(Lauren's Pov).
My mind was in turmoil because one week had passed, which meant that one week from now I would be married to the Alpha, a werewolf.
Ever since he decided it would be two weeks until the wedding, I've never been calm. I even avoided some of my friends who were werewolves just because of this.
Today, Ace called me and said that he wanted me to bring his clothes to the place he had set.
I sighed as I waited by the side of the road and looked around, searching for his whereabouts.
I honestly didn't know why he had asked me here either, but I had to obey him, right?
"Lauren," his voice suddenly startled me and I turned my body to face him.
"Ah!"
I reflexively closed my eyes because he was naked!
"Why are you covering your eyes? You're going to have to get used to seeing me in this state," he said, flatly.
"Why are you naked?! I’m shocked!”
"You've never seen your wolf friends turn back into a human again? I just changed," he replied.
My heart was pounding because this was the first time I'd ever seen a man completely and utterly naked.
"Open your eyes," he said, commanding.
But I didn't open my eyes. I kept them closed with my hands, feeling that these two of my holy eyes were becoming unholy because of him.
"I say, open your eyes."
Ace's hand suddenly grabbed mine and pulled it away from my eyes. But I kept my eyes closed until I finally felt no movement or Ace talking to me.
Did he leave? Where was he? Why was he silent?
When I finally opened my eyes, I was shocked because Ace was very close in front of me.
"You're going to be my wife, so you should get used to this. Where are my clothes?"
I nervously ran to my car and gave him the clothes he had ordered for me. And because of this, I understood.
In front of me, Ace put on his clothes unashamedly and kept looking at me. He had no expression there and it scared me.
"Thanks. Now come with me to the house. You're going to try on some dresses made by the werewolf tailors," he said. "I'll drive."
Ace got into the car first while I tried to act calm as I followed him inside.
When on the territory, I was greeted by the outdoor decorations that some of them had just put up. I suddenly felt embarrassed for no apparent reason.
Ace took me inside and there were several dresses lined up that I had to try on and make sure that Ace would be happy with one of them.
"Try one by one," he said.
I took the first in line and was about to try it on in the room but again his hand grabbed me.
"Try it here. I want to see all of your body."
I gasped as my breathing became ragged. I was nervous because no one had ever seen my whole body even though I never wore a bikini at the beach.
"Or should I be the one to undress you, Lauren?" he teased, testing me when I didn't reply to him.
I finally got the courage to take off my clothes and put on the dresses one by one until Ace's eyes widened when I put on the last one.
I thought Ace would comment on my body, but he didn't. It was just that I saw him swallow a few times. Does that mean he's nervous?
"Leave that. Now, come with me to the second floor."
The second floor … was the sacred floor which was the mating ritual room and also the room the two of us would be in. For some reason, my heart always pounded whenever something surprised me from Ace.
"I want you to be here after marriage. Downstairs is the meeting place for the members and me. So—"
"I have something more important to ask," I said, cutting him off. I had been silent, and now I wanted to use my chance to ask.
"What is it?"
"Are you going to demand that I give you an heir?" I asked.
"I won't insist, but it's better to have one or two."
I swallowed my saliva because it was like he was telling me to give him an heir.
"What about my job?"
"My answer is more or less the same as before. You can continue working or not at all, after all, I can provide for you with everything I have."
My body trembled and suddenly my head hurt just thinking about this conversation. It felt so sad that I couldn't reject this marriage. If only I could, maybe I wouldn't feel such a headache.
While I was in my reverie, I was surprised to see Ace approaching me until there was no distance between us. I gazed at his golden-colored eyes and lustrous eyelashes. I instantly realized that he was very handsome. He was tall and I felt shy when he looked at me intensely.
His hand touched my chin, lifting it until my gaze was completely locked only on him.
"Now, I want to give you a habit, which is kissing you."
His lips instantly kissed mine, crushing them and wetting them. I was a bit startled by the rapid heart rhythm. My hands held his shirt tightly as his kiss weakened me and I returned it when I realized it a few seconds later.
Ace then looked at me after kissing me. "Is this how the lips of a virgin feel?" he asked.
I wanted to protest when I heard him say that, but he kissed my lips again and now it felt even wilder than before. He even lifted my body by holding my ass.
Ah ... Was this how it felt to kiss an Alpha? It felt like I belonged to him even though I wasn't his mate.
"This week I'll keep you pounding for me until you fall in love with me, Lauren.”