Alpha Karla & The Heart Of The Dragon

Chapter 2

KARLA

My lips twitch with a smile at the sight before me, I'm ought to throw a party for everyone who had a hand in creating ceremony preparations. If not then at least some cash gifts to appreciate the efforts because even with hours and hours of preparation it all still appear effortless, just as I wanted it to be.

Mother and father loved it, the royals too are smitten with how well I've done things and aside from the fact that I have not seen my best friend or sister, everything is perfect. Numerous people have complimented everything from the decor to the food and I've loved every minute of it. The mating ceremony is underway, with Blood moon pack being first, with the least amount of bonds sealed. We like to let our subjects choose when to seal their mate bonds and so if they're not ready this year, there's always next year and the year after.

“Alpha Karla,” my fellow Alpha calls out. “You've outdone yourself.” he grins, trying to reach in for a hug but I purposefully avert it.

“Thank you.” I grin, putting more distance between us. He's been trying to f**k me for a good while, even with his wife in picture. “I appreciate the gesture but I would rather my mate not smell any man on me tonight, I'm sure you understand.”

He nods, masking his annoyance with a laugh. “Of course. Congratulations on making it this far without a mark.”

Luna winces at the clear insult, pushing forward to answer him. “Marks on this night are special, Alpha Elijah.”

“I didn't mean to offend you.”

“Not offended.” I grin at him, shoving Luna back until I have full control once more. “Now, if you excuse me, I have to prepare for Silverline's bond sealing.”

His lips curve into a smirk and he gestures for me to proceed. I can't seem to get far enough from him, walking past the interacting crowds while Princess Victoria, and her daughter Princess Harley chant to unite mates on the centre of the arena. Everyone is trying to hold a conversation with me and I politely move on to the next, accepting compliments exchanging pleasantries until I find Ophelia, and Celeste enjoying their night off.

Ophelia gasps, “Alpha Karla. The dress!”

“Absolutely stunning.” Celeste finishes. “It's no wonder every one is gawking at you.”

“Thank you.” I grin, “Have you seen Roman? The moon is almost-”

Celeste nods, “West end, first row with his pack and thank you for hiring me back.”

I roll my eyes, “I wasn't serious. You're not losing your job unless you quit, it'll take forever to train another Celeste, or Ophelia.”

“I love mating ceremonies, I wish I could do mine all over again.” Celeste pouts. “Ouu, I'll ready Silverline.”

I nod, gesturing west. “I'll find Roman.” I grin, taking the route I'm less acknowledged to get to him.

“Look at him, standing there looking handsome in that leafy suit. He makes me sick.” Luna purrs.

“Sick?” I snort, “Luna. We both know that isn't it, you're purring for him.”

“He's a cheater!” she shoots back. “I'm ought to break his nose but that suit is too perfect to be ruined.”

I agree, his suit is perfect. He's matching my emerald dress, adorned with jade diamonds. “And that face..” I trail off, admiring the beauty of him. In his pack, he's the pack hearthrob, and all mine.

“He does have a nice face, he's such a pretty boy.” Luna agrees.

“I'm glad he's the only pretty boy here tonight.” I sigh, loving the fact that a certain distraction my sister calls a fire breathing lizard decided not to show.

Luna gasps, “Look at that, she's trying to f**k him.”

“Who wouldn't?” I laugh, dismissing an and every image that pops up in my head from yesterday afternoon.

Luna's response is quick, a stab at my ego. “You.”

Roman's gaze finds me just as I'm about to reply to Luna and my first response is to look away. Did he see me, or rather feel me staring? When I smile at him, he begins to walk towards me, leaving a trail of lustful gazes from unmated women.

“Alpha Karla.” he bows, making people around us whisper how weird and inappropriate it is.

“Roman.” I grin, probably looking like a teenager meeting her Alpha crush or celebrity crush but in my circles, same thing.

Roman returns my smile with one of his own, but there's something new beneath it. Worry. “Can I talk to you?”

Luna sees it too, snarling at the sight

“Is he about to come clean? f**k, I was really looking forward to holding it over his head for every future argument.”

“Alpha Karla?” Roman calls out, watching me with a scowl. “Did you hear me?”

“Sorry, I was backtracking to some meeting.” I wave myself off, “What did you say?”

Roman sigh, rolling his eyes before meeting my gaze again. “I need to talk to you.” He takes my hand in his, and I fight so hard not to pull away because of how sweaty his palm feels against mine. “Not here.”

“Okay, we-” I trail off, my ears perked up to the sound of the MC calling out my pack.

“Now Silverline, our lovely hosts. To commence, Alpha Karla and her mate will seal their bond with us as witness.”

“Come on.” I tag him with me, just as the crowd erupts into cheers. I can't hear him through the crowd but I do catch my name twice as he jogs behind me.

I inhale the lavender scented candles lit around us, my heart racing when I stand opposite Roman and lift my gaze to his.

Harley whispers something to her mother then takes the plate from her mother and strolls towards Roman, giving him a razor blade.

“I'll need this dress, Karla.” Harley pouts, placing a blade in my hands too. “That's if Roman doesn't tear it off you.” she winks, walking away.

My cheeks flush, and all I can do is look at Roman.

“Under the watchful eyes and the luminous light of the full moon, we gather to witness the union of these two souls. May goddess strength and bless this bond.” Princess Victoria chants. Stepping down, she holds out both hands for roman and I to take. Roman hesitates but I nod at him and he gives her his hand. She ties a thread around our wrists, the thread stings but I hide it, looking at Roman but his gaze isn't on me.

“Roman.” I whisper.

“No.” he shakes his head, yanking his hand away until the thread breaks. Everyone around us breaks into chatter and gasps, making me itch with evident anxiety. “What are you doing?”

In response he jumps off the alter, leaving me in awe. “Bastard!” Luna roars.

My gaze sweeps the audience and I run after him, until I realize who he's running towards, a girl.

“Roman, I order you to hear him.” I bark out, my order instantly obliged as Roman gets on his knees. “Get up, what is wrong with you? People are staring!” I whisper-yell.

“Babe, tell her.” The girl helps him up, watching me angrily.

Babe?!

Shit, now that I'm looking at her, I know it's her. She's the woman I saw him with yesterday. “What is this?” I ask, hoping it was a one time thing but his eyes tell a different story.