Chapter 4

~Nyla~

The mating ceremony and coronation felt like a funeral. No one was happy. Everyone moved around like they had been compelled to.

“Our life starts now.” Oswald whispered when the rituals were over.

He grabbed me by the neck and pulled me closer to him so he could mark me. His thumb pressed down on my throbbing being and he smiled in satisfaction.

The minute his teeth sank into my neck, I closed my eyes expecting pain. But what I felt next was pure ecstasy. I moaned,.relishing the feeling of him sucking my blood.

A few minutes later, he came up for air. Blood was all over lips and he just lapped it up like a hungry wolf.

“Mate.” He growled.

Something inside me purred in glee. He led me down the path, back to the palace.

“Shouldn't we be celebrating?” I asked.

“Nobody is in the mood for a celebration. They all hated my decision and so they have no reason to celebrate.” He answered.

“Why?” I blurted out.

“Why what?”

“Why me? I'm not worthy. I'm not even up to your social status and you don't even know me so why did you risk everything to keep me by your side?” I asked in confusion.

“Have you heard of destiny?” Oswald asked.

I squinted my eyes wondering if it was a trick question, but his face was dead serious.

“You think this is destiny?” I whispered.

“I know it is destiny.”

He lifted his hand and found the area where he marked me. Then, he massaged gently. His movement sent tingles down my legs.

“You're mine, Nyla Moonke and I knew it from the moment I laid my eyes on you.”

I couldn't hold back the tears that began pouring from my eyes.

“All my life, I've always wanted to belong. No one in the pack wanted the runt who killed her parents. Everyone has always treated me differently.” I cried.

The heartache I carried over the tears washed over me.

“That's all in the past now, little wolf. Now, you're not just my mate, you are Luna and every one in this pack is yours to command.”

“I'm not sure I can do it.”

“As long as you put your mind to it, there's nothing you cannot do.”

His eyes seared into mine with hot intensity. He pulled me closer again and planted his mouth on my lips sealing his words with a deep passionate kiss.

I arched into him and fisted his hair wanting more.

“Alpha Oswald.” A voice suddenly interrupted, pulling us out of our little utopia.

He broke the kiss but didn't look away from me.

“What?” He asked.

His voice sounded gravelly, just like the first time when I met him.

“The omegas have prepared the feast like you requested.” One of the sentinel guards announced.

“You wanted to celebrate?” Oswald asked.

I nodded in excitement.

“Then, let's go and celebrate.”

He took my hand and led me down the dining area. I could keep myself from feeling giddy.

“Thank you.” I whispered to the moon goddess.

I could have never gotten to this position without her help.

He pulled out a chair for me and I sat down staring in awe at the platter of foods that had been placed on the table.

“When did you do all of this?” I asked.

“Yesterday. When I knew I was going to marry you and make you Luna, I gave the instructions to the kitchen omegas and I asked them to make everything ready before we come back.” He explained.

“There's so much food.”

Oswald looked down shyly and shrugged as if he was unsure of himself.

“I didn't know what you liked so I kind of asked to prepare everything so I could watch you eat and pick out your preferences.”

My heart swelled at the thought.

“Thank you, Alpha.”

“I'm your husband now, no need for formalities.” He chided.

I gave him a watery laugh before digging into the food. True to his words, he just watched me while I savored and relished the different flavors of the different meals the omegas have prepared.

“Do you like them?” He asked.

I nodded because my mouth was filled with food.

An omega stumbled in carrying a jug of wine. She bowed in greeting before dropping it on the table.

“Freshly brewed from the winery.” She said.

“Thank you, Maya. Your new Luna loves the food.”

Maya turned to me and smiled but there was no warmth in her eyes. Just an emptiness that chilled me to my bones.

“I'm glad you like it.”

I looked at Oswald to see if he could see the same thing I was seeing, but he was oblivious. He just poured out some wine into his cup.

Maya bowed again and left.

“She doesn't seem to like me.” I stated.

“Who? Maya?” Oswald laughed. “She's loyal to Jenna. Everyone thought she would be my queen and so I don't think she's happy with this new decision, but I'm sure she'll get over it soon. Maya is really nice.”

I nodded in understanding.

He raised his wine cup to me in a toast.

“To a beautiful life.” He prayed.

“To a beautiful life.” I said in return.

He drank the wine while I watched.

“That's the best I've tasted in a while.” He said proudly and began pouring another one.

“Can I have some?” I asked.

“Of cour-” he didn't finish his statement then he began coughing.

He grabbed his throat as if he was in pain and coughed violently. I watched as the colour drained from his face while he coughed.

Something was wrong. He stood up abruptly while still clutching his throat. I stood up too and ran to his side.

“Oswald, what's wrong?” I asked in panic. “Guards!” I shouted.

Oswald stumbled and fell and I rushed to catch him. He fell into my arms and we both tumbled to the ground.

“Po…ison.” He choked out and ceased breathing.

My eyes widened in horror.

“Oswald!” I called in alarm.

He didn't answer. He was dead.