STARLETTE
I stared at the mirror, the reflection before me almost unrecognizable. The girl staring back at me was transformed. I was dressed in an off-shoulder white dress, adorned with delicate touches of gold. Bella picked it out for me, promising I’d look regal in it. I did look regal in it. My makeup was flawless, and my hair was swept up into a bun with a few loose curls framing my face.
Maximus slipped up behind me and wrapped his arm around my waist, his lips brushing my ear as he whispered. “You are the most stunning woman I’ve ever seen. The most beautiful there will ever be.”
My cheeks flushed with delight. “Thank you.”
“Shall we?” He extended his hand to me, and I took it. Tingles jolted through my body as I turned around and followed him out of the room.
A sleek black limousine waited outside, even though the venue was close enough to walk to. Maximus watched me as I slid into the backseat, his eyes never leaving me. Once we were inside, a frown suddenly appeared on his face.
“What?” I quickly asked.
He shook his head and let out a deep sigh. “You look too damn stunning. I fear other Alphas might attempt to take you from me.”
I blushed. “They wouldn’t dare. I’m yours.”
“Emphasis on ‘attempt'” he leaned in and kissed my chin, then my forehead. “Because I’d take their heads off before they even come close.”
I couldn’t hold back my laughter now. “You’re impossible.”
He chuckled. “If you say so.”
The tires rolled, and we arrived at the hall in two minutes. Maximus helped me out of the car, and his arm slipped around my waist as we entered the hall.
Silence reigned the second we stepped in, every pair of eyes glued on us.
“Long live the Alpha King! Long live the Alpha King! Long live the Alpha King!” The crowd chanted, parting like the Red Sea to clear our path to the center of the hall.
“Thank you all.” Maximus said calmly but loudly enough for everyone in the room to hear. “I am honoured to see you all here tonight.”
The crowd erupted in cheers.
He waited till silence reigned again before he continued. “I’d like to take this moment to introduce someone very important.”
My heart raced as nervousness gathered in my chest. I couldn’t dare to look at the crowd. My eyes focused on the only one who could calm me-the man I’ve grown to love immensely.
Maximus looked at me, holding my gaze. “This is my mate, Starlette. And soon, she will be your Luna. Your queen.”
The Royal Crest pack members already knew this. But it was news to guests from other packs.
“Long live the soon-to-be Luna!” The crowd erupted again, with cheers ringing from every corner.
I exhaled slowly, realising I had to look at them now to acknowledge them.
Noticing my nervousness, Maximus gently caressed my side where his hand rested, and that helped a little.
I finally found the courage to shift my gaze from my mate and looked at the cheerful crowd before me.
A smile graced my lips. “Thank you all.”
And their cheers grew louder. It was overwhelming but also strangely comforting. I had never felt this accepted before. Warmth spread through my chest. I’d have to get used to this.
The festivities soon began in full swing, and food was in abundance, with some people eating, some dancing, and some doing both at the same time.
A few Alpha’s approached me and my mate, congratulating us. When it was my father’s turn, all he did was send disdainful glances my way. Not even a word of congratulations came from him. I couldn’t care less, though. I was glad that I was finally moving past the trauma he caused me. The love and care Maximus showed me was enough to send that trauma away forever.
Then, I set my eyes on him, standing in a corner of the hall, and my heart nearly stopped. I recognised him in an instant-the man I had seen in my dream, the man that killed Maximus.
My grip tightened around Maximus’ arm, panic flooding through me.
“Maximus.” I whispered into his head through the mind link.
“What’s wrong?” He asked, worries tinting his voice.
“That man.” I glanced back at him and realised he was already walking towards us. My heart hammered even harder. “He’s the one I saw in the nightmare. The man who killed you.”
Maximus didn’t have the chance to respond to me before the man reached us. I felt his body stiffen beneath my touch.
The power emanating from the man was so intense, so intimidating, almost matching, if not rivalling, Maximus’ own. There was only one other person besides Maximus who could possess that kind of power.
“If it isn’t the southern Alpha King. Silas.” Maximus muttered, confirming my guess.
Alpha King Silas extended his hand, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Maximus hesitated but eventually shook it, though he quickly pulled his hand away.
“Happy Birthday.” Silas said. He turned his eyes to me, and I held my breath, tensed. I wished he’d just ignored me. “Congratulations. I didn’t know you’d found your mate already.”
A muscle on Maximus’ jaw ticked. “Now you know.”
A devilish smirk briefly appeared on Silas’ face, terrifying me even more, before returning his gaze to my mate. I released my breath.
“Shall we talk about the matter now, or after the party?” He asked Maximus.
What matter?
Maximus’ tone was strained as he replied. “We’ll discuss it now.”
I knew him well enough to recognise when he was suppressing his anger. This was one of those moments.
Maximus looked at me, and his face surprisingly softened, a small smile touching his lips. “Could you excuse us for a few minutes, please?”
Flashes of what happened in that dream wired through my head, and I panicked at the idea of leaving him. I mind linked him.
“Max, he-” I tried to warn again, but he cut me in.
“Don’t worry, Star. I’ll be fine. He can’t do anything to me. At least not here.”
Still, I hesitated. But reluctantly nodded after a few seconds. I didn’t spare Alpha King Silas another glance before stepping away from them.
As I wandered through the hall, the images of my nightmare haunted me, and my unease only grew. I stopped at the food stand and grabbed a few candies, hoping the sugar would calm me down. It didn’t. My anxiety only grew. I scanned the room for Bella, thinking talking to her might help, but she was nowhere to be found. Of course.
As I looked around, looking for what to do or who to talk with, my eyes caught the soft ray of moonlight, filtering through an opening in the ceiling. I walked over and stood beneath it for no reason at all. Flinging my head backwards, I stared at the night sky above. It was beautiful and calm. But not enough to calm the storm inside me.
Then, suddenly, Maximus’ voice echoed in my mind, his tone strained with shock. “Star….”
Only then did I notice that the once noisy room had fallen strangely silent. Gasps erupted all around me. I quickly looked around, eager to see what was happening, when I realised that every single pair of eyes were on me. Shock, horror, and disbelief were etched on their faces.
My heart dropped, and heat rushed to the pit of my stomach. What was happening?