THE ALPHA'S FAKE HUMAN MATE

Chapter 4

The entire halo burst into an uproar, the emperor was taking a wife! Some were concerned as they knew that every alpha before him who had taken a wife died immediately after while others were jealous of the fortune that had befell the Licrose family.

“Of course, emperor, I would be honored to have you as my son in law,” he gave a loud laugh that made his stomach move. “Which of my daughters would it be?”

“Why are you even asking, my dear? He came to Elena's coming of age banquet even though we have never been in contact with thin all our lives. It should be clear who he wants to marry,” Elide interrupted, going on and on with a smile.

“That's true dear, I have been wondering why the emperor blessed us with his presence this evening too.” Malik agreed with his wife, his smile getting wider.

The guests heard their conversation, since they weren't trying to be quiet anyways, shot Elena, who was now blushing, looks of jealousy.

“Elena, come, come. Come and greet your husband,” she said walking briskly toward her daughter. “You sneaky child, you didn't tell me you were in contact with the alpha!” The mother squealed into her ears.

Elena has never met the alpha but she didn't care to reveal that now. She passed a victorious smile to the guests, especially Harvey's sisters, her pride multiplying by thousands.

Damien watched them with an amused interest, his smug look similar to the one resting on Harvey's face.

“She is really beautiful, isn't she?” Elide asked rhetorically when she got in front of the alpha. “I've always known she was meant for royalty though she has been very sneaky and didn't tell me she was involved with you, anyways I wouldn't put it against you both. I give you my blessings,” she said loud enough for everyone to hear.

Elena's face flushed but she was obviously glad at this new uprising, “Good evening Alpha,” she said shyly and her mother tugged her. “Oh my dear, now isn't the time to be modest. Show the world the love both of you share, after all he decided to ask for your hand on marriage right here in public. It only shows how much he cares and respects you. Even your father and the family benefits from that respect,” She rambled on, willingly ignorant of the fact that people could hear her.

“I never knew we were acquainted with Miss Elena,” Damien faked a look of confusion like he couldn't have stopped this the moment he started.

The crowd gasped upon hearing him, “Oh, nonsense. You need not hide it Emperor, we wouldn't scorn you for falling in love and spending time with my Elena. She's too beautiful for any man to resist so I understand.”

Damien's face froze and his expression went rigid, the playful smirk he head on earlier gone. He unleashed a burst of cold air from his body which made the entire room tremble. “Not beautiful enough to tempt me,” he said coldly, pushing them aside.

“Then who do you want to marry? Definitely can't be Aminat of Lidia, they are beneath you. They have neither fine clothes or beauty, they are as plain as bread. How could you choose them over my daughter?” Elide went on self righteously.

“Mama,” Elena tried to make her stop talking as she was already embarrassed enough but Elide wouldn't take the hint. On a normal day, Elena would have taken pride in her mother's praise and belittling her stepsisters but right now it would only stain her image if she lets her mother go on like this.

“What child? Let me speak. He deserved to—” “Enough woman!” Malik ordered after recovering from his initial embarrassment, Elide kept quiet after his order. The crowd stared, watching and enjoying the drama before then.

“You may have your pick in any of my daughters, your highness.” Malik bowed his entire upper body, trying to please the alpha who was now looking annoyed.

“I want neither of your daughters—” “Please forgive my insolent wife, do not take away your blessings because of them.” He interrupted. Damien sighed before continuing, “I want one of your sons.”

The crowd gasped again, “That's an abomination!” Elide cried loudly.

Damien's eyes flicked from black to red and he crossed his hands behind his back. He was already annoyed at having a male as his mate, he didn't need a foolish woman yelling it out.

“Get your dog on a leash, Malik.” Malik nodded frantically, moving towards the wife he was not cursing under his breath. “If he wants Calvin then it's not that bad I guess, we'll still be related to the royal family,” she mumbled to herself but loud enough that everyone heard.

“I'm really sorry,” Elena said to Damien who ignored her.

“I would like to ask for Harvey's hand in marriage,” everyone stopped in their tracks to turn to Harvey.

Harvey stared at him calculating, her lips curled into a smirk as she watched him. He had what she wanted and accepting his offer would be a direct slap on Elide, who she had really begun detesting, face.

“Go to him Harvey,” Her mother, Amelia, who was the same woman who came to see her earlier, urged silently.

Harvey got on her feet and strolled easily towards Damien, her eyes never once breaking eye contact with his deep black ones.

“We meet again,” she said when she got close enough for only him to hear, “You say more than two words at a time,” Harvey smiled even wider now.

“To think you had a sword on my throat about 5 hours ago and now you're begging for my hand in marriage.” “What can I say? I love to make an entrance.” Harvey's eyes were soft, her blue eyes were brightly feminine and looked off for a male.

The crowd gawked at their ‘easy’ conversation and swooned and what they believed was love.

“Your kingdom would object to having a male as their empress.” She stated though not really caring. “They accept what I accept,” he declared cockily.

“I accept,” she stated out loud, most people cheered to have a new… empress? Others quietly watched, raging with disapproval.

Her reasons were simple, she wanted to find her clan ane he has the resources plus was already on the case. He was also conveniently rich, rich enough to take care of her family, ridding her of that problem too.

“But you have to get on your knees and kiss my hands before I marry you,” she added quietly for both of them.

“You wish,” he replied. Harvey stretched forth his hand and held it there, Damien glared at her with disapproval but kissed her hand regardless. Without the kneeling though. He wasn't dumb and understood that he might seem in power but she was the one in charge, he NEEDED her and didn't mind playing lovestruck i***t if that's what it took to get her.

“I'll accept it, for now. We'll have enough time to make you kneel to me,” Harvey said playfully but she meant it. After being killed by a werewolf on the day they were supposed to be wed, she was bent on having this one bend to her will. She was going to have dominion over him, after all she had over 300 years of experience.

They got into another staredown, each thinking of their personal selfish interest when interrupted by Amelia.

“My son, you're getting married to the emperor!” She beamed, she felt weird as she said it but ignored the feeling. She was going to be the emperor's mother-in-law.

“You have to make him let us live in the palace with him!” Carla suggested, “Yes Harvey, you must make him!” Aminat supported.

“Don't worry about that, my husband would make sure you're all well settled. You're his in-law after all.” Harvey said smugly, determined to make Damien's life as miserable as she can.

Amelia smiled at Elide, a smile that said “I won b***h”. She finally had the upper hand between them.

Damien glared at Harvard but nodded in agreement. ‘What have I gotten myself into?’ he thought to himself.