Chapter 23 The Lycan Queen

Anna May

"Please don't make me trip when I walk down the aisle. Pretty please. Please hear my fervent prayer, Goddess Selene."

Staying true to Lycan tradition, she had accepted the Goddess as the Lycan Kingdom's All-Powerful Being.

Anna stared blatantly at the full-length mirror wondering who was the elegant woman staring back at her. She almost didn't recognize herself. Her amber depths had an inner glow, her skin was flushed and she couldn't keep her smiles within bounds.

Ball gowns were not her thing. What she had chosen for her mating ceremony ensemble was a simple mermaid white satin long gown. The dress hugged her figure with a very sexy French lace neckline that accentuated her bosom and held the bodice in thin spaghetti straps. Her hair was in a simple bun, brushed up, no tendrils to hide her face and smooth skin glowed with minimal makeup. No jewelry to distract her bare neck and collarbone. A gift for Alexander's lycan.

In her deepest dreams, this was how she had always envisioned she would look at her wedding. She had kept it to herself. Thinking, it will never come to pass.

Goddess! Look at her now. About to commit her life to the man she loved. Their souls will be bound for eternity after tonight.

She closed her eyes after muttering a thankful prayer and took a deep breath. She couldn't be happier.

"Anna?" She turned around hearing Mish's voice. Her baby sister looked so pretty and healthy in a lilac sweetheart gown.

"You look so pretty, Mish." They both sighed happily and hugged each other.

"And you look radiant, sis. I am happy for you. I just want to say thank you. For being a mother and protector to me and Rie." Ugh, she didn't want to cry. She pressed a gentle kiss to Mish's fragrant rose-scented hair like she always did when she put her to bed.

"I love you, Mish. Nothing will change that even if I have a husband. That's a promise." The chuckles that escape Mish's lips made Anna smile mistily.

"I love you, Anna. I'm glad you found him. I made a surprise for you. My new song will guide you when you walk down the aisle."

"Oh, Mish. Thank you, baby." They sniffed at the same time, making them giggle.

"Hey! No crying. No ruining the makeup. Come on Anna. Mish," Rie mocked glared. Her chocolate brown eyes dancing merrily. Always the cheerleader.

Grinning, Anna examined Rie's dress approvingly. It was the same color with a different cut. The neck was scooped low, showing a hint of cleavage with a continuous satin fabric that flowed down in an A-line skirt. "You look beautiful, Rie."

"I know. I saw the warrior's eye-fucking me."

"Anna Marie, language!" Sometimes, she was worst than Alexie. Never afraid to speak her mind. And no filter at all.

"Aw, I am an adult. And I have a surprise for you. I guarantee you will love it, sis." Anna sighed. Her sisters were turning out to be magnificent ladies. She had never been so proud.

"I know I will, Rie. Thank you. You both are my blessings." They gathered in her arms, she blinked back tears, remembering all the hardships they had overcome. She wouldn't have made it without them.

"Shit! You three, no mushy gushy whatsoever!" Joyous laughter filled the room at Alexie's voice. Sofia and Diana followed behind. All of them were elegantly dressed in tiaras on their hair. God! They were royalty.

"Bridesmaids follow me. Mish, Xavier is your escort, he is waiting outside. And you Rie, I found a hunk wolf for you. Anna, mom, and dad will walk you down the aisle. So please stay here. Sofia will check on the boys."

Anna May took a deep breath once more. This is it. She had decided last night. She loved Alexander and she will spend the rest of her life with him.

***

The place was beyond her wildest dreams. It felt like she was transported to a different realm where angels, cherubs, and fairies dwelled.

All the stars have filled the dark sky, twinkling like fairy dust. She gasped in awe at the perfect pathway waiting for her. Crystals blink like diamonds from the trees, reflecting the beautiful light strategically placed all around them. Thick bushes of different types of roses on either side, giving off a sultry scent as she passed by.

Alexandria has outdone herself. Anna owed her big time.

She had no idea how she managed to glide on the dreamy-like pathway without tripping. Mr. Northam or dad --he insisted to call him that-- must have a super grip on her elbow as he walked her to the altar.

Alexander.

Her soulmate. He looked so rigid, eyes so dark, his wolf must be at the surface. The way he studied her, willing her not to stop --as if she would-- she walked towards him and acknowledged the control he must be exerting to not meet her halfway and drag her himself to the woman that will officiate the ceremony.

Xander looked so yummy in his white pants, crisp white dress shirt that was completely unbuttoned to reveal his sculpted body.

Her attention turned to the lady --she felt soothing emotions coursing through her. The stunning woman was helping her cope up with her nervousness.

She was briefed that the superbly beautiful distinguished-looking elder was the head of the white witch coven. A head priestess and the keeper of the supernatural Golden Gate. She doesn't know what that meant but she understood it must be something significant.

Alexander finally lost his patience and met her before she reached him. He inclined his head to his mother, shook hands with his father before he gently clasped her elbow and he looked deeply into her eyes.

"My Anna, mia anima. Do you willingly surrender yourself to me?" His voice was so strained and he held his breath while he waited for her clear answer.

"Yes." She smiled radiantly. Her heart knew all along.

"Come. Let fate join us together, my queen."

Hand in hand they stood before the white witch. Everything about the Priestess looked so vibrant white. From her hair to the tips of her toes. A powerful being. Anna gulped. Realizing.

The witch's eyes emitted white light and she began to chant in a foreign tongue.

"Tríd an gcumhacht a tugadh dúinn ó na déithe agus na bandéithe de ríochtaí na ríochtaí uile, le grá agus onóir, beannaigh mé an aontas seo." (Through the power given to us from the gods and goddesses of all kingdoms, with love and honor, I have blessed this union)

Xander whispered to her, interpreting the lady's Gaelic tongue. She was calling upon the gods and goddesses that created them to bless them, to accept their union.

Cold and hot air surrounded Anna May and Alexander. Swirling. Binding them.

Her jaw dropped at the crown materializing in the witch's hands. Xander guided her to kneel with him before the lady. This was the only event that a king surrenders. Only at the crowning of his queen.

"Táim féin, Esmeralda, ag coróin least, Anna May, mar bhanríon Ríocht Lycan. Tá do anamacha fite fuaite go deo. Cosain do ríocht, cosain a chéile." (I, Esmeralda, proudly crown Anna May, as the queen of the Lycan Kingdom. Your souls are intertwined forever. Defend your kingdom, defend each other.)

Tears fell from her eyes as the crown was placed on her head. The power that instantly coursed through her body from the jewel was overwhelming. She had to stay strong. More than ever she will not show any weakness. Not with her powerful king kneeling beside her.

"Grá le chéile. Die le chéile." Love together. Die together. Those words gave her chills. There were no truer words. She couldn't live without Alexander.

"Lycan Kingdom, I present to you, your King and Queen. You may rise, your majesties." Esmeralda grinned at her and curtsied deeply. Gone was her intimidating aura.

The deafening sounds from the people around her made her beam a smile at Alexander. He raised their hands together and faced their people and prestigious guests.

Alexander drew her closer to him, her arms instinctively surrounded his neck.

She inhaled and exhaled shakily, her sparkling amber eyes locked at his canines. This only meant one thing. The marking.

Her heart was pounding, yet she didn't hesitate to tilt her neck, giving him access. He pulled her tighter, not an inch of space between them. Eyes shut, she shivered at the feel of his hot tongue. He licked and sucked on her skin, his sharp teeth nipping her.

Finding purchase on his locks, her fingers threaded hard at his first claiming bite, drawing blood. She whimpered at the initial pain, thrashing against him. He held her securely, sinking his teeth deeper.

A lock of gold snapped into place, binding their souls for eternity. After that, all she felt was a sweet pleasure. She moaned. Uncaring of their audience. She shivered once more. He licked her wound closed. His lycan eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

Then in his most vulnerable position that can only be given to her, he presented her with his neck. His pose showed total submission. This thought made her giddy. He was hers. All hers.

On tippy-toes, even with her 3-inch heels, she angled her face on his neck. She bit down as hard as she could until she tasted his metallic blood. His huge hands on her hips trembled and he groaned. The sound guttural. Animal-like.

Aside from breeding, this was the most intimate act amongst werewolves.

Smiling naughtily, she sensually licked his neck. His expletive curses filled the air. People laughed around them.

"I'll get you for that later, mia anima." Goosebumps appeared from his promise. From his dark eyes.

"I know." This new-found confidence was exhilarating. She yanked him to her for a kiss, he met her lips with hunger. People cheered and clapped. Setting the mood for a wonderful night.

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Rie

Her eldest sister, Anna May deserved all the happiness in the world. She had sacrificed a lot. The physical labors she had experienced in the past at such a young age made Rie shudder at the memories.

Anna had sold goodies from house to house under the scourging heat of the sun, hand-washed clothes for uppity neighbors until her hands were blistered. And all those odd jobs just to put food at their table and to provide medical needs for their sickly sister.

At nine years old, Rie took care of Mish. Cried when her baby sister could barely breathe from asthma attacks, rocked her to sleep in her arms. She always made sure she took care of Anna too. Helped her in any way she could and lessen the burdens her eldest sister carried. Sometimes, she couldn't believe they survived. Bless Aunt Delia's heart for not abandoning them. Yes, their aunt had nothing when they came to her, living in a shanty, but she took them in.

Rie hated their father to the moon and back. May his soul rot in hell wherever he was.

Her gaze went back to Anna. She smiled despite her tears. Anna Marie hoped her sister will like the cake she created for her.

"Are you okay, Marie?" She returned her attention to her escort. Werewolves were exceptionally hot. Men and women look like they just came out of Sports Illustrated magazine. This dude was no exception. He was giving off vibes he wanted her. Just for the night. So it meant he has not been gifted with fate yet. Nah! Not interested. And even if she wanted to, she wouldn't.

She won't be losing her virginity on a one-night stand. Besides, she would like to be his friend. That wouldn't be possible if the four men, namely Alexander, Xavier, Michael, and Oliver -- who declared that she was their sister, therefore off-limits --will cut his head off for touching her. She smirked. She knew they were not joking.

"Yeah. I'm ok Zachary. I'm happy for my sister." He smiled broadly. Blinding her with his perfect teeth. Still not interested.

Men were such as mystery. She was not even beautiful. Her body was curvier. She was petite and sassy. To the point of being tactless. Somehow, she was still getting these wolves' attention. Maybe because she was their Queen's sister.

She made a lousy excuse to leave her date. Her sister's reaction to the cake she made for her was more interesting.

"Oh, Rie! You are the most awesomest sister ever. A palace for a cake? Magnificent!" Now, that's a reaction. Rie was pretty sure that awesomest was not in the dictionary but she will take it. She hugged Anna May tightly to her. Smiling in contentment. Anything for her sisters.

This was the best night ever.

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