The Lycan's Queen novel Chapter 3

When I finally decided to get out of the shower, my phone was ringing but I made the decision to ignore it. Instead, I got ready in my comfy clothes and brushed my freshly washed hair.
A knock at my door made me jump. Who was there? Sighing, I walked over and looked through the peep hole. It was only Zoya. I opened the door and was crushed in hug. I relaxed in Zoya’s embrace and hugged her back. I didn’t realise how badly I needed this hug.
“I’m so sorry Aarya. I wanted to talk to you yesterday, but I didn’t want to hurt you even more. I just want you to know that you are so strong, and I am so proud of you for not making a scene but just accepting it. It must be hard for you,” Zoya said, still hugging me.
“Thanks for being there for me Zoya and giving me the time and space, I needed. So, what brings you here? My brother annoying you.” I teased.
Zoya laughed and replied, “No, not today. He is under strict instructions not to piss me off today. I don’t want to be turning up to the Lycan Ball with a mate when I am pissed at him. Actually, there is another reason I am here.”
I rose my eyebrows in question and Zoya sat down on my bed and patted the space next to her. I sat down and looked at her in confusion.
“It isn’t anything bad. Mom just wanted me to remind you about something important. I knew you probably forget after everything. Remember tonight we aren’t the only pack at the ball, there is another important pack coming. Your cousins pack!”

I gasped. How could I have forgotten? My dad had a younger sister who found her mate in another pack, so she moved there. They have twin daughters, my cousins. I am very close to them both and they are only a year younger than me. Last time I saw them was Christmas last year. I couldn’t wait for the ball. All thoughts of Hunter flew out of my head, now I was super excited to see my cousins again. Niya and Diya Chopra, identical twins who were my best friends during my childhood. Oh, how I have missed them. Seeing the smile on my face, Zoya said, “I love that smile! I knew you would be happy when I told you this. Now you get some rest before getting ready.”

After saying goodbye to Zoya, I lay on my bed and decided to finish my book I was reading in the car. I had about 40 minutes before I needed to start getting ready and that was enough time for me to finish my book. So, I was sucked into the world of my mystery book. When I finally finished reading, I stretched and reached over to my phone which was on charge still. I had a few messages from Sophia saying she was excited to see me and from Niya and Diya also saying they couldn’t wait to see me. After responding to the messages, I scrolled through Instagram as I had time. Before long, I had to leave the warm, comfy bed and begin the tedious process of getting ready.
My hair was the first thing I tackled as it was still wet. So, after drying it, I decided to curl it. But before that, I put on my dress. It was a maroon coloured dress that came just above my knees. It was one of those dresses that was shorter at the front and longer at the back. My dress was also off the shoulder. I loved it because it was simple but also suited me. Then I got started on my hair which was relatively long and was easy to curl. Once it was curled, I decided to do a half up half down hairstyle. Looking in the mirror, I was pleased with the way my hair turned out.
Now it was time for the longest part, makeup. Sitting down on the hotel desk, I pulled out all my makeup I had bought and my trusty mirror which I always use. 30 minutes later, my makeup was finished, and I was pleased with it. I decided to keep it simple because I didn’t want to go all out, although I had put on false lashes which I rarely do.
Next stage was jewellery, I wore simple earrings in all my piercings. Yes, I do have a few piercings. My necklace was a simple gold chain with a heart shaped pendent, my grandparents got it for me when I turned 16. I wore my charm bracelet that I got when I was 18 from my parents and I was good to go. Obviously, before I left, I had to take some pictures but then I realised I was running late. Quickly putting on my heels and packing a little bag with all the necessary things in, I left my room. Mom had texted and told me to come to her room, so that’s where I headed.
As soon as mom opened the door, she gasped. “Oh my baby looks so gorgeous.”
I laughed and thanked her as I walked into my parents room. Dad smiled and told me I looked like a princess and Zoya corrected him saying I looked like a queen. I rolled my eyes at that comment. Sai announced that he would have to keep an eye on me because apparently, the whole male population would try and hit on me. Zoya hit him and said to loosen up. After Sai got told off by Zoya for being too overprotective, we all took some pictures and headed downstairs.
Carter was standing in the lobby and smirked when he saw me. “Wow Smiley. Who knew you could clean up nicely?”
“Wow who knew you were such a jerk? Oh, that’s right, everyone.” I teased.
Carter rolled his eyes causing me to laugh. On the insistence of all the parents, we had photos taken. Carter made me take silly photos, saying that it would look perfect on his Instagram. I said his 3 followers would really appreciate it. Carter was the best at getting me back to my normal self, us joking and insulting each other was part of our friendship. The best thing was, I was so busy having fun that I didn’t even notice Hunter and Lana standing there. It was only when we had to leave and the cars turned up, did I realise they were standing there the whole time. I glanced at hunter who was actually looking at me. Before I would have melted seeing him look at me but today, I just smiled and turned back round. Carter held my hand as we got into the car. Since Carter was the Alpha, the car we were riding in was just for him and his Beta. Luckily, I sat in the front with Carter while Hunter and Lana were in the back.
The palace was only 15 minutes away, I could handle a car journey with Hunter. As soon as the car started moving, Hunter and Lana started eating each other’s faces off. The noises they made were awful. I looked at Carter who had an angry look on his face.
“Hunter. I don’t appreciate you and your mate making all those noises. I am trying to have a conversation here so shut it.” Carter said sternly.
The kissing stopped immediately, I had never heard Carter be so serious but I was actually glad he was. Those noises were going to make me be sick.
“Anyway, Smiley. You better not leave my side tonight. I know that unmated males would love to get with you.” Carter said.
“Wow. Sai said something like that. I am not going to go with any unmated male anyway. I want to spend time with Sophia and my cousins. Priorities.” I replied.

“That’s my smiley. Always wants to be with friends and family.” Carter said proudly.
“Hey, what if you find your mate? I mean there are going to be loads of people there. Your mate might be among them.” I asked, looking at how Carter’s eyes lit up when I mentioned the word “mate”.
“Yeh maybe. Wouldn’t that be something.” Carter replied.
“Hmmm… I would have to warn her though; how crazy you are and how you have no friends.” I joked.
“Whatever you say smiley. I know you love me.” Carter winked.
We didn’t get to talk for much longer as we arrived at the palace. Carter helped me get out and we waited for our families to arrive as well. When everyone arrived, we had to go through strict security. After that was over, I gasped as we entered the palace. It was gorgeous, the high ceilings with the intricate designs. The decorations all suited the colour scheme of the place. Sophia had done an amazing job.
“Aarya!” Sophia’s voice travelled through the crowds.

I laughed as she rushed over to me and engulfed me in a massive hug. “Hey Sophia, you think you can let go now? You’re crushing me.” I asked.
Sophia let go immediately and apologised, I teased her saying, “Someone clearly doesn’t know her own strength.”

That was when Luke made his presence known, “That’s because she trains with me every day, she is an amazing fighter.” He boasted.
I rolled my eyes as Luke gave me a friendly hug. “Of course, you’d say she’s an amazing fighter. She is your mate.” I laughed.
Luke laughed and shook Carters hand, after introducing himself. Sophia noticed Hunter and Lana walk past us and her eyes suddenly snapped to mine. I shook my head and her eyes turned cold.
“Whatever. My best friend looks absolutely stunning, she is definitely the prettiest here.” Sophia gushed, I knew she said it louder than needed.
One because I know my best friend and two because Hunter turned around and Sophia had a satisfied smile on her face. I shook my head at her, she would never change. Lycan or not.
“Well not as beautiful as you. Someone is having a very hard time keeping his eyes off of you.” I teased.
Sophia didn’t get a chance to react as Carter handed us both drinks and we engaged in small talk. It must have been about 10 minutes later when two very familiar voices shouted my name and Carter whipped his head around so fast saying the word I loathed, “mate”.