Amara POV
“I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you were Alpha Brock’s daughter.” He said truthfully. “It’s fine.. do you know him?” I asked. “We’re neighboring packs and allies.” He said with a laugh. When I didn’t respond, he spoke again. “You dance very well.. maybe you could trouble me with another?” He looked hopeful as he waited for my response. “Unfortunately, I think after this dance I may need a break. I never realized dancing could be so exhausting.” I said. I shrieked when he picked me up by my sides and spun me. When I was placed back on my feet, he let out a chuckle. I caught a glimpse of my mate staring at us, his eyes dark and terrifying. “Sorry, it was part of the dance.” The man brought my attention back to him. The music came to an end, his lips forming into a slight frown. “Maybe I could get you a drink then?” He asked. “I do think I’m alright. I’ve had plenty to drink..” I said, trying my best to give him the hint that I was uninterested. “That’s alright. Maybe you’ll change your mind and I’ll get one more dance before the night ends. I did quite enjoy this one.” He said. He rubbed the back of his neck nervously as I bowed. “Thank you. I should take my leave, it seems my father needs me.” I said, as I looked towards the crowd of people talking. “No worries.” He said with a bow. Once I’d walked from the dance floor, my father waved me over. “Well?” My Father asked once I’d gotten close to him. I furrowed my brows in confusion at his question. “How was the dance?” He questioned further. “It was.. okay?” I said in more of a question than a statement. “I saw him speak to you, what did he say?” He asked. “He asked what pack I was from.. and then told me we were neighboring packs. I’m confused, why does this matter?” I asked. He let out a sigh of annoyance and shook his head. “Not Alpha Cedric. The King, Amara. You danced with the King.” He said. My eyes widened in shock. I danced with the king? But I only danced with Gatlin, the Alpha and my mate.. My mate.. “The King?” I asked. He gripped my shoulders and turned me around, my eyes instantly landing in my mate. “Yes, King Sebastian.” He said as he pointed at the beautiful man standing far away, downing a drink of his own. Father gripped my shoulder tightly in anger. When I turned back around, he could see the paleness of my face. “What’s wrong? Did he not like you?” He asked, his eyes darkening at the thought. “I don’t know.. we didn’t get to dance long. And he didn’t say much.. just confirmed my name.” I said. He let out a sigh of relief. “Try to get as many dances with him as possible. I’ve noticed he looks at you often.” He said. I nodded my head in response, but I didn’t think I could do it. I mean.. my mate is the King! The Dark Lycan King! How could this be? Why would the Moon Goddess pair me with such a beast? Now I’m afraid he’s already chosen me.. but I don’t think I could tell my Father. I can’t let them know we’re mates. I just can’t. “He’s coming this way.” Grim pointed out. My heart sped in my chest as his scent grew stronger. “My King.. what a pleasure it is.” My Father bowed. I kept my back to him, only turning when my father glared at me. “Dance with me.” The King said once I looked at him. He held his arm out, waiting for me to grab him. “She accepts.” My Father spoke. I felt a hand push me towards him and I stumbled, my ankle twisting in the tall heels, only to be caught by King Sebastian with his hands on my waist. “I.. I’m sorry.” I said as my face heated up with embarrassment. He didn’t make a sound as I steadied myself.. but his hand stayed on me. He placed his hand on my lower back and led me back to the dance floor, my heart in my throat as I felt his aura swooshing around me. How did I not notice this before? His aura is far stronger than any I’ve ever been around. “Are you going to take up Alpha Cedric’s offer to dance later?” He asked as soon as we got into our dancing positions. I could feel all eyes on us, watching us curiously. I knew what most, if not all, we’re thinking. This is now our second dance.. and he walked across the ballroom to get me, specifically. “What?” I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Not only was he affecting me by just being my mate, he was affecting me by being the Dark King. I never realized I could be so nervous in my life. “Yes or no?” He asked as he cocked up a brow. We began to move to the music, every now and then I would miss a step.. but he held my tight enough to where I wouldn’t fall. “N-no.” I said. He nodded once in understanding. “There won’t be any switching of partners.. will there?” I asked, hoping that there wouldn’t be. Or maybe I was hoping I could have a different partner.. I couldn’t tell. “Why? Do you want a different partner?” He narrowed his eyes at me. “No..” my hands shook fearfully, hoping that I’d not made him angry. I averted my eyes as i spoke, hoping that the music would end as soon as possible so that I could escape his suffocating aura. “Look at me.” He demanded. I sucked in a deep breath and did as he asked. We spun around a few times, my dress swiping across the floor dramatically. It’s a wonder neither of us have slipped on it yet. Goddess, that would truly be the most embarrassing thing. “Look me in the eyes as you speak. I am your King. I will not tolerate such disrespect.” He growled lowly, tugging me tighter against him. “Forgive me. I am not.. used to this, to any of this.” I babbled. “You will get used to it.” He grunted. As the song ended, he dipped me. He stared into my eyes with little to no emotion.. it only made me fear him even more. “Don’t let me find you dancing and chatting with another man. You are mine.” He asserted, his eyes lowering to my neck. I felt heat rise in my belly at the sudden possessiveness from him. “Y-yes, my King.” I replied as he pulled me up, his grip on me loosening. Not once did he remove his hand from my lower back as we stepped away from the dance floor. I felt the stares we were getting.. the heated glares, the jealousy. This night was beginning to suffocate me, and his aura only made that feeling of no air even worse.Sebastian POV I’ve been struggling a lot recently. I found that distancing myself from Amara was a lot harder than just the thought of it. I wasn’t sure if she realized but I could feel her emotions tenfold. And when I bear her mark, what she feels from me will be greater. It made me feel awful. It was just a mistake. I didn’t intend to mark her that way. And now I can’t take it back. I can feel her sadness and her anger. But it wasn’t even really her fault. I lost control. There was no way for her to stop me. I could have killed her. That’s what I struggle with the most. The bond tugs at me, urging me to be with her constantly. I’d catch myself staring at her without her realizing. I’d even have to stop myself sometimes trailing her as she walks around the castle. So far, I don’t even think she’s noticed. There were a few knocks on my office door and I sat down my quill. “Come in,” I said. The door opened and Elke entered with a slight smile on her face. She bow
Amara POV “Are you sure you didn’t just mix up her words?” He asked, giving me an expression I couldn’t quite comprehend. Was he being serious right now? “No.” I heard her loud and clear.” I stated, an irritated look on my face. He let out a sigh and stood up. “I will talk with her.” He said. “No. You won’t. I already handled her. I don’t need you stepping up to defend me every time something happens. I can handle things perfectly fine, myself.” “It is considered treason to speak to your queen in such ways. I could have her banished from the lands. I could have her executed. I could even deny her the ability to marry my cousin. “It’s fine, Sebastian. Don’t go trying to kill the girl over this. It has been handled. Besides, if she marries your cousin soon, they’ll be leaving.” I reminded him. “You’re hardheaded. You do realize that, right?” He asked. I nodded, “of course.” He let out a breath and shook his head before standing. “If that is what you wish. I wi
Amara POV Dark, empty.. nothing. That’s all I can see. All that I’m surrounded by. What happened? Where am I? I felt movement around me but I couldn’t move myself. There was pain, but it seemed to ease as every moment passed. Damn it Amara.. what’s the last thing you remember? I tried so hard to think until finally, small bits started to come back. I was relaxing. Then Sebastian.. he.. He marked me. My eyes fluttered open and I slowly looked around. My hand flew to my neck but I felt no pain. No open wounds, only the raised bumps of the scar of my mark. “Sebastian?” I croaked. All I heard was a deep huff towards the foot of the bed. It didn’t sound like Sebastian. Instantly, I heard the thuds and scratches as Sebastian’s lycan stood from the floor in front of the bed and stared at me with his red eyes. “Shift please,” I spoke, my voice cracking like I hadn’t spoken in weeks. I was surprised to see Sebastian’s lycan be anything but angry or losing
Amara POV His tongue swirled around mine eliciting a moan from my throat. Goddess.. He tastes divine. Our kiss was so heated.. I could feel the heat rising between us. I could feel it all throughout my body. I wanted him. But I knew he wouldn’t take me. For whatever reason, I just knew he wouldn’t. He held me with one hand by the small of my back, the other hand running into my wet hair and tugging on it to pull my head back. He kissed down my jaw to my neck, lingering there longer.. soaking in my scent, tasting my skin. A growl ripped through him as his kisses grew more intense, they almost hurt. He was nibbling, biting, and sucking like he was losing all control. He gripped me tightly, pulling me as close to him as I could possibly get.. almost squeezing the life out of me. “Sebastian,” I whispered, now pushing on his chest to try and get him off. He was too strong for me to move.. he held onto me so tight I felt he would leave bruises on my skin. It wasn’t until I f
Amara POV This morning I woke up to an empty room. Sebastian had gone to do Goddess knows what, and I ended up spending breakfast alone with Lola and her future husband, Braden. It was a torturous hour, I had to excuse myself just to breathe without feeling like I was being stared at like I was a slab of meat that was so either be stabbed or eaten entirely. Thankfully, Sebastian left Gatlin to watch over me and make sure nothing were to happen. I’m not even sure who I was worried more about.. Lola or Braden. Gatlin walked with me to my art room and I began to draw, looking out of the window that showed a field of beautiful flowers. I thought it was the perfect scenery to draw. I had asked him for some time alone, thinking no one would bother me. But little did I know I wouldn’t get to enjoy the peace and quiet for very long. I was really enjoying my time until a familiar scent wafted around me, making my nose crinkle in disgust. “Amara.” Lolas high pitched voi
Sebastian POV Seeing Amara wear the gown I’d chosen for her pleased me. I wanted us to look like a happy, united couple in front of my cousin. Better for him to think we’re happy than not. The last thing I needed was for him to try something with her. And knowing him, he definitely will before he marries this Lola girl. Aside from that, she looked beautiful in the gown. She looked like a Queen. And that’s exactly how I want people to look at her. Not as an Alpha’s daughter. But as my wife. They would attempt walk all over her if they felt she wasn’t filling her role. Amara was silent for the entire dinner, aside from when answering those who spoke to her. I had a feeling she would be like that.. she’s a quiet little thing unless she’s giving me her attitude. I must admit, I kind of enjoy seeing the fire burn bright within her when she’s angry with me. After dinner had ended, she excused herself to ready for bed. Gatlin escorted her out of the dining hall while I stayed and