Chapter 7

Ariel- pov

I can't believe he got so close to me like that, and that cheeky grin of his face, ridiculous! I thought to myself, then I heard a soft knock on the door "Come in." Hoping it was anyone else but the King. To my surprise it was my mother, I leapt up from the bed and ran over to her "Mother"! She gave me a big hug and brushed her hand on my back in the way that I always loved. We separated and looked at each other "Mother how did you find me and what are you doing here? I don't want you to get caught by the King, I couldn't live with myself if he hurt you". I said with so much concern and worry.

My mother smiled at me and patiently waited until I was done rambling; "Sweetheart do not worry, I got the King's permission to talk to you and I am here to check on you". My mouth flew open, "What?! The King let you come see me, how on earth did you make that happen mom"? I asked in panic. She just looked at me with a smile and said "Never mind that, I am not sure how much time we have so listen to me." I nodded my head and let her speak.

My mother took in a deep breath "I know that you had serious plans of becoming our packs Pack Doctor but the Moon Goddess has other plans for you. Finding your mate is a good thing sweetheart; you are smart, beautiful, strong and a natural born leader. Our nation needs you and you will be a great Queen. I know that it is your choice and your right, but I think you should give the King a chance". She looked at me with hope and it melted my heart, my mother was right, maybe I should give the Alpha King a chance but I still had my doubts. "But mom, he just picked me up and threw me over here. I just got home I have missed you so much, I thought I was going to get a chance to spend time with you and my pack!" I exclaimed.

My mother looked at me and was about to say something when a knock came from the door "Come in." I said and in walked two ladies with trays and my bags, "Good evening Luna, his Majesty requested that we bring dinner for you and your guest, as well as your clothes from the royal guest house". They both placed the trays of food on the nearby desk and my bag by the closet door. I nodded my head and thanked them for bring us our food.

After they left my mother gestured for us to take a seat at the desk and start eating. I was hungry and the food looked and smelled so good. We ate some and then continued our conversation. " Sweetheart I am retired now, so your father and I can come once things get settled at the pack and your brother feels comfortable with his duties." she said plainly and like it would be no trouble. "Do you think the King would allow that"? I asked more to myself than to her.

My mother smiled at me and simply stated "I am sure he will, just get to know him". I looked into my mother's eyes searching for the future, knowing I wouldn't find it but feeling the need to try anyway. "I am not going to make things easy for him, Mother" I stated with an attitude. She cracked a smile and replied "I never said to just role over, I made your father work for it too. I drove him crazy, I still do." she said wiggling her eyebrows. We both laughed as I put my hand up to my ears and covered them.

Our giggles and fun were interrupted by another knock on the door "Come in." I said trying to compose myself. In walked the Beta "Good evening my Lady, I am Beta Hephaestus, you may call me Haffy for short or whatever you would like" he said with a bow. I bowed my head in acknowledgment and offered a weak smile "Thank you, Hephaestus" I replied politely. He smiled and then turned towards my mother "Mrs. Ruth Hill-Mount, apologies but your husband and mate Jacob Hill-Mount is looking for you and he requests your presence" he stated with a polite smile. My mother smiled, nodded her head and said "Oh yes, of course give me one more moment and I will walk with you".

My mother turned, got up and walked over to my chair; I stood up and gave her a big hug. "Thank you Mother for everything, I love you and hope to see you soon." I said. "My love, I will always be there for you, remember what I said, okay? Now please finish your food and try to get some rest". She released me from her warm embrace and confidently walked out of the room only glancing back as she turned to the left and out of my sight.

I sat in front of my food and took a few more bites for my mother's sake, then I got up and decided to take a shower. After my shower I quickly got dressed into one of my long silky night gowns that clung to me, I put on my silk robe and opened the bathroom door to find the Alpha King sitting in a chair that was in the far left corner of the room. The lights were really dim and I could not really see him except for his glowing navy blue and gold eyes. I heard a low, deep, sensual growl.

I flinched as butterflies filled my stomach and started to walk to the bed as if I hadn't seen or heard him. From the corner of my eye I could see that he was slowly walking towards me silently as if stalking pray. Before I reached the bed he had grabbed me and gently pinned me up against the wall with his arms on each side of me. I gasped unable to breathe, the air was thick with his scent and arousal. He growled deeply his, eyes still navy blue. I assumed that it was his wolf in control. Cora howled inside me and clawed her way to the surface, she was fighting for control but I was not going to let her have her way; I needed time to adjust and get to know this man.

The Alpha King noticed and I could tell he was beginning to fight his wolf too. He bent down and nuzzled his head into my neck, I didn't try to stop him; instead I too took in his scent to help Cora calm down. I felt his lips on my neck as he kissed me so gently, and tenderly, he stopped at what seemed to be his favorite part of my neck and I could hear a low rumble of pleasure and yearning come from his chest. I let out a quiet moan that I didn't know I was holding back; that was a mistake. He started to kiss my neck with more passion, I could even feel his long tongue start to run along the side of my neck. I gasped, and whispered "...Stop, please." as I tried push him away from me so I could get some air.

He froze taking in one more deep breath and moved from my neck; he looked directly into my eyes. I could see swirls of hazel and navy, a moment later they went hazel and I knew that Zeus was in full control again. "Forgive me, I did not mean to go so far; my wolf Hades apologizes as well. We do not wish to force you or over step. We have waited and searched for you for a long time and our excitement is a bit hard to control." he stated solemnly.

I took in a deep breath "Yes, I understand; it has been a long night and I would like to rest". I said tearing my gaze from him and looking at the king size mattress. He stood up straight, took a step back and replied "Of course, please rest; I will see you tomorrow, Princess". Once he walked out of the room I fell to my knees. Oh my Goddess, how is this possible I said to myself as I touched my neck remembering the sensation of his lips and tongue against my skin. Another small moan left my lips just at the thought of reliving the moment we just had. "What is wrong with me?!" I yelled out loud in frustration as I stood and fell back onto the bed, exhausted.