Chapter 70 - "Mate!"

Arora

I handed over the crown and watched with tears stinging the back of my eyes as it was placed on my son’s head. I thought back to my own coronation. All the hopes and dreams Luke and I had back then. Thinking back to the past when my father wanted to kill me. I had hoped for this day so much back then, but I never imagined I would feel so overwhelmed.

Everything that Luke and I wanted for the kingdom had happened. We no longer worried about being attacked every time we have an event. Our people were truly happy. We hadn’t seen war in many years. Even Sebastian’s old pack eventually came around and people forgave them for what they did under Sebastian’s rule.

From today it was the next generation’s turn and I wished I was immortal, so I could see the wonders they would create. A loud roar of applause pulled me out of my thoughts as everyone celebrated the crowning of a new king. I knew that the party was going to last well into the early hours of the morning, and we were all ready for the celebration.

Helena was standing beside us, and she smiled at her mate. He was a good guy. I couldn’t help but smile when I saw Luke’s frown. He was still having a bit of trouble with the fact that his baby girl was all grown up, but he hid it well most of the time.

Adam

I hated being the center of attention, but it was all part of the job description. My mother taught me well, and I could hide it from everyone. The coronation party was a bit overwhelming, however, and I found myself searching for an exit every couple of minutes. The entire kingdom had been invited. There was enough food to feed everyone for a week!

Every possible room in the castle was filled to the brim with nobles. The gardens had been opened for everyone else, and I couldn’t even escape people there. Not even for a moment! Every parent that had a single daughter was hoping their daughter would be my destined mate. I had met some of them before, but it seemed as though their parents hadn’t given up hope yet.

I could have sworn that some of the females weren’t even old enough yet to know if I was! I had to give it to my parents. They knew that this was the perfect opportunity for me to find my mate. They invited EVERYBODY!! I had found a corner to hide in for a minute just so I could relax my cheeks when I caught a scent floating in the air.

“Mate!” My wolf howled out, so loudly I nearly slammed my hands over my ears! Jumping out from behind the wall, my eyes scanned the crowd. My eyes meeting every set of eyes that looked my way, but none of them were hers! I realized that the scent wasn’t that strong, and I wondered if she had been there earlier and perhaps had moved on!

I sniffed the air and caught the scent again, but it disappeared so fast. Making my way through the crowd, I started to grow a little impatient with everyone who stopped me to talk while I was trying to find my damn mate! I couldn’t be rude. I knew if I told them I was looking for my mate they would let me be, but it would probably cause utter chaos.

“Sweetheart, are you okay?” My mother touched my arm as I followed the scent inside and made my way to the main ballroom. People were dancing while others stood around the sides watching. The scent was stronger in here and I hoped I would find her quickly!

“I know that look!” My dad’s eyes grew wide, and it took a moment for my mother to catch up.

“I’ve been following her scent from outside, but I can’t find her.” I growled as my wolf clawed to be let out. He was convinced he would find her faster, but I couldn’t imagine him running around the room! It would cause utter havoc! No, we had to find her in our human form. My parents let me go without another word.

They knew what would happen if we announced it. With the sheer volume of people we have here, it might just cause a stampede that would kill everyone!!

Samantha

I knew my parents wanted me to find my mate. It was the only reason we attended the coronation.

“Who knows, you might be the future queen!” My mother’s words echoed in my mind while I tried to make my way through the crowds of people. I wanted to find my mate just like any other girl, but when time ticked by, and I grew older, I had kind of given up hope. I couldn’t imagine that someone as important as the king could be my mate.

Our family was part of the very old nobles in the kingdom. My grandfather was a big supporter of the old king. That was the reason we didn’t attend most of the royal events. My family kept our titles and land when the queen took over, but we were shunned socially thanks to my grandfather. It kind of made me think that that was the reason I never found my mate. He realized who I was and ran in the opposite direction!

Making my way onto the terrace, I breathed in deeply and sighed. I had made peace with my life. Now I just had to endure tonight so that my family could finally make peace with the fact that I was going to grow old and die before finding my mate. I saw it as our punishment for betraying the people by supporting a corrupt king.

I caught sight of a group of girls on the terrace and the way they were looking at me told me they were gossiping about me. I sighed and walked to the balcony to look up at the moon. It was a beautiful night. It was going to be the perfect night for the king to find his bride.