Chapter 3 Three
Lucien's pov
It was all the same. The pampered Alphas, seething Betas, Trembling Omegas. Even the woman on my arm was pale, scared I might relieve her body of her head if she wronged me.
I was only here for formalities. I couldn't be bothered with a mating ceremony. I'd just nod, approve the little union between the twins and a submissive girl they barely respected. Their new breeder.
But the moment I scented her …
Every rational thought I have had for centuries disappeared like a mist. I was consumed by a spiraling wave of emotion.
Numbness. She was prey. Trembling in a white gown, with makeup that couldn't hide the bruises well enough even from me, carried like a sacrifice offering to the aisle.
Disgust. I could not have her as a mate. She'd be better off with my Nephews, the sight of her tear streaked face would push me to end her.
I hated weak woman, and I shouldn't have to ever deal with one. Not by my side.
It was obvious she wasn't willing to the union, but I had no concerns for her opinions on the matter.
But suddenly she turned. Before she did, I instantly knew she had felt it. By her faltering steps, her rigid movements. And I couldn't take my eyes off her.
In the midst of the choas, she moved with purpose and boldness. One that surprised me. I have lived for centuries, fought in wars till I got tired of them, met women, killed women, slept with them, claimed them.
It's been a while I've had something to look forward to. And she did so with ease. As the veil slid from her face, her eyes, soft, brown and eluded met mine in a heated stare. I saw the bruises clearly, and my disgust immediately turned to rage at the thought of who had laid their filthy fingers in her.
It seemed she wasn't done. The clattering of dishes to the floor steeled me from my imminent rage and I'm met with her body, flexible and sultry she moved towards me. The woman at my side is aghast and appalled but she does nothing but move away.
Everyone else disappeared into the background and I only see her, watch as she subtly leans forward, baring her neck at me. She knows what she's doing. She knows what she's capable of, how powerful the bond is and she's using it to her advantage, with no hesitation whatsoever.
Golden hair cascading over one shoulder, she bars herself towards me. Not as a prey as I thought she was. As my mate. Irresistible. I'd be a fool to reject her.
The beast inside me snapped. Her scent quickly eluded my senses and before I realized what had happened, her arched body against mine quickly grew limp.
The arena erupted louder into screams and outrage but no one dared confront me directly.
I got up, her small body in my arms, and assessed the situation with the corner of my lips lifted.
Every pack guard on sight both from my Nephews’ pack and her father's pack were armed. I was surrounded and their gazes were dark, but I could smell their cowardly fear.
The Alpha's daughter was unconscious in my arms, my mouth was running with her delicious blood and I could feel her pulse fluttering like a bird's wing. I was considered no less than a threat.
Riven and Kael stood side by side, similar crimson red eyes filled with hate and blood lust as they stared at me as if daring me to move with their possession.
“Your Majesty… I apologize on her behalf. She can move carelessly at times. She misjudged the situation. But I promise you, you let her go, and this doesn't have to escalate.” Godric’s voice is firm but his pupils are darting wildly as he numbers the guards around him like a coward.
“How about you let me go without trying to stop me and I'll let you live.” with fluid ease, I climb into the table before dropping down. I bare my fangs before them, my lips slick with her blood.
The guards all move back but they're still poised, ready to attack.
“Uncle,” I barely acknowledge Riven who comes to my side cautiously, his face steeled as he tries to conceal his displeasure. “You don't have to complete the mating ritual. She's ours. You were here to do one thing only. To approve this union. You had no rights to…”
“I did nothing. She came to me. I claimed my mate.”
“She is ours!” Kael roared, and the whispers amongst the crowd was hushed immediately. He trembled in rage, his shoulders already hunched as he slowly shifted. “Set her down on the table and leave, Uncle.”
“Try to stop me.” I scan the arena with a smirk, savoring the taste of her blood in her mouth, enjoying their horrified stares as I lick my lips clean of it. “I dare anyone of you.”
Silence ensued, the guards parting ways as I walk away, cradling her in my arms.
I expected it, I just didn't think he was foolish enough to.
He was fast, but I caught him in my grasp. Head whole in my palm as I lifted him off the ground like a ragdoll.
Kael’s growl turned muffled as he struggled, prying his claws in my arms but I persisted, tightening my grip.
“You two are stubborn but your twin is no fool. He knows he won't win, what more you?”
I was getting sick of watching him struggle pathetically.
“Enough Kael. This ends here.” With that, I toss him away and he flies straight for the head table, crashing into it and everyone around.
In the midst of the commotion, I jump off my spot to the trees and disappear from their sight, weaving though the branches while taking care to hold her in my arms.
I had a mating ritual to complete