Chosen

Chapter Sixteen

    I woke up to the sun streaming through the window, warming my face. I stretched as I usually do and groaned as my joints popped. It took a moment for me to realize I wasn't in my own room. I was aware that I was in the bed alone and memories from last night slowly came back to me. I squeaked in surprise and clutched the sheet to my chest. I was naked. Axel and I completed the mating process. I was now officially queen. I was mated. I was a royal. My ears picked up the sound of the shower running. Axel must have woken a bit ago.
     As I absorbed everything that had happened in the last twenty four hours, the shower stopped. Axel walked out. My eyes locked with his and trailed down his naked torso. I stopped at the towel wrapped on his hips and clenched my thighs. Axel chuckled and I blushed even brighter.
"Are you in any pain, my love?"
"N-no..."
"Good. I have a few meetings today so you'll need to occupy yourself. Maybe go shipping with your mom and my sister?"
"Okay.."
    I whispered and Axel disappeared into the closet, emerging moments later fully clothed. He walked to the bed and cupped my face in his hands. He pressed a kiss to my forehead and I giggled. I could smell myself on him. That made me content. Now everyone would know he was mine.
"A guard will accompany you three. It's dangerous. Being queen comes with some risks."
    I nodded and nuzzled his neck with a quiet moan. His scent would always be my favorite. He chuckled again and gave me a quick kiss before leaving. As he was leaving Cat walked in with clothes for me. She smiled at me and closed the door after telling Axel not to worry about me. She handed me the clothes and I quickly dressed. Instead of a dress she had brought me a tank top and jeans. I was happy she did. I preferred them over a dress. She found my gown from last night and picked it up, examining the tattered material with a shake of her head.
"I really hoped he wouldn't ruin your gown. Oh well. I suppose we'll just get you fitted for new ones today." 
    I glared at her and she giggled as my mother walked in. Cat knew I wasn't found of being fitted for things. I hated being touched by most people.
"Good morning mama."
"Good morning, sunshine. Let's go shopping!"
    She grabbed my hand and tugged me down to the car, excitedly. Mama had never gotten to experience this and she didn't think she would either. Her and papa thought I had been killed when I went missing as a toddler. Once at the mall, Cat and mama made plans on stores to go to first. I was barely aware of the guard constantly trailing us.
"Mama?"
"Yes?"
"Do... back in Rivermist, after a couple completed the mating process, they had a wedding of sorts. Does that still happen?"
"Absolutely. Your ceremony will be in two weeks time. Do you want to find a dress?"
"Yes.. I also want to get Axel a gift."
     I blushed and Cat smiled at me. It didn't take long to get Axel something. Cat helped me pick out a watch and had it engraved for me. Then her and mama helped me find a dress. It was a beautiful pearl white, silk and made me feel every bit of the queen I was. I also made them pick out gowns to, much to Cata delight. We were waiting to be seated at a little restaurant when I smelled a scent I recognized. Alpha Mark was here. Cat picked up on my anxiety rather quickly.
"Whats wrong, Addy?"
"A-Alpha Mark... he's here... I can smell him..."
    My mother stiffened and her eyes scanned the area anxiously. Cat snarled and ordered the guard to stay as close as possible. Alpha Mark walked by and stopped as his eyes landed on me.
"My, my. It's been a bit. Look at you, Adalynn. From omega to queen. What a turn around."
    I froze as he began speaking to me and couldn't form words. I knew it was rude for me not to respond and it agitated him. The guard watched us closely. My mother glared at Alpha Mark.
"I-I.. thank you? A-Axel treats m-me w-well."
"Still haven't gotten your wolf yet?"
"N-not yet..."
    Alpha Mark smirked at me and lunged forward. I screamed as his fist slammed into my ribs. I hadn't felt this kind of pain in a while. I coughed and gasped for air. This was completely unprovoked. My mother screeched at the guard to grab the Alpha and knelt by me. I was coughing and clutching my side. Axel wasn't going to be pleased this happened.
"Sweetie... are you okay?"
"I-I think my ribs a-are broken..."
     Cat walked back in and saw me on the floor. She snarled and knelt down.
"Damn it. I'm sorry. I went to call Blake and tell him Mark was on the territory. Axel is still in his meetings... did the guards arrest Mark?"
"Y-yes..."
    The phone Cat had gotten me months ago began ringing and I grabbed it. Axel. He had probably felt everything through the bond, or the guards had mind linked him and let him know.
"Addy.... are you okay? I felt.... like I had one of my bones break.."
"Axel.... Alpha Mark was here.... he..."
    Axel snarled and I began sobbing. Cat took the phone and one of the guardsmen scooped me up and started walking to the car. He set me down gently, trying not to aggravate my ribs.
"I was on the phone with Blake after she scented the Alpha out. I came back and she was on the ground. According to her mother he just punched her. Yes, the guards have arrested him and he's being transported to the cells. We're on our way back. Have a doctor ready to check her over. Or you can yourself, use your damn bond to heal her. She's in pain."
    Cat hung up and I leaned against her, exhausted and hurting. Breathing was becoming a chore. I felt myself grow weightless and everything became dark.