He followed the small stone staircase down toward the far back corner of the palace, passing warriors along the way. Happy to see his men at guard, he nodded his approval as he passed.
His pack was large but tight-knit, and he knew each and every member. He respected most, tolerated a few, but in the end, after many years, they were now a cohesive group. He could depend on them when needed. Perhaps this was why he was having such a difficult time understanding how any palace staff member could betray someone as loving and kind as his princess.
Aldric found her lying under a small magnolia tree, absently weaving her fingers through the blades of grass. The branches seemed to be straining to reach her. He understood almost immediately that the surrounding flora was attempting to comfort her. The sadness pouring from her stopped him in his tracks. She knew.
“Little one?” he spoke softly as he bent and gathered his mate into his arms. The tears running down her face hit him like a knife to his heart. “Oh, sweetheart. Shh, it’ll be okay.”
“One of my own betrayed me. Why?” Her voice shook with emotion and her eyes shone with tears as she looked up at Aldric. “How did I fail them so badly that they would turn on me?”
“None of this is your fault, love. Some people are not capable of loyalty no matter how well they are treated.” He held her close, wishing he could make her pain go away, but until the bastard who was hunting his mate was caught, she would not be consoled. Aldric was well aware Helena had an immense amount of strength, but she would need him, and he swore to give her whatever she needed. “Who told you, love?”
Helena’s fingers gently traced the outline of the tattoo on his neck, causing goose bumps to rise on his suddenly overheated skin. “I overheard two of my warriors speaking. It wasn’t their fault. Neither realized I could hear them. Do you have any suspects?”
“No. Unfortunately, the people responsible have covered their tracks, but it’s only a matter of time before we root them out.” They would find those responsible, and he would deal with them. Gladly.
Aldric moved into the shade of the wall and sat on a stone bench with Helena in his arms. A few of his warriors moved further away from their posts to give the couple a bit of privacy. He noticed Amalia and Giselle were sitting in strategic locations, still performing their duties as chaperones until tomorrow’s ceremony.
Helena had grown quiet in his arms, and for a moment he thought she had fallen asleep until she asked softly, “Tell me more about my new home and pack.”
A welcome distraction, and an opportunity for him to give her peek into her new life. They spoke quietly, and as he talked about his pack, her new home and their territory, he tried to weave an intimate cocoon around them, hoping to keep out the evil that threatened their happiness.
They were finally able to discuss the meeting he had with her uncle and she agreed that the money and property required Aldric’s input and assistance. Helena was pleased she would be able to continue with her charity work, something he never would have taken away from her. He would do anything to make her happy, and support any endeavor she wished to pursue.
They decided to leave the discussion regarding one of their children becoming the heir to the throne for another time. They didn’t need to make a decision at this point and it would be many years into the future before that became a necessity. Gods knew their children would be old enough to partake in the discussion when the time came.
“Also, I promised you an explanation,” she whispered as she absently rubbed his chest. Gods, what her touch did to him. “Two years ago at the Omega Celebration was when I first saw you and I knew you were mine, but my uncle wouldn’t allow me to attend until I reached my twenty-fifth birthday.”
The light bulb went on over his head, and the comments from their first night together finally became clear. “Ahhh. That’s why Amalia said she’d been waiting years to approach me on your behalf.” He was shocked and wondered what it would have been like these past two lonely years if he had only known he had an omega waiting who deemed him worthy of her choice.
“Exactly. My uncle allowed me to view the celebration from a discreet balcony, and I watched you walk into the ballroom and I couldn’t take my eyes off you. I had my attendants find out who you were. I’ve been biding my time ever since, hoping and praying that you wouldn’t be chosen before I had the chance to meet you.” She snuggled deeper into his embrace. “And the gods granted me my prayers.”
Aldric was stunned. All these years he had attended the celebration out of duty and nothing more. Had he followed through on his threat to not attend this year’s celebration, he would have never known this love, this joy, and the unbelievable happiness this amazing woman had brought into his life.
He needed to do something special for his family for forcing him to attend.
“I believe it’s me who needs to be thanking the gods for their favor, and not the other way around.”
“Well, my mate, we will have to disagree on this one point, as I’m positive I got the better end in this deal.” She stretched up and nibbled his ear. Thank the gods the mating ceremony was tomorrow. Aldric didn’t know if he could last longer than another twenty-four hours to have her in every way possible.
“This disagreement, my princess, might prove to be interesting.” He nuzzled the side of her neck, while imagining the hours he would spend rubbing his scent on every inch of her body.
Chapter Eight
The day of their bonding ceremony dawned bright and sunny. The palace was a riot of activity, and with the help of her warriors, Helena took the opportunity to slip away to her suite for a bit of peace before the festivities began.
Although still crushed that someone in the palace had betrayed her, the omegas, and everything her family held sacred, she treasured the time she’d spent with Aldric. As their lives became more enmeshed, she saw a beautiful future filled with love and possibilities.
The previous evening couldn’t have been more perfect. She laughed and danced often with her alpha; they even managed to drag Ceva and Lothar out onto the floor for a single dance. Cassandra had charmed her way into everyone’s hearts before she had to be carried away by Hilda at bedtime. The other omega/alpha courting pairs at the celebration danced happily late into the evening, long after Helena had retired with Aldric resuming his post on the couch beside her bed.
It was only mere hours now until their mating became formal, and Helena missed Aldric so desperately, her heart actually ached. As was tradition, he had left early that morning in a whirl of kisses and endearments that set her heart and other more intimate parts aflame. He would stay away until they met in the great hall.
Final preparations were going on around her, but thankfully her time was her own. Her family had shooed her away. They wished to keep the details and decorations under wraps in order to surprise her.
She couldn’t help noticing quite a few omegas walking in and out of the hall, their security in tow, as they helped with the preparations. Typically, once an omega has chosen his or her mate, their bonding ceremony would take place back on the alpha’s pack lands, but since Helena was a princess, the rules were different. She had to have her ceremony in the palace so her people could celebrate with the royal family. After all they had given her, she wanted to share the happiest moment of her life with her people.
Now, sitting on her private balcony, she took a moment to close her eyes and just breathe. Immediately, she was comforted by the image of her beloved. She especially loved the way he looked in the dojo, when she was able to see more of his fantastic body. As if thinking of him had somehow conjured the vision, she opened her eyes to see Aldric standing strong and tall outside the front of the palace, welcoming his arriving pack. Her uncle and his advisors were at his side. She leaned forward, trying to hear his voice.
How had she become so entwined with him so quickly?
Suddenly, he looked up and scanned the area before placing his hand over his heart and whispering her name, as if
sensing her presence.
Was this real? Was she really watching Aldric while he was in another part of the palace? Was this one of their newly combined powers coming forward?
Her uncle was watching Aldric closely, noticing the change in his behavior but remaining quiet. Aldric scanned the area again then reached for his cellphone. Within seconds, her phone was ringing, bringing her out of her vision.
Quickly, she unlocked her phone screen and answered. “Aldric?”
“Are you all right, little one?” The deep timber of his voice caused her to close her eyes and savor the delicious sound. Once again, the same image of her mate appeared, only this time he was on his phone talking to her.
“I think I just discovered a new power. Close your eyes, my alpha, and think of me.” She saw Aldric close his eyes and gasped.
“Little one, in my mind, I can see you on your balcony. You can see me?”
“Yes,” she gushed, sending love through to him. “Does this count as seeing each other on our bonding day?” she half teased, because honestly, she wasn’t sure if this was breaking the rules.
“No, sweetheart. We are still physically in different parts of the palace, so I think it’s safe to say we are abiding by tradition. How are you, my mate?” he asked while she watched him in her mind walking away from the others then closing his eyes again.
“Missing you terribly.”
“Soon we’ll be together, my love. Nothing could ever keep me away from you. In a few days, I will take you to your new home and we’ll begin work on that family you want.” His voice was rough, as if the thought was too much to put into words. “I will love you until the end of our days, Helena, and then I swear I will find you in the afterlife.”
“My love,” she whispered, too overcome with emotions to say more.
In a matter of a few days, he had become the single most important person in her life. She understood this was the way of werewolves but never expected this love to be an all-consuming need. It amazed her that no one had snapped up this strong, honorable, kind, sexy man before she had, but she would be forever grateful. She knew with all her being that he would do anything to assure she was happy and safe, as she would for him. And she knew down to her soul Aldric would be an amazing father.
“Rest now, my princess. It will only be a few more hours before we are reunited and we will be mated. I love you, little one.”
“Love you too, Aldric. You know you’ll never be rid of me now,” she teased before disconnecting the call and watching him shake his head and laugh before returning to the members of her new pack.
She opened her own eyes to find her attendants, Aunt Alex, Hilda, and Cassandra standing around her on the balcony. Ceva was perched on the edge, her black wings tucked neatly against her back. “I see you’ve discovered a new power, goddaughter.”
“Yes, it’s amazing. If I close my eyes and think of Aldric, I’ll see him no matter where he is and he can see me.” Helena was so pleased knowing she would never be without her mate’s presence again, in one form or another.
“Wow. You can see my brother?” Cassandra asked in wonder before crawling up into Helena’s lap.
“Yes, little flower. Now he’ll never be far away from me.” She would have to thank the gods for this blessing. It was exactly what she needed to calm herself.
“It’s time to get ready, Helena.” Even though Aunt Alex spoke softly, her voice wavered slightly as she tried to calm her emotions.
Helena stood, gently placed Cassandra on her feet, and gathered her aunt into her arms. “It’ll be okay, Aunt Alex. I won’t be far away. You and Uncle Leo can come visit anytime, and as often as you wish. You know, Aldric and I will be back frequently to visit and for royal functions.”
“My head knows this, but my heart doesn’t seem ready. You have grown into an intelligent, kind, beautiful woman, and I could not be more proud. Alpha Forst had better realize just how lucky he is,” Aunt Alex stated as she dabbed her eyes with a tissue.
“We are lucky to have found each other. We have been truly blessed.” Helena knew this to be true.
They stood holding one another for a few more minutes before finally parting to allow Helena to be enveloped into the arms of her new mother-in-law. “Trust me when I say my son knows exactly how fortunate he is, and so do we. Our pack is lucky to have you joining us.”
“Princess, I’m sorry to interrupt, but you must start preparing or we will leave your alpha waiting at the altar,” Amalia said while tapping away on her tablet, undoubtedly trying to keep everyone on track.
“Nope, not going to happen. I’ve been waiting for years to have him, and I refuse to be late. Let’s go, ladies.” Cheers went up, and with that, they went to work.
The following two hours flew by in a blur of activity as Helena was primped and polished into the glowing royal bride staring back at her in the full-length mirror. Her pure white, strapless gown made of tulle and organza with hand-beaded French lace delicately flowed around her, cascading like a waterfall to the floor. The sweetheart neckline and dropped waist accentuated her body and shimmered with intricate crystals that twinkled in the sunlight. Her cathedral train stretched out behind her and was covered with white calla lilies and intricate vine work in honor of her omega heritage.
She had decided to forgo the veil, and in its place, her hair was set high on her head with intricate braids interspersed between curls. Diamond pins sparkled throughout and surrounded her impressive gold, sapphire, and diamond crown, which was worn only on the most formal occasions. Tiny blue star-flowers intermingled with her jewels, finishing her look and giving her the more earthy appearance that she craved. Combining the two showcased her dual roles, and displayed her royal Fenrir tattoo for all to see.
She didn’t have flowers to carry down the aisle, because her beloved aunt and uncle would be walking on either side of her toward her future, her mate.
“You’re stunning, my little girl.” King Leonidas stood in the open doorway, tears glistening his eyes. He stood proud in his ceremonial uniform covered in campaign medals over his red sash with two gold braids on his shoulder. He wore his crown made of yellow gold with two arches and four jewel-encrusted crosses. The entire crown was covered in over one hundred diamonds and rubies. The queen would wear a smaller version of the same crown.
To give the family a few private moments, everyone had left for the great hall. Only the king and queen remained, as well as their warriors and royal guard.
“Thank you, Uncle.” Helena opened her arms to accept a hug from the man who had been her father for as long as she could remember. “Where is Aunt Alex?”
“In the other room attempting to get herself under control. She didn’t wish to make you cry,” Uncle Leo explained.
“I love you two so very much. Thank you for everything you have done for me after my parents were taken from us.” Helena had grown up in a happy, loving environment. No one could have asked for more.
“We love you, Helena. There is no need for thanks,” Queen Alexander said as she entered the room and walked into Helena’s and Uncle Alex’s waiting arms. “You have brought so much joy into our lives. The Gods most certainly blessed us with you.”
“You are more daughter to us then niece. We hope that we have shown you how precious you are to us over the years.” Her uncle stared straight into Helena’s eyes to drive the point home: She was their daughter.
“I have never once doubted the love the two of you have for me.”
“I wish your mother and father could be with us today, but I truly believe they are here in spirit. Death could never keep them away from you on this day, sweetheart.” Aunt Alex assured while dabbing fresh tears from her eyes.
“They are here with me. I believe that with everything I am. They are here.”
After a few moments King Leonidas composed himself. Helena felt he was thinking of the sister he loved and lost so long ago. He had loved her greatly and missed her every day. “It’s time to meet
your destiny, Helena. Your mate is waiting.” King Leonidas took Helena and his queen by their hands and led them from the room.
General Jensgar and Lothar stood with Marcus and her remaining warriors as she exited her private chambers. “You look beautiful, Princess.”
“Thank you Marcus, my brother.” Marcus froze, seemingly shocked by the endearment. “We have grown up together; you, me, and Amalia. You are as dear to me as would be my own brother.”
“I am honored, Princess.” Marcus spoke with pride before leading the way out of their private wing.
The hallways were basically empty; only the odd servant could be seen. It took what seemed only mere moments before Helena found herself outside those same giant, carved wooden doors she had nervously stood before the first night of the Omegas’ celebration. She looked up to see the new image of a massive black wolf that had been carved beside Helena’s smaller white wolf on the panels. The black wolf stood guard over the smaller one, looking fierce and deadly. The work was breathtaking.
Her uncle smiled down at her as half her warriors went into the hall through small hidden side entrances and the room beyond became quiet.
It was time.
King Leonidas reached into his pocket and pulled out a gold necklace with a delicate, oval locket attached to the end. Carefully he placed it around Helena’s neck before opening the locket for her to see pictures of her mother and father inside.
“This way you have both sets of parents with you today, as it should be,” he whispered before closing it and letting it settle just below her collarbone.
“It’s beautiful. Thank you.” She was desperately trying not to cry.
With one final kiss on her cheeks from both King Leonidas and Queen Alexandra, they took their positions on either side of her and motioned for the doors to be opened.
Aldric stood at the front of the immense hall teeming with people from across their great lands. Alphas stood with their omegas, and visiting elven royalty were in attendance. His pack stood proud among the people gathered, his family at the front in a place of honor. He had never seen so many jewels and medals in one place. The marble floors seemed to glow in the sunlight streaming through the stained-glass windows, adding an impressive riot of color to the floors. Ornate carved mahogany railings cordoned off the area where the king and queen’s thrones were placed. They would watch the bonding ceremony, after releasing Helena to him, from a position denoting their place as the reigning monarchs.
Omega's Choice Page 13
