"Ceremony," I repeated the word. I was wishing my friends to be here. So they could help me. I was confused about my dress. There was only one creamy dress with leaves and pink flowers printed over it. This would be best. I looked at my reflection in the mirror and put the dress in front of my body. I nodded in approval and twirled away.
Peeling off the towel, I put on the dress. I brushed my hair and braided the front hair, loose strands brushed my cheeks. I didn't buy any makeup, but I have a pink gloss in my purse. I applied it and looked at myself again.
I shook my head. I should go alone, not with him. I shouldn't go with him not like this. I'm looking so simple.
I have nothing to present to them. I should make an excuse not to attend it. I rubbed my temple.
A tear of frustration rolled down my eyes.
The tap on the door made my heart jump in my chest.
'I'll make an excuse. I'm not going.'
Reluctantly I walked over to the door. I knew he was standing on the second side of the door. I breathed in and stared at the door. I was quiet and tense. I grabbed the doorknob and pulled it open.
I clenched the door with both hands to stop myself from falling. He's looking gorgeous in a black suit.
So gorgeous, handsome, steaming hot, and desirable.
His gaze moved over me, slowly, taking time. my cheeks flushed a bright pink and my pulse skipped. What was he doing to me?
"You look good," I said, breaking my gaze from him and looking at the floor.
"Thanks, you're looking beautiful, mon amour." He leaned in and kissed my cheek.
My eyes widened, my head jerked up at him. I sighed before opening my mouth, "I don't think I can go." I said, gnawing on my lower lip.
I'm a joy killer!
His brows crushed, "You're ready." He paused, looking at me, "Do you need anything? I can arrange." He said.
I shook my head, "We should go alone,'" I suggested. I didn't want to embarrass him.
He shook his head, his lips in a straight line, "I won't mind carrying you over my shoulder," He said
"What? No!" I stepped back when I saw determination over his face.
"Put on your flip-flops," He said.
I snorted and walked over to the bed. I put on white heels, "I'm not a werewolf. If you're forgetting." I reminded him.
I slithered my feet in and locked the stripes.
Leaning against the wall, he smiled down at me.
When I got on my feet, I fidgeted on my feet. He curled his hand around my hand and squeezed it. My heart began to race, "It's not a good idea. We should go separately." I tried to pull my hand away.
"You're coming with me, Emersyn Nelson, right now," The command hit me with a force so strong, it took my breath away. I also felt anger coursing through my body. He kept looking at me with a curl on his lips. I couldn't fight it anymore. His answering grin made my legs weak. His arm came around my waist.
"All are staring at us," I tried to rip his fingers apart.
He tightened the hold, "You need to relax and enjoy the ceremony." He said.
"Enjoy! Without my phone." We took the stairs. All the gazes were on us, but they lowered their heads immediately.
"Your sister called Alex. You can talk to her," He brought up his hand with his latest iPhone.
I stared at the phone. Alessandro, Silver and everyone else has this brand's phone too. I grabbed it and swiped up. I dialled her number and she answered after two rings.
"Hi, who's this?" Her voice was soft.
"Ava!" We climbed down the stairs. His arm around me was making me aware of my body.
"Emma! I talked to your boyfriend,"
"What?" My shout reverberated, catching all curious eyes on me.
"Alessandro," she squealed in excitement.
"He's my professor, Ava. Will you stop dreaming that? Concentrate on your study." I chided her.
"You're so boring," his voice deflated.
"Ha! Thanks for letting me know. How's mother?"
"She's improving. I'm glad."
That's what I want to hear, "I'll call you on the weekend." I told her, feeling curious gazes on me.
"Ok, I miss you,"
"I miss you, too." I inhaled deeply and regretted it instantly. His musky scent filled my lungs. He balanced me before I hit the ground.
I shoved his phone in his hand and looked away. We walked out of the dormitory.
"What kind of ceremony are we going to attend?" I asked.
'I need a distraction before I do something stupid and embarrassing. '
"Moon Ceremony. It's a kind of wedding. Unbreakable." He said.
My feet halted, "You must be kidding me." He wasn't looking as kidding, "I didn't buy anything for them. I need to go back," I spun on my heel. He stopped me, tightening the grip.
"We'll buy our way," He said.
"I need my purse," He was freaking me out.
He looked up at the sky. The full moon was gleaming, "We'll get late. Come," I tried to pull back, but he didn't let me.
He tugged me toward the parking lot, "Why are you not going with your mate?" I looked at him. Insanely gorgeous! I blew out a breath.
His fingers dug in my side but he did not speak. He strode toward his car taking me with him. Unlocking, he opened the passenger side door of his black SUV.
"Dastien, I don't want anything to repeat," I whispered.
"I hate this repeating process," He brushed the strands back from my face.
I kept looking at him, "You aren't helping."
"We'll talk later," He said, looking into my eyes.
"After the ceremony?" I asked.
"After the ceremony," He nodded, shifting his hand from my waist to the top of the opened door.
I hopped in and reached for the seat belt. His regal walk around the car took my attention. I squeezed my eyes shut.
'I have to stop this. He has found his mate. This thought hurts so much. '
I opened my eyes when he closed the door, settling behind the wheel. I glanced out, staring up at the moon. I listened to my racing heartbeat. It was returning to normal. I peeked at him. How could he be so appealing just sitting there?
Gosh! I have to stop it.
I sighed, "Put on the seatbelt." He said.
I thinned my lips, "Don't try to boss me around." I put on the seatbelt. I was just feeling irritated.
"Have you been there before?" He asked, driving out of the parking lot.
"Downtown? No," I breathed in, "I recently found out about it from Grace," My gaze drifted out of the window hearing the howls of werewolves. First, I was frightened to hear them loud and clearly. I saw werewolves running freely on the lawn. Now I see them with interest. Dastien was formidable and strongest in his wolf form.
He's the first werewolf I have seen.
With mixed feelings, I peered out, the town was crowded.
"Are they all human?" I asked.
"No," A pause, "Full moon plays an important role in our life," It grabbed my attention. I looked at him.
"Like?" I asked.
"Ceremony," He said.
"I read about it. But I wasn't sure. I was hoping it would be an ancient thing." I whispered.
"You'll see it yourself," he said, smiling.
This was the part of the city, I had never stepped in, "Can I come here?" I asked. It was a beautiful small town.
"Any time," He said.
It did not take us long. Leaving the festivity of the downtown back, he turned the car to a dusty road. I could see the wooden house, lights were decorated around the house and the trees. People were pacing to and fro, holding drinks. I wasn't imagining a ceremony like this. It looked more like a modern party than a boring ceremony.
A smile touched my lips witnessing them. "Oh, god! We forgot the gift," I squealed suddenly.
He chuckled, "I have managed that," He said.
I glanced back at the party. A huge bonfire, people were gathered around it, sitting on the mat, cushions and pillows were piled on it.
Wao! It will be so romantic when only the couple... I shook them off.
My gaze turned to him and he was already watching me with a slightly tilted head.
"What have you arranged?" I asked, raising my eyebrows at him.
A knock on the glass seemed disturbing. When I looked over his shoulder. I recognized the man. He was Alessandro's beta.
Dastien looked back and opened the door.
"Good evening, King," He bowed his head and handed him the bouquet.
Dastien nodded looking more regal. I rolled my eyes.
"Hello, Emma." he nodded at me and lowered his gaze immediately. Men mostly behaved strangely around me. Particularly, when I am with Dastien.
"Nice choice, Andy," It was a beautiful bouquet of white lilies.
"Thank you, ma'am." He stepped back.
"We should go," Dastien placed the bouquet in my lap and climbed out of the car. He tapped his hand over Andy's biceps. Their gazes locked for a second. Andy nodded silently and left. They were talking in their mind.
Dastien walked around and held the door open for me, "What did you say to him?" I curled the bouquet in my arm like a baby.
"You know about telepathy." He smirked,
I shrugged and slithered forward. He grabbed my hand and tugged me out, "Don't leave me alone. I don't know anyone here," I pulled my hand back.
S***! I shouldn't say so.
"It's not always true, our thoughts. They are just assumptions," He shoved his hands in his pocket. I couldn't understand him.
"We should congratulate the couple first. Lead the way, please, Dastien." I darted my eyes around. They were looking at us.
"This way," He drew his arm around my waist again.
"Remove your arm. I'm not your girl." I said.
" We'll talk about it later," His smile turned into a scowl. The reason must be something else.
I drifted my gaze around to see any familiar face. If I'd wander like this alone, I wasn't going to count Dastien in. I don't need anyone if he'll be part of my life. Which isn't going to happen. He has a mate, he's a werewolf, he's the actual king.
The crowd parted at our sight. No one dared to come near him. All bowed their heads. It felt strange.
"You don't seem the popular king," I whispered, leaning closer to his ear. I kept my eyes on the people around us. The music wasn't loud. There was a possibility they could hear us. I saw some eyes dilated.
He tugged me closer, making me flinch. Was this part of his anger? He didn't look angry. I breathed out slowly.
"Have they invited only us? I can't see others" I asked, breathing.
His fingers dug softly in my skin. It was a clear warning. I shouldn't spoil Max's ceremony. We walked over to the stage. I could see Max and Grace. Max was wearing a black tuxedo, looking like a gentleman.
"Wao! Grace is looking beautiful," I wasn't intending to. But I said it out loud. All heads turned to me.
Why do I forget? They aren't merely human. They are shifters and can hear me from a distance.
I smiled weakly to ignore the awkwardness.
"Thank you. Thanks for coming," Grace embraced me. I didn't see her coming toward me. I got rid of staring eyes.
"Congratulations," I said, patting her back softly. We stepped back.
Max stood next to his wife, "Welcome, Sir." He bowed his head to Dastien.
He didn't allow anyone close to me, to touch me. Strange! He did not apply it to himself. Perhaps, I'm human.
"Thank you for coming," He said looking at me.
"Um, Dastien told me about the ceremony. We didn't miss it. Right?" I asked.
"No, you didn't," Max said with his usual smirk.
I relaxed, exhaling. I wanted to see the ceremony, "Oh!" I glanced down at my hands and extended toward her, "Congratulations to both of you,"
"Wao, they're lovely." Grace took it gleefully.
A man bowed his head to us, "Pleasure to have you at my son's wedding."
It's weird to attend any function with him. People act boring around him.
Dastien just nodded his head.
That's it? He needs to learn a lot of things.
"Thank you for inviting us, Mr Anderson. I'm Emma. Max's friend." I smiled.
I was expecting a smile and welcome, but he bowed his head, "Welcome Miss Emersyn Nelson,"
Okay! I didn't tell him my name. He knows my name.
I glanced at Max for help.
"I'm just a simple girl. You can keep this bowing part for your King." I turned to Grace.
Max's father looked a little puzzled but he nodded with a smile.
I relaxed, "Tell me again, I didn't miss the ceremony. I wanna see it." I couldn't hold my excitement.
Grace giggled, "It's starting just now," Max said, smiling and looking at Dastien.
They stared at each other for a second, "Please, this way." Grace said, trying to hide her grin.
I followed them but my feet halted when he didn't come with me.
"I have some business to discuss. You carry on," He said.
I nodded. I couldn't neglect the surrounding, people's shocked faces. I began my pace behind them.
I sat on the mat that was set around the bonfire. I didn't feel cold when Dastien was around. Now, the fire was keeping the coldness of night away. It was a beautiful sight, the full moon was over our head, the lights were dimmed. The bonfire was spreading heat and light around.
My gaze rested on the couples. They were looking happy. They recited some words in a foreign language while holding hands and looking into each other's eyes. It was so romantic. My eyes widened when Max took out a pocket knife and made a cut on his palm, Grace took the knife and cut her palm too.
" It's a part of the ceremony," I shivered when he suddenly came behind me. I looked back, he sat behind me, his hand softly landed on my arm, "Blood oath! To stay with each other till the end of their lives and after their souls will continue the bond." He whispered in my ear.
The hair rose up on my skin, "Mean! Death can't part them." I said.
"Hm," He rubbed his hand over my arm. I felt butterflies in the pit of my stomach.
I glanced back at them. They kissed and began to run to the opposite side. I gasped when they shifted. Grace was a beautiful small brown wolf.
"Now what?" I asked him.
"They are married," He towered over me and advanced his hand.
His forest green eyes were standing out, his skin looked so soft and glowing under the firelight. My hand slid over his palm. He pulled me on my feet and turned to the parking lot.