Chapter 1

Sienna:

I walked through the garden toward the Lycan that was to be my husband.

My father, who had his arm looped with my own, looked at me, reminding me of the importance of this. My heart aching with each step that I took as I remembered what he had done to my mother twenty years ago when I was barely five. And looking at his ‘mate’, or as I called her, the scandal that he chose to be with, I had to fight back trying to run away, knowing the consequences that would happen if I tried.

I nodded, not saying a word, knowing that the wolves’ fate lay in the hands of this marriage, and approaching him, I had to fight back the low growl that threatened to escape my chest as my wolf sensed his danger. It was one stronger and scarier than the one that I have lived through growing up in the place that I should have called home.

The King of Lycans, and the Capo dei Capi, Alpha Arturo de’ Medici, the man who was to be my husband.

He extended his hand to me, and taking his, I took a step forward and stood on the podium, keeping in mind that this was going to be done for the benefit of both species. The wolves, and the Lycans.

The elder, who was to wed us both, stood beside us. He nodded at us to take a seat on the chairs that were set for us in front of the wooden desk that was placed.

This wedding was an agreement, and the two of us knew that, and the worst part about it was the fact that it was going to be ‘well guarded’ with rules that ensured that neither one of us broke the deal. And that meant that we had to follow the protocol that the elders of both species set for us.

“For a long period of time, both wolf species, the Lycans and wolves have been going through endless wars. And that is why we are gathered here today to ensure that these wars find their end.” He said, looking at the Alpha and I. Alpha Arturo looked at me, his brown eyes meeting my silver-blue ones, and I nodded in respect, knowing not to cross my limits with an Alpha who could kill me in less than a second. He returned the nod before turning to the guests who were eying us carefully, clearly worried about what was to come. “Both Alpha Arturo de’ Medici and heir Alpha Sienna Moretti will marry to ensure the peace. The two wolves have gathered here today to show you that a peace can be formed, and a marriage tie would only ensure that. With both being the highest of their ranking families, we saw it fit to join the two.” 

“Throughout our histories, marriages were rarely ever available. But seeing as this was a case where we all knew we needed one, we have decided that it is most likely to do so. Now, to start our wedding ceremony, I will first ask the bride and groom whether or not they object to this marriage.” He said, looking at the two of us. We both knew that the question was simply out of protocol, the elders knew that we were against this, especially since we were not even asked our opinions when it was decided. They had agreed that it was the best thing to be done, and we were both forced to comply, simple as that.

Alpha Arturo looked at me, and I smiled. My face had no veil, seeing as I knew that weddings were not in our wolf cultures. We would usually mate, and a mating bond was always stronger than that agreement that we signed on a wedding paper. 

“We have no objection.” Alpha Arturo said, looking at him through the corner of his eye. His voice was deep, husky, and hoarse. His power radiated by just seeing his presence, and I could tell that one growl from him would shut a whole room up with no fights or arguments. 

“And our guests, do any of you have an objection? Speak now or choose to stay silent until the end of time.” He said, looking at everyone. We both knew that no one would speak. First, they knew that they would be beheaded for simply trying to object to an Alpha’s wedding, second, he was a Lycan, and third, it was the elders who decided on this. Objecting to it had a death penalty by default.

“Do you, Heir Alpha, Sienna Moretti, take Alpha Arturo de’ Medici as your husband and Alpha?” He asked, looking at me. I stayed quiet for a few seconds, and looking at my father, he frowned, thinking that I would be going against him. But I wouldn’t, I was not raised to go against my family nor was I a person who wanted to put them in danger.

“I do.” I said, my tone calm, and controlled, void of all emotions despite the thousands that ran through me. My wolf, who was now to submit to a Lycan, shut herself back, waiting for the fate that waited for her.

“And do you, Alpha Arturo de’ Medici, take Heir Alpha, Sienna Moretti, as your wife, and Luna?” Alpha Arturo looked at me for a few seconds before nodding, clenching his fists as he did, making my heart drop.

“I do.” He said coldly. I could tell that he was not happy, and the Alpha did not even bother hiding it; however, I was not going to do anything about it, not now, especially not when we were in front of guests who were waiting for the outcome of this.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife.” He said calmly. “You may proceed to share your wine, and dessert. Then we will proceed to the first dance.”