Amelia’s POV:
Slowly, I put my hand on Precious’s, still hesitating.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see a puddle of blood spreading on the ground, while my ears ring with those painful groans. I chew at my lower lip, feeling the cold seep straight into my bones.
“Where are your manners?” The Elder thunders. I can smell the fury rolling off him, though I can’t see his face from my position. “Arthur, that’s how you discipline your pack?”
My heart nearly bursts from my chest when I hear the devil’s name.
Is Arthur Moore here?
Holding my breath, my eyes flicker from side to side, searching for any possible figure.
“Mr. Baker,” Alex says as he steps out, “we are just helping Alpha Henry punish his out-of-line subordinate. If Alpha Arthur was here, he would have ordered us to do so too. He has zero tolerance for anyone who bullies women.”
“I agree! I can’t stand such behavior either! Thank you, Beta Alex. And Alpha Arthur is really a man of highest virtue.”
Ugh... Henry is licking the shoes of Blood Shadow Pack again. I’m 100% sure it was his command to attack me. That warrior is just a scapegoat.
However, despite the urge to snort, a wave of relief washes over me as I realize Arthur Moore isn’t around.
“I’ll clean the floor, no worries, no worries...” Henry bows and bends to the Elder before he gives a look to his men. Five guys immediately move forward, two lifting the wounded scapegoat, while the others wiping off the blood with their clothes.
“Mr. Baker, Mr. Precious Harley and Ms. Mia Wiley are here to apply for a marriage license. Please assist them with the process,” Alex’s voice sounds once more.
Precious makes a quarter turn, and the Elder’s face is back in view.
He looks back and forth between Precious and me, a silent evaluation. I muster a strained smile when our eyes meet, and notice the frown in his gray eyebrows deepens as his gaze drifts toward Precious. He studies him from head to toe. Precious stands tall, holding his stare confidently with a polite smile.
Confusion laces the Elder's face.
Maybe he is wondering what's up with the groom swap. Just as I assume he's about to ask something, he shakes his head with a scowl and grumbles sulkily, “Whatever, you’re the boss! Head in, don’t waste my time.” With that, he spins his heel and enters the building.
He’s a bit of a character, I think as a long-held breath finally found its way out of my mouth.
“Mr. Harley, there is something you need to know before mating with my daughter.” My guard goes up once again the moment Henry opens his mouth.
“The birthmark on her shoulder, as you already saw it, is a bad sign! She has caused her mother’s death, and I don’t want her to jinx you too. She has no wolf, so weak that it has been tough for me to raise her. We’ve been keeping this matter concealed, but I feel awful to keep you in the dark.” Henry appears remorseful and concerned, carefully observing Precious as he says. He’s attempting to make Precious back down.
My fury surges.
I’ve never felt ashamed of my birthmark, and neither do I believe it led to my mother’s death. Someone once advised me to have it removed at a plastic surgery clinic or to cover it with a tattoo, but I never found it necessary.
Every fiber of my being is woven with my mother’s love, and is a gift from Moon Goddess. I won’t ever try to reshape anything. In fact, I have no problem wearing a sleeveless crop top to show this crimson jewel.
As for the fact that I don’t have a wolf, I admit it’s a pity, but it's been years, and I have proved that I can live without one. Things will happen when it’s meant to happen. Moon Goddess has her plan, I’m sure.
And raising me? Don’t make me laugh. My so-called father has never given me anything, be it money or love.
My teeth grind together.
Right when I’m gearing up to fire back at Henry, my entire body is swept up into two mighty arms. I’m startled, instinctively wrapping my hands around Precious’s neck.
He responds to me with his dashing smile, “I won’t let my bride walk with bare feet; she deserves to be carried.”
That’s when I notice I’m barefoot.
I flush. A sudden wave of tingling replaces the annoyance I felt a moment ago. I’d slap any other man for doing this to me, but Precious...I feel safe and calm in his warm embrace.
He holds me tightly against his solid chest while walking toward the Council House, but pauses when we pass Henry. He tilts his head to face the scumbag.
“This woman, no matter what’s on her shoulder, whoever she is or whether she has a wolf or not, it won’t change my love for her. She is the one I’m ready to defend with my very life, remember it.” Precious fixes Henry a glare and continues the way. Henry wants to utter something but is stopped by Alex.
I can’t hear what they are talking about because I’m overwhelmed by my own emotions. My eyes feel burning. Tears are threatening to spill down my face.
Even though I know Precious’s just acting, his words still touch my soul. It’s incredibly moving! Whoever his mate will be, she’ll be super lucky. He definitely makes a great husband.
I rest my head on his shoulder, allowing myself to get a big lungful of his scent. It hits me like a warm breeze on a chilly night, filled with notes of cinnamon and musk, making my mind spiral in delight.
We arrive at Baker’s office, and I realize I've crossed the point of no return as soon as Precious places me on the chair.
Before, a marriage license was just for wolves whose mates were humans or witches who had no marking ability. It’s legally binding so over time, some packs begin requiring such files for all mated members to enhance the sacredness of their bond.
The process to get the license is fast. Fill out some paperwork, pay a fee, provide identification, and you’re good to go. And of course, I use Mia’s identification. I didn’t give it back when escaping from them.
Alex and Henry are still there when we leave the House.
Precious carries me to his car, and I notice the odd massive grin on Henry’s face. What’s he up to?
“Congrats, my daughter! Dinner is ready at home. We're having a little celebration. Let's go.” Henry says approaching the car.
A snake in the grass. I feel danger and nausea at his proximity, as my hair stands on end.
“STEP BACK!”
Before I know it, a roar rips through my throat. Henry jumps back a few steps, his men kneel down to me, and the others look at me in awe.
What’s going on?