Page 78 of Rejected and Pregnant by the Alpha (Forbidden Alpha Kings #52)
Hannah
Claira kept giving me this little smirk every time I shifted in my seat as we waited for my coronation to start.
I never thought that teasing Julian would lead to two hours of him making love to me, reminding me that I was his and his only, and that he was never going to let me go.
We were lost in pleasure, lost in each other’s embrace, and I could only blame myself and my hormones for the soreness that comes from being made love to over and over again.
I knew there was a chance I was playing with fire when I lowered my hands onto his semi-hard cock, but lust came on so suddenly, and all I wanted was Julian.
So now I could only sit in a bit of discomfort, hickeys peppering my skin that the dress I wore could barely hide.
Now, I sit in a side room, waiting as time ticks by for the clock to strike noon and for my coronation to begin.
Aileen, Jiya, and Claira had been the three to help me dress in the white ball gown I wore, the silhouette showing off the baby bump perfectly.
Aileen had been the one to help me find it, stating a queen needed a gown that made her look beautiful for all to see.
After helping me to the side room, the vampire zipped away while Claira, Jiya, and I waited.
“I made sure there is a room just off the ballroom set for when you need to sneak away with Julian.” A slight burst of air brushes against my face, and I soon find Aileen standing before me, a smirk on her red lips.
“That won’t happen,” I say, my face heating up as I blush in embarrassment.
“Mm-hm, sure it won’t,” she replies, not sounding too convinced, while Claira and Jiya snicker from the corner.
I close my eyes, placing my head in my hands while trying not to die of embarrassment. Thankfully, a knock on the door cuts our conversation short, and Aidan walks in, dressed in a fitted black suit.
“It’s time to crown you queen, Hannah,” he says, his eyes shining with pride.
Tears welled in my eyes as I looked at the four people in this room.
They were the ones who helped me when I was broken and down.
They grew Haven Trail with me from the very beginning.
Now, they are the ones who will see me become the next luna queen and help guide our nation into a better and brighter future.
Aileen helps me to my feet, squeezing my hand encouragingly.
With her and Jiya’s support, I wobble out of the sitting room and into the stone hallway toward the large double doors of the throne room.
They open slowly as soon as we reach them, the sound of trumpets blaring and many people rising to their feet coming from the other side.
I take a deep breath, thanking Jiya and Aileen for their help, before stepping inside and walking down the center of the gold carpet.
All eyes are on me, from curious gazes to those filled with envy and disdain.
I ignore them, knowing that their opinions mean nothing to me.
They will be my subjects and will rely on me to help keep them safe from hunters and humans alike, to negotiate with the many vampire covens in the world, and to bring peace to all wolf-kind.
So, I keep my gaze forward, locking eyes with Julian, who stands tall with his black hair tied back and a glittering golden crown atop his head. His green eyes are filled with love and adoration, solely focused on me. Everyone else is irrelevant to us.
Reaching the stairs to the stage where our thrones sit, I look at the priest who stands beside Julian, his kind eyes watching me, though his face is a stoic mask.
You okay? Julian’s voice reaches me through our mind link, and I smile at him.
I am fine. Let’s get this over with so I can sit the rest of the night away, I reply, keeping my tone light and playful.
I watch the corner of Julian’s lips twitch, amused by my optimism.
I know he can sense my discomfort at having to stand while six months pregnant, and thankfully, a chair has been prepared for me to sit on during the ceremony.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the priest calls over the crowd in a calm but commanding voice, looking away from me to the guests in attendance. I am shocked by how steady he sounds, but Julian reassures me that he has a way of drawing in a crowd.
“Today, we witness this grand day of crowning our luna queen, Hannah Cross, former hidden guard to King Julian and alpha of Haven Trail, a pack that has taken our world by storm, offering second chances to those in need.” I preen at the priest’s words, finding it hard to maintain a calm and composed demeanor.
“Alpha Hannah Cross,” the priest calls my name, turning his attention to me.
“Due to your circumstances of being unable to kneel with a royal pup being carried inside you, I have had a stool prepared for you to sit on. I hope the crowd can forgive us for this slight modification, but the health of our luna queen and future prince or princess comes first.” The crowd chuckles at this, and I break into a grin.
“Please, kneel… uh… sit before the Goddess and the eyes of your people to show your sincerity in becoming a true and just luna queen.”
The crowd chuckles again, and I carefully wobble in front of the chair, with Claira helping me to sit before moving to stand to my right. With my hands clasped together and head bowed, I close my eyes and wait for the priest to continue.
“Hannah Cross, as the Goddess-given mate to King Julian Christiansen, you have been granted the blessing of the Moon Goddess in becoming the mother of all wolves, the luna queen. Do you accept this position with an open heart?” the priest asks.
“I do,” I answer, my voice steady and carrying around the room. I feel the beginning of the royal magic surging inside me, feel the beating hearts of those in the room.
“Do you accept the responsibility that comes with leading werewolf-kind, through both the good days and the bad, in times of strife and times of peace?”
“I accept all responsibilities that the Goddess brings my way, to lead the people through peace and prosperity, as well as sorrows and strife.” So comes my reply, the magic growing stronger inside me, invigorating my body.
I can feel my blood hum, the need to protect those under my command, and the magic of a royal wolf strengthening my body, preparing me to become the queen my people need.
“Finally, do you, Hannah Cross, accept the power given to a luna queen, promising to wield it for the good of wolf-kind?” The final question is asked, and the crowd waits with bated breath.
“I promise to accept the power granted to me by the Moon Goddess and use it to better wolf-kind.” The magic snaps into place, and I gasp as my connection to all werewolves solidifies. My body shudders as I take a moment to sort out all the emotions swirling inside me.
Breathe, baby, breathe, Julian calls softly through our link, his love and pride caressing my mind.
It takes me a moment to realize that I had stopped breathing; the magic was so intense it sent my mind into overdrive, but with Julian’s reminder, I breathe, focusing on his mango scent until the magic settles inside me.
Better? Julian asks, and I look up, meeting his intense gaze.
Better, I confirm, watching his lips twitch as he fights a smile.
“Royal magic has settled into our queen, meaning the Goddess has accepted her as the mother of our nation,” the priest calls out joyously, turning to the side where a crown sits on a marble column.
“Now, with this crown placed upon your head, I crown you, Hannah Cross, luna queen of werewolf-kind. May your life be long and your reign be bountiful.” The golden crown is placed upon my head with these words, and the priest backs away, a smile on his lips.
Julian steps forward, offering me his hand, which I take, allowing my mate to help me stand.
“I present to you my mate, Luna Queen Hannah Cross!” Julian calls out, placing his hand on the small of my back. The audience cheers, the chants of “Long live the queen!” floating above us all.
Five years ago, I would have bent the knee, ready to defend Julian’s mate and become her hidden shadow.
I never thought that I would stand before alphas, lunas, and their betas, a crown atop my head and Julian by my side.
But I guess fate has a way of making things happen without anyone being the wiser.