Chapter 2
The man at the end of the aisle is impossible to miss, his back to me as he speaks with one of his own clan. I can only assume he is Alpha Merikh and my skin grows cold. My idle hands smooth the bodice of my dress as I try to focus on my erratic breathing, my nerves frayed as I march down the aisle toward potential doom. Each step brings me frighteningly closer to the mountain of a lycan.
I lick my lips, ready to give him the speech I whipped up, but I freeze as he turns to face me fully, my breath catching in my throat and eyes growing wide. I am utterly distracted by his looks. Eyes as green as emeralds, a facial structure carved by the heavens and an imposing aura that entraps you, draws you in. And much to my surprise, no scar marks his perfect face. I tilt my head, confused.
This can’t be Alpha Merikh. I’ve heard stories of the Alpha of Death and the scars that have kept him hidden for years. But this guy…this guy is ethereal. He is handsome in the truest form; he is literal perfection. How am I supposed to tell him his Alpha is being stood up?
“You do not look like the picture provided,” he says, his eyebrow arched in curiosity.
“You are not Alpha Merikh.” I say, dumbfounded. He looks amused, shoving his hands into his pockets, rocking
back on his feet.
“No?” He asks and I furrow my brows.
“I mean, are you…Alpha Merikh?” I whisper,
“You do not think I am, so I must not be,” He answers with a shrug and I feel a wave of relief come over me.
“I need you to give a message to your Alpha, or take me to him to deliver it myself. But it is urgent.” I rush out.
“I can deliver a message.”
Π
“His contracted mate will not attend the ceremony.” I tell him.
“Are you telling me that the treaty is dead?” He asks.
“No! No, they are going to find him a new mate. A better one.” I squeak out, looking around for Alpha Bentley, praying he hurries up before Alpha Merikh makes his way out expecting to start a ceremony that isn’t happening. at least not yet.
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Chapter 2
“And who could be better than the Alpha’s daughter?” He raises a brow.
“Anyone would be better than Leslie.” I mutter under my breath.
“Then I should choose a mate of my own liking.” He offers. I stare at him horrified that he heard me then his words settle in and my horror turns to terror when I realize he is talking about himself which means…
“Y–you are Alpha Merikh,” I whisper, awareness trickling down my spine as I force myself to meet his amused gaze. I just spoke like an equal to the Alpha of Death. The lycan king himself.
“I am?” he asks, a cocky grin on his plush lips.
“I–i thought you would look different.” I stutter, wringing my hands, unsure of how to act in the presence of royalty. Am I supposed to bow?
“You expected a face full of scars?” he leans forward, whispering. “I have scars. Just not where you can see them
when I am clothed.” He winks at me and my cheeks heat.
“Colette,” Alpha Bentley says, rushing up to me. I’m not sure I have ever been happy to see this man but right now is an exception as he pulls Alpha Merikh’s attention from me. “Did you deliver the news to Alpha Merikh?”
“She has informed me.” Merikh says, his eyes locking back on mine as if we are in some silent battle I’m not privy
“I have found you a replacement for my daughter.” Alpha Bentley rushes out, his eyes pleading for mercy.
“No need,” Merikh says, turning to face me once more, mischief swirling around him. “I will be choosing my own
mate.”
“Yes, I suppose that would be fair, given the circumstances.” Alpha Bentley grabs hold of my arm, dragging me away. “Come, Colette, Leslie is in need of you.”
Merikh growls possessively, taking my free arm and pulling me gently toward him. I gasp out in shock, an arm in each man’s hands as I look up at Alpha Merikh, confused.
“I want Colette. I will be taking her as my mate,” he announces and my mouth goes dry.
“Me?” I rasp out shocked, my eyebrows shooting up to my hairline as I try to process his insane request.
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Chapter 2
+5
“Absolutely not.” Bentley tugs me toward him harder and Merikh releases his hold with a growl, his eyes growing dark. “Alpha Merikh, you don’t want her, I’m not sure you realize she is a maid. She takes care of Leslie and-” Alpha Bentley stammers, looking panicked.
“Colette, do you accept my offer?” He asks me directly.
“She does not get to speak for herself.” Alpha Bentley hisses, pushing me behind him.
“I don’t think you understand, Bentley.” Merikh steps into him, his imposing frame casting an ominous shadow over us as his lip twitches in anger. “I will have Colette or we will have a war. Is that understood?”
away.
“Stop!” Leslie roars, her voice echoing off the walls. Her cheeks are pink and her eyes black in rage toward us dawning her scarlet red dress that clings to her curves.
protectively.
“Rescind it.” Leslie growls. “Take back your claim on him Colette and I’ll forgive you for this screw up.”
M
Merikh laughs lightly, leaning closer to Leslie who squares her shoulders trying to look tough but she reeks of fear. He is unreadable as he tilts his head, looking her up and down.
“You will forgive her?” Merikh says, sounding bored. He takes a menacing step toward her “Do you think I am stupid? I do know what you have been up to over the past few months.” He growls, and she scoffs as though he
is crazy.
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Chapter 2
“I don’t know what you are talking about,” she says cooly, looking away from him. “No doubt lies from a
servant.”
+5
“She is a Luna,” He sneers, taking a step back from her like she isn’t worth his time.
He moves behind me and the panic in Leslie’s eyes over takes her usual brown, jealousy clearly lacing its way through her. She looks to the outskirt of the room and licks her lips before stepping closer to me. Merikh growls in warning but she ignores him.
“Grady is waiting for you.” She whispers moving closer to me and my heart skips a beat, my eyes drifting to him against the wall, where I see hope on his sullen face. “You have loved him as long as I can remember. You still have time to rekindle the bond. I give my blessing, all you have to do is take back your oath.”
Merikh chuckles like it’s a joke but I can’t bring myself to look at him. My heart yearns to be with Grady and reignite our bond. For as long as a girl can have a crush my heart has beat for him. My skin has longed for his touch. Is it really possible to back out, to save the bond that has already been broken with Grady?
I give into the stare I can feel from Merikh, looking up at him over my shoulder a glint in his eyes as he tries to read me. Then I look over at Grady hope written all over his face, his attention focused on me. Merikh’s face blocks my view of Grady and he reaches out, taking hold of my chin with his fingers, making sure he has my
undivided attention.
“You are mine now, little mate. Look at him like that again and I will kill him.” He whispers.
5/5
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