Chapter 3

Alonso's POV

Venus's moan is barely audible as I move my lips against hers. Ever since she had her first shift and recognised me as her mate, we absolutely cannot keep our hands off each other. Every chance we get, we are kissing and making out.

But we are still keeping this a secret. Because in a few minutes, she is going to become the Beta of the capital pack. And we are planning to announce it to everyone then.

There is a knock on the door and we know it's Dorian. Because we both put Dorian there to knock when someone is close or wants to come in.

Venus and I stand a little distant, quickly ran our hands over our outfits and messy hair to look presentable. And then we appeared as if we were talking about something.

"It's time for the Moon Festival you guys,!" Venus's mom walks in and gives us a stern look. We both nod and agree to follow her because it's also time for Venus's Beta ceremony.

The crowd is already partying and everything is so put together. Usually the capital pack parties in a wild way. The alcohol keeps coming. The music keeps blasting. And everything else of that sort.

But when it's midnight and the full moon wave is at the peak, that's when every shifted wolf takes a pack run and howl our prayers to the Moon Goddess. And a tribute to the Goddess who created us.

The Beta ceremony is simple, and once she was given the title as the Beta, we both slit our palms and shook our hands together. One blood, one pack, until death claims us.

Venus and I hold each other's hands a little longer than necessary and just when I am about to announce the fact that we are mates, we are interrupted by the arrival of The Ocean Howlers Pack.

The Alpha's family and The Beta's family are here. I still don't understand who is in charge of the pack in their absence. As much as a Gamma is capable, he is still not the Alpha.

They all bow before me and I nod and raise my hand, asking them to stand again. But with a smile on my face. That's what my dad asked me to do. He asked me to smile no matter what. Because he had a deal with them. He tried telling me but every time he did, something or the other came up.

My eyes fall on two people. The twin siblings. Heirs to Alpha of The Ocean Howlers Pack. The girl smiles at me sweetly but the boy looks like I snatched his plate of food and refused to give it back to him again.

"Alpha King, allow me to introduce my children to you," Alpha of The Ocean Howlers Pack, John Adams moves forward. I nod, out of courtesy but I have no interest knowing anything about them. I just want this over and get back to kissing my mate!

"My daughter Edna Adams," he says pointing at his daughter.

Edna does a decent curtsy and I nod at her. Her gray eyes are somehow complimenting her dark skin well. She is beautiful. But not as beautiful as my mate is.

"And my son, Cole Adams," he says pointing at his son.

Cole doesn't even bother bowing to me, but a smack at the back of his head from his father did its charm. I wonder why Cole is acting this way. It's not funny. It's weird.

"Do enjoy your stay, Alpha John Adams. Nice meeting you two as well," I say nodding at the twins before shifting my focus to Dorian who is walking to me wide eyed.

In his hands, is a huge tray draped in red velvet cloth. And in it, is the baton made of the moonstone. There are five of these and they keep moving through the packs and wherever they land, the Full Moon Festival is celebrated there.

I place the baton where it is supposed to be. And I look at Venus, finally. I nod at her, asking her to come to me so we can resume announcing our mate bond to everyone. Because now is the right now.

Now, because she is finally not a minor. Now, because it's the Full Moon Festival.

Now, because she is my Beta and I am her Alpha King.

And Now, because I can't wait to tell the whole world that Venus Gratley is my mate.

But my father walks on to the stage somehow, ruining the moment again. I don't say anything yet. Because I waited patiently for five years, for this very moment. I guess I can wait for five more minutes.

Venus stands just a step behind me, and her honeysuckle scent is wrapping me up in a blanket of ease. Damn, I just want to pull her and take her into my arms again.

"Thank you to everyone who are here today," my father addresses the crowd.

Not just The Ocean Howlers Pack but a few more people from neighbouring packs are here. The representatives of the neighbouring packs, to be honest.

"Son, if you could join me," he calls me and it takes every ounce of my self control to walk away from Venus and on to the stage.

"What's this about?" I ask my father in a bare whisper, being aware that werewolf hearing sense is much stronger than anyone else.

"You'll see," he says and his eyes are filled with concern.

I just stand there, beside him and count seconds. I cannot wait to tell the world that Venus is my freaking mate. I look at her again. She is drop dead gorgeous in her lavender dress that reached her ankles. Her auburn hair is pinned into a bun and her brown eyes hold lot of love as she looks at me.

Oh Thank You Moon Goddess, for giving me her as my mate. I don't know what I would do if it is someone else.

"The Ocean Howlers Pack had always been the backbone of the werewolf world. With the largest Naval fleet, they often played a crucial role in helping the werewolves win countless number of wars," my father says and he is not wrong.

If the werewolf world is considered a body, then The Ocean Howlers Pack is the head. If there's no head, then there's nothing left. Dead.

"And Alpha John Adams's daughter Edna Adam's turned eighteen just over two months ago," my father says and Edna softly smiles.

Everything about her screams soft. Like she is meant to be protected. Like she is made of porcelain. And she is sweet too. Not like her brother who is now staring at Dorian. Thankfully not me.

"Edna, if you please" my father calls her on stage too and I look at him, totally confused.

"Tell me this is not what I think it is," Thunder whispers and he is about to lose his shit.

It can't be. Dad wouldn't do that. Not without asking me anyway. Maybe she found his mate in this pack. Maybe Dorian. That's why Cole Adams had been staring at him ever since he walked in. And obviously they'll need my approval since I am the Alpha King.

"A life debt was called. And a political alliance was to be made. But I cannot be more happier that the alliance is with my friend, Alpha John Adams," my father says and my legs are somehow glued to the stage, refusing to think of anything else.

"And as a part of that political marriage, I would like to announce you all that my son Alpha King Alonso Naylor is to be wed to Edna Adams of The Ocean Howlers Pack six months from now," my father finishes announcing and my head whips to the direction of where Venus is standing.

She is just as shocked as I am, but it's the tears in her eyes that I can't bear looking at.

I look at my father again, who is placing Edna's hand in mine. No no no! No!

Political marriage.

No no no no no. This is not happening!