Chapter 2: Our Other Mate: Chapter 2
Chapter 2
As we enter the cathedral, my heart is racing. I am so nervous not knowing what to expect. I had met the late Duke when I was about 13. He was a strong duke and Alpha male ran through him like a livewire. He was tall and handsome much like my father. He had come to meet my father about the attack in Dashpointe when the Silver Spears had first revealed themselves. Back when they were a small few rebels trying to end the hierarchy.
The Silver Spears had grown in the tens of thousands over the years and included species of all kinds, Lycans, werewolves, witches, vampires, and even some humans had joined their ranks. By joining the royal lines it would make us stronger and since Merrick and I were both without mates it was a simple choice for both of our parents.
Matt held my arm as we walked to the opening of the decorated French-style doors. Gold and ivy dressed the outside of the door, along with the most beautiful lilies I have ever seen, We didn't get many lilies in Lumanaris, it was much too cold. I can see how they thrive here in Dashpointe, with its warm climate and beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea. If I was forced to live somewhere else and be with someone I didn't know I was glad at least I had a beautiful view to look at to pass my time.
We stepped in the door as the wedding march began to play by a stringed orchestra, my eyes immediately glued to the ground. Maybe it was because I was nervous to see my future husband or the fact that I didn't know this court.
When I get the courage to look up I see the entire cathedral is decorated in the same beautiful gold, ivy, and lilies. Around me stood so many people at least 400, all smiling and complimenting me on how beautiful I looked. I tried to smile but my nervousness got the best of me and I just wound up looking terrified.
Matt nudged my side, " Ella, come on... it's not like I am taking you to the gallows. Just breathe and it will be ok", he whispered. I did bother to tell him that is exactly what it felt like. As we come closer to the altar I look to see my soon-to-be husband but he is nowhere in sight.
I grab Matt's arm, "where is he?" I look around before I take my first few steps up the altar.
Did he leave? Did I scare him away? Maybe he feels the same and this is just his way of saying he no longer accepts?
Just as I am about to take a sigh of relief, out walks a tall stranger. His shaggy black hair slicked back and green eyes that seem to examine every inch of me. Merrick.
He gives me a brief smile and holds out his hand, beckoning me to join him at the altar. Shit! I thought to myself, this is it. I place my pale hand in his and continue my ascent up the stairs. He was very handsome, not like Paul who was rugged.
He was more refined and someone one might call beautiful. He gripped my hand and led me to the Elder priest. The priest smiled at us both and gave a little wink to Merrick. We stand as the word are spoken. I know them by heart now, when I was planning my marriage to Paul I had rehearsed them so many times so I wouldn't mess them up.
"We are gathered here to join this beautiful Lycan couple in the eyes of the Moon Goddess, Electra. Though their true mates have departed from this realm the goddess has seen fit to join them together here today. Love is fruitful and once the seeds have been planted love will grow and blossom", the magistrate begins.
I glance at Merrick to see if his face had any thoughts on what was being said. He had lost his mate too and I couldn't help but feel at I wasn't the only one who didn't want this to continue. His face was smiling but his eyes...his eyes wept. I slid the tissue I kept in my sleeve from earlier and placed it in his huge palm. He smiled and mouthed "Thank you" to me as the priest continued. When it was time for our vows I felt bile build up in my mouth, how could I ever make a vow to anyone other than Paul?
"I, Elenore Rose Whitetail, take you, Merrick David Saint-James to be my chosen mate" I cringe at the words. "To protect, love, honor, and cherish all of my days in this realm". I can feel my hands start to shake as I place the wedding band on his finger.
With his green eyes looking at me I can feel his sadness. He searches my face looking for someone else, but alas it is just me. He presses his lips in a thin line and begins to repeat, "I, Merrick Davis Saint-James, take you, Alliyah Michele....."
He stops and looks at me with terror in his eyes. I was just as surprised. "...I'm sorry" he restarts. "I, Merrick David Saint-James, take you, Elenore Rose Whitetail to be my chosen mate." Tears burn my eyes, I mean I don't want to be here anymore than him, but he could have at least called me the right name!
"Um.. to protect, love, honor, and cherish all of my days in this realm". His hand gently placed the ring on my finger. I felt anger flood my face and I try to rid myself of it as I look at my husband's face. Tears streamed down his face and his eyes looked anywhere but mine.
The priest seems unbothered by the mistake and continues. " In the light of the holy moon that the Goddess has sent on this day I now pronounce you mated. May I now present the Duke and Duchess of Dashpointe."
The guests clap and cheer, and some throw roses and lilies at the altar. As we descend one after the other is bowing and congratulating us on being mated. My arm hung loosely in the Duke's arm, I felt as if I was a puppet on display. Everyone is anxiously ready to get a peek at their new Duchess. As we passed aristocrat after aristocrat we finally came to the Queen. I had met her on my arrival to Dashpoint, she wanted to inspect me. I guess the duke being her only nephew, wanted to judge my character for herself.
" Congratulations, dear nephew. I know the king wished to be here but he had pressing matters in Kern. He does send his love and all the happiness." her arm extends and he kisses the back of her hand.
She looks me up and down, her eyes ever so sharp and disappointed. "Well done. my dear", she smirks. "Not many people would have agreed to marry someone if they said the wrong name at the altar."
She extends her hand to me and for a moment I thought about slapping it away. Queen or not she didn't have to be a bitch, she knew that neither one of us wanted to be here and this was all just an elaborate scene to show the Silver Spears that we were united.
Still, I bent and kissed her hand quickly. If a show is what she wanted a show is what she would get. I grab Merrick by the waist and with the sweetest face I could muster I ask, "let's go dance".
His face was still red with embarrassment over what his aunt just said but he nodded his head in agreement as we walked to the Limo that waited outside the Cathedral. As he shut the door behind me I could hear the relief in his voice as he let out a sigh.
"Thank you for that, the Queen can be a bit prickly when you first meet her but you'll warm up to her. It's so nice to finally be away from all of those people." His hands run through his hair as he pulls out a gold flask, and take a long swig before offering some to me.
"What is it?" I ponder. "Dalmore red, its whiskey that was made but the members of the Clan I belong to." I take a swig as the sweet burn fills my mouth and throat. I cough not expecting it to be so intense but it was very tasty.
"I'm sorry this happened this way," he said when I handed back the flask, " I'm also sorry I called you Her name, Eleanore." He looks from the flask catching my eye.
"Call me Ella, if you like" I give him a half-hearted smile and sit across from him in the limo. The ride to the reception was long and for the most part silent with the occasional small word and a pass of the flask. Him watching me, me watching him trying to take study each other. He was very fit, but most lycans are, his eyes a piercing green that seem to sparkle in the moonlight. His skin almost sunkissed seem to shimmer too, he must like the outdoors.
Once again his fingers ran through his hair, pushing it out of his face as he takes another swig of his flask. Should I say something? I mean we are mates now... I mean we don't even know each other and tonight we have to...Oh, shit tonight we have to consummate the marriage.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone