You're Always Have My Heart

Ronan's POV

I was forced to marry that human. I was fuming.

We had received word months ago from the human leaders that they wanted to end the conflict between us.

There was the arrival of other supernaturals, and they were worried we might join hands and wipe them all. So, they wanted a political alliance. It wasn't a bad idea, really, since they could go to our enemies, but they chose us because, I guess, we are more similar to them than the other supernatural creatures. 

The royal cabinet ministers agreed to it. I was ready to let a high-ranked member marry a woman from their side, but they insisted it had to be me.

I hated the humans, and everyone knew it, and taking one as a wife was unimaginable to me, but my hand was forced. 

"You said you wouldn't marry her, Ronan. I'm your mate, and we swore to be together forever," Sadie cried, and my heart broke to see her cry like this. 

"This alliance is the best for the pack," I told her, cradling her in my arms and hugging her. A picture of my 'wife' suddenly came to mind. Long auburn hair, a heart-shaped face, bright green eyes that seemed to stare into my soul, and plump pink lips. I felt an odd sensation coursing through my body

Why did I feel a connection to her when I saw her? I held Sadie tighter and kissed the top of her head. "You'll always have my heart, nothing will change, I promise," I vowed.

My inner lycan, Rafe, started whining, warning me to stop holding our mate. I don't know why, but I listened. I turned my head, and that's when I saw her, standing in the doorway, watching ours. She looked shocked, and once again, I was taken by her beauty. She was so tiny and stunning. She looked too innocent, and my chest hurt. Was she hurting right now? I suddenly had the desire to protect her, to dominate her, and just hold her. 

"Is this the ugly human you are forced to marry?" Sadie sneered, looking at my bride with disgust. Josie's eyes left mine and went to Sadie. A small frown touched her lips, then they parted as if to retort.

Sadie scoffed and went towards her. I had to force myself to stand still and not stand between them. She suddenly grabbed her arm and pulled her inside the study. She stumbled, and for a moment, I extended my hand to catch her, but stopped myself. 

"Listen to me, you, human slut. You are nothing to King Ronan but a symbol. I'm his mate, and his love. So, if you have any intentions of seducing him, forget it, am I clear!" Sadie barked. Josie took steps away from us, almost scared but trying to be brave. 

"I have no such intention. He's not my type anyway," she barked, touching an emerald ring on her finger. Who gave her that? I growled, and she jumped, and my lycan whimpered, fuck, I swear my big bad lycan whimpered, and I hated that this woman hadn't been in my house for less than an hour and already my emotions were in disarray. 

"Good," Sadie said at last. However, Josie's intense eyes were on me. 

She turned suddenly and left. I followed her without thinking, leaving my mate screaming my name. 

Josie's POV

I ran out until I reached the backyard, away from the party, away from my husband and that woman, his mate, or Luna, whatever that means. My heart ached painfully, and something deep within me was leading me to him. It felt as if I should be in his arms, not Sadie. It hurt to see them kiss. Why did it? I was going crazy! 

I stood in the garden, telling myself to breathe. It's okay, it's good. He has someone in his life, and he will not pay attention to me. I can be here as a deal, no responsibilities, and live amongst the beasts that didn't look like beasts at all. 

I was stuck here, in this sham of a marriage, and there was nothing I could do about it. I touched the engagement ring around my finger, wishing I could talk to Jonathan, but I felt so betrayed by him and everyone else.

I went back inside after feeling a little better. I needed to keep my composure. I had to remember I was surrounded by lycans that could probably kill or eat me at the slightest mistake. 

"Miss," a voice called, and I jumped, frightened. I turned to see Kane. He bowed his head. Why does he do that?

"Hi, I- I came for some air out here," I said, and he nodded. 

"You shouldn't wander alone, especially at night," he said gently, guiding me back inside. He took me to a bedroom, and I froze when he said it was Ronan's room. 

"Your things were brought in hours before you arrived. They are in the closet," Kane pointed to the closet. I looked around the room. It was manly and plain, with a king-size bed facing two floor-to-ceiling arched windows. There was a huge TV and a large L-shaped sofa. Everything was black and gray.

"Are you sure I can be here?" I asked hesitantly. Both times I saw him, he looked disgusted to see me. 

"Yes, Lady Genevive demands it," he said. 

"Lady Genevive?" 

"The king's grandmother, but we call her lady Gigi. She wants you to consummate the marriage," he said, touching the back of his head in embarrassment. Shit, I forgot married people do that. I didn't want to consummate this marriage.

"I'm not sleeping with that man," the words slip out, and I cover my mouth. 

Kane shrugs, "Okay."

I'm left alone, and I sit on the bed. I find myself sniffing the silk sheets. It smells like him, so masculine and a mixture of something alluring. The door opens, and I jump to my feet. The lycan king storms in, eyes glaring at me. My heart starts to race, and I can't back away either. I stand tall and brave to face him. 

"What are you doing in here, human?"