Chapter 7 First Night as Bride

"Why do I sense uncertainty and like a failure all at once? I will not fail my sisters. Never! I was trained for this. I can't choose this Alpha over my assignment." I muttered under my breath as I walked out. 

The moon appeared full and bright over Castle Dome that evening. I stood in the center of the moonlit courtyard with Arthur beside me. Only a small group of key pack elders and warriors had their eyes on us. The formal contract ceremony was simple but heavy with meaning. Arthur had told me it was a tradition. 

I wore a deep green dress that someone had brought to my room earlier. It fit perfectly, but I still felt like an impostor. Arthur looked every bit the Alpha he is in a tailored black shirt and dark pants. His golden eyes stayed on me the entire time.

One of the elders stepped forward and read the final terms of the contract out loud to the hearing of the congregation. When he finished, Arthur took my left hand. His touch was warm and steady. Then from a small velvet box, he pulled out a beautiful ancestral ring. The band was old silver with intricate wolf runes designed in it.

"This belonged to my grandmother," he said quietly, loud enough only for me to hear. "She wore it with pride."

He slipped the ring onto my finger. The moment the cool metal touched my skin, a strange warmth spread through my hand and up my arm and I knew that was my magic reacting. It was as if the ring was seeking something hidden inside me. I kept my face calm and elegant, even as my heart raced. I did not pull away because too many eyes were watching, especially Alice’s. She stood among the warriors to my left with her arms crossed, having this hard and jealous expression. 

I felt unworthy of the ring and about everything becoming a lie. I was here to use him, not to become his true bride. But I smiled softly and nodded as the elders offered their short blessings. Arthur’s fingers lingered on mine a few seconds longer than it should. The pull between us rose stronger again so that I got confused. 

After the elders congratulated us, Arthur led me away from the courtyard. We walked in silence through the stone halls until we reached the shared royal chambers which had large luxurious rooms with a massive bed in the center, wooden furniture, and tall windows. My old suite was probably right next door, because I noticed the connecting door that stood wide open looks alike tonight. 

Arthur closed the main door behind us and turned to me. "You will be safe here," he said. "My warriors are guarding every entrance to ensure no one gets in without my permission. But if you ever feel unrest, you only need to call for me."

I nodded. "Thank you."

He gave me space, moving to the far side of the room. I could tell he was trying to avoid being too attached. I appreciated it, but my mind was elsewhere. I needed answers from Pendragon I believe was hiding so much about my family. I also needed to report to the coven about the contract.

While Arthur stepped into the bathroom to wash up, I sat on the edge of the bed and closed my eyes. I tried to slip via my spirit, reaching out toward Lucy and the coven. My consciousness started to adjust, the room fading around me.

Suddenly, a wave of dizziness hit me, causing my head to throb, and the minor wound on my side from the syndicate attack in the forest started hurting me again. I gasped softly and clutched my ribs regretting why I kept the wound a secret.

The bathroom door opened. Arthur was by my side in seconds, his face full of concern. "Charlotte? What is wrong?"

"Nothing," I lied quickly, trying to steady my breathing. "Just… an old wound acting up."

He did not believe me fully, but he did not try to get more answers. Instead, he sat beside me on the bed. "Let me see it."

Before I could refuse, he gently lifted the side of my dress. His fingers were careful as he cleaned the wound with a cloth and some ointment he took out from a drawer closeby. His touch sent warmth spreading across my skin and he was so gentle, unlike the men I had known before. Especially not like my last boyfriend I had killed on the highway. That man had only ever been rough and selfish to me. 

"Why were you in distress just now?" Arthur asked softly while he worked. His golden eyes searched my face at intervals. "You can tell me."

I looked away. "I am not ready for a full wedding ceremony yet. This contract is already a lot. Can we wait until I feel more settled? Please."

He finished bandaging the wound, sat back and a gentle smile touched his lips. "Of course. We will wait until you are ready. There is no rush."

The closeness between us suddenly felt too much. Arthur’s scent filled my senses. His face was only inches away from mine and I could see the hunger in his eyes, mixed with that same uncertainty. He leaned in slowly, giving me time to pull away. I felt his breath now so warm but carrying weight all at once. My heart pounded so hard I was sure he could hear it. For one dangerous moment, I wanted him to close the gap and kiss me.

His hand came up to cup my cheek, then a loud knock sounded on the main door he had to pause. 

"Alpha!" a warrior called urgently. "We have a report from the city. Syndicate activity is increasing near the borders. They are asking for you."

Arthur let out a low growl of frustration, now resting his forehead against mine for a brief second, then pulled back. "I have to go handle this. Get rest, Charlotte. I will return as soon as I can."

He stood up and left the room, the door clicking shut behind him.

Left alone on the bed, I stared at the ceiling. The ancestral ring felt heavy on my finger. I touched it lightly, still feeling that strange magic reaction. My mind was a mess already. I was supposed to kill this man in six months, yet here I was, surprised by how gentle he could be. I hated myself for that I am the one slowing the marriage I so wanted to happen fast with other men I had sent to the grave.

The mission was clear. But tonight, lying in his chambers with his scent still on the air and the memory of his touch on my skin, I felt torn in a way I had never expected.

I did not know how much longer I could fight this growing attraction before it makes me lose myself or forces me to give up.