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.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
Amara POVSebastian and I didn’t talk very often for the rest of the week. We would have breakfast, lunch, and dinner together.. but aside from short conversations during those times, it was silent between us.One thing he did tell me was that tomorrow Victoria and Rolph would arrive with the rest of my belongings. But for now, I’d just have to get through with this wedding tonight. I stood before the mirror in my wedding gown, my anxieties through the roof.Before the night is over, we will be husband and wife.King and Queen.It was unsettling to think about. Because after the ceremony, we are to consummate our marriage. As much as I wish it was something I could escape, there is just no way. I looked at myself through the mirror. I wear a white gown that flows around me, leaving a trail of lace behind me on the floor. It has long sleeves that flares out around wrists, then drip down my dress like a waterfall.. it was corset like in the waist, with a Queen Anne neckline. The veil
Amara POVGoddess, he’s so close.. so close that the room around us disappears into oblivion. All I see is him, and all I feel is him. His hand wrapped tightly against mine, his other hand cupping my cheek. And then he kisses me.His lips are softer than anything l've ever known, soft like the sheets of our bed, soft like the silk wrapped around our hands. He tastes so sweet, as sweet as his scent is. My mind went blank as our lips danced around the others. And then he pulled away, his face completely void of all emotions. The room around us clapped and cheered happily, causing me to look in their direction. There are more people here than I originally thought. A few hundred at the least. My eyes skimmed over the people until they landed on my family. My Father and my brothers. They looked pleased to see that we’ve finally wed. My father most of all. “Now it is time to crown Amara as the Queen.” The elder said. He turned and grabbed a silver crown off of a stand nearby. It look