Chains of Betrayal

Chapter Eight: Two?

Mals POV

"MMMAATTEEE"
A male's voice rang out towards me. I froze in my spot, confused. Wasn't I looking at my mate? I felt the pull; I could smell his scent. Yet I could smell the other man that was now stalking towards me.

'Goddess, how did I get two? Most people don't even get to find their one, yet I'm looking at two?'
My eyes switched between the both of them. My nose filled with the woods, pine cones, and the new scent of mahogany and ocean spray. It made my head spin. I only jerked out of it when the taller man spoke up.

"I think you are mistaken, pup; she is MY MATE," my heart fluttered at his possessive words, and I finally came too. Hesitantly I walked towards them, my hands fixing my dress as if it had a crinkle. I gulped as I approached, looking towards the first man. "Um hello I am Maleri-"
"Princess Maleri Brooks," my father spoke up over me, cutting me off. He turned to the two males standing before him, claiming to be my mate. Then he looked at me with an unreadable face. "Mal, which one of these is your true mate? I'm confused about how you have two claiming to be yours; it's never been heard of."
I looked at him and then at the males. "I'm- I'm not sure, father; they both smell like my mate. My wolf is saying both are mine." I rubbed my eyes, scanning the two as if one would state this was a joke.

The taller man spoke up first. "Princess Maleri, let me introduce myself properly. I am Alpha Liam of the blood moon pack, and I am very pleased to have you as my mate. My wolf Jax hasn't shut up about you." 

"Jax?" I say, "hmm would he be the one that cut off my fight earlier this evening? You should let him know I'll fight my own battles," I spoke with a smirk; the man just chuckled as my father glared.

The second male spoke up, seeming confused about this all. "I am Alpha Sylus from the crescent moon  pack. It appears we have a little mix-up on who's is who's." His eyes darted to Liam as he did a slight bow to me out of rank and respect. My heart felt like it could pop out of my chest at any moment. Two mates? Something felt off. I was not too fond of this, yet I also loved it. Was I dreaming? 

"It appears we should all have a private talk once the feast begins. Alpha Ezikeal, will you start it so we may travel inside to finish this conversation in private?" My mother finally spoke up. She was so quiet I almost forgot she was standing here until her elegant voice broke the confusion.

"Of course, my dear, Maleri, please follow me to the stage your mother can escort the men to the study where we will continue this." He held out his hand like a doting father, but I could feel his anger in his grip. Was he not happy? I had not one but two ALPHA fated mates. Isn't this their dream? "Don't look so lost in thought, daughter; this is supposed to be all about you tonight. Although if you act so rash in your words again, I'll ensure you can't move that pretty jaw of yours again." 'Ahhhh, there it is,' I thought to myself. Of course, he was upset about something so insignificant. As if those words would have chased off a goddess-chosen mate. I fought the urge to roll my eyes and follow him onto the stage.
————————Sylus POV———————
I watched as my mate left with her father to begin the rest of the festivities while I followed her mother to the study. How could she have two mates? I fought back a smirk. Well, I knew why but I would never tell. Everyone in the kingdom knew she was the biggest prize for a mate, and if you could bag her well, you got the whole kingdom as well. I planned it out easy. I found a witch and traded her vampire blood for the potion. All I needed now was to convince her this other man, that her probable true mate was not anything but a fake. However, it is rather unfortunate that the man had to be Alpha Liam his pack was more robust than mine but not as big. It made him a fair rival in this unforeseen match for the princess's hand.

As we walked back into the pack house, it was more like a stone castle. I buttoned my suit buttons and stood straighter. I couldn't let him when I needed this match to save my pack from my father's gambling problem that had almost brought us to ruin. We approached the study, and I ran my hand through my dirty blonde hair, placing my free one in my front pocket. I watched as Liam leaned against the wall by the window and her mom sat half on the desk nodding to me to sit. With a smile and a nod back, I sat before speaking. "Well, this may get interesting; seems the goddess expects us to share?" I looked at Liam in the eyes, meaning the challenge as I spoke it. "Don't make threats, pup; that's how you lose your pack and your life," the other alpha spoke up. Before I could stand, the Luna queen stood and cleared her throat.

"Ahem, I suggest you both watch your tongue until my husband and Maleri arrive."
She looked us both in the eyes, her aura slipping lightly. It wasn't strong enough to hurt, but it did surprise me with the strength. I sat and waited in silence until the door finally opened.