The Alpha King's Human Mate by HC Dolores

The Alpha King’s Human Mate

Chapter 79

Chapter 79

“You are enough to drive a saint to madness or a king to his knees.” Grace Willows

You’d think a coronation would last for hours, but all things considered, the ceremony was relatively short. When Nadia

had told me that Griffin was only crowning me, she meant it.

I wasn’t complaining though. Having so many eyes on me was unsettling, and the less time I had to spend in front of a

crowd, the better.

After the Alphas had finished bowing to me, I saw Nadia emerge from the crowd. It was the first time I’d seen her during

the coronation, although frankly, | hadn’t really seen anyone. I didn’t recognize most of the faces and I wasn’t trying to.

Seeing someone I knew — like my father or Uncle Steve ~ might just trip me up when I was already nervous enough. I wanted to save those interactions for the reception.

“Please make your way to the exit,” Nadia said, clapping her hands together to get their attention, “You’ll see several

escorts posted by the doorway. They’ll take you to the reception – we’ll have food, drinks, everything you need. The King

and Queen will join you shortly.” That was as much encouragement as most Alphas seemed to need. Chapter 79

The heavy air of the room seemed to lift as well as the silence. The important part was over. Gradually, the Alphas began

to move toward the doors, conversation picking up between them. As they passed, many of them bowed their heads to me again and | inclined mine. If they were going to show respect to me, I wanted to show it back.

As soon as the last Alpha had walked out of the throne room, I took a few steps toward the door but Griffin’s hand

clasped over mine to stop me. “What are you doing?” He asked, looking confused. His face looked much softer now than

it had a few minutes ago, and I had no doubt it was because we were alone now.

Whenever we were around other people, especially other Alphas, Griffin wore a mask. Not a literal one, of course ~ but a

facade to keep his face from betraying too much emotion.

When we were alone, the mask slipped off. He didn’t feel the need to put up a facade around me. Since I’d accepted the mate bond, I didn’t either.

“Isn’t there a reception?” I asked. “That’s where everyone is going.” “There is.”

to go too?” I asked. “I mean, the reception is to celebrate

face. “I’m sure they won’t mind getting started without us,” he

into a

long, lingering kiss.

and I had to restrain myself from pulling him closer. It

did. “What are you doing?” I asked. Griffin’s smile was even more

around the room — at least we were alone. Not

doors.

that’s totally

leaned down to graze his lips over the claiming bite.

ever and I barely held back a moan. “Do you have any idea how

one of the blue

My cheeks flushed

his lips ghosting

thought about how I wasn’t the only one seeing you in

whisking you away so that I was the only one who could look

I managed to say, “I couldn’t have

my claiming bite until I

claw out all

but they

see it, but my eyebrows shot to my hairline at that sentence. I hoped he was kidding, but with

couldn’t say for

sure,

glad you didn’t claw out their eyes,” I said. | wasn’t quite sure what to say to that, but Griffin

lips and hands felt more passionate than ever, like he couldn’t

this? The

he said, pulling

thinking.” If the animalistic look in his eyes was any indication, I had a

say it – probably a lingering confidence boost from the coronation. “If

be on their

“I

as soon as the words were out of my mouth.

he going to punish me for

thrill down my spine. Amusement only danced

that I was treading a

show some loyalty to the

in my chest.

through Griffin’s eyes, and for a moment, I wondered if I’d crossed the

his face. “You know, I’ve never bowed to anyone

ready to roll my eyes at that sentence, Griffin’s