Not My Mate - Finished

Chapter Five - The Mating Ceremony

“I'm sorry to wake you, Luna, but you need to start getting ready.” Grace said, gently shaking me awake. “Why don't you get in the shower and come down for some food?”

“Thank you, will do.” I said.

I rose from my bed, my stomach was flipping. I took a deep breath and told myself I could do this. I scooted off to the shower.

I used my favorite body wash in the shower and followed it up with lotion once I got out. I wrapped myself in a towel and walked down the stairs, lost in thought. I wasn't paying attention and then bumped right into Kayne.

“Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry.” I said.

“You're uh... naked.” He said.

“Yes, I'm going to get dressed now. Do I get to meet your parents before? It'll be so awkward during if I don't.”

“My parents are gone, too.” He said solemnly.

“I'm sorry.” I told him. He continued going upstairs and I finally made my way to the dressing room.

Five women were waiting for me.

“Here. Eat this while we get to work.” One said, hanging me a breakfast sandwich.

One was painting my nails while another started blow drying my hair. Another started applying make up, while two more went outside to make sure things were getting set up properly.

“I'm Brin, I'm married to the Beta, Cameron.” The girl who was doing my make up told me. “That's Crystal, she's married to James, the Delta.” She pointed to the girl who was doing my hair.

“We're happy you're here.” Crystal said.

They dried and straightened my hair, adding a flower crown. My nails were painted, my make up was done, and it was time for me to get dressed.

I put on a black bra and panty set. Then, the dress. I turned and looked in the mirror, tears springing into my eyes. I looked beautiful, and it was everything I dreamed of.

Brin came to my side, now holding a baby that had been sleeping in a bassinet in the corner the whole time. She began breastfeeding the baby, and then reached up to fix a piece of hair that had become stuck in the flower crown.

A knock came on the door. “Bria? Kayne sent a guest for you, are you decent?” Grace asked.

“I am.” I said. The door opened, and the rest of the women left.

My heart stopped when Seth stepped inside and closed the door.

“Seth? You're here?” I said, my hand coming to cover my mouth.

“I'm here. My God, you look beautiful.” He said with tears in his eyes. I wrapped my arms around his waist and leaned my head against his chest, listening to his heartbeat.

“It should be you out there.” I told him.

“I know, baby, I know. But it can't be, you know that. I love you.” He said. We kissed, before Kayne came through the door while we were still kissing.

“I love you, too.” I told Seth.

“Are you ready to start?” Kayne asked. “You look beautiful, by the way.”

“Thank you. I'm ready.” I said. I gave Seth a look.

“I'll close the door, meet your father out here in 30 seconds.” Kayne said, giving us both a look and then closing the door. Seth and I kissed again, holding each other for another few moments, and then exited the room.

“Let's go.” My dad said. My mom was waiting, as well.

“Oh, my baby. Look at you.” She said, grabbing my face and kissing my forehead.

My parents walked me out of the house and into the driveway, before turning me to walk into a field where everything was set up. Everyone stood as I walked through the flower-filled walk-way, until we finally were standing in front of Kayne. My mother kissed my forehead, and then my father, before they went to stand at the front of the guests next to Ben and Lena.

“Please be seated.” The Elder said. Everyone was seated. All eyes on us.

I was numb and tuned out the ceremony. I said, “I will.” when prompted.

“Kayne, you may kiss your Queen.” The Elder said. I froze. Kayne leaned in and grabbed my face. He turned it away from the guests, covering the entire side of my face from view, and kissed my cheek. He faked the kiss, which meant nothing for the ceremony, it made no difference, but I felt a lot more respected. There was applause everywhere. We walked to our table and awaited our table.

“You didn't kiss me.” I whispered.

“You didn't want me to.” He said back with a smirk. “I wouldn't force you to do something you didn't want to.”

“You sent Seth to see me?”

“I knew you would need to see him. He deserved a private moment with you, and the way you look in that dress, he should see that. It should've been him, that's how he must feel.”

“Thank you.” I said. He nodded.

The rest of the night was okay. I spent time with Ben, Lena, and Seth, dancing and talking. It was difficult to act platonic with Seth. I knew Kayne had already let us get away with enough, and I knew I couldn't embarrass him in front of his pack.

I grew more and more nervous for the night. Guests left, I hugged everyone goodbye, and greeted my new pack. We then went into the house where Grace helped me remove my dress, promising to have it cleaned and brought back to me within a few days. I cleaned off my make up, and put on a silky robe over my bra and panties. This was it. I was shaking and felt like I was going to be sick. I went out of the bathroom and walked into Kayne's bedroom. It was beautiful.  

I went and laid down next to him. I was nervous.

“I've never done this before.” I said.

“I assumed.” He told me. “We can lay here for a while... no rush.”

We did. We talked about the day. We made no moves closer to each other.

“Bria, do you want to have s*x tonight?” Kayne asked me.

I shook my head no.

“We don't have to. We barely know each other. We haven't made physical contact. You aren't comfortable with me, and I don't want your first time to be like that. Why don't you sleep in your room? We have all the time in the world for sex.” 

A weight lifted off my shoulders. I thanked him, and went to my own bedroom to sleep.