Wolfbound: The Alpha's Chosen Mate

CHAPTER 5

Emilia's heart pounded faster as she felt the people’s eyes on her as she walked back into the hal dressed in a burgundy dress. She had left to change into something more appropriate. Draven had ordered Jason to take care of her outfit.

Earlier, when she followed beta Jason out of the hall, she had feared that getting an outfit her size quickly would be impossible.

But immediately when she entered one of the rooms at the back of the hall, she was stunned when she saw a beautiful burgundy dress. The dress was so perfect, like it was picked specially for her.

Six months ago, after being rejected for her size, she had worked hard on herself and moved from size 16 to 14. Looking at her reflection in the mirror, she realised how much she had changed. She looked beautiful.

Inside the hall, Draven walked slowly towards her. His gaze on her was intense but warming, while something unknown flickered in his eyes.

And when Draven took her hand, Emilia's heart was thudding loudly inside her chest. She could feel butterflies flap happily inside her stomach.

Draven led her towards the throne, then they sat while the pack's priest began with the rituals. As the rituals were ongoing, Emilia's mind was racing with thoughts.

‘How am I going to rule a pack without the presence of her wolf?’ She wondered. Her grip on her dress tightened, as her knuckles whitened.

“Are you angry at someone?” Draven whispered beside her, his breath teasing her skin.

Emilia flinched slightly, caught off guard. His voice was calm, laced with teasing, and the corner of his lips was lifted in a small smirk.

At that moment, she felt angry at him for putting her in the spotlight without asking her. Then she scoffed at her thought.

‘We've not seen each other for the past six months. Who am I that the Alpha will take permission before making me his Luna? But the least he could have done was…’

Then Draven whispered into her ear again. “Relax. The ceremony will be over soon. I do not want my mother thinking I forced you to become my Luna.”

“But you did,” she almost spat, but bit her tongue. There was already a lot going on in her life, being punished because she insulted the Alpha shouldn't be part of it.

“Alpha Draven,” the priest called. “Take the crown and place it on our Luna's head.” He said pointing towards a small but beautiful crown.

Majestically, Draven stood and collected the crown. Emilia's heart beat faster as he placed the crown on her head. All of it still felt like a dream to her.

Draven took her hand, lifting her from her seat. They stood close to each other so that he could hear her heart racing faster. For a moment Emilia's eyes were locked on Draven's as they flickered with a mixture of unreadable emotions.

Emilia was unable to hold his gaze, she blinked looking away and she caught Kael staring at her. The ritual was over Draven and began introducing her to the important pack members.

“This is Elder Marcus, he is in charge of the pack's finances,” he introduced.

“A pleasure, Luna,” Marcus said, his tone measured and his expression stoic.

“Mrs Liora,” Draven continued.

Liora had a tight smile on her face. “Welcome.” Emilia knew that they had a lot of negative things to say about her, but they couldn’t dare because of Draven’s presence.

Eventually Draven left her to greet some guests. Miri also came to congratulate her, but left in a hurry, she had found her mate.

“I see you're enjoying your new position Emilia,” a voice she had forced herself to forget spoke behind her.

Turning around, she steeled her expression. “What are you doing here?”

Kael shrugged, grabbed a drink from a passing tray and gave a glass to Emilia.

“Congratulating my cousin's Luna and… my friend on her new deserved position.” His tone dripped with mockery.

Emilia’s jaw clenched, but she took a deep breath calming her nerves. “Very well then. Thank you.” She said with a final note.

Turning on her heel, she walked away. She didn’t know why but she felt angry at herself. Without thinking, she raised the glass he had handed her and downed it.

Before the night ended, Draven had to carry her tipsy and barely conscious back to his quarters. He dropped her on the bed and turned to leave, but was stopped by her question.

“Why did you choose me?” her words slurred while she struggled to keep her eyes open.

Draven paused, his lips pressed in a thin line. “I didn’t choose. The moon goddess did. We’re mates.”

Emilia’s chest tightened. “But I have no wolf.”

He stepped closer, his voice softer now. “You will when the time is right.”

Then, she stood, wobbling slightly and kissed him desperately. Draven froze at first. But Zareth, his wolf, growled in satisfaction, and he gave in.

He kissed her back, fiercely. His hands moved to her waist, pulling her against him. Her moan was soft, and needy. Her scent flooded his senses.

When his tongue brushed her lip, he tasted a faint trace of her blood. Zareth growled louder. “Mark her. Make her ours.”

Draven barely fought it. His lips left hers, trailing down her neck. Her body trembled inder his touch. Her fingers clung to him. He helped her out of her gown, slow and careful.

She stood in front of him, vulnerable and exposed.

Draven’s hands were gentle, he leaned in, lips trailing soft kisses along her neck. Every stroke, every kiss across her skin sent sparks through her veins.

She shivered, her breath stopped. It felt like the first time. She felt like she was being truly seen for the first time.

It wasn’t about s*x. It was something more raw and intimate.

“You’re mine,” he whispered against her ear. “And I’ll keep you safe.”

He lay beside her, pulling the blanket over them. His arm wrapped protectively around her as she drifted into sleep.

~~~~~

Light filtered through silk curtains and Emilia awoke. Draven stood beside the window, his back half turned toward her. She swallowed seeing him shirtless.

He turned slowly, his expression serious.

“Who did this to you?” he asked, pointing to the large, faded scar near her ribs.

Hesitating, she replied. “Velda, my stepmother. I had broken her favorite glass mistakenly.” Her voice cracking as the memory flooded back.

Emilia saw hus jaw tighten and his stormy grey eyes turned cold. He was quiet for a long moment. Before Draven could reply, the door burst open.

A gaurd stumbled in, breathless. Blood on his clothes.

“Alpha, it’s the Queen Mother.”