From omega to queen.

The following morning, a gentle knock on the door roused me from sleep. As I sat up, still groggy, a young woman stepped into the room. She wore a simple yet refined uniform and bowed her head respectfully as she approached.

"Good morning, my lady," she greeted. "I am here to assist you in preparing for the day ahead."

I blinked, struggling to shake off the remnants of slumber. "Prepare for what?" I inquired.

With a soft smile, she replied, "The king has summoned you to the throne room. There are important matters that need your attention."

A wave of anxiety washed over me at her words. What could Alejandro possibly want from me? I was merely an omega, lacking any knowledge of the complexities of lycan politics. However, I understood that I had no choice but to comply, so I nodded and allowed the maid to assist me in getting dressed.

She guided me to a wardrobe brimming with exquisite gowns, each more breathtaking than the last. I selected a simple yet elegant dress in a delicate shade of blue, and the maid helped me into it, styling my hair into an elaborate arrangement. When I gazed into the mirror, I barely recognized the reflection. The girl looking back at me resembled a queen, not the downtrodden omega I had always been.

Once I was prepared, the maid led me to the throne room. As the doors swung open, I was met with a magnificent hall filled with lycans who turned to regard me as I entered. My heart raced as I made my way down the aisle, my gaze locked on Alejandro, who sat regally upon a grand throne at the far end of the room.

He rose as I drew near, his face inscrutable. Upon reaching him, he took my hand and guided me to a smaller throne adjacent to his. I settled into the seat, feeling somewhat out of place amid the opulence of the chamber.

Alejandro addressed the gathered lycans with a voice that resonated authority. "Today, we welcome my mate, Yolanda Edwards, hailing from the fierce moon pack. You will show her the same respect you show me." He kissed the back of my hand for all to witness, prompting them to bow their heads in acknowledgment.

The atmosphere was hushed, yet I could discern from their expressions that while some welcomed me, others regarded me with disdain, and I fought to keep my composure. Alejandro tightened his grip on my hand, offering silent support.

A man suddenly rose to his feet, and as I focused on him, he bore an uncanny resemblance to Alejandro, causing my heart to race. Could he be the twin Alejandro mentioned? He glanced in my direction before turning back to Alejandro, saying, "You haven't claimed the woman yet. How can we truly trust that she is your mate?"

The crowd erupted into whispers, and I felt as though I might dissolve under the weight of their scrutiny. This was my first encounter with such powerful individuals, and their auras filled the room, leaving me feeling weak and nauseous.

"Are you suggesting that your king is lying, Lucian?" Alejandro inquired, his demeanor suggesting he was on the brink of unleashing chaos. "If that's what you believe," he continued, looking at me just as I was about to plead for him not to involve me, he cupped my face and smiled, "bare your neck," and I complied.

In an instant, his fangs emerged, and he sank them into my neck, marking me for all to witness. Gasps filled the air, disbelief evident among the onlookers at their king's actions. "Are you satisfied now?" he addressed his council and brother. "If she weren't my mate, her bite mark would have healed by now, yet here it remains, clearly visible. If anyone among you still harbors doubts, step forward this moment," he declared, his voice laced with anger, but no one dared to respond, not even his brother.

The spot where he had bitten me throbbed, and I shut my eyes, unwilling to show any sign of weakness. I remained silent, fearing that they would despise me even more once they discovered I was an omega.

The atmosphere shifted as he grasped my hand and announced, "I summoned you all today to introduce my mate. Now that this is accomplished, you may leave." With that, everyone rose from their seats.

A woman stepped forward from the assembly, bowing her head as she approached us. "Oh, esteemed Lycan king, welcome back, and congratulations on finding your mate." As she spoke those last words, her gaze turned to me, and I sensed a hint of displeasure—was that jealousy I detected?

She offered a slight bow in my direction as she continued, "Welcome to the Lycan territory; I hope your stay is enjoyable." At a loss for words, I was about to stammer something when Alejandro interjected, "Thank you, Clarice, but could you grant my mate and i some privacy?" So, this was Clarice. I glanced at him, and he smiled back, causing my eyes to widen in surprise, which made him chuckle.

Clarice appeared puzzled by our unspoken exchange and replied, "Of course, I will take my leave." As she departed, Alejandro lifted me into his arms and settled onto his throne.

"You look absolutely stunning, my dear," he murmured as he pressed his lips against mine. A wave of warmth surged through my body—was it the mark he had just given me? In that moment, I felt an unprecedented surge of power, and whatever was happening within me, I embraced it wholeheartedly.

I returned his kiss, savoring the taste of his lips and the soft moans that escaped him. It was hard to believe that I was the one causing such reactions.

He pulled away to catch his breath, and I noticed a look of longing in his eyes as he said, "We need to plan our wedding soon; I don't think I can wait much longer." I laughed, and he joined in my amusement.

He gazed at me earnestly and continued, "You no longer need to fear anyone in this world. You stand above all others; there’s no reason to feel small anymore, Yolanda. You are my queen." I nodded, tears welling in my eyes. I was determined to rise to the occasion, knowing I was bonded to the strongest man alive. I refused to be weak any longer.