The Claimed Promise

A Castle in the Mountain

Lindsey and I spent a few hours talking about our new home. Liam has told her about the mountains as well and we talked extensively about it. Samara and Liam join us after about an hour into the flight but they sit quietly, listening to Lindsey and I ramble on about everything. As the talking dies down, I find my eyes becoming heavy and soon, I nuzzle into Samara's arms and quickly fall asleep in her tight grasp.

Light kisses are peppered across my face and lips; the warmth and tingles shoot through the area the contact is made and soon, my eyes flicker open to meet the deep blue ones of Samara's. "We're here, baby. Thought you'd want to watch as we land on our private landing strip." Smiling, I nod, stretch, and crawl over to the window that Lindsey is staring out of. We squish together to take in the unbelievable and breathtaking view. A huge castle that looks like it's straight out of a fairytale is nestled into the mountain. If we weren't in the process of landing, I would never have seen it. Behind the mountains, the glow of the sun barely peeks over the top and I realize it's still fairly early in the morning. As we land, I take note of the beautiful landscape surrounding the castle. Lush forest, flowers and waving grass blanket the entire area. Every part of me can't wait to get out and explore all of the open area; this is the kind of place I've always wanted to live in and now, I actually can. The wheels of the jet connect with the pavement and it becomes apparent that Samara was missed as hundreds of people flooded the landing strip, all of them shouting and clapping. The jet comes to a stop and soon we're headed towards the entrance. Samara's excited eyes find my nervous ones and she wraps an arm around my waste. "Don't worry baby. They'll love you just like I do." I nodded and put on a more confident face as we began descending the stairs to the crowd of eager faces. Cheering and clapping becomes louder and louder as our feet finally touch the pavement. Liam joins us with Lindsey as Samara holds her hand up and, within a few moments, the crowd is quiet and looks at her eagerly.

"Everyone, I'm pleased to announce that this trip was extremely successful in many ways for our pack. First, Liam has found his destined mate, Lindsey James!" The crowd erupts with cheers and Lindsey's face turns beet red as Liam proudly grasps her waste. Again, she holds her hand up and waits for the crowd to die down. "As you all know, I've been searching desperately for my fated mate. This trip has given me just that and I have found my fated mate, your future Luna Queen, Kora Cybil!" Again the crowd erupts but this time it's almost deafening how loud it is. For the last time, Samara silences the crowd with a raise of her hand. "This evening we will hold a celebration feast before tomorrow's turning ceremony." I feel Samara's hand around my waste as she guides me towards the entrance of the castle. Everyone is clapping and whistling as we make our way through the parting crowd towards the castle doors. Guards on either side open the doors for us and we step into the most jaw-dropping place I've ever been to. Samara laughed next to me as she noticed both Lindsey and I staring. We walked into the grandest entry way imaginable with a gorgeous crystal chandelier hanging above our heads and a double set of wooden stairs, parallel to each other, winding up to another floor. Every inch of the railing going up the stairs is engraved with running wolves and dense forest scenery. Grey marble covers the floor with dark blue velvet runners making paths to doorways leading to somewhere else, undoubtedly just as beautiful. Hustling people scurry around us carrying different decorations and items. Clearly, they're getting ready for the celebration Samara has announced and the thought of what we're celebrating sends my anxiety into overdrive. My thoughts are clouded with the possibility that I'm not worthy of being Samara's mate and tomorrow will be the day I die. As if feeling the change in my attitude, Samara's grip around me tightens as she leans over to whisper into my ear. "Do not worry my love. Everything will be fine and I'll be by your side through it all." We continued to walk forward into the room towards the stairs and, to my surprise, a doorway opened up to a hallway between the stairs. At the end of the hallway is an elevator that the four of us take up. Inside the elevator there are seven buttons and she hits both six and seven. Before I could ask, Liam explained the floors. "The first floor has the dining room, kitchen, ballroom and throne room. The second floor houses the omegas that work in the castle. Our third floor is what we call the entertainment floor, containing a movie theater, bowling alley and a videogame arcade combo room. The fourth floor contains the Alpha's office, Luna's office, a meeting room and an office that both myself and Drake share. The fifth floor is for the Gamma and his mate when he finds her and the sixth floor is for you and Lindsey." Liam's eyes are black when he looks at Lindsey and I already know what he's thinking after experiencing it with Samara. Thankfully, Samara finishes up what he was saying and this also helps him to regain control of his wolf.

"The seventh floor is for you and I Kora." A large smile spreads across her face and I'm shocked that we have our own floor. What will we do with that kind of space? Coming to a stop, the elevator brings everyone to the reality that it's time to part ways and Liam heads out the door. Lindsey and I quickly hug before she rushes out the door towards Liam. Hands in hand, they head towards what I assume is their now shared room. As soon as the door closes again, I quickly turn to Samara. "Samara, I have a very serious request." A puzzled look is displayed on her face before I continue. "I don't think we should share a room or a bed until after the turning ceremony. You said that you were barely controlling your wolf now and I'd hate for anything to happen and then tomorrow you two lose me and I lose you..." A hushed silence fills the elevator before it comes to a stop at the seventh floor. Both of us stepped out of the elevator and I followed behind a very quiet Samara. We stopped in front of a door about half way down the hallway. "This will be your room for the evening my love. I figured you would feel that way and had this arranged for you. Inside you'll find clothes to choose from for this evening and for tomorrow." Our eyes lock and my heart floods my body with emotions. Almost instinctively, I wrapped my arms around her and held on like this could be the last time we would embrace. Minutes go by before I feel her move her hand to my chin and push it up so our eyes meet one another's. "Everything you could need is in there, including your own bathroom. Why don't you get some more sleep and then get ready for the celebration tonight? I have some work I need to take care of now that we're back and I'll come get you before everything starts." Smiling, I nod and before I can turn to walk in, her hands grasp my face as she presses her lips to mine. A nibble on my bottom lip causes me to gasp and she takes advantage of the opening by sliding her tongue into my mouth. We passionately kiss for what feels like an eternity before parting for air. "Trust me my beautiful Luna, you're worthy and we will be sharing a room very soon." With that she turns and heads back towards the elevator while I stand there panting, trying to collect myself.

My room is more then I could have ever asked for. In the middle sits a queen-sized bed that is easily the most comfortable thing I've ever laid on and is blanketed in almost sparkling white bedding. Antique wooden furniture decorates the room and tall glass doors catch my eye leading out to a balcony. To the right of the balcony doors on the other side of the wall is a door that leads into a large bathroom fitted with a jacuzzi tub and glass walk in shower. Without another thought, I headed towards the bed, realizing how tired I was, and threw myself onto the fluffy sheets. Sleep quickly engulfs me and I drift off to a state of peace with no worry about the events to come.

Without knowing it, I slept the day away and woke up in a panic. My eyes darted to the glass doors only to find the sun setting. Before I can leap from the bed to ready myself, a strong arm pulls me back down.

"Relax. The celebration hasn't started yet and I was just about to wake you to get ready." Samara's soft voice causes my heart to thump and I realize we're in a bed together. When did she even get here? "Don't worry, I haven't been here long. My wolf wouldn't allow me to lay here very long in bed with you without marking you..." The nuzzle of her nose into my neck sends goosebumps running across my skin and with every bit of self control I have, I push myself away from her and out of the bed. "I might not have a wolf yet but, I'm struggling with controlling myself around you too and I don't think cuddling together in bed will help." A cheeky smile is covering my face as I head towards the bathroom to freshen up. Every part of me would love to crawl into the huge tub and soak but, I know I've over slept and settle on a nice hot shower. Water sprays from every direction, completely soaking me in only a few seconds. This has to be the most luxurious shower I've ever used. Thankfully, there are already many types of soaps stocked for me and I choose one that smells like cucumber melon. Before long, I'm clean and wrapping myself in a fluffy towel. As I ring my hair out, it occurs to me that I hadn't thought about a change of clothes and this sends me anxiety into overdrive. Sneaking over to the door as if a sound would say that I was naked, I slowly inched it open and peered out around the room. Relief rushes through me as I realize the room is empty. One problem down, one problem to go. I don't have any clothes... There is a closet in here and Samara said everything I could need was in here, so, why not clothes? As promised, everything I could need really was there. The closet was fully stocked with clothes and I quickly pulled out a black tank top, a tight pair of jeans and headed over to the dresser where I found all the undergarments I could ever need. Soon, I was dressed and headed out the door in hopes of not having too much trouble finding Samara, since I wasn't sure I'd be able to get around. As I opened my door, the door at the end of the hallway opened and Samara walked out dressed in a beautiful black suit that fits and hugs all of her curves perfectly. The white button-up shirt under the jacket is slightly open, revealing a very small amount of cleavage. If I didn't know any better, I would have thought my jaw was broken because of how far open it hung. Samara glided up to me, her eyes black once again, and pulled me tightly against her body before smashing her lips into mine. "You look beautiful, my love, but, I don't want anyone else looking at what is mine." Her eyes moved to my exposed arms and chest and I realize I'm also showing some cleavage. Blush paints my cheeks as I realize her eyes have stayed on my chest. "You look absolutely stunning, Samara and I feel a touch underdressed but, I believe we both have some cleavage out for others to gawk at if they so choose." Her eyes quickly glide down to her own outfit and she lets out a defeated sigh. "You win this time. I cannot ask you to change when I'm also guilty of the same crime, so to speak, and we do not have enough time for us both to change. Let's head down and just know, I might rip another wolf's head off if they look at you." Shaking my head, I just laugh at how cute she is and reached my hand out for hers. A smile replaces the look and we walk hand in hand to the elevator. Our ride down is quiet as we stand there, fingers laced together. I'm thankful to know that Lindsey will be there and it helps settle some of the jitters I'm feeling. The ding of the elevator brings me back to the present as I walk with Samara to where the celebration is being held. Two guards stand in front of a set of double doors, loud music, laughing and the smell of food escaping from inside. Both bow respectfully in acknowledgement before opening the doors for us. As we enter, the music stops and all I see is a tall woman with mid-length black and dark brown eyes rushing towards us. Before I realize what's happening, the woman leaps towards Samara to embrace her in a hug and our hands are forcefully separated from the impact.

"Oh my goddess Samara, never leave me for that amount of time again. My wolf and I missed you more then I could ever begin to explain!" Her loud exclamation echoed through the room and I stared in bewilderment at her. Samara pushes her off and before she can get a word out, the woman is yelling at me. "Who are you and why do you think you can be so close to me Fiancé?!" I too interrupted Samara before she could answer, anger pulsing through me. "My name is Kora, Samara's fated mate. My guess is you're Claudia, the woman who was set to marry her if she hadn't found me." I do not hide the anger in my voice as I speak to her and it rings out through the entire ballroom. Everyone's eyes are on us and the tension is suffocating.