Deceiving My Mate

Chapter 7

***Nova***

My heart raced in my chest as I stood behind the grand doors of the hall, the ceremonial room buzzing with anticipation. The air was thick with the scents of pine, smoke, and the slight tang of adrenaline. I shifted nervously in my slightly baggy tuxedo, the fabric feeling foreign against my skin. The seams tugged just enough to remind me of the differences between my true form and the persona I was about to present.

Today was my coronation, my official rise as the new Lycan King of Zeldra—an honor that came with immense weight and responsibility. Yet, in my case, it meant pretending to be something I was not. A male. A king. Zeek Hendrix.

The last Lycan King had been my father, a formidable man whose presence filled a room with power and authority. I—a twenty-year-old with light brown hair and brown eyes—was smaller than him, a mere shadow in comparison. With a swift inhale, I reminded myself of the gravity of this moment; it wasn’t just about me. It was about the entire kingdom.

If something happened to the royal Lycan, a war would erupt among our people. Every pack had its own Alpha, and once one sensed vulnerability, they would claw for power. I had to do this, not just for my safety but for my bloodline and every wolf who called this land home.

As the doors swung open with a loud creak, the sunlight streamed in, illuminating the hall’s ornate decor. Hundreds of werewolves lined the aisles, their presence a mixture of excitement, support, and scrutiny. The Alphas were gathered, each draped in their pack’s colors and adorned with symbols of strength. Their eyes turned toward me, a collective focus that felt like a spotlight shining directly on my soul.

I stepped forward, heart pounding in my ears, every gaze sending a jolt of anxiety through me. Dante and Chase had done an impeccable job at disguising my figure, wrapping me in layers that hid the curves of my body. The corset felt painfully tight, each breath a strained effort as it pushed my chest flat. Yet I pushed aside the discomfort and focused on maintaining a calm expression. No one could discern that I was not the man they expected. Nobody could see a royal daughter; they must see a king.

As I walked down the aisle, I caught glimpses of familiar faces—some smiling warmly, others with uncertainty, and a few filled with sheer skepticism. But the moment I locked eyes with one wolf, the world around me blurred into silence.

The male stood near the front, the Alpha’s section-his dark brown hair catching the light like a beacon. His honey brown eyes were deep and intense, consuming me completely. I felt a spark of recognition, one that shattered the barriers I had carefully built around my heart. Oh, f**k! my Lycan’s voice echoed in my mind, a mixture of surprise and primal excitement. He was my fated mate.

Despite my instinct to show my shock, I schooled my expression, keeping it blank as I approached the altar where the Alpha priest awaited. I could see the glimmer of surprise in Caesar’s eyes, even as his face calmly masked it. My wolf growled within me, eager to leap forward, to close the distance and claim what was rightfully ours.

“Prince Zeek Hendrix, Son of the late Lycan King, next heir to the Lycan throne, do you agree to protect this kingdom and uphold the duties of a Lycan King?” The Alpha priest’s voice resonated through the hall, pulling me back from my thoughts.

“Yes,” I managed to respond, my voice steady and hopeful in the deep male tone I had practiced. despite the wild fluttering in my stomach, I was confident I had nailed it. I could almost hear my heart hammering against my ribcage, fighting to break free and reveal my truth. That would be a problem since every person here right now had great hearing and would hear my heart. If that wasn’t controlled, we’ll I would probably been seen as weak. And if that wasn’t enough, my scent alone would be weakness. Thank the goddess my Lycan abilities allowed me to hide my scent, it was heart beating loudly that I had to control myself. So far so good, my Lycan said.

“Do you promise loyalty, strength, and courage in leading and serving your people?” The priest’s gaze was piercing, and I felt every set of eyes on me.

“I promise,” I affirmed, fighting to keep my tone authoritative, my chin slightly raised—just like my father taught me.

“Then, by the power vested in me, I crown you as the new king of Zeldra.” The priest raised the crown, a beautiful piece of silver adorned with emeralds symbolizing our territory. It gleamed under the chandeliers, catching the light as he placed it gently upon my head.

The weight settled firmly, not just as a symbol of my new role but as a reminder of the responsibility I carried. Murmurs spread through the crowd, a mixture of applause and hushed speculation. I scanned the faces around me, seeing approval and skepticism alike, but my focus drifted to the unknown male. His expression was unreadable, yet those dark brown eyes betrayed a mix of emotions—curiosity, confusion, and a hint of something else that almost sent my heart racing.

I took a deep breath, standing straighter—the newly crowned king. Lycan king Zeek. In this moment, I felt a surge of power. It was intoxicating. But at the same time, anxiety bubbled beneath the surface. I was still pretending, still hiding behind a facade that could shatter at any moment.

As the ceremony continued, the priest spoke of unity and strength, but all I could think of was the bond tugging at my gut. I had so many unanswered questions, and my instincts screamed at me to approach Caesar, to feel the power of our connection. What would he think when he finally learned the truth?

Once the vows were completed, I stepped back, lowering my gaze as applause filled the air. My pack members cheered, but within me, a storm brewed—one fueled by my fear of exposure and the depth of what it meant to be fated mates with the Alpha of the largest pack.

“My King!” an Alpha of a neighboring pack called, stepping forward as the crowd gradually settled. “What are your plans for Zeldra? Are you ready to lead us into a new era?”

All eyes shifted, awaiting my response. My heart raced as the question hung in the air, a challenge wrapped in a friendly tone. I needed to impress, to show them I was worthy.

“I will lead with strength and honor,” I replied, projecting confidence. “My aim is unity among all packs, to ensure that we remain strong together against any external threats. We are stronger as one; I will not let power divide us.”

The murmurs of approval traveled through the crowd. For a moment, I felt the pressure ease, allowing my shoulders to relax slightly. But then I remembered the stakes. My father’s legacy loomed large, and I had to uphold it. But most importantly, protect the throne until my brother was found and brought home safely.

Each Alpha stepped forward and announced their names , along with there pack name. All the Alphas present declaring their support and loyalty. One my one until my eyes landed on honey brown eyes. My mate.

To my surprise, he stepped forward, breaking through the crowd to stand in front of me. “My King, I’m Alpha of the Caesar Steele of the Steele pack,” he declared, his voice loud and clear.

A thrill raced through me at his announcement —an acknowledgment of who my mate was. But his name- his voice. My Lycan was purring in my head in approval.

The sound of applause erupted around us, but despite the bombastic atmosphere, my mind raced with the implications of everything happening in that moment.

“Thank you, Alpha Caesar,” I responded, forcing my voice to maintain its steadiness. “I am honored to have your support.”

The ceremony continued, but my focus remained tethered to him. As the crowd dispersed, people came forward to pay their respects, to congratulate me on my new position. Yet every interaction felt muted, overshadowed by the magnetic pull between Caesar and me.

Finally, once the attendees began to thin, I found myself being escorted away from the Alpha’s, Chase by my side.

I didn’t have to look back to know that my mate watched me walk away.

Out of sight from everyone Chase and I entered my room. I couldn’t stop the exhale I made.

“That went well.” Chase said. “So, we’ll even I’m convinced your a small male.” He added.

“Chase.” I called as I reached for the corset string to reveal my breathing.

“Congratulations, new Lycan King,” the door opened and Dante said.

“Chase!” I shouted a bit louder.

“What’s wrong?” He asked, concern lacing his tone.

“Our plan isn’t going to work.” I blurted out as panic rushed over me.

“What do you mean?” Dante asked. “I thought it went smoothly?” He looked to Chase for an explanation.

“Everything did go smoothly after you left.” Chase confirmed

“No, it’s..” I trailed off. “I met my mate.” I said and they both looked to me wide eyed.

“f**k!” They both said at the same time.