The Rightful Luna

Chapter 2 The Wedding

Mason POV

I am sitting on the bed in a hotel room, tugging nervously on my cufflink. My mood is as black as my tailormade tuxedo.

I have tried everything. I called in every favour and performed every trick I could. If it worked, remains to be seen in … I look at my watch, ten minutes.

To the outside world, I must seem vain to marry someone simply to become alpha. But it is not vanity, it is pride. For as long as I live, I will remember the conversation between my father and grandfather. His words were harsh and clear when he said I would fail as an alpha.

I was about fifteen when I accidentally stumbled onto the conversation. I vowed there and then that I will prove him wrong. Grandfather was a miserable and cruel man, and nothing would bring me more joy than to make him eat his words. Marrying Carina is not what I want. But I would rather marry her than prove Grandfather right.

The door opens and I jump up.

“Anything?” I look hopefully at Benedict, my Beta.

“I’m sorry,” he shakes his head. “No, she’s not here.”

“That’s it then,” I sigh heavily. “I tried and failed.”

“Maybe she’s just late,” Benedict walks towards me and rests his hand on my shoulder. “She could …”

“No,” I cut him off, smiling sourly. “I must man up and face the truth. She’s not here because she made a choice.”

“I’m sorry, Mason,” Benedict sounds truly remorseful.

“So am I,” I sigh. “Let’s get this over with.”

Silently, Benedict and I walk to the hotel’s ballroom where the ceremony will be held. Silver Creek is not the biggest pack, but we are surely one of the richest. The Silver Spoon Hotel is proof of it.

I politely greet the guests as I walk down the aisle to wait for Carina. I must have prayed a thousand times that she would not show up. But when the harp started playing, I knew it was all in vain. Carina is nothing better than the average gold digger. She is marrying me for the Luna title and my family’s money. Surely, it is not for love. I am not her mate.

I swallow my surprise when Carina and her mother walk down the aisle. I hate to admit it, but she is gorgeous. She always wears her red, curly hair in a ponytail but today it is lavish waves down her back. Her emerald green eyes are big and bright.

She smiles softly at me, and I tear my gaze away from her beauty. She might be my beautiful bride, but she is not my mate.

I ignore her when she comes to stand next to me. I ignore the officiant’s words. I ignore everything and everyone. I keep my eyes fixated on the glass panel on the back wall and think about Erica.

The ceremony passes me in a haze, and I only return to the here and now when it is expected of me to reply.

“I do,” my voice is surprisingly clear and unwavering and my mother, Cybil, does not even attempt to conceal her crying.

Heavens know why she is crying. It is not like we get along. I have always been closer to Father, but lately, her demeanour towards me has changed. In fact, she has been my biggest supporter since Dad forced me into this charade.

“I do,” Carina’s voice is melodious, and I fight the urge to slap her. Not because I am a violent person by nature but because she is not Erica.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the officiant announces. “You may kiss the bride.”

I turn towards Carina and kiss her quickly on the lips before looking away. I feel dirty, I feel like a rat for kissing anybody other than my mate.

Carina and I sign the register, and I take her hand to walk outside. I scour the guests, but I do not see her. She really did not come. Erica is not here. I need a drink … now!

Carina POV

I am a nervous wreck. The wedding drained me but even though I am exhausted, I am also slightly excited. It is my wedding night. Tonight, I will become Mason’s wife in every sense of the word.

It does not matter that Mason practically ignored me the entire night. It does not matter that my new mother-in-law looked at me as if I stink. It does not matter that people have been whispering and giving me side glances the entire night. All that matters, is that I will belong to Mason tonight.

I exhale deeply and slide my hands nervously down my hips. The white negligee I am wearing compliments my figure. I know, I made a tremendous effort to find it. The perfect negligee which is both provocative and innocent.

I brush my hair once more, smell my breath and turn to the door. My stomach dives as I turn the knob and enter the room.

Mason is standing by the window, with his back towards me enjoying a drink. His crisp, white shirt fits his broad shoulders perfectly and his black hair is combed back and curls at the collar.

Growing up next door to him, I have admired him since I was a teenager. In my silliest moments, I hid behind the shrubs for just a glimpse of him at the swimming pool. But not once did I see him without a shirt and tonight, I am allowed to glide my hands over his muscular chest and back.

Silently, I walk towards him. Words escape me to explain how excited I am. I have fantasised about him for as long as I can remember. It has always been him.

“Mason,” I say softly, and he turns around slowly.

He does not say a word as his piercing blue eyes trail up and down my body. Nervously, I intertwine my fingers. I do not think I have ever been this uncomfortable.

He puts the glass down and takes two steps towards me. I do not look away when he gently takes a string of my hair and curls it around his finger.

I master all my courage and reach for his buckle. He looks me dead in the eyes as I undo his pants but when I want to remove it, he grabs my wrists.

“Don’t touch me,” his voice is dangerously dark and soft. “Don’t you ever touch me. You’re not my mate. As soon as I’m the alpha, we’re done.”

He shoves me roughly to the side and I land on the bed. Devastated by his words, I watch him leave our room and I pull my knees to my chest. For a moment, I cannot breathe, I cannot think.

We’re done.

I close my eyes and do not fight the tears as my dream shatters into a million pieces.