CHAPTER 4

The tension could be scented in the air. It was filled with dense and uncomfortable air. Veronica had an angry expression on her face as she cut her roasted mutton with clear rage, her livid bright eyes staring directly at her mate. Adrian, on the other hand kept his face down as he took careful mouthful sppons of the potatoes and vegetables.

This all happened because of me. On the bright morning after being discharged, I reported to the main castle after cleaning myself up in the servants room. I wore my most comfortable gown before setting off. I was terribly late which was hardly my fault because i wasn't discharged early. The sun was already bright, it's florid orange rays kissing the sky's horizon, creating the light heat and clear environment.

The royals were already having breakfast when i graced them with my presence. I had curtsied lowly, my body still feeling refreshed before walking backwards to farthest corner of the dinning hall, on the Luna's end of the table. Immediately i settled in, my eyes wondered to Adrian. My gaze lingered on his soft looking curly hair, half of me imagining what it would feel like between my fingers when his eyes looked right at me. My heart skipped a beat at the unexpected exchange, only known between himself and I. My mind travelled back to the morning at the infirmary. How the whole Alpha of a kingdom had casually strolled into the infirmary to check on my health. This man, i wanted to have him. I felt the unexplainable need to possess his entire being. His mind, body and soul. I finally made my decision. I didn't care about a mate or a wolf. As long as i had him in my life, i would be contented. And i would have him.

"I hate tardiness, Aria."

It took a moment for me to realize the Luna's words were directed at me. I quickly averted my gaze from her mate and looked somewhere else. The reply to give her, i knew not. What was she expecting me to say?

"Apologies, My Queen. I had..."

The clanking of the metalic cutlery against the glass ware took me off guard. I shifted uncomfortably as i waited for the volcanic hot words the witch was about to spew. Was she this upset because of her tardiness? Surely that couldn't be it. Something whispered in me, that Veronica was annoyed at her mate's kindness for caring for her. And she wasn't wrong. She should be alarmed.

The hall was dead silent before the loud scraping of the chair against the tiles was heard. I looked up, my perfectly shaped eyebrows at the top of my head and my eyes in shock at the Luna's attitude. The Luna whipped her head around and stared daggers into my soul. A look that could fry egg.

"You dare to make an appearance now?!"

Her voice, on a normal basis was loud but whenever she screamed like that, it was entirely deafening. I would have placed my palms against my ears but i couldn't. Not when she was watching me like a hawk. I bowed my head a little bit, a sign of respect and shame. To any other person, this would have been enough, but not for Veronica. It seemed to rile her up more. My silence was eating her up.

"You..."

"Veronica, sit down."

His voice, so silky and refreshing. Just three words, calmed my heart and eased my worries. His calm exterior was what i was most crazy about today. If anything, it made me want to jump on him and give him a medal for having my back. He was protecting me from his mates assault. If that didn't certify the space in my heart for him, then i don't know what will.

Veronica stood in shock, her face turning to regard the mate whose eyes were still on his plate. She scoffed loudly but sat down on her seat with a rigid body that was obvious underneath her baby pink luxurious morning dress.

"I want her punished, severely." Veronica lashed out in a much softer tone than i had expected, her eyes on her mate.

I was a bit taken aback by her request. She wanted me to be punished for my tardiness? She definitely knew the reason for it. But what did I expect? The Luna clearly hated her too.

"For what?" Adrian asked, this time, his eyes stared directly at his mate, his face devoid of emotions.

"You're seriously asking me that? I want her punished and that's it!" Veronica was getting heated up again. Her hands were fisted on the table as she stared at her mate in clear frustration and agitation.

Adrian sighed before pushing his plate forward in disinterest. His mate has successfully gotten rid of his appetite. He was eating well just a few minutes ago.

"No one will be punished henceforth without my permission. Is that clear?" Adrian's voice came out thicker than expected. It had an edge to it and his expression was serious. Very serious. The mates stared at each other, not minding the servants that were present, watching their unpleasant exchange. Veronica got redder in the face by the second. She was clearly embarrassed.

She adruptly stood up, throwing her chair off before she hastily walked out of the hall. I dared not to look at her nor folllow her as her servants trailed after her. I couldn't be around the Luna now. Not when she wanted to have me as a special side dish.

"You may leave too."

Without looking up, i willed my feet to move at the Alpha's command when his voice shot out again.

"Not you, the guards."

The four heavy armored guards walked out in a single line in synced steps. When the doors finally closed, I looked up at the Alpha, whose dark eyes were already on me, gently sweeping over my body, taking in the little curves his eyes could feast on. My body twitched with excitement at what was about to come. I knew the look too well. A look of pleasure.

Adrian swept the dishes by the side , his dark gaze commanding me even without words.

"Spread your legs for me, let me taste you."