The Love of a Werewolf

Chapter 9

The pack is buzzing with excited energy, for today is a big day. The Elder's are still in their tents, awaiting for the King to arrive. "I can't believe he's actually doing it Donna." Steven murmurs to his mate, and she just nods in disbelief as well.

The sound of the excited children screams does nothing to calm down Altheia's nerves. Her body is painted in the blood of their ancestors, since today she will be royalty. Today she will be mating with Ethan.

The paint is cold and the brush tickles her skin as the usually quiet maids paint the symbols of the moon goddess and the pack on her skin. Her hair is tied back in an intricate bun, and a simple, short, blue cloth is wrapped around her waist to cover her private area, but her breast is bare.

A golden head piece is placed upon her head and then she's ready. Of course she's experienced other mating rituals, but she never thought she'd be the bride, much less to a King. A young girl, gently grabs her hands, which has been painted gold. "Please follow." Altheia does so easily, listening to the loud noise of the drums and excited chants from her pack.

Loud screams fill the air as they spot her, and she fights off the smile on her face. Her breath hitches as she spot Ethan sitting on the designated pillows, his muscular back tensing and untensing as he waits. She's directed to stand behind him, and to place her hands on his shoulders. "Quiet!" The Elder's voice booms out and everyone instantly quests down at the command.

Another Elder steps up and Altheia recognizes him as Elder Frank, the oldest one amongst them. It's said that he was here for over three generations, watching the rise and fall of the werewolf kingdom. "Today, we are here to join our King to his mate." Frank's voice is steady and powerful, as if he isn't over 300 years old. "Altheia, has been chosen by our King, to rule us, to protect us, and she has agreed to this. Ms. Altheia Fernando, daughter of Malcolm Fernando, a respected Gamma, and Gisele Brady, our healer, do you accept the rule of Queen and Luna? Do you promise to be a loving mate, wife, and mother, when the time comes?"

"I do." Altheia says, her voice firm, unwavering and Ethan wants to look up at her so bad, but it's forbidden. He isn't to see his bride until night has fallen.

"Ms. Altheia Fernando, our King has placed his trust in you to lead and guide us to safety and to help us become even more prosperous, do you accept to continue on with his ruling? To punish those you see fit and to reward those who are worthy?" The Elder ask her. Just like everyone else, he is in awe of her beauty.

He's been alive for over 300 years and he's only seen three people like her in his entire life. "I do." Her voice, snaps him out of his thoughts.

"My King, are you ready to share the power and responsibility that comes with being a husband, mate, and father with your chosen mate?" Frank now looks at his King.

"I do." His voice is powerful, and it sends chills down everyone's spines, everyone but Altheia. His voice causes her body to heat up and judging by the way his muscles tense, she knows he can smell her arousal.

"Then by the power invested in me and by the approval of the goddess of the moon, you are bound as mates for eternity." Frank says and then cheers erupt throughout the crowd as the Moon goddesses blessing washes over Altheia and Ethan.

"My Queen, please follow me." The young girl from earlier grabs her hand and gently lead her back to the tent.

"You did amazing, my love." Gisele Brady showers her daughter in kisses and Altheia's sweet giggles fill the room.

"Thank you, momma." She says sincerely.

"I'm sorry, but we must prepare you for the next part of the ceremony." The young girl interrupts such a joyous occasion with guilt in her eyes.

"There is no need to apologize." Altheia rushes to console the girl. "What is your name?"

"My name is Lithia." The girl states proudly, when she sees her Queen smile in pride at her. Not many know this, but the servants gain more power, when they're rulers are happy with them. So they dedicate their lives to serving them.

Their leaders are kind and they make sure that the servants want for nothing. They have a kind and just King, and Lithia can feel it in her heart that Altheia is just as kind and just as her King. "What a beautiful name." Altheia stretches out her hand and the young girl, clutches onto it, pulling her towards the washroom, to wash off all the paint on her.

The next stage, she must chant with the other female Elder's and then night fall will come and a feast and dance has been put together in her honor. There she will meet her husband. Her mate.