Loved So Fondly

Chapter 3: I need to go home

Manhattan, New York, April 21st 2021

Antoinette smiled kindly at the grandmother of the bride, she had known this woman for years, and her never ending knowledge was one thing Antoinette absolutely loved about her. They could talk for hours. But sadly, she didn't have hours.

Antoinette was oblivious to all of the eyes watching her. Oblivious to the fact that their was not humans in the room. Oblivious to the fact that she was the Luna Queen and everyone hung to every word, syllable, sound, the exited her mouth.

"Well, it was lovely talking to you M- Jennet, but I have to get home. Kyle wants to have dinner with me, you know I hate to be late." No one had thought of Kyle until that moment. It didn't cross either of her best friends minds. Not their parents. Their Luna Queen. Destined to be with their Alpha King. Was in a committed relationship with another man.

The room blanketed in silence around her. That, she was not oblivious to. Her grey eyes snapped up to meet the intense gaze of the crowd. They were all staring behind her. Antoinette looked to, confused even more when all she saw was Alaric standing there with his glass frozen mid air. His eyes were dark. And she knew that look. It was when the wolf inside took over. She glanced back towards Alaric's grandmother, worry etched on her face, "Is he okay?" She asked gently. It was like something inside her wanted to make sure he was. Make sure that he wasn't hurting.

That pissed her off. Antoinette liked control. And this force, this random need to make sure one man she had never met before this night wasn't hurting. That was out of her control.

Jennet nodded gently, "Uh. You're the wedding planner, make sure he's fine." Jennet was playing with fire, the grandmother didn't care. He'd shift, and even though Antoinette was the only human, it'd scare here. But she knew of werewolves? Right? She'd be fine.

Antoinette smiled gently, nodding. The girl didn't even let her heart beat increase in knowledge of the werewolves in the room. She didn't want them to know she was terrified. Walking towards Alaric, she place a gentle hand on his shoulder, "Are–" she didn't get to finish her sentence. Alaric pulled her into him, pulling all her hair to her left shoulder. Antoinette stood frozen as her laid his face gently in the crook between her shoulder and her neck. She could hear him sniffing, smelling her. She could feel him slowly losing tension.

She didn't know his hands were on her waist until she felt his grip tighten when she tried to pull back. She just stood there like a statue, to in shock to react. Antoinette wasn't stupid. She was really bright actually. Probably had more degrees than anyone in the room. So when she heard him quietly whisper 'my girl' over and over, only to change it up a few times with 'mine' she put the pieces together.

She knew she had a mate. Antoinette knew she was a Luna. She didn't know who that mate was, but now she did. He was holding her right now. Calming his wolf. Because she was in a relationship with another man.

Kyle. Why did she not think of Kyle? "Alaric." She whispered gently, pulling his face from her neck with a lot of force. He shook his head, "No. Ames."

"Ames?"

"Ames."

Antoinette nodded her head in understanding, "Well Ames. I need to get home." Her words were gentle, kind, her hands on his shoulders in understanding. Her smile unwavering. Ames loved her smile. He loved her. She was adorable. His little mate. He nuzzled her nose without thinking twice. He loved how she made a confused face, her smile growing despite her wish for it to go away.

"Home?" He asked.

Antoinette nodded, "Can I talk to Alaric? I really need to talk with him." She stepped away from Ames but he pulled her right back into him. No hesitation. His mate.