Alpha Nocturne’s Contracted Mate by A E Randell
Chapter 21 A Sudden Kiss
The planned ceremonies had gone off without a hitch. The pack had welcomed her warmly and the Elders approved of her bloodline, conducting the binding ceremony and formal linking with the pack to loud cheers from all involved.
After all, Ann was of Royal lineage and the official union with their Alpha elevated the Dark Moon Pack’s status greatly. Now they were second in power and strength to only the Alpha King himself. It would be something loudly talked about to anyone that would listen.
It also meant that their Alpha may one day have the chance to rule as the Alpha King as Ann was the eldest daughter and the current heir. She met all of the required qualifications for that a Luna Queen.
As Ann and Adam bid farewell to their guests Ann smiled to herself.
Adam turned to look at her and felt the breath almost leave his lungs. His heart beat faster in his chest as he suddenly realized that this woman would be by his side through everything for as long as the contract existed.
Looking at her in the soft light of the ballroom, her delicate beauty that was brightened by her smile seemed to take his breath away. He had the sudden urge to take her in his arms and kiss her, but for once in his life, he was nervous about doing so.
She wasn’t his mate, it was a business arrangement. Nothing more. He wasn’t supposed to have been moved by her. As he battled with his inner turmoil, Ann glanced across at him and caught his eye.
“Adam, is everything okay?” Ann said frowning as she noticed his complex expression. He frowned and nodded curtly.
“We should retire for the evening. It’s late.” He answered hoarsely, avoiding her eyes deliberately as he took hold of her hand and pulled her along behind him.
Ann was too stunned to react at that moment and instead followed hurriedly behind him, her feet moving quickly as she tried desperately to keep up in the ridiculous heels that she had been persuaded to wear. “Adam… wait…” She protested weakly as Maeve sniggered inside her.
‘I know exactly where this is going…?’
‘What? What do you mean?’
‘Our little Alpha is a little hot under the collar.” She sniggered, ‘It looks like you’re going to get your promised wedding night after all.” Maeve continued gleefully.
Ann’s eyes widened with the realization of what exactly might lay in store for her and her breath quickened as the anxiety hit.
‘Relax, it’s perfectly natural. Besides, it’s about time we got some action. Saving yourself for your mate was a stupid idea as it turned out. We could have been having fun this entire time.’ Maeve grumbled.
‘How can you say that?! Maeve, what if we get a second chance mate?! He’ll be so angry if he finds out we slept with another…’
‘And if we don’t? Seriously, Ann, get a grip.” Maeve scoffed, ‘The chances of finding your fated mate are low enough as it is, and when it comes to a second chance mate? Even less hope of that happening.’
‘But if there’s still a chance…’
‘There is absolutely no chance that I am letting us remain celibate for the rest of our lives. There’s little chance of that happening when our heat hits anyway so isn’t it better for us to find a reliable male to pair with?’ Ann bit her lip as she mulled over Maeve’s words. She had a point. Until now, she hadn’t had to deal with her heat but that wouldn’t last forever.
Even if she remained celibate it was common for the heats to start naturally anyway and if you weren’t careful, you would end up mated by the strongest male following a furious fight between those attracted by your scent.
Ann grimaced at the thought. It was always messy.
‘Okay, you have a good point. We’ll see where it goes, but I won’t initiate anything and I won’t allow him to mark me. What if his true mate appears? She would be devastated…’
She felt Maeve roll her eyes despairingly.
‘I think it’s about time you started living for yourself… for us. Alpha Nocturne is a big boy, he can make his own decisions and is perfectly capable of facing the consequences of his actions. Live a little, Ann. Enjoy yourself for once.’
Ann’s heart felt heavy. She was definitely attracted to Adam, any woman would be crazy not to be. Rich, powerful, handsome… what wasn’t there to like? But she couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling inside her, as if there was something more that she should know. No matter how hard she tried she couldn’t grasp the reason why.
They paused briefly in front of Adam’s bedroom door and he pushed it open quickly.
“Your room?” Ann said nervously, with a slight tremor in her voice.
“We agreed already.” He answered gruffly without sparing her even a single glance as he opened the door and pulled her inside.
He slammed the door shut behind them and Ann flinched, startled by the sudden noise and the drastic change in his temperament.
Before she knew what was happening, she found herself being pushed roughly back against the door.
A small squeak of surprise escaped her lips as Adam’s body slammed against her own, their bodies pressed tightly together against the hard surface behind her.
Adam stared hungrily at her, his eyes almost completely black as he growled softly and traced her jawline lightly with his finger.
Ann shuddered involuntarily, a delicious chill running down her spine as his intense gaze seemed to devour her soul.
Without saying a word, his lips were suddenly pressed against hers, his lips f0rcefully prising her mouth open as his tongue sought entry into her mouth.