Evangeline
I stare at Sinclair, unable to hide my hurt, but it isn't because of him but because of the mark that I see on his neck. My gaze goes to the woman next to him. An arrogant smile crosses her face as she sits right beside him. It's none other than Celia, her hand clutching his arm tightly.
So, he was going to participate too, and out of everyone, he chose her to be his Luna? I shouldn't feel betrayed, but I do.
Sinclair's eyes fill with a mix of emotions that I can't make out.
He wants to take me away to be safe, whilst he takes a luna? Why did he even look so shocked? Is it because he wasn't expecting it to be me beside Zedkiel, or is it because he doesn't want me to learn of him having taken Celia as a mate?
His eyes were questioning me, almost accusing. I want to ask if it is the fact that seeing someone who actually has the power to keep me by his side as his Luna, not just his side whore, had gotten to him.
A low growl leaves Zedkiel's lips. "If you want to live, keep your eyes off what belongs to me," he snarls, making the entire room fall silent.
I look up at him, my heart thumping as I realise my own anger and hurt at seeing the duo together has made me feel so bitter. But I remember that I'm here with Zedkiel, and I will help him with his title. Then I will leave and live my life.
"It's fine, Zedkiel. I'm yours," I say softly, looking up at him.
His anger seems to calm a little as he looks me in the eye. For a split second, I think I see something more in his eyes, but this is just an act, one we will both carry out. I lean into him, telling myself he won't bite into me here. I can't even explain this. I feel protected and scared all at the same time.
"Obviously," he replies coldly, his eyes shimmering red.
We walk down the centre between the few rows of chairs, and Celia purses her lips before smirking as she digs her claws into Sinclair's arm.
'Sloppy seconds'… Her words are still fresh in my mind. There is no way I would ever accept that, especially with her as his Luna. There is no future for Sinclair and me. I see that now. I was stupid to think there ever could be.
I see Prince Alcazer here with a woman that I know by face. She was at my birthday party.
"Step onto the dais, please," the Elder says, bowing to Zedkiel. "Prince Alcazer, we shall start with Lady Amora’s initiation into the pack.”
I know that name; she is the daughter of the Alpha of the Dark Claw Pack, Lamar Lendorn.Once they are done, they are officially congratulated once more. Amora coyly mentions picking out the ring for Alcazer herself. I can tell he isn’t as interested in discussing the rings. He is still hurting from the loss of his mate, but I don't think it is too deep, or he wouldn't be here today, right?
I am brought out of my thoughts when the Elder then turns to us.
"Let's begin," he says, motioning for us to step forth. Alcazer and Amora step aside as the Elder clears his throat. "We now move on to witness the joining of Alpha Prince Zedkiel Vilkas of the Moonstone Pack and Lady Evangeline Rose of the Silver Mountain Pack."
My heart thumps as I look up at Zedkiel, who is standing opposite me. I'm glad I have the bouquet in my hands because I wouldn't know what to do with them.
"Do you, Prince Zedkiel, vow to protect, love, and take care of Evangeline Rose in sickness, health, and distress? Do you vow to take her as your lawful mate and wife by the oath of Selene?"
Our eyes meet, and although I know this marriage is just a deal, we are about to take the oath on Selene. That isn't right, we will only be bringing her wrath upon us.
"I do," Zedkiel replies with no hesitation at all.
My heart thuds as the Elder looks at me. I can feel Grandmother Philomena's gaze on me and the other Welhavens, but I refuse to look at them. I force a graceful smile onto my face as the Elder speaks again.
"And do you, Evangeline Rose, vow to respect, serve and support Alpha Prince Zedkiel Vilkas in sickness and health? Do you vow to take him as your lawful mate and husband by the oath of Selene?" he asks.
"Yes, I do," I reply clearly.
"Then you may mark one another."
Mark? My heart beats violently, knowing that it could kill me. Zedkiel turns to the man, his eyes cold.
"Perhaps you should stand down from your position. I already notified you, we will not be marking one another," Zedkiel says harshly, and I'm sure everyone can hear my pounding heart as all eyes turn to me.
"How can you take a mate and not mark her? How is that even classed as a mate, then?" Alpha Darvin questions.
Zedkiel turns towards him, and I almost see the Alpha shrink in his seat, glancing at Alpha King Ambrose for backup.
"She wears my mark on her back, tying her to me forever. Question me again, pup, and I will rip you to shreds," he snarls, making Alpha Darvin go red in the face at the insult, but he's too afraid to argue back.
Zedkiel isn't winning at the vote of the people. I need to do damage control.
"Alpha Darvin, I don't have a wolf, and because of that, marking me can be dangerous," I say. Alpha Darvin's eyes flash as he glances towards Alpha Aeron.
"And why would you choose a woman who lacks a lot as your Luna?" he taunts.
I feel Zedkiel's rage, and he's about to go for Alpha Darvin when I cut in front of him, placing my hands on his chest and shaking my head ever so slightly. Our eyes meet, and his red eyes return to their usual gold-green.
"She does lack a wolf, Alpha Darvin, but Evangeline is competent," Grandmother Philomena declares, shocking me. I turn, and our eyes meet.
I don't know how to feel. She had given me away ruthlessly, and now she was speaking up for me. Or maybe she is just happy I'm out of Sinclair's life.
"Fools," Zedkiel sneers, turning to the Elder again. "Get this over with."
The man gulps as a rustle of whispers rushes through the room, but I don't bother to look around again.
"We will exchange rings. That is enough," Zedkiel says, his jaw taut.
The Elder looks to Alpha Ambrose, who nods at him, and he then turns to the two cream velvet ring boxes that stand open on the table beside him.
"I have my own," Zedkiel says, reaching into his pocket and taking out a square black suede box. He flips it open, and my heart skips a beat when I look at the dark, silvery black bands, both set with red jewels. So fitting, they match his personality perfectly, and they are in my favourite colours too. So different from the ones that sat in the cream boxes, but these are surprisingly far more perfect.
Did he choose them?