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. “There you are! Goddess, I’ve been looking for you everywhere! They just announced that the King will be here at any moment! You need to prepare yourself.” Father said as he looked around. The blood drained from my face and I suddenly felt very Ill. I couldn’t be chosen by the King now! I just found my mate.. “Maybe you should get another drink. Your nerves seem to be getting you, and it isn’t making you any prettier.” My second oldest brother, Gavin said. I fiddled with my fingers in my hands, hating that there’s always something they would pick at. My father let go of me and nodded in agreement. Before they could make me feel any worse, I walked back to the bar and let out a sigh. “Back for more?” The bartender gave me a polite smile. “Get her something strong. She’s going to need the courage.” Gatlin startled me by speaking. I hadn’t realized he’d followed me to the bar. He’s the youngest and nicest out of my three brothers.. never laid a hand on me, unlike the others. He always looked at me with pity on his face, and stood up for me when things were really bad. “Right away.“ the bartender replied as he began to pour me something different from before. Chills rolled through me, almost as if someone was watching me. I looked around, but didn’t see anyone.. not even my mate. My heart sped frantically in my chest thinking about my mate. Goddess, I’m just imagining things. I’m paranoid and it’s getting to my head. “How are you feeling?” Gatlin asked catching me off guard once again. “Nervous.” I said. The bartender sat my glass in front of me and I picked it up, downing it in one mouthful. “Don’t worry, Amara. You look great. I can’t say the same for the other girls here tonight.” He said with a sigh. “Can I get a whiskey on the rocks?” He asked the bartender. With a nod the man began to make his drink. “Did you see Lola?” Gatlin asked as he looked at me. Lola was his mate, but she rejected him because she’s a power hungry who.re. She didn’t save herself for her mate, and was just awful to him after they found out. She wanted to be with my oldest brother, Grim, so that she could be the future Luna. “I did.. she’s just as mean as ever.” I rolled my eyes. He shook his head and picked up his glass as it was sat down. “I’ll never understand why the Moon Goddess paired me with such a mate.” He sighed. “At least she didn’t run away after you found her.” I spoke in almost a whisper, speaking of my own problem. He furrowed his brows and looked at me. I guess I wasn’t quiet enough for him to not hear me. “Did something happen?” He asked. I stayed silent for a few moments, debating on whether I should say anything or not. “N-no. Nothing.” I finally said. I knew he didn’t believe me, but thankfully, he didn’t push any further. “You should probably go dance.” He said as he looked towards the dance floor. “I.. don’t have anyone to dance with.” I said. In all honesty, now that I’d found my mate, the thought of dancing with another man didn’t seem very appealing. Not that it did before, anyway. “I’ll dance with you.” He said. He stood up as he finished his drink and left it on the bar. He held out his arm; A small smile grew on my face as I wrapped my arm in his and stood up. We walked to the dance floor, the musicians playing a fast paced, lively song. He placed his hand on my side, the other in my hand. My hand fell on his shoulder as he began to move his feet, I tried to follow his movements as best as I could, despite me stepping on my dress every now and then. He smiled brightly at me as we twirled. People gathered around us doing the same dance. “You’re hard to keep up with.” I giggled. “You’re doing fairly well. I know you’ve never really been to one of these things before.” He said, reminding me that I’ve always been trapped in the packhouse. This dance required switching partners in the middle.. but I didn’t realize that. Gatlin spun me around and I pulled out. My hand was grabbed as he let me go, and when I was pulled into the new man’s arm, tingles erupted from my hand and a familiar scent hit me. Mate. He looked dazzling in his the colors of his attire. The literal definition of perfection.. He moved gracefully on the dance floor, his hand on my side, the other hand holding mine tightly. He kept his eyes pinned on me.. studying me as if trying to remember my every feature. “Who was that man you were dancing with?” His deep voice brought chills to me, leaving goosebumps along my skin. Of course I couldn’t miss the deadly look in his eyes as he thought of me dancing with another man. “I-I..” I stumbled to try and find words to say, but nothing came to me. It was my brother, but I still had trouble saying it. He leaned forward and breathed in heavily, probably trying to scent who it was. “Family?” He questioned. All I could conjure was a nod. “And your name is Amara?” He asked. He must’ve heard someone say it. Although his stare was cold.. I could see a hint of emotion in them. Just the slightest, but I couldn’t decipher what it is. Maybe confusion? But why would he be confused? “Yes.” I could finally speak. He twirled me around before pulling me back against his hard body. Before I could ask for his name, it was time to switch partners again. Another man grabbed my hips, pulling me away from him. I heard the faintest growl from my mate, but he didn’t fight. His warmth was replaced with cold hands that brought me nothing but discomfort. When I realized who my mates new partner is, my face dropped into a glare. Lola. I hadn’t realized the growl that had left me until my new parter cleared his throat. “Oh, what? Sorry..” my face felt hot from embarrassment. “It’s fine. You are quite a lovely woman. What pack are you from?” The man asked, completely dismissing my display of anger. He is an attractive man.. but nothing compared to my mate. “Black Forrest.” I said as we swirled around the floor. I kept peering out of the corner of my eyes at my mate and Lola. Lola looked great beside him; which only fueled my anger even more. She was smiling brightly at him as she spoke, my heart sinking when he spoke back. “Ah.. you seem of high rank. Are you the betas daughter?” My partner asked. “I’m Alpha Brock’s daughter.” I said as I looked back at him. His eyes widened with surprise. Clearly he hadn’t anticipated that. He spun me around once before pulling me back against him.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
Amara POVAs I sat down at the table, I felt as if the life was being squeezed out of me by the gown. Corsets are out of style these days, but the gowns that are worn are tightly laced in the back, just like a corset would be. I will never understand why any woman would ever wear such a thing. Sebastian walked in and joined me, sitting at the end of the table, and I was next to him around the corner. It was silent for the longest time. Mainly because I couldn’t hold enough breath to speak. Though, I’m still embarrassed about the whole situation outside..As we were finishing up, Sebastian looked at me.“What’s wrong?” He asked, furrowing his brows slightly.“It’s hard to breathe.” I said, moving around to hopefully loosen the laces. He let out a sigh and stood up, then walked over to me.“Stand.” He said. I pushed back the chair slightly and stood up, just as he asked. Why does he want me to stand?I was surprised when he moved the chair and stood behind me.“I will tell Kleo not to