The Mating ceremony

Isla's POV:

It was still dark by the time we had left the Eclipse moon Pack. It was the first time I had been in a car and somehow after all the heart breaking separation from the pack, I found myself amused by the outside world. The woods spread over the long path and darkness gave it an eerie feeling to look at them. The woods at night had turned to be quite mysterious and atmospheric. As the car ran on the dirt road, the dense trees created a canopy overhead, casting eerie shadows on the winding path. The moonlight filtered through the leaves, creating a soft, ethereal glow. I was mesmerized by the air which was filled with the scent of damp earth and pine, adding to the beautiful atmosphere. The rustling of leaves and distant hoots of owls creates an eerie soundtrack as we ventured deeper into the darkness.

Alpha Caden had not spoken a single word during the whole ride and I was too busy loving the ethereal sight to pay attention to him. He was busy thinking about something in his head. I found myself recalling the small intimate moment we shared together in the chamber. Somehow, it had made me craving for more. His touch was addictive and so was his scent. After getting rejected by my first mate, my wolf had become so insecure that she wanted constant attention and this man was too arrogant to pamper her.

'I just want him to kiss me again. 'Riley said.

As if he heard my inner thoughts, Alpha Caden glanced at me from the corner of his eyes. I found his silent glare to be very awkward and so turned my head to another side. I couldn't even look at him without my wolf purring and trying to lunge at him. She wasn't scared of death but just his touch could calm her down.

"Did you and Hayder love each other? " Alpha Caden asked breaking the deadly silence in the car.

I nervously locked my gaze with his and he was curiously waiting for my answer. I didn't know what to tell him. How could he even ask me that stupid question out of nowhere.

"No, we didn't. " I said afraid of his changed demeanour. His eyes turned dark and an ugly grin spread on his lips.

"F*ck buddies? " He asked.

Suddenly, the air around us thickened and I found it extremely difficult to control my anger and frustration at him.

Was he just playing with my head?

"I am a virgin! " I growled without noticing it.

He grabbed my chin, " We will check that tonight. For your own sake, pray that you're because I hate liars. "

"I never lie, Alpha... " I said with fire in my eyes.

This kept his mouth shut for the remaining ride back to the pack. At least for now, his fire of questions was at rest but something told me that this was not going to be the last time he would ask about my sex life. He was known to get whatever he wanted and most women were not that difficult to get.

I would just be an ugly decoration in his harem for sure.

I didn't know when I had closed my eyes and dozed off until I found someone shaking me up. I rubbed my eyes and saw a woman standing inches away from me. She was dressed in black and her face was reflecting the worry she was going through.

"We need to hurry up. " She said in a polite voice something which I wasn't habitual of for a long time by now. Despite her tensed state, she managed to smile.

I turned my attention around myself and noticed that I was still in the back seat of the car and Alpha Caden along with his men had left. I instantly got up and gave her an apologetic smile.

"I am really sorry. I hope I didn't get late. " I apologized to her.

"It's okay. I understand your tiredness. "

'He left us here! 'Riley was growing angrier at him with each passing moment.

I followed the woman to the pack house and people talked about me. They formed circle around me as I walked quickly to get inside. Some were curious, others were happy but I didn't put a close eye on the jealous ones too.

Why would they be jealous of me? It was the worst fate a woman could ever get.

I walked through the wealthy palace, taking in the surroundings with wonder. The streets were lined with grand buildings, adorned with intricate carvings and glistening in the sunlight. The air was filled with the scent of exotic flowers and the sound of bustling activity. Wolves of all classes and royal titles bustled about their daily business, dressed in fine fabrics and adorned with jewels. I was both intimidated and fascinated by this new pack because at least I wouldn't have to live in the hut now.

"Kaira, help her get dressed quickly. " The woman told a young girl.

She immediately brought a white beautiful gown glistening with diamonds of some sort. I changed into it and two girls worked on my hair. None of them asked me anything and neither I put any questions to them. They were ordered to finish their work and that's all what mattered to them. I looked in the mirror once they told me that I was ready to go. And I did look beautiful. Something which I had never imagined myself to look like ever.

Why was he marking me with a mating ceremony if he only wanted me as his breeder?

"Let's go, please. " The maid said. They helped me carry my huge ball gown. The palace was decorated with flowers and the scent filtered my thoughts.

I was getting marked today! The realisation struck me like lightning and I shivered with the thought.

Alpha Caden was wearing a black shirt and blue jeans. Nothing fancy. There were around 5 Royal members in the ceremony hall. It was an open structure in the mid of a huge garden. I felt the blush crept on my cheeks and Alpha Caden's scent grew stronger as we got closer. Nothing mattered in that moment. But he didn't even as much glance at my side. The same women helped me to stand along with Alpha Caden because he didn't help me a bit.

"Greetings to the trusted pack members. Today, Alpha Caden Raynott of Red Moon Pack, is having the auspicious marking ceremony with his mate, Isla. " The elder announced.

Alpha Caden cleared his throat, " It's not a real ceremony but I don't want my pups to be bastards. "

The elders sighed and I felt so embarrassed as the eyes of all those people laid on me.

The hall filled with cheers and laughs. I nervously gripped my gown when Alpha Caden held my hand.

"I, Alpha Caden, of Red Moon Pack, take Isla as my Luna for the time being as discussed by us. " The elder raised his brows angrily at his statement.

Alpha Caden grabbed my head and kissed the side of my neck before piercing my skin with his sharp fangs. The pain erupted in my veins and he did nothing to soothe it.

I waited for next instructions but then realized that I had to mark him too. I looked up at him and he had his head high in the air. I moved closer and gripped his arms. I felt his muscles move under my touch as he pushed me away.

His eyes were bloodshot and he watched me with nothing but anger. My heart beat increased to dangerous levels but Alpha Caden didn't say anything other than the glares. I was on the verge of crying because of the embarrassment I had to face in front of the members who were as shocked as me. But none of them protested or showed any emotion at the worthless way Alpha Caden treated me. They were his loyal and trusted people who would never go against him.

"Please, take your oath too. " The elder politely said to me.

"I, Isla, of the Eclipse moon pack, take Alpha Caden as my mate. " I felt something break free inside me as soon as the words escaped my lips.

My body trembled as if I was having a seizure and my stomach hurt. The maids came to my side and one of them rubbed my back when she noticed I had stopped breathing for a while. Then, as it had come, the pain was gone. I could see more clearly than ever and my hearing abilities sharpened.

He touched the newly formed mark on my skin and I noticed how sensitive my arm had gone that moment as his fingers ran over my mark.

"What's this? " I asked.

"You are so lucky for the pack, Luna Isla. You are one of the special wolves who are rarely born. According to the ancient texts, the one with this mark always makes their mate victorious. Your kids will be the most powerful rulers in the world. " The elder told me.

"Alright. Shall we both shift now? " Alpha Caden asked in his bored tone.

"Yes, let's see what's her fur color. " The elder said;" This mate bond will definitely help you to cure the curse. You will get your heart back, Caden. " I heard the elder talked to him in slow whispers only audible to them but due to my high hearing abilities I caught the words too.

'Curse? What are they talking about? ' Riley asked.