Mated To The Lycan King

Chapter 97

Miranda POV

I was so very thankful for having someone like Avalynn as not only a good friend but family. She has been a true friend day in and day out. She has shown me kindness at a time when I didn't deserve it or anything remotely nice towards me. I hugged her and thanked her for it. She would never know how thankful I was for her generosity and grace that day. She, along with Brent, seemed to calm the storm raging inside of me. It was like every ounce of my being knew what later tonight would bring. Her encouraging words and help along the way made my anxiety subside.

Brent and Everest entered the room. I watched as Everest escorted Avalynn out of the room and I was left alone with Brent. He looked dashing in his suit. It was tailored in all of the right places and cut to fit his body perfectly. I could feel myself mentally drooling over this magnificent specimen of a man. My eyes slowly made their way down his body, drifting along all of my favorite spots; his broad strong shoulders, his arms and the way the materiel managed to show his strength, his waistline and the surprise that hid just below the belt, and finally his long strong legs.

"You look amazing too." He smiled at me. I looked up at him and his eyes had softened as he looked at me. He stepped up to me and drew me up into his arms, growling possessively into my ear. "Mine." His breath was hot on my skin as he nibbled on my earlobe. I melted into his arms as he held me up.

"Easy, we may not make it to dinner, let alone the ceremony where I can finally mark you." He spoke low.

I took a deep breath, my eyes blinking quickly, as I spoke with a shaky breath "I... Know. Shit."

A chuckle vibrated through his chest. "Come with me. It is time. Everyone is waiting for our grand entrance." He placed a gentle kiss against my cheek. We left the room and made our way to the Ball Room where everyone was waiting. Tables were scattered around the massive room. Three clicks were heard and an announcement of his Royal Highness, King Brent and his mate, soon to be Queen Miranda.

I swallowed and Brent squeezed my hand in his for reassurance. I watched as the beautiful massive double doors slowly opened in front of us. The sounds of the chairs scooting against the floor and the ruffling of dresses as people stood to get a better look were heard. We slowly walked in together and made our way up to the front of the room. We, along with Everest and Avalynn, would be eating on a raised platform. We walked to it and walked up to the platform, walking up the steps. I could see everyone in the room from up here. We walked around the front of the table as Brent made a speech.

"Welcome to our home. We hope that you enjoy this evening's festivities that will lead to the marking of my mate, Miranda. We are so very blessed to have such support from the community from different backgrounds. From Lycans to witches, you will always be welcome here. Here is to a new dawn, a new day, a new way of life for us all. Enjoy dinner everyone!" Cheers erupted throughout the room. I watched him walk back toward me. His smile brightened my soul as he took my hand and led us to our seats. He pulled the chair back for me, allowing me to sit.

We ate dinner and chit-chatted. My eyes glanced around the room, frequently watching the room. I have never, in my entire life, ate more carefully than I have tonight. Every bite was super small and calculated. I was not about to ruin this beautiful dress. When the last course was served and finished, the tables and chairs were cleared by our staff members as our guests mingled and talked. Drinks were passed around by our servers and music began over head. We mingled and danced along with our guests.

with a few Alphas from the surrounding packs. Avalynn and I decided to use this as an opportunity to walk around the room together. As

and moved closer to us. She stopped in front of us and raised her brow. Avalynn cleared her throat and the woman shot daggers at her as a warning. Wrong move on her part for not acknowledging a royal. Avalynn's arm darted out and reached for her. Her hand clamped against her throat and she growled at her "You know protocol. Step back

wrapped around Avalynns, clawing at them and fighting against her. She was trying to free herself from Avalynn's grasp. Her

woman bared her neck and looked down at the floor. "Speak your truth." She

my power to ruin what you share with him. You will never truly be one of us. You stupid bitch." She blinked, clearly shocked by the words

how you

frowned and shook her

turned and looked at me. "Miranda,

hadn't heard him approach us but from the look on Avalynn's face, she knew they were

growled at her

pretend and come back

banned from the territory. You have a twenty-four hour notice to leave. If you are found in my territory, my people will not hesitate

to the Northern Territory. You are banned there as well and there will be a

Everest, and Brent, who were all ready to pounce on her if she made one wrong move. I didn't need them though. When she didn't move fast enough, I used my magic as I forced her out the

laughed as I turned to look at the three of

I smiled

one hell of a Queen. Good job for standing up for yourself and having the courage to not back down." Everest

and laughing with family and friends. When the party died down it was when Brent whisked me away. It was time to be marked by him. He led me to the room where I would be watched and kept a close eye on me. A team of the castle doctors