Chapter 4 Chapter 4: This Man was My Mate?

Skylar's POV

As soon as I agreed to marry Alpha Sage, preparations for the wedding ceremony began in earnest. Beta Jasper saw to it.

He made sure the dressmakers came to take measurements for my gown, arrangement of the pack's ballroom that would be used for the wedding, the travels and lodging of Alpha Sage and his people.

The day the Alpha arrived, I was in my bedroom, staring at paintings of mother and father. They were the only thing they owned that I cherish. That and the memories I had with them.

A quiet knock broke me from my reverie and I jolted.

“W - who's there?” I asked in a low voice.

“Melanie.” One of the maids replied.

“Come in.” I put the paintings away and stood to my feet, folding my hands in front of me.

The door creaked open and she stepped in. This time she wasn't alone. She came with the head maid and six other ladies and they were with my wedding gown.

After the fitting, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. All my life, I've wanted a normal life — one where my parents would get to watch me grow up into a proper lady, get married and have their grandchildren. But none of that was happening.

Melanie patted my back. “It's getting late, ma'am. Your wedding is tomorrow. It's advisable that you get some sleep.”

I blinked twice and noticed her reflection in the mirror.

“You look tired. A nice sleep will help.” She beamed at me with a smile.

I whispered a thank you to her and trudged to my bed.

As soon as my head hit the pillows, sleep wrapped me in her warm embrace.

Before the cock crowed, I was already out of bed, awoken by fear and anxiety that gnawed at my stomach.

The maids found me pacing in the room by the moment they arrived.

I was made to take a sip of alcohol. The head maid had said it would help me calm down and weirdly, it did. I still felt restless but not as intense as it was before.

I was helped into my wedding dress and a white veil was thrown over my hair.

Melanie took my hand in hers and gave them a light squeeze. “Don't worry, Skylar. You'll do just fine.”

“Thank you.”

The flowers trembled slightly in my clasped hands as I sauntered into the middle aisle of the ballroom.

Head turned and smiles grew big.

“Isn't she beautiful?”

“I wish Alpha's Xavier was here to see this.”

I muted their words and focused on making it to the altar.

A dizzy spell washed over me and I held myself, acting all prim and proper.

As I drew near the altar, I heard a maniacal cackle.

Through the transparent curtain, I could see the man standing on the altar. He was dressed in brown fur with a large golden crest pinned to the chest. I quickly recognize that symbol. He was the madman of the North — Alpha Sage.

I finally reached my destination and he extended his arm to me. I had no choice but to take it.

His hands felt ice-like in mine and I nearly flinched. Was he mad? Why would his hand be a block of ice?

I noticed him grinning from ear to ear and I thought hate was funny.

The priestesses began the ceremony on Beta Jasper's signal and she began the marriage rites.

Alpha Sage and I faced each other and we both went on our knees.

I noticed he had red mohawk and kohl lined his under eyes. Not exactly a good look for a gentleman.

Alora turned to Alpha “Do you, Alpha …”

“Get on with it. You know what I want, he interrupted, leaving everyone too stunned to speak.

What?

Alora looked behind me, probably at Beta Jasper for instructions.  Then she dropped her eyes and heaved a sigh.

She slapped the sacred book shut and turned to ask me. “Do you…”

“She does!” Alpha Sage said impatiently. “Marry us already!”

Alora narrowed her eyes at him before facing the pack. “By the power invented in me by the Moon Goddess, I pronounce you two…”

“Not getting married!” A deep voice interrupted.

Gasps filled the hall and we all turned to look for the gentleman who said that.

Alora shriveled back in fear. “Y - - Your Grace… What are you...”

“Taking her out of here!” The strange gentleman walked to the altar and grabbed my hand, shoving me behind me.

Alpha Sage let out a maniacal cackle. “What? You have got to be joking. Return Skylar to me.”

“I am Alpha Devon, Alpha of the Bloodmoon pack and by authority granted to me by the Moon Goddess as her strongest warrior, I declare you unfit to marry Skylar White, “said the Alpha.

I was confused, not knowing what to do.

“What is going on here!” came an outrageous yell from Beta Jasper.

“I am taking Skylar White!” Alpha Devon said this time with a roar.

I pushed his hand away. “No, you're not! Who the hell are you!”

“You heard her, wolf. She said no.” Alpha Sage whipped out twin daggers from his fur coat.

“We'll see about that!” Alpha Devon looked at me with his blood-red eyes and I stiffened in fear. When did his eyes turn red?

“You won't touch my bride!” Alpha Sage lunged at Alpha Devon with his crude daggers.

Alpha Devon didn't even flinch. With a swift and mechanical move, he drew his own sword and slashed the air.

Alpha's Sage's circled in shock as the sword cut through him, biting deep in his collar bone.

I watched in horror as his body slumped to the ground.

The crowd gasped in horror at the grotesque sight.

My face paled when Alpha Devon turned to meet me. “Hello, Skylar.”

“N - no.” I stuttered in a trembling voice while stumbling backwards. “I’m not going anywhere with you.”

Alpha Devon sheathed his sword and shield. “You really want to refuse me after seeing what I did to him?”

He tilted his head to where Alpha Sage's body laid immobile on the floor in the pool of his own blood.

“I - I” I turned to look at Beat Jasper. He was covered in fear, terror registered on his pale face.

A hand caught my jaw. “You will do as I say.”

“P - please.” I sobbed.

“I won't hurt you. Just relax,” He smiled and tucked a stray hair behind my ear. “I would never harm you.”

Before I could react, he hurled me over his shoulder.

“See you all later.” He said.

“Put me down!” I screamed as he approached the entrance door.

My screams fell on deaf ears. No one was coming to get me.

“Stay still and I will spare the life of your people.” He said in a menacing voice and I froze. “Good girl. Now, shall we?”

As we stepped outside, a familiar scent hit my nostrils — Lavender and Wildberries.

‘Mate!’ My wolf called out.

This man was my mate?