Cindy’s POV
It was really painful, and Alder’s presence lessened it a bit. I diverted all my attention with his touches and the kiss that he gave me. I have to admit that I was thankful that he was with me because I didn’t know what else I would do while I was experiencing that pain.
When I finally shifted, I was surprised at the white paw that I was looking at. Then I felt my mate running his hand on my fur. It felt so good; his touch helped me get through the pain and soothed me afterward.
I turned my gaze at him and found him looking at me. I don’t know if I was still feeling angry at him, but one thing is for sure: I wanted him now. “You’re magnificent, my love.” He said. I tried to ignore him, but my heart fluttered even before I did that. Then I saw him start to take off his clothes, so I growled at him, thinking he was up to something, but he just laughed at me before he shifted.
His beast was as dark as the night, and he was beautiful as me. I don’t know if I was all white, but I hope I was because that’s what I was seeing from my paw to my legs and tail. I want to be all-white to match with his all-black Lycan. ‘Come, my love. Let’s run.’ he told me in my head, so I ran before him and he started chasing me. He howled, and I could feel his happiness, and I think that he felt mine, too. Is this what being mates is all about?
According to the book that I read, we had to be fully mated before we expected my crowning ceremony. Fully mated means we had to mark each other and, of course, mate. He had already marked me, so I was the one who was stopping myself from having my crown and the right to a queen. Am I ready for that? I had to stop thinking about it first and focus on what was in front of me: my mate, who had already caught up with me.
He jumped at me, and we rolled on the ground, but he made sure not to harm me. I guess his beast didn’t want to hurt Masha or me. We ran until midnight and returned to the altar-like rock where I stood and transformed. He stood there and howled. He looked at me, so I did the same and then continued howling, followed next. I’m sure that they were warriors and other Lycans in and around the palace. We shifted back to our human form after. Alder did it first and took my clothes and handed them to me. I got dressed, and no matter how much I told him not to peek, he still did and did it playfully.
We walked back to the palace, and even if I felt tired from our run, plus the excruciating and tiring transformation and shifting, I still felt happy. Alder took my hand, but I didn’t argue with him anymore. All I want to do is freshen up and rest. I think I started to feel all the stress of transforming and shifting Masha and I did a few hours ago.
“Ahhhh…. Aldeeer!” I screamed; he just scooped and carried me bridal style.
“You’re already tired, so just let me,” he replied, so I just leaned my head on his chest. It felt great, and he was warm, which made me feel secure. Then, I couldn’t help but close my eyes. Yeah, I’m tired and sleepy.
The following day, I woke up feeling that someone was watching me. I saw Alder’s face when I opened my eyes, and oh goddess, he was very handsome. ‘Our mate is so da** delicious.’ Masha said, which made me roll my eyes at her, and she laughed. How come she was so brazen in admitting what our mate looked like? I ignored her because I had no time for her flirtatious side. I was famished.
“Good morning, my love.” Here is another one. How many times do I need to tell him not to call me that? “Where are you going?” he asked when I tried to get up.
“Isn’t it obvious? I just woke up, so I needed to go to the bathroom.” I replied,
“Not without kissing me first,” he replied, claiming my mouth. Geez, I still had morning breaths. But yes, I responded. What else can I do? Masha said it already; he looks delicious, and he really does.
“I bet you’re feeling hungry,” he said after we stopped kissing. “Breakfast is ready, so freshen up,” he added.
“I was about to, but you stopped me,” I replied and got up from bed. This time, he let me go with an annoying grin on his face. I shook my head as I rolled my eyes at him. I took my time to freshen up because I felt like all the dirt from our little chasing last night was all over me.
Feeling fresh and anew, I went out of the bathroom and found Alder sitting on the bed, waiting for, I guess? He smiled and got up after he saw, “Why are you smiling?” I asked,
“Seeing someone so beautiful makes me smile,” he replied. Here he goes again.
“What do you think you are? A kid?”
“Why, what’s wrong? Is it bad to be happy with beautiful things like yourself?”
“It was obvious that you were only saying that because of your hidden agenda.”
“I don’t have!” he exclaimed,
“Yeah, right.”
“Clover, I am not thinking of anything about you right now. I was simply telling you what you look like.”
“So, you’re not going to talk to me about marking you?” I asked, and he stiffened, “See?” I replied and turned around to get dressed because I was starving.
“I am not saying that I didn’t want that, but I am willing to wait until you are ready. I may have marked you without your consent and, believe it or not, I hate myself for that.” he said, “You can come down when you’re done. Mia and the others are going to have breakfast with us,” he added before he left our bedroom.
I sighed heavily; Masha was going to get mad at me now. She likes it when Alder is teasing us or when he is getting intimate with us. I like it too, but, argh… I don’t know already. Should I give him a chance?
‘Of course!’ Masha said, I forgot that she was hearing my thoughts as well.
‘What if he hurt us just like that, bastard Alpha and Mike?’
‘I understand that you’ve been hurt. I felt your pain, too, but our mate accepted us already. Isn’t that enough proof that he wanted and loved us?’
‘I don’t know, Mash, I just didn’t want to feel that feeling of betrayal anymore.’
‘Let’s take everything slow; why don’t we just let him call us “Love” for a start.’
‘I already did, didn’t I? He had called me earlier, and I didn’t say anything. I even let him hold my hands, and we kissed.’
‘OK, then just stop insulting him about marking us.’
‘Fine,’ I replied and went down after she shut herself. I don’t even know why we had to go to the dining hall and eat with the others. I guess he was like that. I mean, we have our own dining area. The fifth floor was ours, and we had our omega that assisted us with our needs. I guess there will be a lot of people gathering there. That’s why he wanted me to be there, too.
The omegas who were staying in the palace greeted me, and, of course, I greeted them back. They knew I was their queen and were very aloof towards me. I don’t think I’ve done anything that could make them feel comfortable around me, but I guess it was for the best. In that way, I didn’t need to think about how I was going to please them and be on my side when something happened. Speaking of what happened, what would happen if I just entered the dining hall now that Masha had already transformed into a Lycan?
Will the council be there? Is that the reason why Alder asked me to eat there? According to my readings, elders have much to say in the palace and the kingdom. Although Alder made the last decision, their opinions had to be heard and considered at all times.