The Alpha's Assassin

The Wedding

 Shortly after that a woman appeared. Followed by several large guards. She stared at me for what seemed like forever before she spoke. There was an awkward silence in the room.

   "I need to take you upstairs to shower and dress. Are you going to be a problem or can these men relax a bit?" Her voice was sweet but stern. 

   "I won't cause any problems. I promise." I said quietly. I meant it. If I was going to escape I needed to know where I was. As it stands I have no idea how I got down here. Damn that mate attraction. 

   "Good follow me." She smiled and turned to head up the stairs. She was truly beautiful. Blonde hair pinned up, blue eyes, tall, athletically built, and I could tell she was older but I doubt she looked as old as she was.

 I followed her silently. We made it to the main floor and, oh my, it is beautiful. All decorated with an open foyer. I could see straight into the large dinning hall, around to a large sitting room, and then in front of the large entryway was a rolling staircase with a banister. We started up the stairs and made it to the first floor, then up several more flights of stairs. We made it to the fourth floor. She then led me into a large room. It had a large bed, desk, mirrors on the walls, a large balcony just beyond the beautiful french doors, and 2 doors beyond which I didn't know. 

"This is one of our guest rooms. You will shower and prepare here. After the ceremony you will join my son in his room where you will live. Let's get started. The bathroom is through that door. You will find everything you need for a shower. When your done wrap yourself in the robe and I'll be here to dress you and do your hair." She pointed to one of the 2 doors and I went in straight away.  The bathroom was so large. I wasn't used to anything more than a standing shower and toilet. This was a huge walk in shower, there was a large soaking tub, and a double sink. After undressing, the floor was warm beneath my feet. I giggled a little bit with delight and I turned the water on. Stepping in it was the most amazing shower I had ever had! It was like being out in the rain but warm. Several soaps were placed in the shower. Each one smelled amazing. As I scrubbed my hair and body I tried them all. Afterwards I climbed out and wrapped myself in the softest robe I had ever felt. I knew it wouldn’t find anything this amazing once I left, so I tried to enjoy it as much as I could. I had never smelled or felt so good in my life. 

  "Well, you clean up quite nice. Come sit. We will start with your hair" she said gesturing to a comfortable looking chair in front of a lighted mirror. 

After quite some time of brushing, blowing, styling, tweezing, and makeup she was finished. She spun me around to see myself in the mirror. I was stunned. I couldn't believe it was me. 

"You are really a beautiful girl. I didn't have to do much, well, with the exception of basic care that you've obviously not been able to do yourself." She sounded shocked. I didn't know what to say. I had never really thought of myself as anything. Certainly not beautiful.

“Thank you, m’am” was all I managed to squeak out. 

"M’am? I am not old enough for m’am. Just Marsha is fine. You are going to be my daughter-in-law so no need to be so formal. Now for the dress!" She squealed as she clapped her hands together. A couple of other women opened the second door in the room which was obvious now was a closet. They brought out the most beautiful dress I had ever seen. Long and flowing. It looked as though it was made of water. 

"I had hoped this color would go well with your look. Now I see it will be perfect." She motioned for me to remove my robe and  to raise my arms up while they slid it over my head. I hadn’t ever been naked in front of anyone before so I felt a little awkward. It hugged all my curves just right. I was never a large breasted girl but this accentuated everything I did have. My smaller breasts. My heart shaped butt, my tiny waist, and my long legs. 

"It fits your jet black hair and blue eyes perfectly! My son is going to die! You are breathtaking!" She almost seemed stunned by her own announcement. I smiled a little. No one had ever said I was beautiful before. 

“Thank you ma, I mean Marsha” I couldn’t stop the blush from spreading across my face. Leaving here was going to be hard. This lady was wonderful. I didn’t remember my mother but I hoped she was as wonderful as Marsha.

   "Okay, wait, I never asked,  what is your name?" She asked.

"Kiera, ma'am."

"Marsha dear. Beautiful name, well you wait here Kiera. The ceremony will be starting any moment and I'll be back for you."

"Okay Marsha." This was my chance. I could climb out the window. I walked over to the balcony and  looked out at the grounds. It was beautiful here. Flowering gardens, green grass, fountains, benches, people looking happy, and a small pond off in the distance. The forest at the edge of the pond even seemed inviting. It was hard to imagine wanting to leave here now. 

Hunter's POV

Heading up stairs she was all I could think of. I mean I don’t even know this woman yet and I already feel very strongly about her. If her scent alone could drive me this crazy I can’t imagine what seeing her is going to do to me. 

Being so lost in my thoughts I hadn’t even heard anyone sneak up behind me. As I was starting to open my door a pair of female arms snaked their way around my waist. I knew instantly who they belonged to. Rolling my eyes I turned to her.

“What do you want, Sheena?” I had made the mistake of sleeping with her a couple years ago and she just never let it go.

“Baby, I haven’t seen you all day. I wanted to have a little fun and help you relax a little.” She smiled up at me. It’s not that she is an ugly she_wolf. She has bleach blonde hair, brown eyes, and smooth skin. She’s about 5’9”, athletic, and she has decent breasts. I just don’t feel attracted to her. I shouldn’t have slept with her. She’s been a little clingy since. 

“I’m good,” I say, shoving her off me. Ugh I can’t stand her touching me. I don’t like the idea that she’s been with just about every unmated male in my pack and the surrounding packs.

“What's wrong with you! It’s not like you didn’t enjoy it before!” She stated stepping in front of me.

“That was one time, I was drunk, and I told you never again” I tried to push her aside nicely but she didn’t budge.

“But baaaaby” she tried using her sweet tone with me but I didn’t care. I could feel my mate here and I was getting married. I didn’t have time for this.

“I am getting married today. Move w***e!” I half shouted as I gave her a hard shove out of my way. I didn’t even bother to look behind me as I slammed the door. I rubbed my hands over my face. I hoped Sheena wouldn’t be a problem after I got married. Pushing the thought aside I walked into my bathroom and turned the shower on. Tossing my dirty clothes in the hamper I stepped into the steaming hot shower. After I was finished I stepped out, grabbed my towel, and strode back into my room. 

“WHAT THE f**k SHEENA!” I shouted as I saw her sprawled out on my bed naked. 

“I knew you didn’t mean it baby, so I came in to surprise you.” 

“I don’t know how much clearer I can be, f**k NO!” I stormed over to her, snatched her off my bed by the arm, and tossed her out of my room. I remembered to lock the door this time.

“HUNTER, MY CLOTHES!!!” She shouted as she banged on my bedroom door. 

“Don’t draw attention to yourself and you should be able to slither down to your room without being seen.”  I chided, laughing to myself. Serves her right! I walked into my walk-in closet as I heard her hit my door one more time before stomping off. My mother had chosen my outfit already. I didn’t want to get married so I didn’t participate in any of the planning.  

After putting the suit on I took one good look in the mirror. My mother always did have good taste. An all black on black suit. My nerves were starting to hit me. I was getting married to someone I didn’t know. I only hoped it was the girl that belonged to that heavenly scent. Oz was starting to stir with anticipation. As I headed out I made a mental note to have the housekeeper change the bedding before tonight. I didn’t want to bring my new bride up here with that skanks scent all over the linens. 

As I made my way through the house I could faintly smell sweet jasmine again. She was close. My wolf was pacing in my head begging to get out. I spotted an omega female greeting guests as they headed out to the veranda. 

“Excuse me Miss, Are there any females from other packs here today?” I asked politely.

“No sir, just our pack. Well, and your future bride,sir” She bowed her head at me. I gave her a curt nod and walked out to get started. It had to be her. If no other packs were here I was sure it had to be her.  

The music picked up. I would see her soon. Then I smelled it again, sweet jasmine.  Faintly at first, then it got stronger. I looked up just as she was rounding the corner into the ceremony hall. The most beautiful woman I had ever seen. Oz was howling in my head. How could this be? How could the Moon Goddess have arranged this magic! How ever she did it I couldn’t have been happier. A huge weight lifted off my shoulders. I never wanted to marry anyone but my mate and here she was. 

  As she neared me our eyes locked for the first time. I could hardly breathe. It took everything in me not to grab her right there. I wanted to claim her. She was mine. She had the most beautiful sapphire blue eyes. I was lost in them. Her shiny black hair was so dark it was almost blue. I wanted to touch every inch of her ivory skin. It took everything in me to remember I was in front of a crowd. 

She didn’t look nervous. No, she looked shocked. I knew she could feel the mate bond too. It was incredibly strong. As she got closer I reached my hand out to hers to help her up the steps. The sparks that flew between us were insane. It was like my skin was on fire and freezing all at the same time. This woman would be my undoing. Please Goddess don’t let her reject me. 

Kiera’s POV

A knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts of escaping. As I turned I saw Alpha Markus walking in. 

“I know you don’t have any family. Would it be okay if I walked you down the aisle?” There was a softness to his tone and eyes.

“I think that will be fine. Tell me, will I be able to explore the pack territory after  the ceremony?” 

“You will be the bride of my son, and the future Luna. You will be able to do whatever you please.”

“One more question, why the wedding? Normally our kind don’t bother with the human ceremony.”

“Well, the current Luna loves to throw parties and as part our pack rules is that if you are a chosen mate you must marry to get the Luna title.”

“Oh” is all I said. I didn’t really want to be the Luna, but I did have to admit having some rank sounded nice after being told what to do for so long. 

“Let's go shall we?” he asked as he offered me his arm. I nodded and we left the room. As we headed back down the long flights of stairs I smelt it again. That scent. Chocolate and spice. As we started toward what I assumed was the back yard the scent got stronger. My eyes widened as I saw the amount of people that were outside waiting for me. 

“Don’t be nervous yet, this is only part of the pack. The whole pack won’t be invited till your Luna ceremony. Did Jarod not tell you Blood Moon is the largest pack on the West Coast?” I couldn’t even speak. I just gulped and shook my head. He chuckled quietly as we rounded the final corner. There were so many people there. Most were smiling at me. I could see a few she-wolves glaring. They must have a thing for my groom. 

The intoxicating scent was so powerful at this point I was losing focus on my surroundings. Astrid was practically dancing in my head. Her purring had gotten quite loud. As I was scanning the crowd to see if I could locate who the scent was coming from I tripped. Well, something tripped me. A growl came from Alpha Markus on my right and I swiveled my head to the left to see a she-wolf smirking at me. She disappeared into the crowd as we kept walking like it never happened.

“Remember that b***h. I have a feeling she is going to be a thorn in our side later” Astrid growled. Of course I would remember her. I may have been sold to this pack, but I was not about to let some she-wolf bully me. I turned my head to face forward and my eyes locked with his. The most beautiful man I had ever seen. I could not believe it. His emerald green eyes were burning through my soul. It was hard to see the rest of him, his eyes were so captivating. I could see his beautiful smile though. Was he really smiling at me? No way, he must be smiling at me tripping. I am sure everyone saw that b***h trip me.

“That is our mate. He wouldn’t laugh at our humiliation. He is proud to have us.” Astrid was in love already. I was still in shock. Could he really be my mate? Could the Moon Goddess really have worked this out for me? I mean, what did I do to deserve such luck? Being sold to not only a nice pack but my mate of all people?!

As I got closer he reached his hand out for me to take. As soon as our hands touched it was like lightning struck my fingers. I felt the shock all the way up my arm. It was the most amazing feeling. I had completely forgotten about escaping. All I could think about was this beautiful man in front of me. 

I hadn’t even noticed the Alpha stepped in front of us on the podium. I could barely hear him speak. Astrid was purring loudly in my mind, and I was having a hard time focusing. He turned to face the Alpha breaking our eye contact. My mind cleared enough for me to realise I needed to do the same. As I turned to face Alpha Markus he addressed the crowd welcoming them and announcing the start of the wedding ceremony. He had a beautiful speech about mates, love, and eternity. Then the final questions.

  "Do you, Hunter Ryan Cross take this woman, Kiera Rain McKennen, to be your bride? To love and cherish her as your mate and partner for the rest of eternity?"

  "I do" His voice was deep and smooth.

  "And do you, Kiera Rain McKennen, take this man, Hunter Ryan Cross to be your husband?"

  "Huh, oh, I d-do" I stuttered. I hoped I hadn’t offended him with my nervousness. 

Hunters POV

  She had the sweetest voice. It was like heaven to hear her. I couldn't wait to hear more. I smiled a little at her stutter. I could tell she was nervous.  

"You may now kiss the bride." Finally the moment I had been waiting for. I lifted her veil slowly. Her sapphire blue eyes sparkled. She seemed so unsure.  I took her in my arms ever so gently. She shuddered at my touch. Her arms hung awkwardly by her side. Had never been embraced before? Ah the thought of being her first for everything was exciting. I leaned down to kiss her. Her lips were warm and soft. She didn't pull away or fight me but I could tell she had never been kissed before. I deepened the kiss making her moan slightly. She finally wrapped her arms around my neck. As we broke the kiss I looked at her. Her eyes were still closed for a second. She was the most beautiful woman I had ever laid eyes on. I took her hand and she looked at me. With a smile and a small nod I turned us to face the crowd. Cheers erupted from my family startling both of us. 

“Introducing for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Hunter Cross!” I thought the first round of applause was loud. I was wrong. The cheers and howls were ear splitting after that. 

We were ushered down the aisle together to the banquet hall. My mother spared nothing! It was beautiful. Everything done up in watery silver and blue to match the bride. I still couldn’t believe it, she was my bride. Plates of food were being placed on the long tables.She held my hand through everything. Being jostled around by my family shaking her hand and hugging her. Kisses on the cheek from my aunt's. Speeches, toasts and the works were had. She only let go to fold her napkin in her lap. With all the commotion I don't think anyone else noticed how she just looked at the food. Staring at it in disbelief. Like she didn't know if she could really eat it or not. 

"If you are hungry my wife please eat. Anything you want is yours." I whispered in her ear with a smile. Slowly she began to take small amounts of everything. I couldn't keep from staring. She was so graceful with everything she did. I simply could not believe this beautiful creature was my wife, my mate.

Kiera's POV

   After Alpha read the vows and we both responded “I do” it came. The moment I had been dreading. “You may kiss the bride.” I had never really had contact with anyone let alone this intimately. As he lifted my veil I heard Astrid purring in my head. I was so nervous. I had never kissed anyone in my life.  

 He placed his hands around my waist gently and pulled me to him. Tiny sparks shot through my body where he touched me. He looked excited, I think. I wasn't ready for what came next. He put his lips on mine! It felt amazing. Sparks shot from my lips through my whole body. Astrid howled loudly with excitement. I know I wasn't doing it right but I didn't know what else to do and he didn't seem to mind at all. I didn’t know what to do with my hands at first. Then almost instinctively I wrapped them around his neck.

   After he pulled away I felt light headed. Everything was a bit of a blur from there. He took my hand as we turned to face the large crowd. The cheers that erupted after the Alpha introduced us as man and wife were deafening. 

 He let me hold his hand through it all. People wanted to talk to me, touch me, see me, and it was a lot to take in. I felt like I just wanted to be alone with him. I didn't know why but I couldn't help but want only him. This was really going to put a damper on me escaping. 

   Soon I was seated in front of all these babbling people with plates of delicious looking food in front of me. I didn't know what to do. I had never seen anything like this. I was usually only handed broth and bread through a hole in the door. 

"If you are hungry my wife please eat. Anything you want is yours" his voice was soothing and gentle. Slowly I started to try everything. It was all so amazing. I had never had food like this! I couldn't believe no one was stopping me. I could just eat whatever I wanted. This couldn't be real. Was I dreaming? I couldn't be dreaming. Though I married a man I don't know everything about today was the best birthday ever. 

   As the night wore on he didn't make me do too much. We mostly just sat and were paraded upon by his daunting family. He did ask me to dance. I guess it was customary. I had never danced before. 

“Hunter, I don’t know how to dance.” It was almost a whisper but he had heard me.

"Just take my hand and follow me." He whispered. I couldn't help but go along with everything he asked. His voice was so captivating.  I felt like I was floating. Not wanting to think of what would happen later. I just tried to enjoy the evening knowing life would never be this okay again. I knew I wouldn’t be able to stay. The thought hurt. I knew I couldn’t stay but the thought of leaving was painful.

He led me out onto the dance floor in front of everyone. My heart was racing. He wrapped me in his arms and started to move in circles slowly. The sparks between our bodies were electric. Gazing into his beautiful green eyes was so mesmerizing. The entire world around us faded away. He leaned in gently and placed a light kiss on my lips. As he pulled away I couldn’t help the small moan that escaped my mouth. He smiled down at me. How could I ever live without this man. s**t.

   As it got later and later I could feel myself getting tired. This was all so much. I know Marsha had said I would join Hunter in his room but I was unsure how that would work. Would I share his bed too? I was starting to get a little nervous about this. I didn't want this to end. This is all so wonderful. Being around people and they were all so nice. 

"I'm feeling tired, how about you?" Hunter asked me in a hushed voice. I nodded my agreement. Fear consuming my mind."You wanna get out of here?" 

"I thought I wasn’t supposed to leave?" I asked quietly. He just stared at me for a minute bewildered. 

"You are my wife. I don’t know what your life was like before but you may go anywhere you please. I meant to go to our room." He seemed concerned and a little irritated. 

"I'm sorry if I upset you husband." I said with a small voice.

"You have done no such thing! Come let's say our goodbyes be done with this spectacle." He was so handsome. I still couldn't believe this was all true. I married this man. I know it was arranged but he seemed to like me well enough. 

   His hand in mine I followed him out of the banquet hall and up several flights of stairs. We stopped in front of a door at the top of the last flight of stairs. Hunter turned to me. Without warning he scooped me into his arms. As he was opening the door I panicked. Just like in my training I flipped myself out of his arms and landed both feet on the floor. I looked up and he was rubbing his head where I had hit him. He was also laughing. What! Are you serious! 

"I am so sorry! I didn't know what you were doing! What were you doing?" I choked. 

Hunter's POV

"You will have to tell me what life was like for you before you arrived here." I asked bluntly. Not even realizing she was conflicted. 

   "I have spent most of my life locked away in a basement room. The guards told me I wasn't fit to be around normal people." Her words made it sound so normal. Like that's just what life was like.

   "What! Why?"

   "It’s a long story. Could we maybe talk about it another time?"

  “Of course. I mean, we do have the rest of our lives to get to know each other.” I looked down into her deep sapphire eyes. The rest of my life. I get to look into those beautiful eyes the rest of my life. "I'm going to pick you up again but this time don't hurt me." I laughed a little as I said it. I bent down and scooped her into my arms and carried her to my king sized bed. As I gently set her down my whole body was on fire. Every time I touched her it was electrical. I could feel myself becoming aroused. I could smell it on her too. She shifted uncomfortably on the bed. Like she didn't know what was going on. 

"You haven't had much interaction with people, have you?" I needed to know what she was comfortable with before I continued. If it were up to me I would take her right now but I don't want to rush her. 

"Not like this. I mean, again, it’s a long story." She really was not wanting to talk about her past at all. 

"So do you know what would generally be going  with a bride and groom after a wedding?" 

“Look, Hunter, I know what s*x is. I know that after a wedding the bride and groom are supposed to consummate the marriage. I may not have had much interaction with people but I am not stupid.” She said this with such conviction. 

“I don’t think you are stupid Kiera. I just don’t want to assume something is okay and then you end up not trusting me.” As I spoke I sat down on the bed next to her. I don’t know if she realised she started to lean in closer to me. I liked it. I couldn’t help but want her.

  “It must be obvious to you that I have never done anything like this before.” I nodded my head. She looked up at me with those gorgeous eyes. I reached out and grabbed her hand.

“If you aren’t ready I understand. I don’t want to rush anything.” 

“Are you sure?”

“Of course! You are my mate. As much as I want you, I don’t want you to be unhappy or uncomfortable.”

“Mate?”

“Yes, my mate. The other half of my soul. You’ve heard of mates right?”

“Yes, my wolf told me about them. She actually told me earlier you were my mate. I just didn’t know if you felt the same way.”

“Of course I do, Kiera. I knew you were my mate before I saw your face.”