Nalya
I stirred awake and touched the side of the bed. Rhaegar wasn't next to me. I got up but hissed at the pain coming from my neck. Fuck, he marked me. Rhaegar marked me.
' Good morning, my love,' His voice resounded in my head, and I almost jumped. The mark made it possible for us to communicate through the mind link even though I wasn't part of the pack.
' You mark me,' I said.
' You're upset,' he whispered. I exhaled and sat on the bed. I wasn't expecting him to mark me. It should have been something we discussed first. I didn't know how to feel.
' I- I just- I should go,' I said quietly.
' No! Wait in there, please. I'm on my way,' he said.
' Ok,'
I went to his bathroom and took a shower. I wore his shirt and boxer. While I waited for him, I made the bed. The door opened a short while later, and my mate walked in. He was from the gym, and his torso was bare. My cheeks burned as I recalled what happened between us last night. He moved closer, cupping my face. His scent filled my nose, and I couldn't help but inhale
" Are you mad at me for marking you?" He asked.
" We should have discussed it first," I said. He nodded in understanding and said gently.
" I'm sorry for not talking to you about it," His fingers trailed over my mark. " Do you hate it?"
I frowned at that question. I didn't hate it, but I was a bit nervous. It made everything so real now.
" It's just a bit nerve-wracking, and if you decide you don't want me anymore, it would break," I confessed. He looked surprised and pained.
" Will you ever trust me again?" His voice was low.
Up to now, I didn't know it would be hard to fully commit and trust him,
" I still have insecurities and anxiety. I know you want to be with me, but I have a small voice at the back of my mind telling me I'm not good enough, I'm not worthy, and that's why you rejected me, and you will do it again," I confessed, at the verge of tears. He stayed silent for a long time before he spoke.
`" I'm so sorry. I'm the reason you are feeling that way, Nalya. My intentions with you are pure, and I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy. I love you so much. You're the love of my life,"
I wrapped my arms around his waist, and he held me.
" Why didn't you tell me how you've been feeling?"
" I thought it was stupid,"
" It isn't. Your feelings matter, and if ever you feel a certain way about anything, talk to me about it," he said. I couldn't believe how understanding and calm he was.
" Thank you for understanding me, Rhaegar,"
" Nalya, I'll always be here to assure you whenever you need it," he smiled and kissed my forehead.
He took me to the walk-in closet and stood in front of the mirror.
" Do you like the mark?"
" Yes, it's beautiful," I looked at him, smiling. It was more like a moon crescent tattoo and two wolves under it.
" Should we go for breakfast?" he asked.
" The two of us here?" I asked.
" Yes, the whole packhouse now knows we are together," he said. I exhaled, and he gave me a pleading stare. I laughed and nodded.
" But I need to stop at my room to change my clothes,"
" Speaking of that, can you just move in here,"
" Mr. Silvius, no need to rush. You have me all to yourself," I caressed his hard chest, and he jerked when I kissed him sensually.
Rhaegar mind-linked one of the staff to bring me a dress I changed into and sandals. He held my hand as we walked, and when we reached the living area, a dozen people surrounded us.
" Oh my, our alpha has a Luna!" one of the older women screamed. The members looked pleased at this.
They came one by one to congratulate us. Abby and the girls were a little jealous but in a cute way.
" The mark is so cutteee," Dixie cried.
As I interacted with the pack members, Rhaegar was watching me with a smile.
" So when is the Luna ceremony?" Cat asked. He was jumping up and down with excitement. I glanced over at Rhaegar, he nodded, and I answered.
" The next full moon,"
" Oh, wonderful!"
Claps erupted, and I bowed subtly to them respectfully. To my surprise, they bowed lower to me, including Madam Royce.
" You should come to our traditional ballroom dancing class," Dixie said, and two of her friends nodded.
" Sure," I said, joining Rhaegar.
As we were going outside, we met Roman and Zayn. We exchanged pleasantries, but the two insisted on joining us for breakfast, even though Rhaegar glared at them. The Prince wanted this time for us. We reached one of Roma's favorite restaurants, The Four Seasons, and took our seats.
A waitress who was clearly flirting with the two boys served us. I was happy she was respectful and not batting her lashes too sweetly at my man. Rhaegar's phone rang, and he frowned, standing up.
" Excuse me, I need to take this,"
I turned to Roman,
" Is it just me, or was everyone avoiding to ask about my pregnancy?" I asked. I noticed no one looked at it for too long, even though it was now visible in my clothes.
" They have questions but won't ask unless you confirm it," he said, eating his eggs.
" Congratulations on that, by the way. No wonder people weren't vexed about the alpha Prince kicking Juliana to the curb," Zayn added.
" What do you mean?" I asked.