Chosen

Chapter Fourteen

I watched Axel walk to the room for the meeting and caught his eye as he closed the door. He was annoyed he had to do this. His expression had me giggling again. Blake sighed and led me away from the corner we were in. I suppose now was good a time as any to meet people from the pack and some of the betas from other packs. I followed behind Blake quietly.
"Beta Jeremy. This is our queen, Adalynn. Addy, Beta Jeremy belongs to Greystone pack. Their territory is just across our pack border. We currently have a treaty with them."
"Nice to meet you.."
I whispered and he smiled at me, taking my hand and placing it against his lips. I shuddered as my body involuntarily reacted to the touch. I snatched my hand away with a gasp and his eyes held a knowing glint in them. I turned to Blake, my eyes wide and confused. He was busy talking with Cat at the moment. Jeremy grabbed my hand again and I squirmed uncomfortable.
"I saw you at the mating ceremony this year. Alpha Mark warned most of the males to stay away from you. You were damaged goods, he said. Impure and an omega. What did you do to get the king to pick you?"
"I.... I.... alpha Mark lied to you.... I'm... please let go."
I whispered as his grip tightened. I was hypersensitive to any sort of touch and this bothered me. I tugged on my hand again with a whimper.
"Jer, you're going to want to let go of her like she asked before the king gets out here in a few seconds."
He let go of me and I cradled my hand to my chest. It was sore where he had tightened his grip when I tugges, I rubbed it and sighed.
"Thank you..."
I whispered and Blake turned his attention back to me suddenly.
"Adalynn. That's Alpha Marcus. He's alpha of Greystone."
"My beta can be a bit forward sometimes. I hope he didn't hurt you..."
"I'm okay. He didn't break anything."
I whispered and Blake glanced at my wrist. An angry welt in the shape of a hand was forming. I hated how easily I bruised. Blake grabbed my wrist and I snarled at him in pain. Blake's eyes filled with fear as the room was filled with a growl. Axel. He must have felt the pain through the bond. I hadn't learned to control what gets sent to him yet. The bond being incomplete didn't help either as it would happen randomly. Axels eyes caught sight of my wrist and the bruise on it. His eyes snapped to my face as he made his way over, taking in my obvious discomfort.
"Fuck... you're unlucky Jer..... I'm afraid you're going to have to handle this one your own. I'm not getting in the middle of this."
Marcus muttered and I couldn't help my giggles. I was overwhelmed and nervous, I had a tendency to giggle at inappropriate times when this happened. Axel stopped just in front of me and grabbed my injured hand, causing me to whimper. He cradled my hand and placed a gentle kiss on my wrist. Axel turned to Jermey just as I noticed his eyes turn gold. Oh boy.
"Axel... it's just bruised..."
I whispered, trying to diffuse the situation. I was very aware of the stares. People were watching to see what he was going to do. Axel looked at me over his shoulder and growled at me softly. I bit my lip and my eyes immediately snapped to my feet. I felt my eyes sting and took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. Axel didn't normally treat me harshly but his wolf was in control right now.
"He shouldn't have touched what's mine."
Axel snarled again and I began trembling. I could feel the panic again. Blake stepped in front of me and lifted my chin.
"Head held high, little queen."
I nodded and swiped at my eyes, clearing my vision a little. Axel had Jeremy by the throat pinned to a wall and he was vibrating with his anger. His father was trying to get Axel to let go of the beta, and Grace approached me slowly. She looked at Blake and Cat who were standing guard of me while this happened.
"What sent him over the edge, Blake?"
"Jeremy was rough with Addy. Left a bruise on her wrist when he grabbed her too tightly. I'm not sure what he was talking to her about but... Axel must have seen the end of it.."
Grace sighed and shook her head. She grabbed my hand and looked it over. I was fine, at least physically.
"That boy has got to learn to control his temper when it comes to her. Addy, dear, are you okay?"
"I... umm... I... I'm fine. It's just bruised. I think I'm going to go to my room now though..."
"I understand sweetie. Blake and Cat will take you on a walk before you go to your room. It'll calm your nerves. I'll let Axel know."
Cat took my hand and tugged me from the ball room with Blake and Ian following close behind. I glanced at Axel one last time over my shoulder. His eyes caught mine as his head turned when he went to respond to his mother. They softened and the gold color seemed to calm a bit in its intensity. I walked to hall and the tears flowed freely.
"Did I ruin the ball?"
"No.. Jeremy did. Addy don't blame yourself for any of this. Do you need to go sit in the garden for a bit?"
"Yes. Please."
Cat nodded and led me to the garden. She let me walk off alone to the little pond. Her and Blake stood at the entrance to the garden to make sure no one came in. I took my shoes off, sniffling. I needed to feel the water on my feet. I stood up and gathered my dress in my hands, I eased my feet into the water and sighed. I tipped my head back and let the moonlight bathe my skin, taking in deep breaths.