5. Brave little thing

Amara POV

I looked over at him nervously as we started to dance again. My father smiled brightly at me as my gaze fell on him.

“He seems to enjoy your company.” He mind linked me.

“It would appear that way.” I responded quickly. In the middle our our dance, we were stopped when a hand fell on King Sebastian. I held back my growl, not wanting to anger him when I noticed the girl the hand belonged too.

“I was wondering if you might have another dance with me, my King.” Lola spoke. I couldn’t believe the audacity of that girl! Touching the King, my mate! If only I didn’t want things to go sour, I would’ve bitten her hand off by now.

Even if I’m afraid of him.. deathly afraid, he’s still my mate. He looked down at her hand, his aura tripling, making it almost impossible to breathe. She quickly retracted it and took a step back, but didn’t go away. She stood there ogling his arms and chest, making my blood absolutely boil.

He nodded without even glancing at me. His hand hesitantly left my back, but he pulled away anyways. I watched incredulously as he walked away with her and began to dance.

“What happened?” My Father growled through mind link.

“Isn’t it obvious?” I snapped back, only to apologize instantly once I realized my tone.

“I’m sorry.” I said. He narrowed his eyes at me as I grew closer. Once I reached him he bared his canines.

“You were supposed to keep him interested.” He said in a hushed tone as he grabbed my arm. I tried to pull away but his grip only tightened.

“You don’t have to worry about that.” I said through my teeth. He furrowed his brows in confusion, but I didn’t bother to explain why.

“He will be announcing soon. You’d better hope you’re right, if he doesn’t pick you..”

“I know, Father. You don’t have to tell me again.” I pulled out of his hand and turned to look at Lola and my mate.

“What has gotten into you?” He hissed. I couldn’t tell him, because I didn’t know. I felt this sudden spark of confidence.. as if the bond was already beginning to forge itself with us just being in close proximity.

“Nothing.” I replied swiftly. I watched from afar as Lola giggled as she was twirled. My fists clenched tightly at my side, my claws digging painfully into my palms. I wanted to rip that she wolfs head off.. and I didn’t even like my mate.

I couldn’t believe this was happening to me. My mate, the King.. dancing with the nastiest woman I’d ever heard of in my life.

I’d only ever seen her throughout the pack house on a handful of occasions, and each time was the most dreadful. She’s a snotty, good for nothing brat. Spoiled as ever, seeing as she’s the Gammas daughter.

She knew how my Family treated me, but she was no different. If anything, she added to the mistreatment. Hitting me, spitting at me, calling me awful names..

She wouldn’t dare speak to me that way again if I were Queen. It only made me want to be chosen.. I would kill to see the look on her face if she wasn’t picked.

I walked toward the dance floor, deciding to go against my mates wishes and find a man to dance with. My eyes landed on Alpha Cedric who was looking at me from the bar. Instantly he sat down his drink and walked up to me.

“So, have you changed your mind?” He asked, his lips curling into a smile.

I returned the smile, “actually, yes. Would you care to dance with me?” I asked.

“Not even in the slightest, dove.” He called me a pet name, making the hair on the back of my neck stand.

I took his hand as he pulled me to the dance floor.

We began dancing, and almost instantly I could feel King Sebastian’s eyes staring holes into my skin.

“So, if you’re not chosen by the king this night.. do you have any plans?” Cedric asked.

“Nothing, really.” I said, following his steps.

“I see. So you’re not looking for a marriage proposal?” He asked. His blue eyes seemed to search my soul for answers only he wanted.

“It wasn’t my intention, no. I have been waiting for my mate, actually.” I said, glancing at Sebastian for just a moment. Cedric’s smile seemed to falter but he fixed it mere seconds after it happened.

“Well, I would still like to offer you my hand.. possibly change your mind.” He said. Instantly, I was pulled away from him, Sebastian standing between us with his Aura shooting out like a knife.

“Mine.” Sebastian growled in a low tone.

Cedric’s eyes slightly widened and then he bowed his head, “yes, my king.”

Sebastian pulled me away from Cedric and began to dance with me again. What happened to dancing with Lola? Ugh.

“You are a brave little thing.” Sebastian growled, looking around to make sure no one was watching us.

“You’re hurting me.” I said, trying to free myself from his deadly grasp.

His grip loosened.

“Did I not tell you to not entertain any other men?” He asked.

“Why do you care?” I hissed.

“You are to be my queen.” He said it as if it was the most evident thing.

“Oh so you don’t intend to choose one of the other several woman you’ve danced with tonight?” I snapped. I’d gotten brave this night just like he said, and I would surely regret it.

The look he gave me was nothing short of devilish.

“I will be announcing you as my chosen bride.” He said, spinning me around and pulling me back to him.

“Chosen.” I repeated him as if it were such a profane word.

“Do you not wish to be chosen?” He asked. My brows rose in shock at his question.

“No.” I said.

“You have no choice.” He simply said before letting me go and leaving me on the dance floor as he walked to the stage. Wait.. he doesn’t intend to announce it now, does he?

Goddess, he’s such an ass!

I silently prayed to the moon goddess.

Why him? And why me? What have I ever done to deserve such a brutish and cruel mate?

The music stopped and everyone began to move to the front, waiting to hear what he has to say. He showed no emotions on his face, but his eyes were cold and dangerous as he looked at me.

“Tonight was a night of choosing my next bride. That is why you have all be invited this evening. I have met and danced with many women tonight, but it seems the Moon Goddess had other plans.” He said. The people in front of me looked between each other with confused expressions.

“Tonight, the Goddess has given me a mate.” He continued. I heard many gasps throughout the room, my heart thudding frantically with each look of disappointment and anger I saw.

So he didn’t intend to say he chose me.. interesting, because he said that’s what he was going to do.

“Amara Kaiser is my fated mate.” He finished. My eyes met his once again, fear finally taking its course in my body. It is official.. he announced me, and now there’s no getting away.