Chapter Three

* Althea *

Two wolves are seated in front of the black BMW while I stay silent at the back. Both were serious as according to the Alpha King's Beta who sits near the driver, we are going to be late. The Beta who introduced himself as Osouf is a tall man with the build of a warrior, he made my brother feel insecure and I couldn't even say no when he told me to get in the car after his greeting to my mother. Although the Villa given to us is near the Royal Palace it would take thirty to forty minutes on a four-wheel drive to get there.

"We are about a few minutes away, are you alright back there Miss Blanco?"

His voice made me look forward. "Yes I am fine, thank you."

He looks at me from the rear mirror and then looks at the driver. "I am informing the Alpha King of our arrival, they are already waiting for us."

As he mentions the Alpha King, I couldn't help but feel nervous. I have not seen him in person and yet here I am, marrying him. It's obvious that he was not interested in me, and this is just because of his father's will and their agreement with my father.

I let out a deep breath to calm myself from the tension because my heart was already palpitating wildly. We arrive at the tall gates of the Royal Palace and the warriors guarding the gates bow to the Beta of the Alpha King, without hesitation, they open the big chunks of metal gates and our vehicle goes in. The breathtaking scenery of the wide Palace had me gulping down a lump in my throat. This is the first time that I would step foot in such a grand place yet I have no time to look around.

"Are you ready Miss Blanco?"

Beta Osouf quickly opened the door before I even made a reply as soon as the car stopped in the vast driveway. "Uhm, yes."

I had no other choice but to say yes, even though I could feel that my face was turning pale. Uniformed maids were standing at the Palace's main door which was widely open. Apart from that, I could not see any other guests, which was surprisingly such a relief on my part. If this is only a private ceremony then it is better. And also the absence of my family is a bit lonely to take, the Alpha King could have at least let my mother and brother come.

"Come now, the Alpha King is already waiting at the altar."

Beta Osouf opened the door beside me and offered his hand to let me out. I hesitated for a while but despite his intimidating aura, there was a hint of gentleness in his voice. So I let myself out of the vehicle and followed him when he redirected me to the other path.

"I can't walk with you anymore, please go straight, and at the end of the path you will see the gathering. Walk straight into the altar where the Alpha King is waiting."

"Oh, I understand." With a brief nod, I followed his instructions.

He took a step back and I continued the path which is leading forward to the back of the Palace. It was easy to follow since there were flower petals on the walkway and a well-decorated garden which awaited me as soon as I arrived at the said gathering. There were a few guests seated on the wooden chairs and in the center, I saw the wolf priest dressed up in a gold color cloak beside him stood the Alpha King.

His eyes looked at me piercing through my bones, that it made my walk slightly hard to take. I have to remind myself not to be afraid of him but no one has ever told me how intimidating and gorgeous he could be. From the way he stood above everyone else around, his presence cannot be ignored. With each step, I felt my knees grow weak just because he was looking at me. He just looks sinfully handsome. The Alpha King who will be my husband in just a couple of minutes is the most good-looking wolf that I have ever seen in my eighteen years of life.

I felt the weighed on my knees but I had to continue walking. From the corner of my eyes, I notice an older wolf with a cane, dignified and tall despite the aged aura. He walks towards me with a smile.

"I'm glad you made it Althea, I am the Alpha King's father. Welcome to the Royal Palace, here hold my arm, and let me take you to my son."

I look up to meet his friendly smile and notice his eyes which are quite similar to the Alpha King. I inhaled deeply and accepted his arm. "Thank you, your majesty."

He is warm and gentle, it made me relax to hold him while continuing the march towards the altar. But my heart beat a hundred times faster as soon as I stood a few steps from him aware of his presence and the Priest looked at me with the sign of recognition. The old man taps me on the shoulders.

"Let the ceremony begin." Then he headed back to his seat.

The words meant for the Pries signal the wedding to start. The Alpha King did not even say a word to me, he just stood beside me with a low growl on his throat. The Priest begins a few words before turning to us.

"May the Moon Goddess Bless you Althea Blanco as the Luna of the Alpha King and his bride. May you be healthy enough to bring forth descendants that this Palace needs. And Your Majesty Alpha King Zed of the Royal Palace continue to keep this pack safe with the assistance and love of your Luna and bride." He paused before continuing. "Please bring the rings so that his majesty and his bride can wear them."

My eyes move towards the audience to see the beautiful and elegant young woman walk with grace holding a small box with both hands. She smiled at me and from there, I noticed how her slight resemblance to the old man was evident. If I am not mistaken she is the sister of the Alpha King.

"Hello dear, and to my brother who looked like he just lost a fortune. These are the rings and welcome to the family."

"Thank you." I smiled at her humor and managed to make a short reply.

She gave me a brief hug after handing the rings to me. My hands trembled but I had to hold the box firmly. I stood in silence not knowing what to do next.

After a few seconds, I felt him move beside me and he covered my hands with his. Warm and big with slight calluses, I felt my skin grow hot from his touch. "Let me put the ring on your finger."

His voice was a little husky but from his throat, I could tell that his wolf was growling inside. I contained the gasp that threatened to escape in my mouth and let out my left hand. Intimately his fingers hold my ring finger and slowly slide the ring inside. "Follow what I am doing and put the remaining ring on my finger."

There was a slight annoyance at his command as he whispered in my ears. Tiny hairs from my back and my arm were standing as I felt his breath on top of my right ear. But just like he said I have to put the ring on his hand. With my fingers trembling I hold his ring finger and gently slide the gold wedding band on his finger. The ring was a little tight and I had to force it to fit on his finger with a slight push before I managed to put it properly and heard him grunt.

"I'm sorry."

I whispered before successfully doing the job. The Priest noticed that we were finished and he clapped his hands followed by the guests.

"Look at me."

His voice was rough, I looked up and met his face and his eyes held dominance as he spoke. "This is just a formality because my father is watching."

I didn't know what he meant as I was lost in the depths of his grey eyes. I noticed how they look so beautiful, they are almost silver up close. They looked at me inching closer before lowering with my lips. My eyes moved down to his full lips too and without asking for permission he lowered his head tilting just a little then I held my breath when he captured my lips for a kiss.