Chapter 4 The mating ceremony

Mia

I was adorned in a red beautiful dress, my hair styled in a beautiful way that highlighted my face. Diamond jewels Edward had sent to me as gifts were on my neck and ears. I knew they must have cost a lot but the earrings hung heavily on my ears. It was like a cross I had to bear for the joy of my father and the rest of the pack.

"You would be fine. I've got you." Bella whispered in my ears and I squeezed her hands for comfort.

The ballroom was decorated for the mating ceremony and I could see it was already filled with guests. The majority of the populace don't even care about me.

Edward had already marched down the aisle with his beta and some of his enforcers that had come from Phoenix pack. Before he walked down, he gave me a cold stare that sent shivers down my spine. If that wasn't a warning sign, then I don't know what it was.

Bella waved at me then beamed a reassuring smile at me before she walked down with Lewis behind him. The planner had wanted other female wolves to join Bella and had also kicked against Lewis being a part of my bridal train but I was adamant. They were my only friends and I won't let any hater march down with me.

"Let's go!" Vincent growled at me and pulled my arms forcefully into his.

I looked up to hear the bridal music already playing.

"You know..." I said in a hushed tone as I walked down the aisle with my father. "I wish it was Bella walking down with me. If not for our customs, I would allow my friend to walk me down the aisle instead of you."

"Shut it, Mia. Good thing I wouldn't be hearing any of your rubbish anymore. Now, you have one last thing you've got to do for me. Be on your best behaviour and submit to Alpha Edward." The words flowed out of his lips with cruelty and I had to pause to think if he was really my father.

"Don't embarrass me, come on." He tugged on my arms and I fell back into step with him.

Tears threatened to trickle down my eyes but I fought it back. I'm sure a powerful Alpha would be irritated by tears.

"We have gathered today to witness the bond between Alpha Edward of Phoenix pack and Mia Rogers of Gyde pack." The pack's priestess spoke the moment I stood opposite Edward who looked bored to death from what was happening.

I stared at him in fascination. He was so beautiful but I didn't need anyone to tell me about the bronze underneath the gold.

He wore a black tuxedo and his hair was gelled to the back, highlighting his facials and sharp jaw. His eyes shone brightly like emeralds and I was lost in the beauty of it.

His eyes flickered to mine and I looked away immediately as my heart began to beat faster.

What was I doing? I was getting mated to a powerful Alpha I knew nothing about except the tales of his brutality.

Should I run away? Can I even make it to the doorway before I get caught and dragged back down the aisle?

My eyes scanned the crowded hall and landed on my father who was wearing a proud look on his face. It wasn't pride for his daughter but for his selfish achievement.

"Mia? Mia, you need to repeat your vows." The priestess tapped me and I stared at her in confusion.

"Your vows." She mouthed.

"Ohh... okay."

I don't know why, but my eyes went back to my father and I caught the look of disappointment in his eyes with a scowl telling me to pull myself together.

"I, Mia Rogers of Gyde pack, take Alpha Edward of Phoenix pack as my mate and Alpha. I vow to honour and submit to him as long as I live." I forced the words out of my mouth after the priestess had said them to me for a repeat.

"You may now kiss your mate." She grinned at Edward.

He glanced at me with that same bored expression on his face. Jeez! This is way more better than the dream mating ceremony I've always dreamt of as a child.

He took a step forward and I took one step back.

A look of warning flashed in his eyes and I stilled myself. There was a difference between my father giving me a warning look and Edward giving me one.

His left arm wrapped my waist and I caught a whiff of his scent. I breathed it in, finding it intoxicating. Before I knew it, his lips grazed mine briefly and he stepped back to where he stood.

Did that count as a kiss? I feared the kiss but I anticipated it to test the ground we both stood on. Turns out it's a sinking soil.

Why did he want me if he can't even stand my presence? What does a latent wolf have to offer? My fears increased as we were declared mates by the priestess and the party began.

There's more to why Edward got me as a mate but I'm afraid I would find out when it's already too late and there would be no place to run to.

The mating ceremony came and went in a blur. I couldn't even concentrate on my own mating ceremony as a result of fear for what lay ahead.

A lot of the guests were now wasted and drunk. My father drank to stupor and was now led away by some guards. I stared at him with contempt. Today must be the happiest day of his life. He has gotten his dream alliance and given away his useless daughter to the most powerful Alpha in the region.

My best friends I would have gone to for comfort were also drunk and had called it an early night. Edward was busy socializing with some elites from the pack and council members too.

I sat on my chair, drumming my fingers on the table as I watched everyone have fun at my mating ceremony party.

"You look sullen, princess."

The words sent goosebumps down my arms and I haven't even looked up to the person that spoke.

"There isn't much to enjoy." I said as Edward finally sat on his seat next to me.

"Maybe you will finally enjoy something tonight." He whispered into my ears as his hot breath fanned my neck. I grew stiff in my seat, already dreading when he would get to mark me as his mate tonight.