The Mating Ceremony

Alpha Fauz’s POV

“Let the bride make her entry,” the moon priest announced.

Every head turned toward the entrance, the grand hall fell into an expectant silence.

Then they appeared. Nora walked in beside her father, Beta Brooks of the Moonlight Pack. Her face was veiled, yet my gaze locked onto her instantly.

Her white gown flowed behind her like a river of white waters. Gorgeous! I admitted silently. 

The bodice clung to her body as though the dress was her skin. It accentuated her contour with precision. Pearls and crystals were sewn into the fabric, mapping her shape.

My eyes traced her form slowly and deliberately, I lingered on her full chest. She was surplus in a way I found salacious. 

With the gown just hanging around her upper chest, her shoulders were bare. I let my gaze wander up.

Her flawless porcelain white skin shone brightly against the white gown. She was lush in a way that stirred a dark, possessive satisfaction in me.

I found myself swallowing hard.

“Your Highness.” Beta Gaius’s voice slipped into my mind.

Only then did I realize the procession had stopped and Nora was standing before me.

The priest must have spoken and I’d missed it entirely.

“What are they waiting for?” I snapped at Gaius through the link.

“You’re to unveil your bride, my Alpha.”

Oh, the veil.

I reached for it, my fingers brushing the delicate fabric. 

For a split second, a darker impulse surged through me. I wanted to rip the veil away, to expose her, to let everyone know that she is a traitor. 

But I stopped 

That will be too gross, I shouldn't ruin the day, it was our mating ceremony. 

I shut my eyes and inhaled slowly. Then I lifted the veil, revealing her face.

My breath caught and my heart slammed violently against my ribs.

I had rarely been affected by beauty and women, but the woman before me stole the air from my lungs.

It took every ounce of strength in me from running my fingers over her lips. Her lips were full, and painted with a faint smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. 

Those eyes…my goodness! There were pools of endless blue oceans hiding dangerous depths. 

Her eyes twitched and she searched my face as I searched hers. Something unspoken passed between us. Then her scent hit me raw. It was the smell of rose and lilac.

It was soft at first. Then it became overwhelming. It flooded my senses, wrapped around my wolf, and sank into my bones.

I moaned satisfactorily.

“Mate!” Finn roared.

My eyes widened. So it was true. The elders didn't lie. They were right after all.

It was as if time stopped for me. Warmth replaced the cold calculation in my gaze. I could only see her. There was only her, only us standing in the hall.

I regarded her with warmth and my lips curved into a genuine smile.

“Mate,” I breathed, barely aware I’d spoken aloud. 

A distant laughter echoed through the hall, and the hall erupted in applause.

“My Alpha,” the priest said reverently, “it is time to mark your mate.”

“Mark her! Mark her!” the crowd chanted.

She stood transfixed, staring wide at me. I let my gaze lingered a little on her face, before dropping to her neck.

One step at a time, I stepped forward.

My aura surged instinctively, flooding the space with dominance. 

As expected, her body responded, her head tilted slightly, her neck exposing itself without conscious thought.

Perfect!

Finn surged forward eagerly, desperate to claim what was ours.

I reached her. One hand settled on her shoulder, the other lifted her chin. Her skin was soft and fragile and I found myself handling her with unexpected care.

My gaze lingered on her neck and slowly, I lowered my head. Finned coiled up and I froze almost immediately.

A foreign scent sliced through the air. It was an obnoxious smell that characterized every member of the Dreamer's Pack.

How dare a Dreamer cross the borders and attend my mating ceremony?! 

Rage flared instantly in me and I lifted my head, looking around.

Then it occurred to me. He’s here. He must be the one… Alpha Pitman of the Dreamer's Pack. What audacity!?