Chapter 30

Scarlett

I shook my head and stretched my hands. 'Absolutely not! '

Astra didn't even spare me a glance, she busied herself with mixing some liquid in a glass bowl. 'It is tradition Scarlett. '

'Are you kidding me right now? What sort of tradition requires a grown woman to be bathed by strangers? ' My voice sounded rigid, like it was being forced out. I cleared my throat, soothing it with a gulp of saliva.

'It is an honour for the chosen women to prep you, to pamper you for the mating ceremony. ' Astra dismissed in a flat tone, covering the bowl with the sweet scented mixture of what seemed like herbs.

'But I can wash myself, I won't allow this! ' I stubbornly insisted, exiting the bathroom with my head held high. Astra was quick to follow in a chuckle, directing me towards the balcony.

'The previous alpha mates of this pack went through the same process. A mating ceremony is the most vital celebration in this pack. It births a new mother for the pack, a shoulder to lean on for the al