Page 3

TWO

Alexia

The entire ballroom goes silent for what feels like an eternity; I swear, no one so much as takes a breath. And then the deafening silence breaks when a single person claps. My fear is rapidly washed away as I find my best friend in the center of the crowd wearing a bright smile. Carrington single-handedly just destroyed the old adage that you should never date your best friend’s brother. If I’m not mistaken, she looks absolutely thrilled by the moon goddess's selection.

Applause fills the room, reverberating off the painted, vaulted ceiling. My mom steps out of the crowd as upbeat music and conversation resume. She is followed by my dad and Kai’s father, Clayton. The men shake hands as my mom throws her arms around Kai and me.

“I don’t know how we never saw it. It’s so obvious that the two of you are perfect for each other. And Kai is practically family already. I’m so happy for you both,” she says, her joy evident in the tears welling in her eyes.

“Welcome to the family, Kai,” my dad says with a firm pat to Kai’s back.

Kai’s cheeks turn bright pink, and he lowers his head as he says, “Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Rush.”

My parents have always had a soft spot for Carrington and Kai, especially after their mom passed away. My mother didn’t try to replace her, but she did make a special effort to be present for them in her absence. Although they were teenagers when the queen died, my mom knew that some of the most important milestones were still to come for them. She helped Kai choose flowers for his prom date, and she always invited Carrington to our mother/daughter lunches. It was just small things, but the two of them appreciated it.

“Malakai,” Clayton says, greeting his son with a curt nod.

He looks every bit the acting king. His sharp nose is tilted up and his mouth doesn’t hold even a hint of a smile. The man looks unapproachable with his slicked back salt and pepper hair and starched suit. But mostly it’s the blue and gold sash draped over one shoulder, the clear sign that he’s acting pack ruler, that makes him so intimidating. If it weren’t for the glimmer of pride in his green eyes, I would say that today’s ritual was just an inconvenience for Clayton.

Kai begins to lower his head to his father but stops short. Instead, he lifts his chin and takes a deep breath that puffs up his slender chest. And there it is, a crack of a smile on Clayton’s face. I’ve never seen his hard facade give way. But I suppose it’s hard to hold onto it when your son has just solidified himself as the next king of the Crescent pack.

Fuck. Kai will be king and I?—

“Congratulations, Alexia. I look forward to seeing you take your place at Malakai’s side as his queen.”

I blanch at Clayton’s statement but the way he says it also irks me. It doesn’t matter that I come from a bloodline that is stronger than his. Or that I could have one day held a high rank in our pack without mating with Kai. He will never let me forget that I’m beneath his royal children. I’m just a subject of the kingdom he has ruled for the past ten years.

Even though the only reason he’s king regent is because of Olivia. If it weren’t for her, he’d be just another wolf in the pack. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but he acts like he’s so much better than everyone else.

But I know I can’t blurt out what I really want to say, so I just smile brightly and link my arm through Kai’s. “I’m proud to become a member of your family. Just as I’m proud to welcome Kai into mine.”

“I’m glad you feel that way because you will be joining us in the Mount Selene chateau starting tonight. The house is the perfect setting to solidify your bond, and we will take care of everything for you so that you can spend the next couple of weeks concentrating on each other.”

I go stiff and Kai must notice because he places his hand over my fingers that grip his robe. He brushes his thumb over my knuckles until I loosen my grip on him.

The thought of my life being upended never truly occurred to me. I knew my mate and I would have to consummate our relationship to solidify our bond, but I never dove deeper than that. Most mates have a courting period before they make big life changes, but I guess that’s not the case when the future king is your mate. But hell, Kai and I haven’t said two words to each other and I’m already moving in.

I look to my mother and father, almost expecting one of them to protest, to claim they aren’t quite ready for me to leave the nest yet, but they’re just standing there with goofy smiles on their faces. “Sounds good,” my dad says, clapping Clayton on the shoulder. “Come on, let’s get a drink.”

My mom grins and squeezes my arm before following my father and Clayton to the open bar, leaving Kai and I alone. Well, as alone as we can be in a ballroom full of people staring at us.

“This was... unexpected,” I finally say, breaking the silence between us.

Kai huffs out a laugh as we walk toward the table in the center of the room right at the edge of the dance floor that’s meant for us. “That’s the understatement of the year.”

“I don’t know what I thought would happen tonight, but it wasn’t this. I mean...” I glance up at him as he pulls out my chair and then sits in the seat next to me. “It’s just a surprise, that’s all.”

He turns toward me, and his green eyes bore into mine. “Have you ever, I don’t know, felt any type of way about me before tonight?”

My cheeks flame and I feel heat creeping up my chest. I suddenly want to rip this lace from my neck so I can breathe better, but instead, I just lift my shoulders in the tiniest shrug. “Well, I—I mean, you—” For fuck’s sake, Alexia.

His lips tilt up in a crooked smile, and I roll my eyes, shoving him playfully. “What? Clearly, I have my answer,” he teases. “You don’t have to go on.”

“Stop it. You’re good-looking, Malakai. You know it, I know it, everyone knows it. So have I ever thought about you being attractive? Yes. Did I maybe have a crush on you for a minute? Possibly. But this? Being your mate ? No. Absolutely not. This is wild.” I raise one eyebrow. “Wait. Have you ever thought about me ?”

He runs his fingers through his dark blond hair and shakes his head. “There was a time when we were younger that I might have had a little thing for you. But you were Care’s friend before you were mine and I’d never mess things up between you guys. So, I suppose this is a surprise to both of us.”

I fold my hands on the tabletop and lean into him saying, “This is kind of weird, isn’t it?”

“It could be worse.”

“It could.”

I let that thought sink in and calm my frayed nerves. I won’t have to learn all the things that make my mate tick or feel uncomfortable as I slowly reveal myself to him layer by layer. He’s seen me without makeup and with my hair an utter disaster. He knows I can kill a package of cookies all by myself when I’m upset. Not much about me will be a surprise revelation.

Our food is brought to us right then, saving us from the pain of discussing this further. The scent of roasted chicken and seasoned potatoes have my stomach growling. Both of us waste no time eating, and we’re almost finished when the DJ cuts the music and announces that it’s time for the moment everyone’s been waiting for. I kind of thought that was me choosing my mate, but maybe I missed a chapter in the playbook.

When the words “traditional first dance” come out of his mouth, I tuck my lips between my teeth and glance at Kai.

“I forgot about this part. Do we have to do some kind of choreography because I am so not prepared,” I whisper.

Kai shakes his head. “We’re going to do the good ol’ ‘hands on hips and shoulders and sway move.’”

“Thank Luna,” I mutter as he pulls my chair out for me, and we make our way to the middle of the dance floor. The first notes of a romantic ballad play through the speakers, a song I recognize. At least the music doesn’t suck. But when Kai rests his hands on my waist and pulls me toward him, I realize the whole room is staring at us. What, are they just going to watch us for four whole minutes like a bunch of creeps?

“Lex, now’s when you put your arms around my neck,” he murmurs, a grin playing at his lips.

“Damn, sorry,” I say, doing as he says, leaving no more than a couple inches between us in my hurry to not look like a fool in front of the pack.

Oops. That’s probably too close. Oh well. Too late now.

Shifter traditions are abundant. Everything from a preteen’s first shift to their final breath is accompanied by pomp and circumstance. Life is something we never take for granted and celebrate in every way we can. The first dance of mates is meant to symbolize our souls becoming one, falling into rhythm and showing that we intend to always consider our partners no matter where life takes us. It’s a beautiful concept and one I’ve dreamed about since I was a young girl.

As we spin around the dance floor, I catch sight of a figure in the back of the room. He stands with his muscular arms folded over his chest and his blue eyes are narrowed on us. I would be intimidated by him if I didn’t know who he was.

“Xander came tonight,” I say, pure shock sending my voice an octave higher.

Kai tries really hard not to roll his eyes. I can tell. But he doesn’t succeed. “Yeah. He can manage to keep up with his royal obligations, but he couldn’t seem to get here for our mother’s funeral. That fucking tracks.”

“I didn’t know that you and Care had seen him since your mom’s death.”

“Seen is about it. We’ve not spoken a word. He does what he has to do and leaves. No hi or bye.”

I can tell it’s a sore subject, and I wish I hadn’t opened my big mouth. “Sorry, I shouldn’t have said anything. It’s just that I haven’t seen him in so long, it caught me by surprise.”

“I know you couldn’t see it, but the great hall was packed with wolves. Even on a full moon I’ve never seen that many in one place. Not that many unmated wolves would ignore the joint invitation that your father sent out with mine. I'm not surprised to see him.”

I lock eyes with Xander one more time and he doesn’t look away. So I do.

This is my moment with Kai. I’m not letting him ruin it just because he’s pissed off that he felt like he had to be here tonight to attend my ceremony. He can grow up and get over it.

I shrug and readjust my grip around Kai’s neck, closing the tiny bit of distance between us. “Well, he can go back home now. He’s off the hook.” I give him a wink and add, “I’m happy with my choice. I think I’ll keep him.”

Kai snorts a laugh. “Xander may have the tattooed rebel thing down to a science, but there is no denying that I’m the better-looking brother.”

With his light brown hair pulled back into a low ponytail and his suit covering the tattoos that litter his arms, he is a sharp contrast to Kai’s golden boy look. There isn’t much they share in common. Xander has a neatly trimmed beard now, and it somehow highlights his strong chin and sharp jawline, where Kai’s face still holds traces of his youth like his pouty full lips and dimples in his cheeks. Kai’s older brother stands inches over almost everyone in the room and his clothing clings to his broad shoulders. The muscles beneath my hand are leaner and since my final growth spurt in high school, my mate isn’t much taller than me. But I wouldn’t necessarily say Kai is the “better-looking brother.” They are both attractive in their own ways.

“Do you think he’ll go back to Virginia Beach after this?” I ask absentmindedly.

“I overheard him talking to Carrington about staying a couple of days. He said something about being sorry that he hasn’t been around these past years.”

I hum a response and drop the subject. If he’s going to be at the house for a bit when we get there, I’ll have plenty of time to hyperfixate on why the hell he wouldn’t come back for his mother’s funeral but manage to make it here for my mating ceremony.

I don’t know why I care.

The song finally ends and the crowd bursts into applause. We take a little bow, flash grins around the room, and when I glance at Kai, he actually looks comfortable with the attention. That makes me feel better, and by the time we sit back down, I’ve relaxed just enough to ask the question that’s been on my mind since I took the blindfold off.

“Kai?”

“Yeah?”

“Are you good with this? With me choosing you as my mate? I know you may not feel it like I do yet because I've been cleansed and all that but... are you okay with it?”

He takes a moment, his gaze darting around the room but not seeming to take anything in. A line forms between his eyebrows like he is really considering my question. Seconds tick by and I squirm in my seat, regret taking hold of me.

I open my mouth to steer the conversation in another direction when he says, “I think I just need time to let it all set in. I honestly just showed up tonight out of obligation. I never thought you would choose me.” He meets my gaze, and his lips twitch up in a sad attempt at a smile. “I’m sure it will all click into place, Lex.”

My heart sinks and I bite the inside of my lip to keep it from quivering. Don’t cry, Alexia. “ Yeah. I’m sure you’re right. I didn’t think I’d choose you either. To be honest, I thought I had better taste,” I deadpan, covering my embarrassment with humor.

He lets out a genuine laugh. “Me too. I’m flabbergasted that you stooped to picking a future king. I always took you as the type to aim higher.”

“Why didn’t the moon goddess lead me to a billionaire with a personal yacht so I could spend my winters somewhere tropical?”

He flicks the tip of my nose, a playful act that he’s done since we were kids. “Sorry, you’re stuck with me.”

I laugh and bump him with my shoulder before meeting his gaze with what I hope is a more serious expression. “Stuck isn’t the right word. I meant what I said earlier. I’m happy to be a part of your family. I just don’t want you to feel like I’m ruining your life.”

“It’s not you, Lex. You understand that this morning started off as another day for me. Now, I’m going to be preparing for my coronation. Can you imagine me as ruler of this pack? Just last week I was struggling to choose a beer from the tap at the bar down the street.”

I purse my lips and say, “Well... that’s why you have a queen. A partner to help you make the tough decisions.”

He levels me with a stare. “Alexia, you can’t decide which pair of shoes to wear in the morning. Can’t you just see the two of us as king and queen? We will be the most indecisive, ADHD, carefree pair of rulers this pack has ever seen,” he declares, taking a sip of his wine.

I nod and don’t even argue. I have no comeback. “True. But... maybe the two of us together will make one competent leader?”

He rolls his eyes and fights back a smile. “Maybe.”

The night carries on and my new mate and I choose to veer on the side of caution, holding hands and maintaining polite conversation as we stroll through the party guests. Everyone appears happy about our match, wishing us a long life together and many cubs. Just the thought of forever and a family of my own have me tailspinning. It’s hard to think that far ahead when Kai and I have so much to figure out about ourselves as a couple.

The easygoing mood shifts when we reach the back of the ballroom and are met with Xander’s icy stare.

“Congratulations, brother,” he says, his deep voice sending a shiver through me.

Kai lifts a brow and says, “Looks like you no longer have to worry about who will take the crown.”

Xander runs his palm over the light stubble on his jaw. “I never lost any sleep over it. I never wanted it. I think it’s gone to the best heir for the job.”

Kai lifts his chin slightly. “Well, that’s good to hear. Wouldn’t want you trying to dethrone me before I even get a chance to step up.”

His brother scoffs. “Yeah, I won’t be doing that. Don’t have the time or the energy.”

I’m starting to get annoyed. Is he going to acknowledge my existence or are we just going to pretend I’m not standing here?

“Uh, hey,” I blurt, lifting my hand in a quick wave, unable to hold it in any longer. “How’s it going? I’m Alexia. Remember me?” I too am out of energy; I’m done masking for the day and my filter is gone.

Xander plasters a clearly fake smile on his face. “Sorry, Alexia. I didn’t mean to ruin your night. Congratulations on your mating. It couldn’t have been easy to do what you chose to do.”

“You didn’t ruin anything, I just—” You just reverted back to the days before you learned how to control your impulses, Alexia, what the hell? “Sorry. It’s just been a long day—well, a long ninety days, really, and I’m tired. I apologize for snapping. That was rude of me.”

Kai slides his arm around my waist and grips my hip. It’s the most affectionate he’s been all night without prompting, and while I’m certain he’s only doing it because he knows I’m embarrassed right now, I’m grateful.

“You’re fine, Lex,” he whispers, pressing a kiss to my temple. “Xander’s probably pretty overwhelmed too, what with being around the family again. After what... ten years?” His tone is pointed, and I can almost feel the sharp blade he’s flinging in Xander’s direction.

“I’m not having this out with you right now, Malakai. Go enjoy the rest of your night with your beautiful mate. You can voice your grievances with me another time.”

“I’m going to hold you to that.”

Xander dips his chin. “I wouldn’t expect anything less, Your Highness .”

“Fuck you, Xan.”

“Love you too, little bro.”

Kai ushers me into the center of the room, and

I look over my shoulder at Xander.

His lips press together as he dips his head in what is clearly a silent apology.

The most anticipated night of my life has just tangled itself into a messy web of family animosity and unspoken words. And a whole lot of uncertainty. It all has me questioning if I jumped into this too soon. Maybe I should have just let the bond play out naturally instead of forcing its hand. I don’t know if I’m ready to face what my future holds. But I do know that after this party I will be thrusted into it whether I like it or not.