The First Dance

After the impromptu council meeting and my outburst at my friends for hiding things from me, Zion and I stayed back while everyone else went downstairs to join the party. When we're finally alone, Zion grabs me by my waist, lifts me up, places me on his desk, and stands between my legs. He puts his head into the crook of my neck and inhales my scent.

"You said we were a team. I understand why you didn't, but you should have told me." I say as tears threaten to spill from my eyes.

"I'm sorry, my love. I promise it won't happen again." He says as his hands caress my cheeks while he kisses my forehead. And I melt into his kiss as the tingles from the mate bond calm and soothe me.

"I love you, Zion," I say.

"I love you too, my Queen." He says, then he slowly trails kisses down the side of my face to my neck until reaching my mark, where he gently bites down, making me moan.

"My love, we really should be joining the party. We are the guests of honor, after all." I say as I place my hand on his chest in protest, feeling his well-defined muscles. While Dosha is huffing at my actions and demanding I let him continue what he's doing. When Zion pulls away, he looks like I hurt him.

"Is that a rejection, my love?" He asks, looking wounded.

"Not at all. I just think it would be better to wait until there's no chance of us being interrupted." I say.

"You're right, my Queen. But just so you know, once we get to our suite tonight, you're all mine. Orian, Sam, and James will have to handle everything on their own!" He says with his half-cocked smile that I love so much.

"As you wish, my King!" I say with a giggle as Zion helps me off his desk and straiten out my gown.

As we make our way down the hall and to the closed doors of the banquet hall, my mother, Jess, Orian, and Sam meet up with us. I had completely forgotten that we would be getting announced as we enter the banquet hall.

"Are we ready, my Queen and King?" Orian asks, making me feel like maybe he knew what we almost did in Zions' office.

"Has everyone entered already?" Zion asks Orian.

"Yes, all guests, and all council members, have entered the banquet hall and are waiting for the Royal family's arrival." Orian answers.

"Alright, link Stephanie to bring Odett to us so that she can be properly introduced as the Princess, please," Zion says. And within a minute, Odett comes running up to us, and Zion bends down and scoops her up in his arms. He then looks at the announcer and nods.

Clearing his throat, the announcer gets everyone's attention as the room becomes quiet. "Introducing James Bozzeli, Enforcer of the Southern Werewolf Kingdom Army. And his mate Evan Wixx, Sargent of the Southern Werewolf Kingdom Army." He says as they walk through the door to the middle of the room, and everyone applauds.

"Next up, Introducing Lady Ezmerelda Caskcut, Head Witch of the Silver Nyx Coven of New Orleans, mother of King Zions' mate and future Queen. And her escort tonight, Sam Gannon, Gamma of the Southern Werewolf Kingdom." He says, and they walk through the door to the middle of the room with James and Evan as people cheer. After everyone quiets down, the announcer moves on to the next announcement.

"Introducing Orian Oatrun, Beta of the Southern Werewolf Kingdom. And his mate Jessica Tompson, future Beta of the Southern Werewolf Kingdom." He says, making some people whisper to themselves while others cheer with excitement as Jess and Orian join the others in the middle of the room. Apparently, it's uncommon to have a female in the higher ranks.

I look over to Zion in shock. "Surprise, I know I promised no more secrets, but I figured this would be okay since it's a good one." He links me, making me giggle, and I nod in acceptance as he takes my hand in his. He asks me if I'm ready. I gently nod, while I will myself to breathe evenly. When the room is quiet again, it's finally our turn.

"And finally, It is my honor to introduce King Zion Windwood of the Southern Werewolf Kingdom, His mate and the future Queen of the Southern Werewolf Kingdom, Rain Windwood, and their daughter, Princess Odett Windwood." He says as everyone bows in silence, as we walk to the middle of the room to join everyone else. Once we reach the center of the room, everyone stands and cheers for us. Suddenly we are surrounded by a crowd of people hollering over each other, their congratulations or asking how we met, how we have a child together, and so many other questions.

"After a moment, Zion raises his hand, and everyone goes silent. "We will answer your questions at a later time. For now, please enjoy the party and allow my mate and I to enjoy it as well." He says with a smile, and everyone disperses, but I'm suddenly overwhelmed with an intense feeling of frustration and hatred. I link Zion and the others to give them a heads-up. He tells me not to worry as we make our way past the crowd to the double doors, where all the young pups and witches are playing outside while Stephanie and Ms.Blanch watch other them with guards.

Zion places Odett down on the floor as Stephanie waves her over to where she and a group of the orphanage kids Odett has become friends with are playing. Zion links Stephanie and the guards to watch over her carefully. He then looks at me with that half-cocked smile that I love and holds out his hand for me to take.

"Shall we have our first dance?" He asks as the music changes to a waltz. I nod with a smile, placing my hand in his, and he leads me to the dance floor as everyone stands around to watch. Sending Nikky and Kristy a thank you for teaching me how to dance in such a short time. They giggle and say you're welcome.

As we dance around the dancefloor, I see Jess and Orian join us, as well as James and Evan and my mother and Sam. Soon many couples join in, and the dance floor becomes full of dancing and laughter. When the music ends, we walk off the dance floor to grab a glass of champagne and watch everyone enjoying the party.

"Let me introduce you to my mate and the future Queen, Rain," Zion says as he turns us to the Alpha, standing at the bar we just walked up to. "This is Alpha Mathew of the Silver Crest Pack. His pack is close to the border of our kingdoms' territory."

"It is nice to meet you, Alpha. I hope your trip here went well. I know it was short notice." I say as he bows to me.

"It is an honor, your Majesty. It was a nice trip since I don't get to leave my land as often lately, but I've gotten used to the King doing things on short notice." He says as he and Zion laugh.

"It comes with the job, unfortunately," Zion says while grabbing two glasses of champagne and handing one to me. I suddenly get the overwhelming feeling of frustration and hatred again, and I look around the room to find three sets of eyes staring at me intently.

Uncomfortable with the feeling coming off of them, I link Zion, Who is having a conversation with Alpha Mathew. He turns to look at the group staring at us, Raising his glass to them with his signature, half-cocked smile. But the look in his eyes said he was ready to rip them apart. "It's crazy how much that look in his eyes turns me on," Dosha says, and I agree completely.

"Forgive me, my King, But I noticed Alpha Max and his son were here with their mates as well. Have you heard the rumors of them keeping slaves?" Alpha Mathew asks Zion, who nods.

"My Queen and I have plans to handle the issues of them breaking our laws. We're simply waiting for the right time to execute our plans." Zion says, and Alpha Mathew smiles as he nods his understanding of the situation. Zion must be quite close to him if he's letting him in on our plans for the Alphas, their Lunas, and the pack. "Alpha Mathew is my cousin. His father was my mothers' youngest brother. We used to spend every summer together until the accident."

"Yes, those were much more simple times. Unfortunately, we no longer have the time to spend together like we used to." Alpha Mathew replies, and I nod in understanding. "Well, if you need assistance with those pathetic Alphas, just holler for me."