Unexpected arrivals.

Winter POV:

The plan for today is simple.

I'll get dressed from home, our magic will take us directly to their borders, where we'll be taken to the chapel. I'll meet the wolf, the priest joins us, and then that's it. I'll be mated to Derrick, Father will be returned and peace will reign.

That's what will happen if I can get through today without anyone noticing this stupid mark. I've tried to make it go away, tried using my magic and old spells and washing it away but nothing is working. It really is permanent.

I hiss in irritation. Stupid wolf. Stupid fucking wolf. If he hadn't met me my walk would've gone perfectly and I would've returned home fine, this is all his fault it's always–

What am I doing huh?

Complaining and cursing the rogue does nothing for me. Nothing other than waste my energy levels which are already lower than they should be, considering my power levels. Dammit.

I take a deep breath and step out of my third shower of the day. That's right, this is the third time I'm getting out of the shower today. I tried scrubbing it off on my second shower over and over again but nothing worked. 

Mother thinks I'm nervous but that's far from the truth. My insight is itching against my skin.

If anyone found out…

Mother's knock snaps me out of it. “Winter I understand you're nervous and all but we need to arrive on time and the seamstress is here.”  

Translation: Get out of the shower right now. We're running out of time. Remember why we're doing this. 

I take another deep breath, drying my feet. The foggy mirror in front of me shows my milky eyes faded with bags. I look awful.

No matter, that's what the beautician is for.

I step out of the bathroom in a long dress that covers the mark. Mother's face sags in relief. “I'm going to get my wedding pins from the house and bring over Ariana. She'll help with your makeup.” I nod once and she vanishes, and I spot the seamstress, holding my finished dress. The original style had a covered front and a slightly revealing back. 

“The dress. Fix it.” Her brows furrow. “Cover the back. Now.” She pauses for a second, before getting to work. I watch her as she fixes up the dress so I can wear it without the mark showing. Only then do I collect it from her shaking arms.

By the time Ariana comes, I'm already in the dress, and the seamstress is gone, noting no errors in the dress. She smiles at me, mirroring my inner sadness. A part of me is angry I'm the one up for offering. Why couldn't it be her? Oh yeah, she's strong, and I'm not.

Her warm arms embrace me, reminding me of just how different we are. Two witches, bound by blood but on two completely different levels. “How are you Winter?” I smile. “As fine as someone in my shoes can be, I guess.” Meaning: I'm not fine, not even a little bit. A small part of me wishes she could take my place instead. As if reading my mind she sighs. “I tried. I tried asking their Beta if I could take your part instead but they were insistent.” There are tears in her eyes. 

Guilt rushes in through me. How could I ever be mad at my little sister? “It's okay Ari, relax, on the plus side, I hear the wolves are physically endowed.” I wiggle my eyebrows in fake excitement. She laughs, a tear running down her cheek. “God you're so dumb Winter. Come on, let's get you looking hotter than sin!” She pulls me towards the vanity.

“You look stunning darling.” Mom says as the gates of the Stonefield Pack shine up ahead. I nod, even though I disagree. 

She cups my face softly. “This is the only way Winter. For the coven, for peace.”

I finish for her. “For father.” 

She kisses my forehead then steps back, as a chariot of wolves approaches. “It's time.” 

The reception is boring and brief to say the least. Unlike normal cultures where an engagement party is like a get together for both families, this one is more about wolves digging at us and throwing subtle threats at us. Only a few witches are present, my mother, Ariana, and Paul, Pauline and Paulina, important members of the high council. 

My apparent mate has brown hair boring brown eyes, and is sitting in the corner with another buff man Ari tells me is the Beta of Stonefield. Said duo approaches me. The beta is taller, has longer legs and reaches me first. “Miss Winter, lovely to meet you.” Derrick growls, forcing him to release me quickly. He laughs. “Relax dude, it's not like I'm marking her or anything. My pulse quickens at the reminder of my mistake. Derrick rolls his eyes. “Whatever.” He takes up the hand that was dropped, kissing it. “Hello mate.” He smiles at me. It's doesn't suit him, and the way his lips turn upwards has my insight screaming. I fake a blush. The Beta turns his attention towards Ari, smiling. “Ari, how are you?” She smiles, but unlike me I can't tell if she's faking it or not. 

That's weird. This whole charade is weird. 

Why on earth are we acting like this is a real wedding? The sight is almost comedic.

A few minutes later, just as the wedding us about to begin and the priest demands everyone stand up, the door slams open.

The Alpha of Stonefield enters. Everyone, wolf or witch, bows. My insight is over the charts. When I lift my eyes to spot the rumored tyrant, my breath hitches.

It's him. It's the rogue. Only he's not a rogue, not at all!

Our eyes meet, and my back ignites in heat.

Fuck!

Every from several feet away, the words he whispers reach me loud and clear.

It's a simple four letters word that carries so much weight.

“Mine.”