Chapter Seven

Aiden’s POV

Watching Mason and Chloe interact, I couldn't help but be impressed by Mason's determination to keep Chloe back. 

Even though he tried to make her seem unimportant, it was clear he valued her more than just as a maid.

"Interesting," I thought to myself, finding Mason's insistence intriguing.

Mason stood his ground firmly, asserting, "She is a palace maid, and she belongs here," with a strong tone that brooked no argument.

I admired Mason's resolve. It wasn't often someone challenged me openly, especially over something like claiming a mate. There was a strength in him that caught my attention.

Softly, I turned to Chloe, seeing her trembling. "Drop the tray in your hand, please; you must be tired," I requested gently.

She did so, her hands shaking, the clatter of the tray breaking the tense silence. Fear clouded her eyes, and I offered a comforting smile, hoping to ease her distress.

"Are you alright?" I asked.

Chloe nodded, but her eyes told a different story. I could literally see how frightened she was, as she felt she was in between the devil and the deep blue sea.

Turning back to Mason, I kept my composure, marveling at his determination. "You care about her a lot, don't you?" I asked shockingly.

"Why should I? She’s just a common Omega," he replied simply.

I thought hard about what Mason said. Mason seemed simple, but I felt there was more to him. Just when I wanted to ask more, Mason called Mrs. Parker over. I got confused. Why did Mason want her here? I wondered what was going on.

As Mrs. Parker came, Mason then asked her. 

"Mrs. Parker," he said, "I've been wondering about Chloe. Could you shed some light on her role here?"

Mrs. Parker, her expression composed, nodded. "Of course, Sir Mason. Chloe is simply a maid, employed to assist with household chores and the upkeep of the palace."

Mason's eyebrows rose slightly. "Just as I suspected," he mused even as he looked at me.

Mason still turned back to Mrs. Parker. "Is there anything else we should know about Chloe's responsibilities?"

Mrs. Parker shook her head. "No, she primarily tends to her duties within the household. Also, she hasn’t been working effectively these past few days, so she is on punishment."

"Whats the point in all this clarification?" I asked Mason, looking at me for agreement. "Mrs. Parker literally just came here to talk ill about Chloe."

"Far from the truth, Aiden," Mason said. "All that was said about Chloe is true. And I wouldn’t want you to regret your choice later."

“So this is what is going to happen,"  I said. “I’m going to ask Chloe if she would love to be my date; whatever she says is final.”

“But…

“Silence!!, I shouted back at Mason as he tried to speak.

Turning to Chloe, I then asked, “Chloe, would you like to be my mate and leave with me?”

I felt Chloe's light nod and heard her soft confirmation. I felt a rush of relief and happiness. 

Mason looked amused at first, but he quickly took action by trying to pull Chloe away from me. I instinctively tightened my grip on her waist and wouldn't let go. 

"No, Mason," I shot back, my voice steady. "She chose to be with me. "You can't stop me from taking her as my mate.

In anger, Mason's face turned darker, and he tried to stay calm but failed as anger flashed in his eyes. He knew what I meant: as an Alpha, he didn't have power over a Lycan King. 

Mason didn't want to accept defeat, so he tried to hide his anger with a fake smile. "Well, well, Aiden," he said through clenched teeth, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "It seems like I underestimated your power. But remember, even kings have their limits." 

Ignoring his barely-veiled threat, I focused on Chloe. "Chloe," I said softly, turning to her with sincerity in my eyes. "Are you sure about this? Do you truly want to leave with me and become my mate?" 

"Yes," she whispered, her voice barely audible but filled with determination. "Yes, I want to be with you, Aiden. I want to leave this place behind and start anew by your side." 

"Then it's settled," I stated, my tone leaving no room for argument. "You will come with me, and you will be my mother." 

Mason’s face showed all his anger and pain.

Seeing that, I spoke. "Mason," I said, locking eyes with him, "you may be an Alpha, but I am a Lycan King. And when it comes to things that I want, there's nothing that can stand in my way."

Chloe’s POV

As I stood there, still processing the rush of feelings and events that had just happened, a small smile began to creep onto my face. It was almost strange to think that I was finally going to leave this place, this smothering hell hole that had been my jail for so long. 

Becoming the Luna of a Lycan King seemed like a faraway dream, but now it was becoming a reality. 

Lost in my thoughts, I barely noticed Aiden's gentle voice calling my name. "Chloe," he said, his tone pulling me back from my daydream.

I blinked, turning to look at him, his hand warm against mine as he led me towards the center of the hall. "Yes," I answered softly. 

Despite my surprise and disbelief, I knew deep down that this was what I wanted. This was my chance to break free and start fresh. 

Aiden's grip stiffened slightly as we walked. I couldn't help but steal a glance at him. 

How the hell was such a handsome man gifted to me as a mate? 

As we reached the middle of the hall, I could feel the weight of everyone's eyes on us. 

Mason's face was a combination of anger and resentment, his gaze burning into mine as if trying to convey his quiet disapproval. But I refused to let his criticism dampen my spirits. I was done living in fear and under his rule. 

"So, what's next?" Aiden asked the elders who were officiating the mating ceremony.