Mae POV
Erica let me borrow one of her dresses for the Queen's arrival. The dress is a deep blue color that shimmers in the light. Erica said that it complimented my eyes perfectly. It is probably more expensive than all of the clothes I own combined. I am too scared to sit down for fear of wrinkling it.
We are all waiting in the main living room of the pack house for the Queen to arrive. Everyone seems to be relaxed, except for me. I am standing beside one of the couches, fidgeting from side to side.
There is so much for me to be nervous about. On one hand, I am meeting Kieran's sister, who just happens to be the Queen of all werewolves. I have to make a good impression. On the other hand, I am extremely worried about Tish. Kieran swore to me that he would find her, but all of those plans seem to have been put on hold because his sister is coming.
Kieran grabs my hand and squeezes it. He scoots over on the couch, making room for me. "Don't you want to sit down?"
I straighten the skirt of my dress and shake my head. Kieran looks wounded because I won't sit beside him, but he doesn't let that stop him. Pulling on my hand, Kieran yanks me into his lap.
My face flushes with embarrassment as Kieran wraps his arms around me, refusing to let me go.
I am wiggling against his hold, trying to escape, when an Omega enters the living room. Everyone freezes, including me.
"The Queen and her mates have arrived," the Omega says seriously.
Everyone hops to their feet, and I almost fall onto the floor. Kieran grabs me by the arm and helps me to my feet.
I keep my eyes glued to the doorway, waiting for the Queen to be escorted inside.
The Omega steps to the side, and the most beautiful woman I have ever seen steps through the doorway with two handsome men flanking her.
Her hair is jet black and hangs in soft waves down her back. She has bright blue eyes that sparkle in the light. Her makeup is light, giving the illusion that she doesn't have any on at all. She is wearing a simple, bloused top with a pair of jeans, and I suddenly feel overdressed.
The two men behind her are equally as beautiful. One appears to be strong and confident. He has blonde hair and green eyes. He has the build of a fighter. The other is the complete opposite. He has dark hair and brown eyes. While he is muscular, he is thinner than the other man. Neither one of them takes their eyes off of the Queen. It is as if she is the only person in the room.
The Queen's eyes graze over the room and when they meet mine, I immediately dart my eyes to the ground. I don't know what the proper etiquette is. Am I supposed to bow or curtsy? This part wasn't explained to me.
The Queen steps in my direction and lifts my head with two of her fingers. Her hands are warm to the touch. My eyes meet hers, and she studies me carefully. I take in a sharp breath, waiting for her to say something.
Suddenly, the Queen wraps her arms around me and pulls me in for a hug. My arms hang lifelessly at my side. I am unsure if I am supposed to hug her back or not.
The Queen pulls away from me, holding me at arm's length. "You are absolutely lovely," she says, leaving me in shock.
"So are you, Your Majesty," I return the compliment.
"Don't be silly," the Queen laughs. "You are family now. You can call me Raven."
I don't know how to respond. So, I nod my head in understanding. Raven grabs my chin and tilts my head to the side. She moves my hair off my neck and eyes my neck.
"Why haven't you marked her?" Raven asks Kieran.
My hand flies up to my neck, and I am suddenly self-conscious. I didn't expect her to question Kieran and I's relationship right off the bat.
"Now is not the time for that, Little Bird," Kieran growls at his sister.
"I haven't been called that in ages," Raven laughs.
"You will always be Little Bird to me," Kieran retorts.
Raven rolls her eyes at Kieran before she pulls him in for a hug. She whispers something in his ear before letting him go. Kieran blushes brightly and I wonder what was said.
Raven lets go of Kieran and turns to her parents, hugging each one in turn. I notice that she holds onto her mother longer than she does anyone else. Just watching them together makes me homesick for my mother.
I plaster a fake smile on my face as I watch them together, and I can't help but think how much easier things would be if Tish were here. With Tish by my side, I wouldn't be the odd one out. It is weird to be the only human in a room full of werewolves.
Raven finally lets go of her mother and turns her attention back to me. "I suppose I should introduce you to my mates," she laughs.
"Mates?" I ask what I am thinking aloud.
Raven giggles a little. "Like my mother, I was blessed with more than one mate."
Raven points to the man with dark hair, "This is Oliver. He was Alpha of the Historical Pack. When it comes to werewolf history and lore, he is one of the most knowledgeable. If you have any questions about our history, he is the one to ask."
Oliver takes a step forward and offers me a firm handshake.
Raven then points to the blonde. "This is Leo. He was the Alpha of the Blue Moon Pack. He is a strong fighter and a bit of a flirt."
Leo winks playfully at me when he takes my hand, and Kieran growls at him. Raven only shakes her head and smiles.
"Let's get this inspection over with," she sighs. "I want to get to know my new sister-in-law."