Chapter 72

“You are free to marry Emily, Beta Tom, after you get your work squared away. I can do without you for about two weeks.” King Harvey says as he flips through a thick book of wedding cake recipes.

“Thank you, King Harvey.” Beta Tom bows slightly as he flips through the same wedding book I did. Emily is sitting beside me on a red velvet sofa as we look for wedding dresses for her. Emily is a simple woman and wishes to marry as I did.

In the church first, then a mating ceremony. The only difference is that only King Harvey and I will be at her mating ceremony to make sure it happens. It doesn’t have to be every royal werewolf and I am glad for that.

“Remember Mom’s wedding dress? Those lace sleeves and helm? I want that.” Emily says as she keeps flipping through the book.

“That will be very beautiful. And lingerie?” I purposely ask and look at Beta Tom, who turns as red as the couch we are sitting on.

Good, that means he has some morals about him.

King Harvey flashes me a fang-filled smirk and I know he would like to see me in some later, and he may as well.

Emily all but throws the book at my face. “No, Elena! You are my sister!!!”

“And? I want to make sure you at least have as silk slip to sleep in!”

Emily calms down in one fast breath, her hand on her chest. “Oh! I thought you meant like heart tape on my chest!”

Beta Tom suddenly gets up and looks out the window, opening the window and breathing heavily. A glance at his balled hands show me his talons have expanded. Well, he has plenty of desire for his future wife. I am glad about that.

“Elena,” King Harvey starts casually. “Werewolves mate for life.”

“That helps me plenty.” I reply to King Harvey with a smile. “Why did you not tell me that King Harvey?”

King Harvey turns to me entirely. “I did not?”

“No! It would have eased me!”

“Well, Elena, please forgive me. Emily, did you know that?” King Harvey asks respectfully.

Emily blushes. “Yes. I study werewolves so I know about them and their mating habits and… well… a lot. Plus, Beta Tom answers any questions I have.”

“Apparently my husband prefers kissing…” I mutter as King Harvey laughs out loud.

“Do you complain, my love?” King Harvey voiles with ease.

“…. shhh, King Harvey.” I whisper as he lights up, grinning wildly.

King Harvey takes a seat across from us and Beta Tom follows, slightly shaken. I can tell he is restraining himself from sitting beside Emily and kissing her passionately. Is this how King Harvey appears to others? Or myself?

“Beta Tom has a very similar level of power that I do, Emily.” King Harvey informs seriously. “Has he told you that?”

Emily pales. “No. No, why haven’t you, Tom?”

Beta Tom runs his hand down his face. “Darling, I believed you would fear me. King Harvey has a very intimidating aura…”

“Thanks!” King Harvey chuckles. “I have worked very hard on it.”

“Really, why?” I ask knowing Emily would like to know the answer.

“Well, my wife, I have been in war and wish to never return. If I remain stern, then there will be less threats of war and to my loved ones. It is to protect.”

“I understand.” Emily replies before I do. Emily gets up and cradles Beta Tom’s face in her hands, making him look upwards. “Tom, tell me what you can do.”

Beta Tom sighs but moves to kiss Emily’s palms. “I can do 80% of what King Harvey can do. I cannot sustain my abilities if King Harvey a-!”

“Wolf.” Emily interrupts in a firm voice. “Mating, what does that mean? You will not be on a battlefield in our marriage, I forbid it. Elena forbids King Harvey in a war, and she has her luna powers. I don’t expect for either of us to have war-torn husbands with Elena in charge.”

King Harvey laughs and so does Beta Tom.

“What?” I ask.

I sit in King Harvey’s lap to stop him from laughing and he automatically smirks. “Elena, I am glad you are so comfortable with me.”

“No, tell me what you mean?”

“You can’t control war, Elena.”

“I can make sure you do not escalate unless necessary, King Harvey. There is at least something I can do.”

King Harvey nods seriously. “I understand and you do have a point, Elena….”

Beta Tom nods. He picks Emily up and I notice how natural she fits in his arms and how relaxed she is. Her arms enclose around his neck and stay in place when he takes a seat on the sofa we just were on.

I expect King Harvey to make a sound of protest that it is inappropriate for them to be like that, but he doesn’t.

“Does this bother you, Elena?” Emily asks innocently.

“No. It is just King Harvey is a King, so…”

King Harvey laughs. “I do not care. My wife is in my arms. I am happy.”

“Mating, Tom.” Emily starts looking into his eyes. “Will it be painful?”

“I will control myself and be gentle.”

“How much did it hurt, Elena?”

“…it took a few tries because it is the first time, just be sure to tell him.” I whisper, blushing so hard I feel my eyes will burn.

“Yes. I understand that, but the power, did you feel the power, did it overwhelm you?”

I understand my sister is asking from a logical point of view.

“Emily, when he is in a protective mode, halfway through a transformation, you will feel it. To calm him down, press your body to his, naked.”

Emily nods. “I will remember. Is it… pleasurable?”

“To… be with him… yes.” I throw my face in my hands and can’t look up now. King Harvey is too busy chuckling.

“You have answered honestly, Elena. It is okay.” King Harvey comforts me gently, but quickly in my ear.

“Uhm… Beta Tom, when will King Harvey be asking about the other betas, for me to test them?” I ask between my fingers.

Slowly, I pull my fingers from my face to-face Beta Tom and Emily. Beta Tom has a surprising light blush on his face and Emily doesn’t.

“In the coming days, is that fine, King Harvey?” Beta Tom replies formally.

King Harvey nods. “Yes, that will be fine.”

“Elena, what is this about?” Emily asks.

“King Harvey believes a beta is unreliable and I must question them with my luna powers.”

Emily thinks for a moment. “That is so stupid to betray King Harvey. He is the kindest king.”

King Harvey nods. “Thank you, Emily.”

Emily laughs nervously. “Thank you, King Harvey.”

“Okay, Emily. Let’s finish the wedding preparation!” Detaching myself from King Harvey automatically makes me miss the warmth of his body, but there is no choice.

Emily and I return to our original seats and so do Beta Tom and King Harvey. Soon, we are back to taking notes and talking about what to do. Emily picks out a dress in a half hour, asking for lace gloves.

“That will be your wedding gift, if you would like.” I speak.

I plan to give her the gems I took from King Harvey’s secret room in case of emergency, but they will be a beautiful gift.

I know King Harvey has a personal sword prepared for him, and he and I have agreed on a gift of royal clothing and a donation to the hospital she studied at. I am sure I will come up with something soon.

Emily grins. “I can’t wait!”

“Nor can I, I am so happy!”

I am glad Emily will be loved by Beta Tom, and that I can keep a close eye on them. Everything will be okay.