Mated to the Alpha King-Book 1 novel Chapter 23

"Are you ready to go to the floor?"

"Of course."

We make our way to the floor and slowly meet with pack members. All of the pack members congratulate Lucas and I for finding each other and tell me they are so excited that I am going to be the new queen. All of the pack members we get close to gasp in surprise when they see the crown sitting on my head. Some drop down and give me the symbol of loyalty and respect.

My confidence grows after each new introduction. That is until Lucas and I somehow get separated.

"So your his 'mate' huh? You don't really look like a queen. Definitely not a True Luna Queen. I bet that's fake. My guess is that you are some runt that has made a witch, probably those hybrid twins, put a spell on him to trick him into thinking your his mate. If anyone should be queen, it should be me! I have known the King since we were toddlers!"

Half way during this persons rant I turn around to meet the face of a striking redhead.

"I'm sorry, I don't mean to be rude but I must ask. Who are you?"

The young woman slowly gets red in the face, with her eyes swirling with hatred.

"I'm Aella. The rightful queen."

Lots of attention was on the interaction between Aella and I. Pack members watching me, studying me, trying to figure out how I was going to respond.

Rip her throat out!

No Kenna. If she is going to challenge us and our authority then we will handle this with grace and authority she doubts we have.

"Aella was it? Are you challenging me for the throne?"

Silence and tension covered the ballroom like a heavy fog. Aella's answer would decide what happened next.

"Yes."

"Very well."

This woman has a death wish.

"Lucas. You are needed for this."

A small gasp made its way through the crowd because I used his name, not his title. Apparently no one besides his family and beta can do that.

Audrey 1. Aella 0.

"Aella. You have challenged Audrey, future Luna Queen for her throne. Do you approve of these claims and are ready to fight on the conditions set by me, your Alpha and King?"

"Yes Alpha King."

"Audrey. You have been challenged for the right to the throne. Do you accept the challenge and conditions set by me,your mate and Alpha King?"

Lucas starts to rub my back and holds my head to his chest. A slight crack startles me and I want to look but Lucas hand keeps me in place.

"I-I can't lose you. I-I can't. I won't be able to go on without you baby..."

The words coming out of Lucas mouth break my heart. He sounds so broken, so different from the powerful King he usually carries himself as.

We just stand there. Arms around each other as Lucas sobs into my shoulder.

"Hey. Have some faith in me okay? I wouldn't have agreed to her challenge if I didn't think I could win. Trust me okay?"

"I do trust you, but you haven't had proper training and just a couple weeks ago you had wolfsbane in your bloodstream! You still might have it circulating through your body! I won't be able to live with myself if you get hurt."

Lucas eyes have cleared of all black, now all that's left is pure sadness and the redness of suppressed tears.

Footsteps and a clearing of one's throat makes Lucas and I to break apart.

"Alpha. Luna. The fight will start soon and Luna needs to be ready. The twins and Jorgie are in your room, ready to help her get ready. You are needed in the clearing to make sure everything is prepared for the fight."

"Yes of course. Audrey, you remember my Beta Dominic and his mate Jorgie right?"

"Oh yeah! You guys are the ones at the ball that actually acknowledged my presence! It's good to see you again Beta Dominic."