My Exotic Mate

The Ceremony

Marise

It was now time for the ceremony. It was more like a ritual. Everyone from Kai’s pack was in attendance. Everyone was dressed in fancy attire. The elders arrived and sat in the front row to get a full view of the ceremony. Great braziers enclosing each of the twelve obsidian columns light up every part of the throne hall and bathe it in an orange glow. The intricate golden patterns on the curved ceiling dance in the flickering light while stone effigies look down upon the oaken floor of this radiant hall.

A rug ran down from the throne to the closest spot people could stand when they addressed the Alpha and the Lunawhen the ceremony was over. Banners that had golden borders were neatly draped from the walls. Between each banner was a small altar full of candles that illuminated the portraits of the pack ancestors long gone below them. High stained glass windows of mosaics are covered by draperies as the banners. The curtains have been adorned with intricate embroidery and fancy tassels. The thrones were covered in holy emblems and on each of the legs were a regal wolf’s head. I looked out of the window at the full moon silently praying that I am making the right choice.

I was so nervous to walk down that aisle where all eyes would be on me. The Black Shadow Pack required the Luna of the pack to wear a crown of flowers when you get married. It's supposed to bless the married couple and their families. My white, fitted dress flowed to the ground. It hung off of my shoulders and the sleeves were a thin sheer material. My red hair was in an updo with curls framing my face. I wore the necklace that Kai gave to me. I’ve always imagined that my parents would be here for this moment. And Mesai, I really wish she was able to see me right now. But she’s one of the reasons why I’m doing this. I stood behind the curtain as my nerves began to take over. Hearing the music play makes it more real. Miren came up and reassured me that everything would be fine. I smiled, despite the fact that I wanted to run away.

“Are you ready?” Miren asked. She could see that I was struggling with this. “Mari, it’s okay to back out.”

“I-I’m fine,” I smiled. “I don’t want to back out.”

“So why are you shaking like a leaf?”

I looked at her, “Just nerves.” It was more than that. I am going to kiss Kai again, in front of everyone! When did I become so vulnerable? When did my feelings change?

Oh God and Goddess, please tell me if I’m doing the right thing because I’m more confused than ever right now.

“Okay well, it’s time.” She hugged me. “Mari, you look gorgeous.”

I smiled, my shoulders starting to relax a little. “Thank you. I love you.”

“I love you, too. Now get down that aisle.”

I nodded my head and straightened my shoulders. I got this, I can do this. I looked at Miren, reassuring her and myself that I was ready for this.

I walked down the aisle and the beautiful soft classical music danced in my ears. I could see Kai sitting at the throne. He was dressed in a dark blue tuxedo with a sash full of tribal symbols that represented his pack. His eyes were fixed on me. I returned his gaze and immediately I felt calmer. My shoulders were more relaxed and I even flashed him a smile. I was in a trance where no one existed but us.

By the time I stepped up to the stairs to sit with Kai, he did something that made people gasp. He moved from his position to help me up the stairs. I wasn’t too sure what that meant. I would’ve thought he was just being a gentleman, but I guess during the ritual ceremony, the alpha wasn’t supposed to move from the position until the crown was placed on the heads of the Luna and Alpha. Kai wasn’t the type to follow rules. I guess that’s what drew me to him. In a way, we are alike. Taking risks to protect the ones we love.

When our hands touched, my senses intensified. I had no clue what this meant, but I knew that I wanted to be in Kai’s arms. I sat in the chair as a man dressed in an ivory color mitre that was trimmed with gold and black wolf designs. A narrow tippet was placed neatly on his shoulders and it was embroidered with coats of crown symbols. Under the tippet, he had on a luxurious white robe made of lamb's wool. He looked powerful and intimidating at the same time. Kai must have witnessed my nervousness because he gave my hand a gentle squeeze to let me know that I wasn’t alone.

The man introduced himself as Elder Garnet and gave a brief history about the connection of the Shadowcrown Pack and Black Shadow Pack. They are family which means that Kai was way more powerful than I realized.

“Every full moon, it is a tradition for the Luna to give a gift of power to their Alpha. This gift, whatever it shall be, symbolizes trust, love, and respect to the Alpha. Kai Belvedere, Alpha of the Black Shadow Pack, has accepted Marise Sarantos, as his Luna. Marise has also accepted Alpha Kai Belvedere as her Alpha. Together, they will rule the Black Shadow Pack as one, man and wife, Alpha and Luna.” Elder Garnet asked Kai about his vows in which he accepted and then he turned to me,

“Marise Sarantos, do you vow to fulfill your duties as a wife to the Alpha and Luna to the Black Shadow Pack?”

I glanced at Kai, “I do, but-“ I was cut off by the gasp of the pack members. Elder Garnet nostrils flared, but I wasn’t going to let him intimidate me. “Maybe we can change the title from Luna to Alpharess. Since I am standing by Alpha Kai and fulfilling my duties to this pack I figured it would make sense.”

I could hear the whispers and see the confused looks on their faces. Miren squeezed her eyes shut, probably thinking that I was going to mess this up. I didn’t care what any of them thought. I was doing this for my family. “Elder Garnet, I do apologize for my outburst. I truly didn’t mean any disrespect to you or the other pack members, but I meant it when I said that I would like to be addressed as Alpharess. I am a Goddess that’s mated to an Alpha so if we are becoming one I figured I could have his title as a part of me.”

I wasn’t sure how Kai felt about this, but one look at him smiling like he was proud, made me feel more comfortable about this. I was grateful that he didn’t intervene, that he allowed me to be myself, even if it rubbed Elder Garnet the wrong way. There was a long pause and for a second I thought I was going to be in some type of trouble with Elder Garnet, but to my surprise he nodded his head.

“Alpharess, huh? That is acceptable. I, Elder Garnet, grant you, Marise Sarantos, as Alpharess of the Black Shadow pack. Alpharess, it is now time to give your gift to your Alpha. I stood up and turned towards Kai. I grabbed both of his hands and closed my eyes. I’m not sure why I chose to give him this particular gift of power, but I know I made the right choice. I could feel my heart beating fast or maybe it was mine and Kai’s, but the electrical current that ran through my veins and transferred into his made us both our eyes and stare at each other. After the Elder said a few more words, it was now time for us to seal the deal, it was time for the kiss.

“By the power vested in me and on behalf of the entire pack of Shadowcrown, I now pronounce you Alpha and Alpharess, man and wife, Alpha Kai, you may now kiss your bride.”

Here we go, this was it. Kai looked at me and I closed my eyes, preparing myself for how his kiss would affect me.

His lips touched mine and all of senses malfunctioned. He let his lips linger on mine, teasing me. He felt my reaction to him and smiled against my lips.

“Well Alpharess, just wait until we’re alone.” He leaned in and inhaled my scent. “Hmmm, you smell so good.” He was now growling and I wasn’t sure if it was him or Lennie. The crowns were placed on our heads and

Elder Garnet handed us a candle that was lit. Together, we placed our candles and lit the one that was in front of us, joining us as one. This was it. I was now married and my sisters would have extra protection. After the ritual ceremony ended, everyone went their own way to celebrate. Miren and Malik approached us to congratulate us. It was the first time I felt relaxed, but something was still missing, someone. Mesai. She should’ve been here to see this. I can’t wait to see her again. I felt partially guilty for having a great time knowing that she’s out there. I guess I need to have more faith that she’s safe.

“Can I have this dance, Alpharess?” Kai bowed before me, breaking my thoughts. I nodded my head.

“Yes, you may,” I bowed towards him. He took my hand in his and pulled me close to him and we swayed back and forth. We were so lost in each other. I never expected to feel such a strong connection with someone. I ran away from Apollo and now look at me, I’m married. How was this so different? I barely know him, yet I’m so drawn to him? Is this what sources wanted all along? To separate us because we needed to find our mates? What about Miren? Yes, she and Malik have grown close, but are they meant to be? Oh Selene or Elara please help me understand. Selene and Elara were the Mother and Maiden moon goddesses. Elara was the moon goddess of fertility whereas Selene was a mother goddess of the full moon. Like the one we have tonight.

Later that night we were finally all alone. This is the first time I’m going to sleep in his room. I stood there staring at the huge bed. I was still in my dress, but Kai was already changing his clothes. My eyes observed his body. Every ripped muscle, from his chest to the V shape that dipped into his pants made me feel warm. My eyes shifted to Kai when I heard him chuckle.

“What?” My cheeks flushed. He knew I was checking him out and he wasn’t shy.

“You’ve been nervous since the ceremony,” he pointed out. Technically it was since we kissed, but I wasn’t about to give him that satisfaction.

“I’m fine,” I smiled.

“My Alpharess, I know how you feel. You feel guilty. Your sister is out there and the only contact you had was of mind-link.”

“I just want to find her. It feels like she’s not a priority anymore.”

Kai walked towards me and pulled me in for a hug. “Of course she’s a priority and if she has as much fire as you do, then I’m sure she can handle her own.” We stayed embraced in each other’s arms. It was a safety net for me. It was scary, yet comforting. Kai showed me a different side of him. A side that has my heart racing. I looked up at him and he returned my gaze. Instead of waiting for him to make a move, I decided to take control and slam my lips against his. I knew that when our lips touched that I would forever be intergrated with this man. It was so powerful that it felt as if my body blossomed into a flower. I could feel the complete manifestation of how different I am. I wasn’t just a goddess anymore. I was now an Alpharess. Suddenly, Kai turned me around and unzipped my dress. As the dress pooled around my feet, I stepped out of it and pushed Kai onto the bed before straddling him. I pressed my lips hungrily against him, taking full control and then all of a sudden, he growled before he flipped me on my back and was now on top of me. Both of us were fighting for dominance and I wasn’t going to submit. With a twirl of my hand, I managed to get Kai off of me and against the wall. Held by a magical force, he couldn’t pull away. I looked at him and although he was glaring at me, he was turned on. I seductively walked towards him, flashing him a smirk. I ran my nails from his chest down to his throbbing erection.

“What’s the matter, baby? Do you need relief?”

Kai growled again as he tried to move his body. I laughed as I knew he wasn’t going to be able to get out of this.

“Down boy,” I whispered in his ear before darting my tongue out to lick his neck. “You won’t get your treat if you don’t behave.”

“Mari, you are in so-“

“Did I say you can speak?” I cut him off. I surprised myself with how much of a seductress I was. I knew that it was within my nature, but I guess it was bottled up until now. I grabbed his face, looking deeply into his eyes.

“You will call me Alpharess. Do you understand?” Our bodies were now touching. My boobs were pressed against his chest. When he didn’t answer, I grabbed his member and slowly rubbed it. It was hard and hot like he was ready to explode. “If you want relief, Kai, then answer my question.”

“Yes,” he hissed. I saw the amusement in his eyes. He enjoyed this just as much as I have been.

I gave it a gentle squeeze, “Yes, what?”

Kai was losing control and it made me very happy. Through his clenched teeth, he answered. “Yes, Alpharess.”

“Good boy, now kiss me.” I ran my tongue on his bottom and he opened just enough for me to drink him in. It was everything about him. His scent, the way he tasted, how he’s at my will, and how he was enjoying this. I twirled my hand releasing the force that held him captive and demanded that he take me to bed.

“Yes, Alpharess,” he obliged. His eyes sparkled a golden color and I knew that Lennie was enjoying this as well. Although Kai didn’t shift, he wasn’t in complete control.

“Oh hi Lennie, I see that you are enjoying this.”

“Of course I am, Alpharess. You are just perfect and couldn’t have asked for a better mate.” He leaned in and sniffed my neck as he trailed kisses along it. He nipped and big at skin which sent a sharp pain through my body but it was immediately replaced with the warmth of his lips. “You are so beautiful.”

“Compliments will get you brownie points,” I smiled. He closed his eyes and when he opened them again, I knew Kai had returned.

“Had to let Lennie have a little fun?”

Kai smiled, “No, Alpharess. We just marked you.”

I frowned until I sat up and moved away from Kai. I jumped out of the bed and ran into his bathroom to look in the mirror. There it was the imprint of four of his teeth in my neck. I watched as it transformed into a small paw print.

Kai came up behind me and whispered in my ear. “Now, my Alpharess, it's time to show you why I’m the King.”

He pulled down my underwear and gave me a*s a smack. A moan escaped my lips and I could hear chuckle in ear.

“You are mine now, Alpharess! Mine!”

“And you are mine, Alpha. Only mine,” I repeated. He pulled his pants down and lined himself up with my wet entrance. I looked at him through the mirror.

“Take me,” I ordered. Just as quick, he pushed himself inside of me. A ripple of pain surged through me and tears fell down my eyes. My body stiffened as I moaned loudly. Kai paused, unsure if he should continue.

“Keep going,” I told him. He pumped slowly as he realized that I never had s*x before. The pain was replaced with pleasure as he found a rhythm that was comfortable. I appreciated how careful he was. He kept pumping in and out and I watched us in the mirror. My lips are in an O shape as my head was tilted back with his hand holding my neck in place. My walls began to clench, but I didn’t want to come yet. I demanded Kai to take me on the bed and to my surprise, he lifted me up and carried me to his bed. He laid me down gently and climbed between my legs. He dipped his head to my moist center and inhaled my scent.

“Mmmm, you smell like honey and warm vanilla,” he murmured as he kissed between my thighs. I could speak, only a moan managed to come out. He opened my lips and my aching nub was anticipating the warmth of his mouth. Without hesitation, he dove in, giving me multiple orgasms with only his tongue. When he finished, he climbed upon and inserted himself and made my toes curl until the sun began to peek through the curtains.