Chapter 2: Connor

I took a breath as I looked at myself in the mirror; I received an invitation to a birthday party from an Alpha for his Beta’s sister. I’m almost twenty-six years old and have yet to meet my mate. I sighed as I slicked back my hair and straightened my coat jacket when a knock came on the door, “Your majesty, it’s time.” I took one last look in the mirror then sighed,

“I’m coming,” I said, then made my way to my car for the party.

I saw many people arriving as we pulled up. My driver pulled through the circle drive; we pulled up to the door of the Pack House, the door opened, and I stepped out. I grabbed the box with the gift and made my way up the stairs. When I reached the doors, I heard them announce my arrival as they opened the doors, “Ladies and gentlemen, his majesty, King Connor Arcadia of the werewolves.” I stepped in, and everyone bowed their heads. I smiled and waved to them all. When the party began again, I made my way over to a table where the other gifts were and set the present down. As I went to put the gift down, a strong aroma filled my senses; it was sweet. I followed the scent of peppermint and vanilla until it led me to this gorgeous girl. She wore this stunning mermaid dress that hugged her curves very well. I cleared my throat, and she froze for a moment and bowed her head, but the second we met eyes, I couldn’t look away. Those piercing blue eyes were enough to leave a man speechless. 

“Your majesty, how are you?” Alpha Blake asked as he came over; I turned my attention to him, 

“Alpha, it’s good to see you again.” We shook hands, and then he motioned to the woman and gentleman beside him, 

“This is my Beta, Neil Lovette, and of course my lovely wife, Nichole.” I took her hand and kissed it, 

“Luna, you look radiant.” She curtsied, 

“Thank you, your majesty; it is lovely to see you again.” I glanced over to the other woman who was talking to some other people. I leaned over to Blake and asked, 

“Who is that woman over there?” I pointed to the stunning woman; her white hair hung in ringlets down her back with a braided crown over the top of her head; she looked gorgeous. Blake chuckled a bit,

“That is the birthday girl, herself.” He told me, “That is Nuray Lovette.” My wolf was screaming, mate, but she hadn’t done anything yet. Maybe because of all the different scents in the room. I didn’t realize that I had been staring for too long until Blake asked, “Is everything okay?” I shook myself out of the trance and nodded, 

“Yes, of course.” He nodded.

The party carried on as many danced. I took a swig of my drink when the birthday girl came over in my direction. She went towards the doors, leading out to the terrace, so I followed her. She leaned against the railing and sighed, staring up at the moon, and began humming. I cleared my throat, which startled her and caused her to turn around, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.” I told her; she bowed her head,

“It’s fine, your Majesty.” She said softly, “I thought I was alone.” I nodded, 

“May I join you?” I asked; she gave me a curious look but smiled,

“Okay.” She said; I leaned against the railing with her, “Are you having fun?” I looked over at her and smiled,

“I am. Are you?” She gave me a weak smile and sighed,

“May I be honest?” I nodded, “I didn’t want a party; I wanted to watch a movie.” I smiled, “But of course, my family went behind my back.” 

“Well, happy birthday anyway.” She smiled,

“Thank you, your majesty.” 

“Connor, please.” 

“Nuray.” She reached her hand out and shook my hand, 

“Have you found your mate yet?” I asked, curious if she’s realized that we were mates. Nuray shook her head,

“I wasn’t born until midnight, so either I won’t find out until then, or he’s not here.” She heaved a sigh, “It’s nerve-wracking, thinking that the Moon Goddess has picked one man for me to be with. What if he’s mean and cruel…or even abusive? Will I have to stay with him? Or could I reject him? If I reject him, will I find someone else?” I watched as a small tear rolled down her cheek, “I wish I knew what my life has in store because not knowing it’s going to drive me mad.” I thought about telling her that I’m her mate; maybe that could help ease a lot of her confusion, but then,

“Nuray, there you are!” I saw an older gentleman come over. He looked like Alpha Blake’s Beta; Nuray turned, “I’ve had many ask where you were.” I saw he was about to grab her arm, but then he saw me and bowed his head, “Your majesty, forgive me, I’ve just been looking everywhere for Nuray.” I nodded, 

“It’s alright. I should be getting back anyway.” I took Nurays’ hand in mine and kissed it softly, “May I request a dance when you have a free moment?” I saw the subtle blush come across her face, 

“Perhaps, your majesty.” She curtsied and then turned to the gentleman. I made my way back to the party.

It was nearly midnight when I found Nuray again. I smiled as I made my way towards her; when she saw me, she smiled a bit. I saw faint marks on her arms which caused me to growl under my breath, but I hid it. “Miss Lovette, may I have this dance?” As a slow song began, she looked over to her brother Jacob. I met him earlier; he is really kind, definitely a good man. He smiled and nodded.

“That would be lovely.” She told me as she took my hand; I led her to the dancefloor. I placed my hand on the small of her back and took her hand in mine as I began to waltz her around the room. “Thank you for saving me.” She said, “Neil and my father were trying to find people to dance with me.” I smiled,

“It was my pleasure.” I told her, I spun her around and brought her back to me gently, “Nuray, I feel a strong urge to tell you something.” Before I could say anything, the dinging of the clock announced that it was now midnight; Nuray took a deep breath in then backed away from me,

“You…” She said softly,

“Nuray, please,” before I had a moment to explain, she ran away from me. “Nuray!” She continued running. Everyone was watching me; Neil, Jacob, and their father came towards me, 

“What happened?” Neil asked me; I sighed, 

“I think she discovered that I’m her mate.” The room fell silent after my statement. 

“Jacob, you’re the fastest; go see if you can find her,” Neil told him; Jacob nodded and bolted the same direction Nuray ran in. I stepped up, 

“Is there anything I can do to help?” Neil turned to me and sighed, then turned to his father,

“Dad, can you take him back to the house? Nuray could have gone there.” He nodded then came to me,

“I’m Andrew, Nuray’s father, sorry that we weren’t formally introduced. Let’s go.” I nodded and hurried out the door with Andrew.

The moment we reached the house, Andrew went for the door; I noticed a light and hurried inside. Andrew banged on the door to a room and yelled, “Nuray, open this door now!” I stayed back, not wanting to be in the line of fire; he continued to bang on the door. I decided to go to him, he looked at me, 

“May I?” I asked; he growled, 

“Be my guest! She’s been so difficult since her mother died!” He shouted; I took a breath as he pushed past me and went downstairs. I wonder who is actually being difficult, I thought; I knocked on the door lightly, 

“Nuray, it’s me; can I please come in?” I heard her come to the door, but she didn’t unlock it, “Your father is downstairs. I just want to talk to you. Please?” 

“Talk through the door.” She told me; I sighed then sat down in front of the door with my back against it, 

“Okay, we’ll do this on your terms.” I told her, “Why did you run?” I asked; she was quiet, “I’m not going to judge you, Nuray. Please, trust me.” 

“I don’t know….” She replied, “I guess I was shocked, surprised? I’m not sure what I am.” Nodding, I tried to think of another question to ask, but then she asked,

“Did you know?” I was surprised by her question, but I wanted her to trust me, so…

“Yes.” 

“When did you find out?” She asked,

“Not long after I arrived.” I wish I could see her face to figure out what she was thinking. I told her honestly, “I debated on telling you while we were on the terrace, then your father came. I tried to tell you while we were dancing, but then you found out yourself.” 

“Are you upset that it’s me?” I asked; I heard her shift,

“You’re the King of the werewolves; why would I be upset?” I chuckled,

“You ran away the second you found out that I’m your mate.” She giggled a little; I started getting happy, knowing we were making some progress. 

“What about you?” Nuray asked; I hummed in response, “Were you upset that it was me? I’m just a daughter of the late Alpha’s Beta. I’m nothing special.” I smiled, 

“I think you’re beautiful, but if you want, we can take things slow. Maybe date for a while. How does that sound?” She didn’t reply, but what happened next surprised me. The door swung open to reveal the beautiful woman who just happened to be my mate. I got up quickly and faced her,

“Can you take me with you?” She muttered, just audible for me to hear. I tensed; seeing my reaction, Nuray turned and lifted the back of her shirt to reveal deep bruises, which made me want to bust a hole in the wall, 

“What happened?” I asked; werewolves can heal quickly, so these bruises were most definitely from constant abuse, then it hit me. How angry her father got. Nuray looked at me, her eyes pleading for me to say yes. I sighed and kissed her head, “Of course, Nuray.” She gave me a weak smile before wrapping her arms around me tightly.

When her brothers got to the house, Nuray and I walked down hand in hand. I turned to all three of the men in front of me. “Nuray has accepted me as her mate, and I accept her as mine. I would like to request that she returns home with me.” Andrew gave me a look, as did Neil, but Jacob only smiled, 

“I think that is a great idea.” Jacob said, turning to his brother and father, “She needs to learn how to be a queen; I think she should go.” He gave me a slight nod which made me wonder, did he know what’s been happening? Neil and Andrew exchanged looks, then Neil looked to me,

“If she disrespects you or pack leaders, will there be consequences?” His question made me want to rip out his throat, but Nuray’s grip on my hand pulled me back, so I lied,

“Of course. Royal she-wolves are held to the highest regard. She will have to do whatever I say when I say it or else.” Neil smirked at the idea, as did Andrew. 

“Fine, you have my permission.” Neil stated then turned to his father, “Do you agree, Father?” 

“If you actually think you can make her a queen, then fine. But don’t expect me to take her back in if she doesn’t cut it. I say put her in a room and only use her for pups.” Nuray’s grip tightened more, which told me, get her the hell out of here. I smiled, 

“I’m sure I can manage. Thank you.” I said, then turned to Nuray, “Go pack a bag; I’ll send someone to get the rest of your things later this week.” Nuray nodded and went to head upstairs, but her father cleared his throat, which made her jolt; she turned back to me, 

“Yes, sir, thank you.” With that, she hurried up the stairs. When she came back down with a small backpack, I smiled, 

“Ready to go?” I asked; she glanced at her father, then back to me, 

“Yes, sir, I am.” This was breaking my heart. She hugged them then turned to me; I placed my hand on the small of her back, and we went out the door. I opened the car door for her, and she slipped in, but before I could get in, Jacob grabbed my arm; he looked worried,

“Please, don’t bring her back here.” I nodded, 

“Don’t worry, Nuray will be safe. I promise.” Jacob nodded; I then handed him a card from my pocket, “If you need help, call me. Please. If I had known this was happening, I would have stopped this sooner.” Jacob took the card, 

“Thank you, your majesty. I appreciate this.” I smiled; Jacob waved to Nuray then I got in the car. I looked to my driver and sighed, 

“To the castle, please.” The car pulled out of the driveway, and the second it did, Nuray threw herself against my chest and started bawling her eyes out. I didn’t know what to do, so I just held her. This is going to be a long drive…