sure is."

My father had mentioned arranging rooms for Hayes' entourage, but not Hayes himself. Surely, he wasn't going to tell Hayes to pass the night in my room, was he? 

There's no way—

Yes, the second floor was off limits because one wing belonged to my Dad, and the other wing was mine. But there were other rooms upstairs aside my and my Dad's rooms.

Surely, Hayes would be staying in one of those rooms.... Right?!

"Everyone's stay is settled... Well, except yours." My father mentioned.

"Oh, don't worry about me. I'll be fine with just anywhere, as far as everyone I came with get somewhere to settle in." Hayes said and for a minute, I was in awe of him.

I mean, I guess it's true what they say about him as a leader. He may be a shitty person, but he's an excellent Alpha.

"You may be fine with staying just anywhere, but I won't be." My father remarked, "And that's why I had a towel and night robe prepared for you already in your Luna's room so you can comfortably pass the night there."

I looked at my father, my eyes widened. What does he mean by 'so he can comfortably pass the night in my room'?

What about me?! Did he think of whether I'd be comfortable or not?!

He caught my gaze, and I held eye contact for a while before looking away.

"That's if you're okay with it, Ava..." He added, seemingly understanding the turmoil I felt within me.

I rolled my eyes.

After already announcing to Hayes that he was to spend the night in my room? How was I to refuse?!

Say no, Ava.

Stand your ground and protect your space.

"I guess... I am." I muttered weakly, and I almost barfed. Why was I like this? Why do I put other people before me??

"I knew you'd be fine with it," my father smiled, "you both are mated to each other after all. I figured you wouldn't want to be apart from each other." He added, sounding almost proud of himself for thinking that.

Why was he being a little bit clueless?

Oh, merciful moon goddess, help me, will you? Help me pass the night in peace. And untouched.

I'm not sure I want to be touched by someone who doesn't like me... Or do I?

The thought of it scares me... Or does it?

I turned to Hayes, hoping that he would be against the idea of staying alone with me in my room and speak against it, but he seemed to be fine with it.

"You're right, Alpha Chester." He turned to me, holding my gaze in his, "We're both mated to each other and I don't want to be apart from your daughter, so you did well by arranging for me to spend the night with her."

It felt like his sole aim for saying that was to torment me because there is no way Hayes is actually interested in spending the night with me in my room... Except he has an ulterior motive.

"I'll be retiring to my quarters now, I'm quite tired. I'll send one of the maids to show you to the room where you both will be spending the night together." My father spoke, courtesying before taking his leave.

"There will be no need for that. Ava can always just take me there herself; it's her room, isn't it? There's no need to send a maid since she knows her room better than anyone else." Hayes spoke.

I sighed.

I felt the urgent need to slap him.

Just how much more was he going to torment me?!

My father smiled.

"I didn't think of that, that'd definitely be better." He said, and he courtesied to Hayes before leaving.

Hayes turned to me.

"So we're to spend the night together in your room, are we?" He asked, stating the obvious like I hadn't been part of the conversation when my father had mentioned it.

"So my father said," I responded. "Why did you find it necessary to say I'll be the one to show you to my room when you know where it is already?"

He smirked.

"What's the fun in that when I could watch you act all scrawny under my gaze while I watch you?" 

His reply irked me. 

I knew that was what he was after, but I never imagined he'd shamelessly admit it so fast.

I rolled my eyes.

"I'll be leaving now, I can no longer stand being in your presence." I stood up from where I was seated, but before I could take three steps, Hayes stood up as well.

Before I could even guess his actions, he picked me off my feet. 

"You don't need to stand being in my presence when you have my arms, where you can be even closer to me." he returned.

My eyes widened.

What was he doing?!

"Hayes, what the hell are you doing?" I shrieked, "Put me down!!"