50

Ivy’s POV
“We have to announce it officially now. There’s no getting around this, Nate.” I say matter of factly, and he sighs loudly as he puts a shirt on.
We managed to get back into the packhouse with Kiba’s large body blocking me from any further pictures and the like, but the damage is probably already done. I stand there with my hands on my hips alongside Tobias, Nate, Evie, and Kane in the main foyer.
“We don’t even know if anyone got an actual picture.” Nate says sheepishly and I scoff, slightly annoyed.
“Someone revealed it was me, Nate. Picture or not, they know my name and it’s only going to put a face to it at this point. Every single person that saw me at the mating ball, at any performances are going to know it’s me.” I look at him and I can see the worry on his face, and I know he’s panicking inside.
I walk over to him and place my hands on either side of his face to try and calm him down.
“I know you’re worried about me. You always have been. I’m not alone anymore though. There’s an entire room here, our entire pack and majority of the werewolf race that will protect me and my integrity as your mate and their queen. It doesn’t have to all be on your shoulders.”
“Ivy..” He says sternly but then trails off as he knows I’m right.
“We will just have to be diligent. I know there’s going to be a target on my back. I know Cole is going to try something, he’s too stubborn not to. But this time? I’ve got everyone behind me.”
Nate engulfs me in a tight hug before releasing me. I turn to face everyone and half smile.
“I guess we’re planning a ceremony or something?” I see Tobias nod before he goes to speak.
“We will hold something yes. Where people can come and visit you both in an official capacity and give their well wishes. Nate and his parents will have to put out an official announcement of your mating.”
“Which means we’re going to have to get dressed up.” Nate states with an annoyed tone and I laugh.
“What don’t you like getting dressed up? You always look great.”
“I never feel great.” He states before he chuckles lightly. “I’ll talk to my parents and get the official word out by the end of the week. That will give us some time to plan.”
‘I’m sure Cole will make an appearance.” Evie says quietly and I look at her.
“Let him come. I’m ready this time.”
Nathaniel’s POV
Sitting in my office, I sigh loudly. Ivy went with Genevieve to go shopping for a gown with Tobias and a few of my guards in tow while Kane and I set up some training drills for when she gets back.
I hate this whole idea. I’m worried as hell for Ivy, but I know I’ve got to back off. She’s right. She’s stronger than she was before, she’s got more support and love here from everyone around her. My selfishness in wanting to keep this secret has played a major part in this and has backfired in my face.
I have to accept that.
If anything happens to her……
I’m pulled away from my thoughts as my phone rings. I pick it up and answer.
“Nathaniel, my son.”
Mother.
“Hi, mother. Did you get my message?”
“Yes. So, we need to do an official announcement regarding you and Ivy?”
“Yes. Her identity has been leaked and I’m concerned for her safety.”
“I know, my sweet boy, but she’s tough. Give her some more credit.”
“I’m trying, I swear.”
“Trust in your mate, Nathaniel. Believe in her. Your father and I will put out the announcement soon, will the meetings be happening at Crystal Moon or at the palace?”
“I figured here at the pack, smaller and easier to control.”
“Okay then. I’ll keep in touch with you. Give Ivy my love.”
“I will. Thanks mom.”
“Of course. I love you.”
“Love you.”
I hang up and sigh, placing my phone on my desk before putting my head in my hands.
I feel so weak. So unsure.
Ivy’s POV
I stand in front of the mirror, gazing upon myself in the floor length black tulle gown that glitters with all the sparkle. The tight bodice accentuates my waist and chest, and for once my arms are on full display with only small coverage on my shoulders. I was getting defeated that I wouldn’t find a dress I liked, considering we’ve been shopping for hours trying to find a proper gown, but finally I think I’ve found it.
“If I thought your mating ball gown looked good, this is……” Evie trails off as I turn and face her, Tobias, and the guards. “Better.” Tobias finishes her sentence and I smile. “You think so? I thought I wore too much black?” I tease Evie and she scoffs.
“You do, but honestly it looks good on you, so who am I to judge? Wear what works!” She shrugs and I chuckle.
“Okay. This is it then.”
I go back to the changing room to remove the dress and once I’m back in my regular clothes I exit again, hearing Tobias talking but not really registering what he’s saying. He turns to face me. I catch his gaze and tilt my head a little in confusion.
“What’s going on?”
“The announcement was made a few minutes ago.” Tobias holds up his phone and I lean closer and peek at it. I see a lovely photo of myself from the mating ball in my other gown and the headline.
-NEW TO ROYALTY: ALPHA KING NATHANIEL’S MATE IVY PIERCE
“I guess it’s official now.” I say softly, feeling a state of both happiness and oddness at the same time.
I clasp my hands together in nervousness and start to massage my fingers, looking away from the group and just hoping everything will be alright. I tried so hard to convince Nate that it would be fine, but I didn’t really think much about myself and what this might mean for me. I’m going to have royal duties and responsibilities alongside him, and I’m up for the challenge, but what I’m not sure of?
The attention I’m going to get.
I gasp lightly as I feel my hands being squeezed and I’m brought back to Tobias standing in front of me, his one hand clasped around both of mine. “You’ve got this. After everything you’ve experienced, this is going to be a walk in the park for you.”
“I hope so.” I reply, my voice lacking any confidence whatsoever, the clear unease settling in.
Can I actually do this even after all I’ve gone through?
“Ivy.” Tobias states sternly. “I’m going to be honest with you here. I do plan on speaking with Alpha about this, but I feel like you need to hear this first.”
I nod, and he continues.
“Nathaniel made a mistake in keeping your mating secret from you and the rest of our race for so long, but this is how it must be now based off his actions. He’s always been a bit offput about his title and role, but always took it in stride and with strength..” He pauses as he leads me to a nearby bench in the shop and we sit down, Evie and the guards giving us some space.
“I think honestly, he was surprised to even find you. He had gone a long time thinking he would never find his mate, and when he did, he panicked. He didn’t know what to do and instead of using his head to determine what was the best course, he went the wrong way about it.”
“I know he didn’t mean anything in a harmful way to me though.” I state, defending him, but deep down I know he’s right. This could have been completely different.
“But it still was. I was hoping that he would realize it, and I think he is starting to fully comprehend the repercussions here, since you’re now being thrown into this after just finding out your mated, even though he could have prepared you more by telling you sooner.”
“Are you angry at him?” I question and Tobias shakes his head.
“No. I’m annoyed at how this has transpired, but I support him. I’ve known Nate for so long that it’s hard to be sure that I’m serving him in the best way possible as a friend and as his Beta.”
“It’s not your job to make sure he makes the right decisions all the time.” I tell him as we stand up, and he embraces me in a hug. “I know, and I thank you for telling me that. But it’s now also my job to help protect and support you alongside him, and I just wanted you to know that I will have your back and I’ll try to be a reasonable sounding board for you both. Oh, and call Nate out on his shit better from now on.” He chuckles.
I laugh myself. “I appreciate that, Tobias. I really do. Honestly, I’m scared, but it is as you said.”
It is how it must be, and I have to navigate this next step now.
Hopefully I can.