Chapter 84: Time for a Change... and Bed

Chapter 84: Time for a Change... and Bed
That night, Bruce officiated as the three new couples became lifelong mates. They had a quiet and small gathering of a few of the castle staff. Lexy and Charles were also in attendance.  
Afterwards, as they were having a celebratory reception, Bruce and Pierce stood off to the side watching the festivities.
“Pierce, I had my doubts about you. I was worried about what you would do to my little girl. And it was for good reason. I’m glad you had this extra two years to realize what you mean to each other and to… get it all right.”
“It was definitely difficult your majesty, but yes. I’m glad we had it too. Now we can focus on what’s important.”
“Yes! Grandpups!” Bruce laughed heartily and slapped Pierce on his back.
Pierce started to smile then crinkled his brows as he remembered the pain that Rosemary had gone through… and the losses that she had to endure without him by her side. His face turned sullen as he took a sip of his wine then looked down.
“Pierce,” Bruce became serious. “You two went through hell for a reason. Don’t wallow in it. Learn from it. We’ve all forgiven you. Rosemary has forgiven you. You are blessed with a clean slate and an unwritten future. Though those memories will be there forever, they’ll remind you of what not to do. Tomorrow, I will no longer be ‘your majesty’. That title will fall on you and Rosemary.”
“Tomorrow? So soon?”
“It’s time. Which we don’t have much of. We need to finish Stark before he can continue on his madness. But before that, you need to swear in your new court so you can all communicate with each other.”
Pierce nodded in understanding.
“Your majesty…”
Bruce looked at him.
“Alpha.”
“Yes, your majesty?” Bruce smiled at Pierce.
“How do you make it all look so easy?”
“It wasn’t always this easy. It took us years. And we have had peace for… at least a hundred years. Though we never really trusted Stark, we never saw him as a threat. I didn’t know it had all gotten so out of hand with him.”
“And Rebekah? Will we have to worry about her?”
“No, no. She has been tried and sentenced. I work quickly.”
“Death?”
“Worse.”
“What can be worse than death?”
“Stripped of her mate and bound to be a rogue wolf until the fates cut her cord. She will never walk on two legs again. And honestly, I don’t know how long any of us could survive knowing we will never be with our mate whether we’ve met them or not.”
“How?”
“Velvette. Of course. She cannot interfere with certain things, but with punishments, she can carry them out under the king or queens command.” Bruce lightly chuckled at the stunned look on Pierce’s face. “Yes, your title gives you more power than you had ever imagined. And I dare say, you are the one who will be able to carry such power. I was worried. But of course, the fates knew what they were doing.”
“Hm.” Pierce nodded pensively. Power. He would now have the power and strength Velvette told him he would have. Knowing what happened in those two years, he feared doing the wrong thing.
“I see your thoughts. Don’t be so apparent. Though perhaps it’s because you are among your closest of friends. Still… keep it to yourself. The only one who should ever know your deepest fears and doubts is your beloved mate.”
Pierce nodded.
“You’ve seen the corruption. And you know who to trust and the strength of your mate. Never forget and you will be wise.”
Pierce nodded again. This time more sternly with a face of acknowledgement.
Bruce smiled. “You two are ready. Whether you think you are or not. So is everyone else for that matter.”
They quietly watched everyone laughing and having light happy conversations for a minute. Then Bruce smiled and turned back to Pierce.
“Your majesty, it’s time Cordelia and I turn in. I’m sure you have better things to do than to stand around talking to an old geezer like me.” He patted Pierce’s back as he started walking towards his mate. She smiled and gracefully walked towards him. He kissed her hand and escorted her out of the room for their last night as the King and Queen of all Lycans.
Pierce walked over to Rosemary and put his hand on her lower back. Just his touch gave her goosebumps. He smiled as she leaned into him.
“You know, technically, we haven’t mated yet.” He whispered into her ear.
She stifled a moan as she felt her cheeks warm and her core tingle. The girls giggled at her reaction and Frankie winked at her as they all walked away to join their mates.
“That was easy.” He smiled as they waved their goodnight to everyone and walked out of the hall.
Everyone decided it was late and went to their rooms. As they left the hall, the staff came out and busied themselves with cleaning up.
After Georgia changed into her nightclothes, Alexander went into the bathroom. They hadn’t been intimate yet because he was still healing and she didn’t feel quite ready. She was open with him, and they talked about their pasts, but she was still worried that he would judge her in some way. That night, she stood on the balcony of their room afraid to go inside. She wasn’t sure what to do. Though she was generally cautious, she didn’t hear him come outside and stand behind her. He startled her as he wrapped his arms around her waist.
“We are mates, you know. It’s official. And inevitable. We’ll have to have sex eventually.” He kissed her bare shoulder.
She shuddered.
“Are you cold?”
She shook her head no.
He kissed her shoulder again. His lips lingered on her skin. He felt the goosebumps forming and could smell the excitement in her body rise. He smiled and kissed her shoulder again.
“Good.” He nibbled his way up her shoulder to her neck.
“Alexander…” She breathed out. “What if…”
“I told you. No what if’s.” He kissed her neck then nibbled again.
She whimpered. “But.”
“None.” His nibbles became harder as he felt the need to show his dominance.
She bent forward and held onto the stone guard rail. His arms stayed around her waist as she moved. And his kisses gently changed from the side of her neck to the nape of her neck. She felt her body want him… need him. It was different than just the want of pleasure, or feeling lust for someone. Her body craved him. She wanted to fight it, but she realized, why? Why did she want to fight it? She pushed back onto him causing him to groan in excitement. She felt the vibrations on her neck which made her moan.
He smiled knowing she was ready.