Chapter Twenty-Eight

IVY’S POV

The quiet morning at the private estate was broken by the deep hum of car engines outside. Waiting on the driveway were five matching black SUVs in a straight line, their dark windows shining like polished glass. Royal guards wearing crisp black suits and white gloves stood at every door, their hands resting safely near their belts.

I stood in the center of our bedroom, looking down at my clothes. I wore a simple, warm white sweater made of soft wool that felt light against my skin, paired with dark blue leggings that stretched comfortably over my small, round belly. On my feet were flat, soft brown leather boots that did not pinch my toes. Over my shoulders, Leo had placed a thick, dark gray coat to protect me from the cool morning air.

Leo stood right behind me, fixing his coat. He looked tall, broad, and powerful. He wore a dark navy blue suit coat over a clean, ironed white shirt, left unbuttoned at the neck without a tie. His dark trousers were tailored straight, falling neatly over dark brown leather shoes that were so clean they reflected the soft room lights. Around his wrist was a heavy silver watch that ticked softly in the quiet room.

He reached out, his big, warm hand resting over my shoulder, catching my eyes in the mirror. His amber eyes were deep and steady.

"Are you ready, my love?" he asked softly, his thumb rubbing a slow circle against my neck.

"I am nervous," I admitted, my voice tiny.

"I am right here," Leo whispered, leaning down to press a soft, long kiss against my cheek. His warm breath smelled like fresh mint and coffee. "No one in this city can touch you. Just stay by my side."

We walked downstairs together, hand in hand. As we stepped out the front doors, the cool morning air hit my face, carrying the sweet smell of damp grass and garden flowers. A guard captain quickly opened the back door of the middle SUV. Leo placed his hand gently over the top of the doorframe so I would not bump my head as I climbed into the soft, black leather seat. He slid in right beside me, the heavy door clicking shut, cutting off all the outdoor noise.

Since we already lived in the Capital City, the ride to the Royal Palace took only thirty minutes. Through the dark-tinted windows, I watched the familiar city streets pass by, tall glass buildings, neat stone pavements, and bright digital billboards showing pack news.

As our convoy turned onto the broad avenue leading up the central hill toward the Royal Palace gates, the peaceful silence completely vanished.

"Hold on, my lord," the driver said, his eyes checking the side mirrors. "The news crews are already here."

Outside, a huge crowd of people was packed against the giant iron gates of the palace. Dozens of news reporters held long microphones with bright color logos. Cameramen rested heavy black cameras on their shoulders, while bright flashbulbs flashed like small lightning strikes against the dark glass of our car. Up above in the grey sky, small black media drones buzzed like angry bees, their red camera lights blinking fast as they hovered over our convoy.

The crowd pushed forward, shouting questions into the air.

"Is Prince Leo inside?"

"Who is in the middle car?"

As our car slowed down at the palace entrance, Leo moved fast. He did not wait for the guard to open his door. He pushed the heavy door open and stepped out onto the grey stone driveway. The loud noise of the crowd hit us instantly. Shouting voices, the heavy clicking of camera lenses, and the sharp buzzing of the drones above.

Leo did not turn to wave. His face was cold and hard as stone, his jaw set tight, his wolf energy rising around him like a heavy wall.

He turned back to the car, leaning deep inside. He reached his strong arms out toward me. I wrapped my arms around his broad neck, and with one easy movement, he lifted me out of the seat and held me close to his chest. He pulled his thick gray coat around my shoulders, tucking my head deep against his neck so my face was completely hidden from the sharp camera flashes.

Through the soft wool of his coat, I smelled his rich dark chocolate and wood scent. My small hands held tightly to his lapels. I could feel the hard, quick pulse of his heart against my cheek as he took long, steady strides toward the heavy front doors of the palace.

"Clear the way!" the guard captain roared, his broad arms blocking a reporter who tried to push past the metal poles.

Bright white light flashed through the spaces between Leo's coat, but he kept his body turned, completely blocking me from the crowd. He carried me through the main entrance, and the big doors slid shut behind us, cutting the roaring noise down to a low murmur.

Within ten minutes, the news broke across all wolf territories. Every phone screen and digital TV board showed blurry, high-speed photos of the Crown Prince. In the photos, Prince Leo looked fierce and protective, his massive body shield-like around a small woman whose face was hidden, but whose clear pregnant bump showed beneath the edges of his dark coat.

The bold red text across every screen read:

"PRINCE LEO ARRIVES WITH MYSTERY MATE."

Two hours later, it was time to prepare for the Apex Gathering.

In a private suite inside the palace, three professional royal stylists worked in quiet speed. When they finished and stepped back, I stood in front of the tall, gold-framed mirror, staring at the person looking back at me.

I barely recognized myself.

I wore a breathtaking royal blue gown made of smooth, rich fabric that fit gently over my curves and hugged my small, round bump. The entire dress was decorated with hundreds of tiny, real diamonds that caught the room lights, twinkling like stars across a dark night sky. On my feet were sleek silver heels that gleamed brightly with every small step I took. Beautiful silver bracelets shivered on my wrists, catching the light.

My golden hair had been straightened completely smooth, cascading all the way down past my waist like a sheet of pure liquid gold. In my ears, I wore two sparkling diamond stud earrings that Leo had specifically bought to match the royal heirloom necklace.

Then, the wooden doors opened, and Leo walked into the dressing room.

He stopped in his tracks, his breathing catching in his throat.

He was dressed in a formal royal black suit made of fine wool. Across his broad chest sat a dark red silk sash held by a gold pin shaped like the Varian pack crest. His dark hair was combed back neatly, showing his sharp, noble face and strong jawline. He looked every bit the powerful Alpha ruler he was born to be.

In his hands, he carried a small, velvet-lined wooden box.

He walked slowly across the soft carpet, his amber eyes pinned on me with a look so intense it made my cheeks feel hot.

"You look..." Leo started, his voice thick with deep feeling. He shook his head softly, unable to find the right word. "You look breathtaking, Ivy."

"I feel like a princess," I whispered, looking at my reflection beside his tall frame.

"You are my future queen," he said softly.

He opened the velvet box. Inside rested the famous Varian heirloom necklace. It was made of pure white gold, set with small, brilliant blue sapphires that matched my dress perfectly, surrounding a large, clear tear-shaped diamond in the very center that matched my new stud earrings.

Leo stepped behind me, gently moving my long golden hair to one side. My heart beat fast as his warm fingers brushed the skin of my neck. He wrapped the cool gold chain around my neck and clicked the heavy lock into place. The bright diamond rested right at the hollow of my throat.

"This necklace has been worn by every high Alpha female of our line for two hundred years," Leo whispered into my ear, resting his hands on my hips and looking at us in the mirror. "It looks good on you."

I touched the smooth, cool stone with my trembling fingers, looking up at his dark, handsome face. The fear that had been inside me all morning slowly faded away, replaced by a quiet, deep strength. I was not the weak, broken girl who had fled from the woods anymore. I was Leo's mate, and I was going to stand proudly beside him.

The heavy double doors of the grand ballroom were made of dark oak wood, carved with deep patterns of wolves and oak leaves. From behind them came the low, loud hum of hundreds of talking voices, soft piano music, and the clinking of expensive crystal glasses.

Two royal guards in full silver armor stepped forward, pulling the heavy handles back.

The doors swung open.

Leo turned to me, offering his right arm, his fingers open. I slid my small hand onto his sleeve, my silver bracelets clinking softly against his dark coat. He looked down at me, giving me a small, steadying nod.

"Together," he whispered.

"Together," I replied.

We stepped across the doorway into the massive grand ballroom.

The room was giant, with high curved ceilings painted with gold leaf and hanging crystal light fixtures that poured soft, golden light over the crowd below. Hundreds of high-ranking Alpha leaders, lords, and noble ladies from every territory stood around small round tables covered in white tablecloths, drinking champagne and talking in quiet groups.

The moment our feet touched the shiny marble floor, a ripple of quiet passed through the front of the room.

Then, like a wave, the entire room fell dead silent.

The music stopped. The soft clinking of glasses ceased completely. Hundreds of pairs of eyes turned toward the huge staircase, freezing in absolute surprise.

Leo's voice rang out across the giant ballroom, loud, clear, and full of royal power that echoed off the high marble walls.

"Lords and leaders of the Apex Gathering," Leo announced, his amber eyes burning with pride. "Allow me to present my mate, Lady Ivy...the future Crown Princess of the Varian Pack."