The Alpha's Abused Mate

Chapter 5: The Marking Ceremony

The next morning I woke up and felt a pair of strong arms around my waist from behind. I guess it wasn't a dream after all. 

I looked behind me and saw Xavier looking at me.

"I see you finally woke up," He stated.

He sat up and stretched his long, muscular arms. I blushed softly as the feeling of them around be lingered slightly, even after he let go.

He really confuses me, one minute he is harsh and setting many rules, then next he is cuddling me as I sleep. I feel like I am starting to get whiplash from this rollercoaster he has put me through since last night.

Then I remembered, we have the mating ceremony today. 

"T-The mating ceremony is today, isn't it?" I asked him. He nodded as he stood up. I followed his example and got up myself. 

"I have some work to do for the ceremony, so I will have Leigh and Harvey show you around. Also, Leigh will help find you a dress suitable for the ceremony."

I nodded my head to show I understood. I walked over to my suitcase and closed it before bringing it to the closed door, my closet. I opened the door and saw it was giant. It was at least the size of my old bedroom!

"Shocked?" Xavier asked after seeing me freeze.

"Everything here is so big," I mumbled.

"You got that right," I heard him laugh and my face turned bright red knowing what he was referencing.

I did not respond to the comment he just made and went inside of the closet and opened up my suitcase again. I pulled out the picture of my mother and set it to the side before hanging up my few shirts and putting my jeans into a dresser. I left out my nicer pair as well as a shirt that was not as large on me as most were. Quickly, I changed into the clothes and put my pajamas into the hamper near the door. I then walked out and saw Xavier was gone. He must have left while I was changing.

A couple of moments later, I heard a knock on the door and then watched it open. Leigh walked in with a large smile on her face, "Morning Aliya!" She greeted me. 

"Good morning, Leigh," I smiled shyly.

She looked at me for a moment, as if studying my appearance and size. "I think I know the perfect dress," she muttered under her breath, but I still heard it. Wolfs attend to have extremely good hearing, but I was blessed to have better hearing than most. So, I often heard things that most wolf would not.

"So that tour!" She grinned.

The tour of the house took about two hours. Like I said before, it was huge. Leigh showed me the kitchen, the ballroom, the game room (Harvey was in there playing video games when we entered), the dining hall, and even their private library. She also pointed out where Xavier's office was on the third floor, but I knew better than to enter. His rules about doing such were clear. 

During the tour, she explained to me that she was, in fact, Xavier's younger sister. She told me many stories about him when he was young that I found absolutely adorable and hilarious.

My favorite one was when Xavier was about twelve years old and running from her as they played tag. He was distracted and fell right in the river. Leigh told me that his shorts fell off after the fall and he had to go back to the house in nothing but his boxers.

After the tour, she lead me to her bedroom. It was a lot smaller than Xavier and mine, but it was to be expected. It was still at least twice the size of my old room. 

"Sit!" She told me and I sat on the chair in front of her large vanity. 

A few moments later she walked out with a white dress. The dress was gorgeous. The top part was mostly made out of lace but had thicker material in the front to cover my breasts. The bottom part was made out of a sheer material that was layered so it was not see-through. 

"It's beautiful!" I gasped.

She grinned, "Change."

I took the dress and walked into her closet. Slowly, I put on the dress and walked back out. When I left the closet, I saw her sitting on her bed with her cell phone out, texting someone. But as soon as she heard me, she looked up and gasped.

"You look beautiful!" She said.

I blushed and looked down at the dress. It was long-sleeved as well, thankfully. I do not wish to explain my scars to them just yet. It also flowed down to the floor. Somehow, it fit perfectly and was just the right length for my height.

"I knew there was I reason I never got rid of that dress," Leigh said adoringly, "I wore that a few years back for a ceremony in the Winter Pack."

I smiled softly, "thank you for letting me borrow it," I told her.

"Honestly, it doesn't even fit me anymore. You can keep it if you'd like," Leigh shrugged her shoulders.

"I can't accept this," I gasped and looked at the dress in the mirror. It had to be extremely expensive.

"Well you will," She stated simply. 

I did not say anything for a moment as I examined my appearance. I did not feel like I belonged in such a dress, but here I was. 

"Thank you," I whispered.

"Of course!"

It took about half an hour for Leigh to do my hair and makeup. My hair was styled so that it fell in tight ringlets and left the right side of my neck assessable. My makeup was light and done to enhance my eyes and make them pop out even more. 

After she was done, she lead me downstairs.

"The ceremony will be in about a half-hour. Xavier should be here shortly to escort you there."

I nodded my head and sat on one of the chairs in the entry room. After a couple of minutes past, Xavier walked down. He wore a simple pair of black jeans with a white button-up shirt that was not buttoned all the way.

He walked over to me and looked down.

"Let's go."

We walked down the streets of his pack and I took in how beautiful it was. Everything had a place, and everyone seemed happy. Something I did not fully expect when the pack's Alpha had such a reputation. Xavier kept his arm wrapped around my waist in a territorial sort of way.

The ceremony was not far from the mansion. A few blocks maybe. A makeshift stage was set up and members of the pack were beginning to gather around. Xavier walked me to the stage and we stood next to it for a few minutes as more of the pack gathered. Soon, a loud voice was heard.

"Hello Blood Moon Pack! As most of you know, Alpha Xavier found his mate last night at the Ball. So, today we will welcome her and witness their marking!" Edric said loudly.

Xavier grabbed my hand and walked me onto the stage. My face turned red as I looked out at the large crowd of wolfs staring at me. After a moment, they all cheered happily.

"Alpha Xavier Fortescue, you may mark our Luna, Aliya Menashi." 

Xavier stepped behind me and I bit my lip. I was ready for this... Right?

My wolf howled inside of my head. She was excited to be marked by her mate.

After a moment, I felt Xavier's teeth pierce the skin on my neck. I gasped at the small pain that came with it. But, once he licked the mark the pain subsided. 

The crowd cheered once again.

"Luna Aliya Menashi, you may mark our Alpha, Xavier Fortescue!"

I turned around to look at Xavier. He nodded at me and lifted me up so I could reach his neck. I lent to the right side and allowed my wolf to bite down. 

He hissed softly as I bit, but once I licked the mark he set me down.

The entire pack was ecstatic as they cheered for Xavier and I. 

Once we left the stage, many congratulated us on our markings. I swear, my face was probably the color of a tomato by now, but I pushed through. 

I officially am Alpha Xavier's mate.