Amara POV
The days seemed to go by in a blur, and the next thing I knew, i was sitting in the carriage in front of the Dark Kings palace. I nervously fiddled with the sheer black skirts of my dress as the carriage door opened. My Father had my dress made by one of the top designers in the surrounding packs. The black color looked amazing against my pale skin. It even matched my hair perfectly. The bottom of the dress was see through. Thankfully, I had the proper undergarments on underneath, so you could only see my legs and arms. The torso looks like a corset, which is uncomfortable but very beautiful. The sleeves are long and flare out towards my wrists with lace at the ends. And there was lace at the bottom of the dress where it spilled out across the carriage floor. It’s a wonder that I’ve even been able to keep it in the corner where I sit. I’m not sure how anyone expects me to dance in this dress.. but I guess I’ll have to make it work. “Hurry up. We’re already late.” My Father hissed as he followed my three brothers out of the carriage. A guard stood by the door of our carriage, holding his hand out for me to grab. I hesitantly placed my hand in his and stepped out, my eyes widening at the sight before me. Goddess this is amazing! I’d never seen anything quite as beautiful as the palace. The white concrete walls looked almost as if they were glowing as the moon sparkled against it. There were torches that lit the walkway leading to the entrance. And small fires that lined the top of the palace. I couldn’t see them very well, but I could tell we were surrounded by all sorts of flowers and plants.. my nose picking up almost everything around me. The wind blew in my direction, fanning against my skin bringing chills to me.. the smell of water wafted around me, letting me know we were near a big water source. Goddess, it smells like heaven out here. It’s a tall palace.. far bigger than anything I’d ever imagined. I never would’ve thought the Dark King would live in such a beautiful place.. “Amara!” My Father snapped. I looked up at him with an apologetic look and followed them towards the entrance. The dark king.. goddess, I couldn’t imagine what he’s like. I’ve only ever heard tales of him and his wickedness. He’s a man of no mercy. A man of great power and rage. They say he’s the most deadliest as they come, which is why I’m most afraid.. Goddess help any man or woman with the thoughts to betray him. They would surely be put to death in an instant by his own hand. A couple of men pushed the door open, my eyes wandering inside to see the main room full of men and women dancing around, chatting, and drinking. I could see fear etched onto most of their faces, excitement on others.. however, I couldn’t fathom why anyone would be excited to be chosen by the Dark King. I for one, certainly am not excited. “I’m not seeing the King.. am I missing him?” Grim, my oldest brother, asked as he looked around. I’d never seen the King before, so I wouldn’t know. “He probably hasn’t announced himself, yet.” My Father pointed out. “The King, late to his own ball. Isn’t that ridiculous?” Grim continued searching around the room for even a glimpse of him. “Get a drink. You’ll need it for your nerves.” Father said to me. I let out a sigh as I looked for the bar. The moment I spotted it, a small smile came to my face. “Don’t be too long.” He added said dismissively. I didn’t even bother to respond as I walked through the people. Goddess what is that scent? It is most alluring.. I turned my head in several directions, but nothing ever caught my eye. It must be the food.. or maybe even one of the many perfumes and colognes that flow through the air. Once I made it to the bar, the bartenders attention was instantly drawn to me. “And what might I get you this evening, pretty lady?” He asked with a gentle smile. He looked me up and down, his heart speeding ever so slightly as he took in my figure. “Something strong, if I may.” I replied. He nodded once and averted his attention to his work. “Any preferences?” He asked as he grabbed a glass. “Just straight alcohol. And don’t go easy.” I said. He chuckled and nodded his head. “As you wish.” He smiled. He handed me a glass half full of a dark liquid. When I brought it to my nose, my lips curled up into a smile. “This will do the trick.” I said. I didn’t hesitate to put the glass to my lips and drink it all. His eyes widened when I placed down the glass and nodded for another. “Nervous?” He asked. “Goddess. Is it that noticeable?” I asked sarcastically as I shook my head. “I wouldn’t worry. There are many women here tonight and you may not even get chosen. Just enjoy the night.” He said. He poured more into the glass. “I hope you are right.. but even if he doesn’t, I’m still damned.” I said. I downed the second glass just as quick as the first. He went to pour me another when I shook my head. “That should be just enough, thank you. Do you know where I may find the ladies room?” I asked. “Just that way, miss.” He said as he pointed to the right side of me. I nodded as I gave him a soft smile. “Thank you.” I said. I quickly made my way through the crowd. Once I’d found a clear path, I saw a sign that stated “ladies” and walked up to the door. Laughter could be heard from inside, and when pushed open the door it fell silent. I stayed to myself as I walked to the sink and washed my hands. I stared at myself in the mirror before me. Goddess. I hope I’m not picked. I fixed my makeup as quickly as I could, hearing the girls whisper and giggle behind me. I recognized one of them as the other girl picked from my pack, Lola. “Could that dress be any more see through? Doesn’t leave much to the imagination.” Lola laughed. I caught her eye in the mirror as she looked at me in disgust. Instead of speaking back, I just let out a sigh and turned back toward the door. “She must think it will impress the king.” Another girl spoke. I gritted my teeth as I turned around. “You must think so highly of yourselves to speak against a fellow woman. Or maybe you’re just a little bit jealous that I look better than you?“ I asked. The girls fell quiet as they took in my words. Goddess, I hate women like these. “Fellow woman? Are you certain you’re even a woman?” Lola spoke again with a smirk. “Oh, I’m quite sure. I just don’t announce it to every man that crosses my way.” I snapped. She threw herself at any man that looked at her. I know that for a fact. “And since we’re on the topic of demeaning each other, might I just say that red is certainly not your color, Lola.” I added, referring to her bright red face of anger that matched perfectly with the hideous dress she wore. Without waiting for a response I walked out. I looked around the room, searching for a way out of this place. Fresh air is greatly needed after being surrounded by all this perfume. I spotted a door with hardly anyone near it and made my way there. I just need a few moments. Just a few. I stepped out of the doorway and found myself on a large patio pointed at what looked to be a massive garden. I stood there quietly for a few moments breathing in the fresh air.. it wasn’t until i heard the door open and turned around. Just then, a large figure bumped into me. “Dear Goddess!” I hissed as I held my searing hip after it hit the banister. The scent I smelled earlier wafted around me. It drew me in almost instantly. I looked up to find myself staring at a the most gorgeous man I’d ever seen in my life. “Watch where you’re walking.” He growled without even glancing at me. He fixed his black and golden frock coat. “Me? You’re the one who needs to watch where you’re going.” I snapped without even thinking. He sniffed the air, his body tensing before he turned around. His aura was dark and dangerous.. powerful. I wondered if he was an Alpha. And then our eyes met, my heart skipping several beats. He is the scent I smelled earlier.. and he.. is my mate.Amara POV “Mate.” I whispered softly. He didn’t speak a word, nor did he move a muscle. He just stared at me with not a single expression on that perfect face of his. Goddess.. I couldn’t believe my eyes. The man before me stands at over 6 feet tall. His large muscles looked as if they could rip anyone apart in a moments notice. His short, dark curly hair lay neatly on his head, framing his perfect face.. bringing out his beautiful dark brown eyes. And goddess.. those lips? So plump and full.. Before I could say anything else he turned around and rushed back inside. He just.. left me? My mate just walked away from me. I went after him, only to see that he was nowhere in sight. Where did he go? A wave of sadness flowed through me.. my mate just left me without speaking a word to me. Could this night get any worse? I walked back into the room full of people, hoping that maybe I would find him but instead my arm was gripped by a big, warm hand. “Th
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 uninteres
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 he
Amara POV I felt myself take a few steps back but I suddenly hit a brick wall. “You’re his mate?” My father gasped from behind me. I gulped as I looked around to see everyone staring at me in shock. “Y-yes.” I said. This night, I came to be chosen by the Dark King against my will. Not only just given to him as a mate by the very Moon Goddess I prayed to every night since I could speak. I felt betrayed.. I watched as Sebastian walked down the steps from the stage and stop next to a man I hadn’t seen before tonight. The man’s eyes fell on me, and before I knew it he was walking towards me. “Miss, Amara. Please, follow me.” The unfamiliar man said. I looked at him incredulously, before searching for Sebastian who was nowhere to be seen. “I-I don’t know you.” I said. “The King has ordered me. Now, please, come with me.” The man spoke again. He took my arm in his hand and pulled me through the ballroom. I couldn’t explain the emotions I was feeling. It was like I w
Amara POV I moved to take my hand away which only angered him. My gaze drifted to the door, maybe I could make it away in time.. maybe.. I began to slowly inch off the bed. I didn’t want to make any quick movements.. afraid that it may be my last time breathing. As I backed away, his crimson eyes narrowed at me, and within seconds he lunged on the bed, pinning me beneath him. I let out a scream as he snapped his teeth at me. This is it.. I’m going to die right here, right now. He lowered his face into the crook of my neck and sniffed in my scent. He pushed my head aside with his giant, furry hand, before going right back to my neck and pressing his canines against my marking spot. I began to sob.. this isn’t how it’s supposed to be. Marking your mate is supposed to be sweet and loving.. not being forced by your mate in his Lycan form. “Please.. shift back.” I cried softly. I didn’t want this yet.. I was more afraid of this beastly lycan than the human side of Sebastia
Amara POVI woke up to the smell of food and the sounds of people moving around in the room. I yawned as I slowly sat up, my eyes landing on one of the maids from last night. Kleo.. I think is her name.“Oh, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to disturb your sleep.” She spoke softly as she sat two glasses down on a table.“It’s fine.. what time is it?” I asked. She placed two plates full of food down on the table before looking at me.“It’s eight, miss. The King requested I serve breakfast in here this morning.” She said. I furrowed my brows as I dropped my feet onto the soft, fluffy rug on the floor.“Is he joining?” I asked. I looked over at the two plates that sat in front of each other.“He is. He’s just finishing up with a small meeting with the Elders.” She gave me a warm smile as she placed a pitcher and a few other things on the table.“The Elders?” My eyes widened. The Elders are the oldest of the lycans. They are wise and very well educated.They’re probably here to discuss the fact t
Sebastian POVThe bond was tearing at me, begging me to mark her and claim her so that she could never leave. As I watched her dress, seeing how the gown tightened around her waist and pressed her breasts up.. it took everything in me not to do just that. I’ll admit, she is an alluring little creature. But I wouldn’t give in. Not after losing my first wife, Loralai.“How am I supposed to do anything in this?” Amara asked. I turned to look at her, an annoying expression on my face.“What is there to do? You will sit and learn what it is to be Queen.” I said.She scoffed as she turned towards me, Kleo quickly running behind her to finish her hair.“That’s it? I want to train. I’m a good fighter.. I want to continue that.” She narrowed her eyes at me in defiance.“Fight? Train? You’re going to be the Queen, Amara. You have no time for any of that. All you are to do is learn the Queen duties and bear my children. Anything else is pointless and a waste of time.” I said.“The hell I will.
Amara POVit was as if I’d gotten brave overnight. I didn’t want to be around him, I wanted peace. And anytime he’s near, I get the exact opposite.“You have no right to speak to me in such a way. I am your king.” He growled.“If I am to be your queen, you’re going to have to stop trying to control me. I can take it from my family, but not my mate.” I said, tears brimming in my eyes. He looked at me with a blank expression on his face.. then began to unbutton his black dress shirt. I hated to admit that his body was.. the most amazing thing I’d ever seen in my life. Goddess, Amara. What the hell is wrong with you? Why are you thinking like that right now? Stupid bond.“Take this and put it on, please.” He held his shirt out for me. I looked away from him, not even bothering to respond. He let out a heavy sigh and all of the sudden I was struck in the side of the head with his shirt as he tossed it.“Put it on.” He snapped. I leaned down and picked up the damned shirt.. it smelled