Marriage First, Mate Second

In front of me, the doors leading to the great hall are closed. I feel gratitude for the darkness enfolding the scene, as it masks my uneasiness at what I am about to do. Sophie's whispers behind my back as I adjust the veil are all I can hear. I pray to the Goddess that I'm making the right decision about this. "Are you sure about this?" my best friend asks. Her gaze is clouded with anxiety.I nod trying to look as confident as possible. I am really nervous inside."I am," I affirm, "It's the right choice." At that moment, I can hear my father's hurried footsteps. His expression is concerned as he comes running to my side. As the Alpha of the pack, he always looks serious. But he appears to be far more worried than usual. "Amber, I heard everything," he whispers, hurriedly, "What's your plan?"He sounds concerned, but I'm not sure how much of that is he being concerned about my marriage, and how much of that is concern about me making him look bad.I have a feeling that regardle

The car slows down as it turns the corner and a series of huge, luxurious structures loom before us. Modern mansions with golden lights shining through the open windows nestle against each other atop a well-guarded hill. There is a forest to the left, which rises to the top of the mountain, and to my right stretches a huge, seemingly endless lake that would easily compete with the sea."This is beautiful," I say to Levi, and my words match what I feel. It almost feels like something out of fairytales."Thank you," he said, obviously proud of his domain.His pack, I think, is one of the most powerful in the country, and probably the richest in the city. Years ago there was a dispute between his pack and mine, which separated the assets and finances of both packs, who had been powerful trading partners in the past. No one remembers exactly what happened, but from then on each went their own way.Our pack is also powerful, and in recent years Dad has increased our wealth, thus ben

"Oh no," I mutter, looking at my reflection in the mirror.After showering I get dressed in the only thing I have on hand that isn't my wedding dress: a lingerie set meant specifically for my honeymoon. When I walked in, I should have paid more attention to what I was bringing with me.The problem is that the special and magical night won't happen. Instead I find myself stuck with a husband, whom I barely know, and for whom I feel an attraction to which I remind myself, I can't give in to. An attraction that doesn't make sense.Despite the spark that we feel between us, there is no way I can allow that to happen. The lingerie is cream-colored. A lace corset that runs from my breasts, down my waist and to the panties, which flirtatiously cover half of my buttocks. I chose the outfit very carefully, thinking of Sebastian, but he's never going to see it.Sighing, I decide that I can't go out dressed like this, or else the rest of the night will be an ordeal. I take one of the bathrobes in

"Ready?" Levi asks in the darkness of the car, just before we get out.I hold my breath and look down at my dress. It's an elegant piece that fits me outrageously well. The burgundy red of the silk matches perfectly with my tanned skin, brown hair and green eyes.As I once said, Sebastian's favorite color is red. This time, I plan to use it against him.I nod slowly. "I am," I say.He gets out of the car. He turns around and comes to open the door for me. What a perfect gentleman, he plays his part well.As soon as I get out I notice that all eyes are on us, but I try to pretend it doesn't affect me. Levi is looking stunning in a black suit that fits his musculature to perfection. His hair is styled elegantly. He looks so handsome that it's impossible to look away.And indeed, as we go along the girls look at him, although there is reticence in their gestures. It's evident that they fear him as much as they long for him."He is too attractive to be real," I hear a young

"Shall we leave?" Levi asks me, "I think we've been here long enough, don't you?" I nod, finishing my drink and feeling just slightly dizzy. I'm far from drunk, but after a few glasses of wine and champagne I start to feel my skin warm and my inhibitions distant.Smiling, I let Levi escort me out. Except for the incident we had at the beginning of the evening with Sebastian, the rest of the night has been peaceful; a few rumors and curious glances, but nothing I haven't gotten used to by now.Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if tomorrow's local news headline talked about what happened. But I also realize, to my surprise, that I don't care. Levi has shown himself to be able to take care of me, and it's something I'm grateful for.He has demonstrated a new side of his personality. Unfortunately, so has Sebastian, I think. The way he has tried to publicly humiliate me shows that he really doesn't care about me. In fact, perhaps he never really did. As I get into the car Levi's gaze li