Enticing The Alpha

Chapter 9

"Ah, there she is," The King said when I stepped into the private dining area, "I was worried about you last night" He added, his concern for me shining in his eyes.

I smiled at him, "I assure you I am fine now your highness" I bowed my head a little. When I looked up again, I noticed Elise staring at me worriedly as well, "You guys are having breakfast together on your wedding day?" I asked, tilting my head to the side, noting how casually they were having their breakfast despite the big event later.

Elise glanced at the King, a small smile starting at the corners of her lips, "Why not?" The King asked me, raising his shoulders to shrug, "I mean, we are only getting married in the evening so I don't see why we can spare some time to eat together" He grinned, "Come on, please join us" He said, beckoning us to take a seat with him.

I looked up at Nadine and saw her nodding her head encouragingly at me, "Thank you, your highness" I bowed my head again and took the seat. Nadine sat next to me, "You guys seem like you're at ease. It almost makes me wonder if you guys are not nervous at all" I noted, taking croissants from the variety of pastries on the table.

Elise chuckled softly, "Too late to have cold feet now" She grinned, "I think we would be much nervous later when the reality sinks in"

The King gazed at her sweetly that it almost felt like I am intruding on their moment, "I won't be nervous, Elise. I have waited for this for a lifetime" He told her, a soft smile playing on his lips.

The two of them then continue to gaze into each other's eyes until Nadine cleared her throat loudly, "We are still here in case you have forgotten" She said, sending a playful wink my way.

The Alpha King flashed us a charming smile, "Alright enough of about us" He said, "Last night you took off pretty abruptly. I wonder why you left in such a hurry" He trailed, narrowing his eyes on me.

I gulped, my wolf once again whined inside of me. She knew she can't lie to our Alpha King, "I uh- Personal reasons, your highness" I cast my eyes down, too afraid to meet the mighty King's intense gaze. From the corners of my eyes, I could see Nadine sitting rigidly next to me. She wouldn't say anything, would she?

"I see" The King said. I watched through my thick fringe of lashes as he reached out for glass to take a sip, "Are you sure you're not hiding something from me?"

That is a tricky question. One that I can't dodge.

"Your father informed me about the recent incidents that took place in your pack" He continued making my eyes widen, "Do you have something to say to that? Perhaps you know something he doesn't consider the threat was meant for you"

It took me a few seconds to realize that he wasn't talking about me finding my mate. I let out a relieved sigh and it only made the suspicion in her eyes deepen, "Well, I did encounter two vampires recently near my pack borders. At first, they were taunting me and I chased them away" I answered him.

"Then?" He pressed.

"This happened for a few days until recently, he mentioned Leonard" I admitted, my eyes darting towards Elise who was looking at me guiltily, "I think they are the ones who left the message for me" I ended my assumption.

The King seemed to ponder about what I had said, "Your father doesn't know about these vampires?" He asked.

I shook my head, "My father loses his temper at the sight of vampires. I didn't think they would hurt me considering they were only taunting me but never made a move to harm me so I never told my father about this" I kept my voice clear, "Besides, my father wouldn't let me step out of the house if he knew there are vampires lurking just a few miles away from our pack borders"

The Alpha King's eyes hardened and a dark expression crossed on his face, "If they are associated with Leonard then they should know better than to not mess with you. I am sorry, Sophia. You got dragged into this mess because of us" He apologized sincerely.

I shook my head at him, "I was just doing the right thing" I said looking at Elise, "Please don't be guilty, it is not your fault" I shook my head at her.

It is her wedding day and I just ruined her mood. I would never forgive myself for this.

"I am so sorry, Sophia" She looked like she was about to cry.

"I said it was not your fault. I was the one who volunteered to help you" I smiled at her reassuringly, "Now stop making that face or I am not going to forgive you. Come on, give me your best smile," I added when she kept frowning.

She attempted to smile but failed miserably, "Um, that's more like a grimace, Elise" Nadine butted in after listening to our conversation quietly.

Elise sighed, "We are going to fix this. I assure you, you are not going to go through this alone" She said determinedly, "We will help you catch these vampires before they can do more harm to your pack"

I expected this. I knew she would want to help me solve this problem, "Thank you, Elise" I smiled, "I will let you know if things get worse, for now, I think we are safe"

"You don't have to hesitate to ask for help, Sophia. You are more like a family now" The King said making me feel valued more than ever, "I am not going to tell your father about this if you promise to keep us updated about this matter"

I nodded my head at him gratefully, "I will tell you from time to time about our situation" I promised the King.

The King smiled, satisfied with my answer, "Alright then, let us enjoy our breakfast then" He laughed, making all of us chuckle with him.

We talked about random things over breakfast and honestly, I almost forgot about my problem if not for my wolf's constant whining. I wondered when she will come to terms with me not wanting a mate now yet.

She didn't want to reject him. She wanted us to have a chance with him.

After our breakfast, I went to meet my family at their rooms knowing if I didn't they would probably get worried for nothing, "I heard you had breakfast with the King, Sophia. What did the King say?" My father asked me as soon as I stepped into their room.

"Just catching up" I answered him, "We talked about random things over breakfast. He almost treats me like his little sister" I added, my mind going back to how the King treated me. I know he has a soft spot for me.

And it felt great to be liked by the King.

My father smiled, "He really does treat you like his family" He mused.

I didn't know what to say to that so I just nodded my head at my father, "Mom, it turns out Elise bought a dress for her bridesmaids, including me so I don't think it would be nice to wear the dress I initially picked"

"Oh, that is sweet of her" My mother gushed, "Yeah, you should start getting ready then. You take awfully a lot of time with your hair so I think you will be done right on time if you start now"

I glowered at her, "I am not the last one to get ready. All of you are simply early" I rolled my eyes.

"Whatever it is, I expect you to get ready an hour before the event," She said firmly, "Please remember that you are Elise's bridesmaid"

I nodded my head, "Okay, I will. Where are the boys?" I asked changing the subject.

"Alpha Ezra took them out for a stroll. They have befriended the Phoenix" My father was the one to answer me this time.

Ah, the Pheonix. I think Deja is her name.

Elise is actually the reincarnation of the King's previous love interest who had the Pheonix as her pet. It is a pretty interesting story that I heard someone even wrote a book about King Arthur and Elise.

"Alright then, I am going to follow your advice and get ready for the event," I said, exiting their room.

Once I stepped out of the room, I started to feel uneasy again. I know that my mate is somewhere nearby so I quickened my steps not wanting to stumble upon him, "Sophia!" I heard a feminine shrill from a distance and I spun around to see Eleanor running towards me with a dress in her hands.

"Here is your dress," She said, handing me the pale purple dress, "You have to wear it to the wedding and later when the coronation takes place. We will then have a party later" She said breathlessly.

I looked down at the dress, holding it gingerly, "Tell Elise I said thanks" I smiled.

Eleanor nodded her head but then her eyes turned somber, "Sophia, I am sorry" She said and I knew she was talking about those vampires.

"For the millionth time, Eleanor. I am okay with it. We are safe for now" I grumbled, "You guys are making me guilty for letting the king know about this" I shook my head.

She didn't say anything to that. She just stood there, gnawing on her lower lip as if she committed a crime, "Don't waste your time thinking about it okay? I am fine. I am going to get ready now" I smiled at her before turning away and leaving her there.

I made it to my room without bumping into anyone and sighed in relief. I knew I would be in some serious situation by tonight but I hoped I can stall it for as long as I can. It seems like a hopeless thing to expect but I really wanted the odds to be with me.

I took my sweet time to do my hair, distracting myself from thinking about my mate again. Once I was done with my hair, I did my make-up, keeping it as elegant as I can.

Once I was satisfied with the last look, I put on the dress and looked at the clock, my eyes widening at how much time had passed since I started to get ready. My mother was right, I am always the last one to get ready.

Hurriedly, I put on my pieces of jewelry, adding a sophisticated touch to my look, and sighed. I took the bottle of perfume that I never used before this and sprayed a hefty amount of it onto myself in a vain attempt to cover my scent. It wouldn't last long but it will have to do for now.

With my heart in my throat, I exited the room, making sure my face hid all the anxiety that I was feeling.

The wedding took place exactly at the decided time and the whole event went as planned. Elise looked stunning in that white dress and do I have to say anything about our King? He looked dashing.

We took a lot of pictures before Elise and The King went to change their outfits for the coronation ceremony.

Today will be the day where Elise would be officially announced as The Luna Queen of the entire Werewolf race. She deserved the title well, considering she saved all of us weeks ago.

I sighed and my eyes fluttered close when a woodsy smell hit on my nose again. Oh god, he is here now.

I looked around me discreetly, trying to see who my mate actually is. I was curious to know who I am destined to be with. Or that is how I lied to myself.

I wanted to see how he looked like, where is he from...

I stood there, pretending like I was waiting for the King and the Queen to make their grand entrance to the throne hall but in actual reality, I was shaking inside, imagining if someone would come up to me and call me his.

It was an unnerving situation.

I smelled myself to see if the perfume I had worn faded off and sighed in relief when I could still smell the fragrance masking my scent. Just an hour so to go...

I felt like I might be imagining things but I could almost swear I can feel a pair of eyes on the side of my face, watching me intently, not missing anything I do. I desperately wanted to look back, to meet that eyes but I was afraid.

Afraid of what I would see there.

Instead, I kept my face straight ahead. Refusing to listen to my instincts. I knew it could be my mate and I knew if I turned around now, he might recognize me right away.

The coronation took place next and once again, the royal couple looked like they just stepped out from a fairytale. Nadine was the one who lowered the crown onto Elise's head before she was announced as the Luna Queen.

Putting aside my worries, I let myself be happy for the King and the Queen.

Everyone clapped their hands excitedly as the King and the Queen stood there, addressing the crowd with warm smiles on their faces.

I felt a tap on my shoulder and I turned around to look at the most captivating pair of green eyes that I have ever seen and my breath got caught in my throat.

I stared up at him with my eyes wide, drinking his features greedily. His hair was jet black and his complexion made it stand out in contrast. He was fair-skinned with prominent features that I wondered how many girls rooted for him all his life.

My wolf wagged her tail, jumping up and down inside of me, happy to meet her mate.

"You're my mate," He said and I watched his lips as they moved, dazing me.

Quickly, I masked my expression, clearing my throat, "No, I am not" I lied dumbly, "I think there is a mistake" I said quickly, moving away from there.

But it didn't look like he will let me get away this time.

"No, wait!" He called me but I didn't spare him a look.

I kept walking, quickening my steps to get to my room as fast as I can. My mind kept telling me I recognized him from somewhere but I can't seem to remember where I have actually seen him before this.

"Sophia, wait!" I heard him yell behind me and my eyes widened.

How did he know my name?

My mind was a mess that I didn't realize where I was going. He was still following me so eventually, I stepped out of the castle and started towards the maze, "We have to talk, Sophia" He cried out behind me.

"There is nothing to talk about. Please leave me alone" I barked at him without looking back.

"You are my mate for God's sake. Stop running away from me!"

The moment he said running it felt like my brain caught on to that word and that's what I foolishly did. I ran in the dress that I was wearing, kicking my foot to go as fast as I can into the maze. I can't phase into my wolf now. If I did, my wolf would submit to him the second she gets control of my body.

I forgot all the stories I heard about how a male wolf liked to chase his female and that's what my mate is doing.

He easily caught up with me, which didn't surprise me considering he had long legs. He caught my elbow and turned my body to face him again. Then without a warning, his lips came down crashing against mine, freezing me at the spot I was standing.

I didn't respond to his kiss as I was still shocked but he pulled away from me to look into my eyes, "Now that I have your attention, do you think you can spare me some time, mate?" He asked, his eyes piercing into my soul.

Oh god, what did I get myself into?