Chapter 9
Scarlett POV
The day of the mating ceremony was here. My mother and big sister helped me get dressed. They wanted me to look my best. Or maybe Elsa thinks helping me get dressed would change the deal we made.
“We want you to bring the best man home even if you don’t get the king.” My mother said,
My sister helped me put on a red corset gown, “you look irresistible in red.”
Ironically my name is Scarlett. So maybe the color red was made for me. I donned some jewelry and grabbed a gold clutch.
“Tonight we must find him, I would love to celebrate my 18th birthday together with him,” I whispered.
“I can feel it that tonight we will meet our fated mate.” My wolf agreed, “but also I have a nagging fear that something may go wrong.”
I frowned, now that my wolf was saying that it got me scared and I didn’t like that. Why would my wolf dampen my spirits like that?
“Something like what?” I growled. “A rejection?”
“Yes, I fear so.” My wolf replied.
I chuckled, I was one of the most beautiful and popular she-wolves in our community ever since I dyed my hair black. Other wolves were willing to leave their fated mates just to be with me, who in their right mind would reject me?
“The king; the king can reject you. He has lived in the outside world all his life, what if he’s in love with another wolf who is not in our pack?” My wolf said again.
“Then why didn’t he bring her along? Why are we holding this ceremony just for him to find a mate?” I snapped. I was a hopeless romantic and didn’t appreciate her being a party pooper. How did she even become my wolf with this mean attitude?
“That’s a valid question, but do be careful my instincts are usually right…"
“Hopefully they’re not tonight,” I replied. I could hear my dad honking impatiently outside and I giggled. He had waited patiently for hours though I had said I would be done in an hour.
My poor dad, he was the only male in a house full of females and I know he has gotten tired of always waiting for us to get ready.
“Coming!” I called out, grabbing the hem of my dress and rushing out.
I sat in the backseat as Dad drove me, he was playing some music but he soon lowered the sound of the music and cleared his throat.
“Scarlett, you’re a beautiful girl but I know you’re a hopeless romantic, and I just want you to know that no matter what happens tonight whether mate or no mate. It doesn’t take anything from you.”
Now I could feel my stomach tie up in knots when I heard him. Why was he also talking like my wolf? Was everyone scared that I was never going to find a mate?
“Maybe we love you and know how sensitive you can be and we’re trying to make you understand that life is full of uncertainties.” My wolf tried to explain.
I sighed deeply and nodded, “Yes, Dad,” there was no need to argue I was just going to pop up at the ceremony and bring the young king home. I believe this will silence everyone who thought I would never be mated.
Dad's car joined the long queue of cars waiting their turn to drop off their teens in the driveway. A lot of people stepped out clad in their best clothes, I’m sure a lot of them were hoping to grab the king for keeps but I knew he was mine even before I saw him physically. Ladies back off!
My dad waited till our turn and stopped in the driveway, waited patiently till I got off, and then waved me goodbye.
“Good luck Scarlett.”
“Thanks, Dad,” I replied as I took ladylike steps to the perron. Some guards helped me up the stairs so I wouldn’t trip on my dress. Slowly I made it to the ballroom and took in a deep breath.
The place is nothing short of beautiful, I cast my gaze around and there’s no sign of the king, just a bunch of teenagers in regal dresses and regal suits dancing slowly and gracefully in the moonlit room.
As I stood in the center looking around my stomach began to feel tight. People were pairing up faster than I thought, but nobody was pairing with me. Why was this happening to me? Has the moon goddess forgotten about me? That was the only reasonable explanation for what was happening.
Tears welled up in my eyes as the night got darker and I was still dancing alone, maybe I would be forever unmated. I better accept my fate than fight it.
As I wallowed in self pity my wolf howled gently within me and urged me to exit the ceremony as fast I could, I started to make my way to the exit but then I stopped - I could feel a presence. A strong connection around me. My eyes changed color as my wolf was taking over my body as I walked through the maze of people looking for my mate.
Just then he stood before me, tall with striking features it was hard to forget that face. I had seen it many times in my dreams. He may have felt the connection too because he wouldn’t take his eyes off me.
He stretched out his hand and I willingly took it, he pulled me in and placed one hand on my lower back and my other hand - his palms. I felt so small in his arms but I loved it. He purred soothingly and danced around with me as he twirled me around and pulled me in again and locked eyes with me, I felt it. Yes, that was him, my mate. The king; I always knew he was mine, huh! All those who doubted me, what were they going to say now?
He brought his lips closer to mine and stared intensely into my eyes as he tilted me downwards. I clung to him with all my mind but I knew he wouldn’t let me fall.
His stare was driving me crazy, was he going to kiss me or not? He must have read my mind because he smiled for the first time.
Oh my goodness this wolf was charming. If he didn’t kiss me any moment now, I would do it myself. His lips were dangerously closer to mine when he finally spoke,
“Hi, mate.”