Alpha Kaelen's Substitute Bride

Episode 003

Moonlight

Maelis's Pov

“Welcome to the family, Maelis!”

The words floated through the palace before I even had the chance to catch my breath. A woman swept forward, tall and elegant, her golden curls pinned back to show off a face that radiated charm. Her pink gown shimmered under the lights, cinched tight at the waist, flowing like soft petals to the floor.

Queen Veyra.

Kaelen stiffened at my side, though he said nothing. His silence only made me wonder how much history lay between them.

“You’re even more beautiful close,” she said warmly, gripping my hands like we had known each other for years. “Are you hungry? I can have the chef prepare something right away.”

My stomach turned. The wedding feast had been more than enough, though nerves had kept me from tasting much. I forced a small smile.

“No, thank you, your majesty. Thanks for it.

She let go of her grip, but her smile got bigger, almost too perfect. "I hope you liked the ceremony." We only brought in the best.

I said, "It was beautiful." "My family was thankful for all the presents."

"Of course," she said. "It’s the least we could do, considering the circumstances."

The way she said it made my skin crawl. "Thinking about what?"

She looked at Kaelen, who stood still with his shoulders stiff, behind the mask, anger shone in his eyes.

She said, "This was little more than a forced marriage," as if she were talking about the weather.

"It was a prophecy," Kaelen said, his jaw tight.

She rolled her eyes and told him to go away. "Whatever excuse you want to use, we both know she didn't choose it. Who would want to marry a man with such a negative reputation?

Kaelen's neck got hot, and his silence was louder than any denial. My chest hurts. How could she say that about him in front of me?

Queen Veyra went on in a sweet voice, "I've already set up a separate room." "You shouldn't have to share space with a cruel, ugly man who hides his face. Isn't that sad?

Nora made me angry. "Why is she talking to him like that?"

I quickly said, "That's not needed," even though I didn't feel like it. I wrapped my arm around Kaelen's and held on tight. "As his Luna, I'll stay in his room."

I looked at him, not at her. He could hear my choice.

Before he spoke, his throat worked. "Please excuse us."

"Of course." She stepped aside, and her smile stayed the same, but her eyes got sharper.

We kept walking, and the heaviness of her words followed us through the events and up the big stairs.

Nora said, "She makes me feel uneasy."

I thought to myself, "Maybe they aren't close." "Kaelen doesn't seem like the type of guy who lets a lot of people close."

"Or maybe he isn't what you think," she said in a soft voice.

I shook my head. "He's a threat. He killed his first Luna. What will he do with me?

The doors to his chambers creaked open, and I shook as I stepped inside. The night air was thick and came in through the window. It was the full moon tonight.The stories said it took away an Alpha's power and left only rage.

As Kaelen stopped near the bed and bowed his head, my heart raced. His breathing got harder and deeper.

"Your Highness?" My voice was quiet.

He turned so quickly that I almost fell back, but his arms caught me before I could. His grip was so strong that it crushed me against him. His dark, almost black eyes were fixed on me, shaking with something I couldn't put my finger on. His teeth were clenched, his lips were raw from biting, and his breath was short.

The light from the window fell on the floor, making it look silver and cold. The moon had reached its peak.

He looked at me like I was prey.

It was a battle between an Alpha and an Omega. I wouldn't have a chance.

"He smells so good..." Nora whispered, confused.

His mouth hit mine hard and hot. His tongue pushed its way in, and the sharp edge of his teeth dragged over my lip until it tore. He drank it, and the blood tasted like metal in my mouth.

My body shook a lot. I cried as his hand fumbled with the zipper of my dress and then gave up. The room was filled with the sound of fabric ripping. Under his grip, lace and silk ripped apart, falling in strips all around us.

I tried to scream, but his mouth ate the sound.

In my head, Nora sighed, "I need him."

I pushed against him, desperate, but he just pushed back harder. His kisses went down my neck, his tongue dragged roughly across my skin, and his teeth sank in just deep enough to hurt. Blood welled and ran down my shoulder. His mouth followed every drop.

"Please," I begged in a broken whisper, but his eyes were too far gone.

He squeezed me so tight my ribs ached, my lungs begging for air. Each bite brought more skin, more blood, and more pain. I yelled, but his grip made everything quiet.

Finally, he let go of me and threw me onto the bed. His body pressed down on mine, and his hands roamed, searched, and owned. His breath was crazy, and his mouth was everywhere. My blood was on his lips when he kissed me once more.

His hand ripped at his clothes, and his body pushed between my legs. I could feel him pressing against me, hard and urgent. My tears fell faster, and I couldn't speak.

"This smell..." Nora said in a low voice. "It's pulling me in."

"Get out of my head," I hissed to myself, my heart racing with fear.

His mouth ripped open my collarbone, and his teeth bit me until more blood came out. His heat burned against me, demanding.

The cries finally came out.

“f**k me to death if you have to, you jerk!” I yelled, and my voice broke as the words came out.

And just as c**k was between my legs, he stopped.

What made him stop?