Night

Four

Alaricus Night. Wasn't that the alpha King? What business could he have with her? He had called her his "little mate"...was that possible? And why did he say "pack house" and mention his "pack"? Does he have his own pack as king? Was her father okay?

These questions rang through Lily's racing mind during the long car ride. Even after hearing only parts of her father's speech, she guessed that the council would rule in his favor. They had a reputation for being merciful. However, she couldn't help but to worry for his safety. 

"My father," she said softly. "Will he be okay?" When the alpha didn't answer, she took his silence to mean something bad was going to happen. Her eyes filled with tears at the thought and she sniffled quietly. Taking in the sight of her wet eyes, an uncomfortable feeling swelled in the alpha's chest. He didn't like it. It was strange- he'd never had to care about anyone's feelings before. 

"He will be okay," he told her truthfully.  Relieved, Lily nodded her head and wiped her eyes. 

Alaricus held his mate in a tight grip as she straddled his lap, as if afraid she would be stolen from him any second. His wolf surely was. He had been alive for hundreds of years and he knew that the moon goddess disliked him immensely. So why had she given him a mate? And a perfect one at that?

His eyes scanned over all of her features as she looked down at her hands in her lap. He was enthralled by every aspect of her: her scent of lilacs and fresh air, her golden brown hair, baby blue eyes, and plump pink lips. She was crafted to perfection. And she was his. His wolf almost purred at the thought. He wasn't too surprised by her silence, as he knew he emitted an aura of intimidation and authority.

"What is your name?" He asked thickly.

"Lily," she replied as she looked up to meet his stormy grey eyes. Her voice was like wind chimes. In all of his centuries, no one had ever affected him the way she has in mere minutes. "And your name is Alaricus? And you are the king?" She asked innocently and without a trace of fear. He felt himself stiffen at the sound of his name coming from her soft lips. She was, once again, oblivious to the effect she was having on him.

No one had ever spoken to him in such a way. She wasn't afraid, she was so innocent. Did she not know who he was? The kinds of things he did? Surprisingly, he reveled at that possibility.

But he soon corrected himself. He would not allow himself to be affected by this teenage girl, mate or not. He was Alpha Night, the most powerful wolf to have ever existed. In place of what should have been a heart, there was only hollow darkness. Like the night sky. Perhaps the moon goddess was trying to weaken him. Or perhaps she meant to torment him with the beautiful burst of sunlight he held in his arms.

 As for Lily, she never had to be afraid of anybody before. She lived in a safe little town, and her pack members were always nice to her. Though she was a bit nervous as to what was happening and intimidated by the alpha's dark demeanor, she saw no reason to be afraid of him. Ever the optimist, she was still hopeful that he'd realize this was all a big misunderstanding and bring her home soon. She didn't understand how she, a simple girl from a small town, could possibly be mated to the Alpha King. It just didn't make any sense to her.

"You'll address me as Alpha," he told her darkly. "You will respect your king." Lily made a move to get off his lap and escape his hold, but Alaricus was not having that. He tightened his grip on her waist and let out a small, yet terrifying, growl. Lily let out a small gasp when he nipped lightly at her ear.

Lily was not ignorant by any means. And although she was kind, her father had taught her to stick up for herself when needed. She had never been good at being firm, but she was not going to let herself be taken away from her home like this, even if he was the Alpha King.