Braided Fate - A Werewolf Romance

Chosen Mate

(Mari POV)

I was sick and tired of this conference. The meetings were dragging on and on. If I heard one more jacked-up, testosterone fueled, Alpha-male offer to take my pack off my hands, I was going to lose my sanity. In addition dealing with all the staring and the politics of my fellow Alphas, my whole body felt on edge. It had built slowly during the meetings until I felt like I was going to scream. I could feel my wolf Kya pacing in my head, like she was agitated. I asked her what was wrong and she just brushed me off. I rolled my eyes and decided we needed a break. I found the hosting Luna quickly. She broke away from her mate’s side when I made eye contact.

“Oh, hello again, Alpha Marigold! May I help you with something?” Luna Kate asked politely. 

“Just call me Mari, please. Actually, I was wondering if you could show me where my room is. I don’t mind if it’s not ready yet. My wolf seems agitated by all the people. I think a couple minutes of quiet before drinks will help,” I explained. Kate’s eyes softened. I hadn’t meant any of the alpha’s wives I had liked yet; however, this Luna was a sweetheart and genuine.

      “Actually, the staff should have just finished the last minute details. So, it’s all ready for you. I just mind-linked our Head of Staff and she will meet you in the back hall to show you which room is yours! Feel better, Alp- Mari,” she grinned as she corrected herself. 

      Matching her grin, I nodded my thanks and walked past her into the guest wing of the pack-house. Just as I was about to turn the corner, the most intense scent hit every cell in my body. Crisp, green apples and honey filled my senses. I immediately felt possessive and aroused. Mate. Kya’s voice confirmed what I had guessed. That’s why we had been on edge. Our mate was here. What was our mate doing back here? All the Alphas and their leadership teams were still partying. Unless, was her mate a staff member? It wouldn’t matter who he was. She would be mated to him. With a soulmate, nonetheless. She could produce heirs. Her Alpha Bond would live.

     “Hello, Alpha Marigold! Luna Kate asked-” A tiny, beautiful woman stood before me, shocked as she felt the pull of our potential Mate Bond. I took a step closer, unable to breathe, unable to look away. Her eyes were a startling blue, her hair straight and the perfect shade of brown. Her pale skin was kissed with freckles. I reached out and touched her face, wondering if she were real. She wore a cream blue turtleneck and dark blue jeans. They did nothing to hide her soft curves.

Same s*x matings were rare. And they had never happened for an Alpha before. Not that I knew of, anyways. Part of me hesitated. We could reject the bond, but we might not get a second chance mate. I wanted to be able to have children, but I knew I wanted this ravishing creature in front of me. I was confused, but the Moon Goddess had brought me this far. I don't care either. I want HER.  Kya whined.

“I’m Marigold. I go by Mari. And your name, little one?” I asked as I pulled the little woman gently towards me. She leaned away from me as I pulled her close. She was definitely younger than me. She was obviously 18, because she felt the bond too. But, she couldn’t have been much older. She was still in shock but didn’t protest my touch. I marveled again at how good she smelled.

“I-I’m Aria. Alpha Marigold, what is happening? I don’t understand,” she stuttered.

“Aria. Like a song,” she shivered as I tucked her hair behind her ear. “Aria, can’t you feel it? You’re my mate. We can question this if you’d really like to, but trusting the Moon Goddess has gotten me this far. And love, your scent is driving me and my wolf mad.” I growled softly against her neck. I could smell her arousal. I held perfectly still. I was probably about to start a war; if I wasn't mistaken, this was the adopted daughter of Kate and Chris. I needed her consent with this for sure. An alpha mating with an Omega of another pack was unheard of. Breathing in my scent, her blue eyes darkening with desire, she leaned in to me. I marveled at how we matched.

“Your room is to the left, Alpha. I...I accept,” Aria said firmly. Joy burned through my veins like fire. Aria’s breath hitched as I hooked her by the waist and dragged her in the room. I shut the door and locked it behind her, my lips right next to her neck. Acting on instinct, I pinned her to the door and kissed her deeply. Her perfect body melted into me. She trembled.

“f**k, Aria, you smell amazing, babygirl.” I pressed my lips against her neck at the spot behind her ear. She whimpered. A million ideas of what I wanted to do to my little Aria raced through my brain. I didn't know that I could feel this way. I had always fantasized about being dominated and tamed by some man, but I obviously had no idea what I was missing. I grinded my hips into her. I almost lost it as she trembled and her lips fell open in lust. She whimpered again, obviously too timid and stimulated to use her words.

“Use your words, little one,” I was enjoying this dance my tongue was doing on her skin.

“P-please-” She squeaked. I knew what she wanted. What she needed. Of course I did. She was mine. She wanted me to kiss her, to give her more. But I wanted her to say it. My hands held her frozen in place as she attempted to find words.

“Please, what?” I chuckled. “Come on, baby. Tell your Alpha what you need,” I teased, grinding her gently against the door. I knew I was overstimulating her. She was stunningly perfect when breathless. I wanted to make her scream my name. Pure possession flooded my veins. This perfect creature was mine. My mate. I let out a possessive growl into the crook of her neck. Her body trembled like a live wire.

“K-kiss me, please!” She pleaded, her eyes wide. I grinned, more than happy to finally hear her plead for my lips.

I pulled her into the kiss we needed. My lips gently met hers and her little moan of relief made me need her more. I deepened the kiss, tilting her head back and teasing with my tongue and kissing every bit of skin I could get to when she had to breathe. She was soft as silk. I could never have enough of her. Her skin had flushed a pretty pink. I continued to tease and nibble and lick my perfect mate as I guided her to the bed. My hands moved all over her breasts and back over the top of the soft cotton she was wearing. She looked nervous.

I had never been with a woman, but I definitely had not lacked s****l partners. Which I now marveled at. How had I missed how soft and perfect women were? Aria’s hummingbird heart rate told me that she had no idea what to expect at all.

“Little Aria...mmmm...my little song...Are you scared?” I slowed down for a second, stopping my movements to give her a chance to think.

“No! D-don’t stop!” She whined. I grinned and pressed her into the bed. My hand went to slide under her shirt. I need f****d badly. So, so badly. But that wouldn’t stop me from making my little mate scream for me. She grabbed my hand and froze. 

Horror dropped through me as I registered the fear on her face. I immediately let her go. I had gone too fast.

      “I’m sorry.” My voice was rough with emotion. She began to tear up.

      “ Please, I didn’t mean-”

      “Little one, don’t even worry about it. I got excited. It won’t happen until you are ready. I should have paced myself.” I was kicking myself. Looking at her again, I remembered that she was years younger than me. I should have invited her down to dinner. I should have talked to her more. She didn’t know me other than my rank. Yes, it was common for destined mates to immediately mate, but I should have seen that she might be different. Had I been so enamored that I missed her fear? Was she scared of me?? Kya was just as panicked as I was.

      “Alpha-”

      “I’m Mari.” I interrupted firmly. I would NOT have my mate use my rank to address me.

      “Mari, I just... I didn’t mean to offend you. I do want to be your mate....Ugh I’ve ruined everything.” To my absolute horror, my little mate began to cry. With her rejection of my advances instantly forgotten, I held her close. She melted into me and nestled against my throat.

      “Aria, shh, my love. I have you now. We will go at your pace. You are mine now.” I murmured. She cried into my chest. To my surprise, my bedroom door burst open. I held my mate close and growled.

      Luna Kate and Alpha Chris froze at the sight.

      “Unhand my daughter, Alpha.” Kate ordered angrily. Chris had one hand on her arm to hold her back.

      “I’m okay, Kate. I promise.” Aria did not move from my arms as she addressed Luna in front of us.

     “I know you aren’t okay, Aria. You move away from my daughter at once, Alpha Mariold! I will not hesitate to separate you from my daughter myself and throw you in the dungeons for attacking another pack! I felt-” Kate was clearly positive that I was attacking Aria. She moved to grab Aria. I rolled her tiny body closer to me. Chris pulled Kate back again as I growled angrily.

     “You both have been gracious hosts. But, I promise you that if you touch my mate, Luna Kate, I will not hesitate to burn this place to the ground.” I threatened. Aria stiffened. I knew that Aria could talk me out of being vengeful, but no way in hell was I going to let these strangers take my mate.

     “Mate?” Kate’s voice softened. She looked close to tears. Chris supported her.

      “Aria may be your mate, Alpha, but if she does not want to go with you, you will not have her.” Chris boomed with authority. He was obviously using his Alpha bond to support his statement. I was not like any of the weak Alphas downstairs. I did not even tremble. I had been playing weak all day. It felt good to use my Alpha voice. I let Kya share control with me. My eyes shone gold.

     “Stand down, now.” Kya and I spoke together. Satisfaction as I saw my Alpha bond affect Chris and Kate in a way that Chris’ had not with me. They shook as they tried to fight the urge to obey me. Chris bowed his head in submission as I focused my power and concentration on him. His submission was sweet.

      “Mari, stop!” Aria squeaked. I immediately released my hold on the other alpha. He breathed deeply in relief.

      “I’ll be right back. Let me talk to them on my own.” She pleaded with me. I frowned. I wanted to scream as Aria left my embrace. I locked my muscles, not wanting to go against her wishes. I wanted nothing more than to hold her close and safe. Mine, mine, mine.  Honestly, at this point I couldn't tell if that was me or Kya.

       “Okay.” I whispered. My body relaxed just a little bit as she kissed my cheek. I felt helpless as she left the room. Mine, mine, mine, mine...