Purest

9. Denial

Mia

"Good morning," she greeted her family and the Royal Beta present at the long table.

Mia dreaded entering one of the dining areas of the castle. Had known Octavius, her parents, and the Alphas were waiting for her decision.

Hiding her troubled expression, she sat at the farthest left and thanked a servant as a cup of freshly brewed coffee and a pot of cream were placed before her. A huge plate of fried eggs, kedgeree, bacon, and ham, and an assortment of cold cuts followed.

Her wolf still crossed with her, sighed in bliss at the feasts laid before them.

She made a show of preparing her morning drink, sampling the hot food, making them wait for a little bit longer.

Dressed for the day in her usual blue jeans and white shirt, she knew where she was going.

Her decision had not come lightly. She had a lot of factors to reconsider.

Contemplating her next move the whole night gave her a massive headache. Her wolf constantly begging and nagging her. Until she gave in.

But how could she mate with a beast? She doesn't even feel the bond that they were affirming the two of them have.

Mia was desperate for more proof.

"How will I know he is my mate?" Her first question.

Her query was met with silence. Not one of her companions was expecting it.

"His scent. It will envelop you. Making you crave the one thing you couldn't be without as soon as you wake up. Like sustenance." Her mother was the first to answer.

The new Queen frowned. Food and coffee. That's the one thing she craves the most upon waking up.

"His touch. It will feel like the completion of a soul once you felt it." Roy, her father seconded. He draped his arm on her mother. They looked at it each other lovingly. "But the completion of the bond will only take place when you accept each other."

"Heart, body, and soul. Your life force will be one. Tying you to each other for eternity." The Royal Beta finished. His gaze like that of the turbulent seas focused on his plate. The muscle in his jaw ticked.

Fascinated, she asked softly. "You and my cousins haven't met your mates, have you?"

West snorted but his face was granite hard. "No, cuz. We never will if..." He didn't finish.

Mia could sense his wolf withdrawing as if he has no interest in their conversation.

"If I don't accept the King." She responded. "But what if he won't accept me?" She did not know their kind. Her actions were more human and she was still learning.

"That is not possible." Morgen countered. "Min konge knows his duties."

For Mia, who was only going to marry for love, that was the wrong thing to say. "A duty to the kingdom. His and mine. We are predestined to each other. Regardless if we are compatible or not. I am going to sacrifice my ideals of true love for you all. And no. I'm not complaining. But at least tell him to do his duty by me and show me he is willing to do the same."

Her rant was met with silence. She sighed. Her headache was worsening. "I am going out for a run. And my answer is yes."

Not waiting for a response, she excused herself to get some fresh air.

***
The clearing where she had her first meal has a river behind the trees on the north end.

There she sat, her cheek on her folded knees, wearing nothing but a shirt.