"Where is she?"
A deep voice by the doorway inquired.
"She's changing into her ritual clothes, Beta."
I heard Melissa reply.
"Who is that, Melissa?"
I was curious to know who Melissa was talking to.
"It's Beta Mark, Your Highness."
"Your Highness?"
I was almost done. The cloth was more like a white tunic. Was this what they wore to Stone Shadow pack's initiation ceremony? Quiet ancient if I'm asked and to think they had already prepared for this moment even before I arrived the pack. It was already arranged amongst my high pile of clothes. I walked to the door and to know this person. I saw a man who was in his forties, brown hair and brown eyes that were sharp and looked like they could detect even the smallest of crime from a miles away. There was wisdom and patience in them too.
"Hello Beta."
I bowed in total respect to greet him. When I raised my head, I could tell he was pleased with my action though his face barely revealed it.
"Hello Your Highness." He bowed slightly back. "I'm here to get you for the ritual."
I inconspicuously scanned his dressing room. Seemed everyone was dressed for the initiation ceremony too.
"Am I dressed accordingly, Beta?"
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Melissa's jaw harden. Was she angry because she probably thought I was questioning her judgment? If only she knew it was far from it. Anyways, I could think of Melissa later, for now, an official welcome to the family ceremony was waiting for me down the stairs.
"Yes, you did."
He approved.
"Thank you."
"Can we go now?"
There was an urgency in his voice.
"Yes, we can."
"After you then."
He ushered and I stepped out barefooted.
"So there's no need for footwear?"
"No need at all, Your Highness."
I found it discomforting that man old enough to be my father would refer to me in that manner. The respect, while I understood was necessary, it was stifling.
"Can you just call me Katherina, Beta?"
"Why? You're a member of the royal family and in few minutes you'll be undergoing the ritual to permanently tie that bond."
"I am aware of that, Beta. It's just…"
But he cut me off. "I understand, but you have to get used to it. The Alpha demands respect for anyone he calls his family. He'll not be happy to see or hear me call you by your name."
"Okay."
I nodded and continued in silence. I thought I heard Melissa scoff. I turned to look at her face but it was focused on somewhere else. I focused on my journey and we continued down the stairs. We had gotten to the foot of the stairs, my legs were back to aching me but it was not as much ad before. We were about to turn a corner when I heard voices, when I turned it was my stepbrothers. They were dressed too but a bit differently from mine. They wore black robes but only Lucas' robe had a hood which covered almost all of his face. In the dark, one would not recognize him.
They spotted me. They walked over, well except for Trenton who was dragged by Lucas. His expression was murderous but I doubt Lucas cared. It was an effort but he did pull his aloof brother towards us.
"Hey Kathy."
He greeted.
"Nice hood."
I complimented.
"Well, I just like to add my own style."
"Wait until dad sees you on this."
Zach commented.
"If he will grill me, at least I'd look stylish receiving it."
His grin was unapologetic.
"Hello Beta."
Trenton and Aaron greeted the Beta.
"Hello, Your Highnesses. We best get going. They are already waiting for her."
Lucas pulled me to his side before I could see it coming.
"You can go Beta. The siblings are coming."
His acceptance never failed to make me happy. I was accepted and even though the rest were not open about it or had not fully accepted me. At least, they were not rejecting me so there was hope. Except for Trenton who moved away immediately he noticed Lucas pulling me to his side. He went to stand by Aaron.
"Your Highness, the ceremony is about to begin."
The man told Lucas.
"Well, we're not delaying, are we?"
The man stared at Lucas and shook his head. Something told me he already knew how bubbly and stubborn Lucas can be. Though he knew, he was not used to it. Well, no one could ever be used to the presence of someone such as Lucas. The guy was a permanent ray of sunshine, refusing to dim.
"Aaron, as the eldest, I trust you know how important this ceremony can be?"
"Yes, I know Beta. And I understand. But you know Lucas, he's just a kid."
"Hey." Lucas cut in sharply, the narrowed his eyes at both the Beta and his brother. "I'm not a kid."
"You're eighteen."
Zach put in like that was already answer enough.
"You were once eighteen, Zachary. And I remember you once fought Baron for calling you a kid at sixteen."
"Shut up."
Aaron's voice was low but I was sure no one missed the rage beneath. Lucas expression turned regretful as though he'd just realized what he had said.
Who was Baron though? And why did Aaron get angry at Lucas' mention if the name?
"Please, we'll be there with Katherina Beta. You know how exuberant and tenacious he can be. He won't let go of her, no matter what you say."
Aaron told the Beta in a calm, matured voice. The rage was gone, or was he really good at hiding it?
"Alright."
The Beta conceded and left.
"You can go too."
I turned to see him ordering Melissa, I had even forgotten she was behind me.
"Lucas"
Aaron turned to him.
"I'm sorry. It just slipped."
Lucas really looked like he truly regretted it and it tugged at my heart. Aaron should just forgive whatever it was and let go.
"Watch your tongue next time."
Aaron warned.
"Lips sealed."
Lucas made a funny show of zipping his lips, locking it and throwing away the imaginary key.
"Crazy dude."
Zach commented.
"Don't call me crazy, crazy." He told Zach. Then to me, he said. "Let's go make you officially, legally and permanently mine."
He winked and I chuckled at his cuteness. Pulling me closer, he held my hands and starting walking us towards the direction of the ceremony, leaving his brothers behind.