Chapter 4 Mating Night (1)

Sybil's POV

The villa was already alive when we arrived.

Servants and guards moved in a graceful blur beyond the villa's main doors. The moment our minivan rolled to a stop, everyone straightened as if pulled by invisible strings.

A line formed.

Heads bowed.

"Welcome, Your Highness."

The voice was warm, feminine, and confident. I looked up to find a beautiful woman with dark hair, probably about my age, standing at the center of them all. She wore no maid's uniform, just a sleek, long-sleeved dress that marked her as someone important.

"My name is Noelle," she said with a soft smile. "I am your head lady-in-waiting. You must be exhausted from all the rituals today. Would you like something to eat?"

Oh, thank goodness!

My stomach growled loud enough that I was sure half the guards heard it. I beamed at her, nearly launching myself into her arms. "Yes. Please. I am starving. The last thing I ate was breakfast. I swear the people at the castle were trying to starve me to death!"

I was already moving toward the entrance when Carmen cleared her throat behind me.

I turned, my excitement dimming just a little.

"Princess," she said gently, "we'll leave you in Noelle's care now. We'll return in seven days."

Seven days.

A full week.

Alone. In this villa. With four powerful Alphas I barely knew...

I was nervous again, but I hid it with a grin and nod.

Carmen gave me a knowing look before climbing back into the minivan with the others. I didn't wait to see them drive away. If I stood there too long, the reality of everything might actually catch up to me.

Instead, I stepped inside.

And immediately followed my nose.

The scent of roasted meat, herbs, warm bread, butter, and wine wrapped around me like an embrace. My wolf might be caged, but my senses were still sharp-sharper than any human's. Hunger pulled me forward like a leash.

I didn't need directions. I felt the dining room before I saw it.

The moment I entered, my mouth watered. A long table shimmered under golden light, covered in dishes that looked like they belonged in a royal feast painting. I dropped into the nearest chair and started piling food onto my plate before anyone could stop me.

"Your Highness, please, allow me," Noelle said gently, taking over with practiced grace.

I didn't even argue, and I let her pick up any dish she wanted to.

The first bite of a prosciutto roll melted on my tongue, salty and rich and perfect. My eyes widened. "Oh my God. Who made this? This is divine. I can eat this all day."

Noelle laughed softly as she poured me a glass of deep red wine. "Your personal chef, Your Highness. Her Majesty hired one especially for you-so all your cravings will be satisfied when you get pregnant."

I choked. Literally choked.

I coughed so hard I thought I might die right there, honeymoon ended before it even began. Noelle rushed to rub my back while someone shoved a glass of water into my hand.

"Babies?!" I wheezed once I could breathe again, face burning. "Who said anything about babies happening soon?"

Noelle's smile didn't falter, which somehow made it worse.

"I-I'm fine," I muttered, dabbing at my mouth. But my appetite had shrunk into a tight little knot in my stomach. Pregnant. So soon. Like it was already scheduled.

"Perhaps some soup first?" she offered gently. "To warm your stomach?"

"Maybe I just need to get out of this corset," I said, tugging at the tight fabric around my waist. "I can't even take a proper breath."

"Of course. Let me show you to your room."

We moved upstairs. Noelle gestured down the hallway as we walked.

"This is Alpha Viggo's room," she said, pointing right. "Across is Alpha River's. Next to his is Alpha Ezra's. Opposite that is Alpha Hunter's."

My steps slowed.

Four doors.

Four men.

Four fated mates I couldn't even recognize because my wolf, my other half, was locked away inside me. It's been years since I last talked to her. I am technically wolfless now.

"And the door at the end," Noelle said, stopping before a set of double doors, "is yours."

"Oh," I breathed. "So... we each get one?"

"Yes. For now. The King thought you might prefer your own space at first."

I exhaled in relief. "Thank God someone in that castle has common sense. Unlike my mother, who apparently expects me to be pregnant by tomorrow."

A few of the servants choked back giggles.

Noelle's lips twitched. "There is... another reason for the arrangement. But perhaps the Alphas should explain that to you themselves."

Oh, that did not sound innocent.

I turned to press her, but she opened the doors, and every thought flew straight out of my head.

My jaw dropped.

The room was massive, modern, and elegant, like a luxury seaside villa from a dream. Soft neutral tones, warm lighting, and glass walls leading to a balcony that overlooked the garden.

I walked toward it as if pulled by magic.

Outside, a pool shimmered under moonlight, framed by palms and low lanterns. "I didn't expect this," I murmured. "It feels like Bali... or Malibu."

"This villa was built just six months ago," Noelle said.

Six months...

The exact time my father found me... and started sending men to drag me back into this life. I'd fought them all. Hard. But somehow, I still ended up here.

I turned back inside, taking in the rest. A huge bed to the right, far too big for just one person. A plush sitting area and a large screen to the left.

"Where are my clothes?" I asked. "You can help me with the corset, then you can all go."

Noelle gestured toward a side door. "Walk-in closet and ensuite. We'll assist you, then leave you after we dress you."

"Just the corset," I insisted. "I can handle the rest. And Carmen said no one stays in the villa except us, right?"

That did the trick.

Soon it was just me.

Alone.

In a silent, moonlit room on my mating night.

I slipped out of my dress and headed into the walk-in closet... only to find it empty. Cabinet after cabinet. Nothing.

A strange chill crept up my spine.

"What is going on...?"

I moved into the ensuite. Steam curled through the air from a bath already drawn. My gaze skimmed the marble counters, then landed on something folded neatly on the vanity.

Fabric.

Small. Delicate.

I picked it up.

My eyes widened. My jaw nearly hit the floor.

"What the fuck?! They expect me to wear this?!"