Chapter 4: Alpha King Ethan Stirling
*Ariella*
“Don’t be nervous,” my maid, Anna, says as she takes my shaky hands in hers.
“I’m not nervous,” I reassure myself, my gaze fixed on the reflection in the mirror. I fidget with the silvery veil, which covers me from my nose and cascades down, gracefully adorning my gown and trailing behind me.
“You look beautiful, Your Highness,” she assures me as she fusses with the veil. “This style is quite fashionable for royal gatherings.”
I nod, grateful for the thin barrier. With it, perhaps Marcus will not recognize me right away. A chill runs through me at the thought of seeing him again.
My hand goes to my throat, where the mark of his cruel collar has faded. The brand on my arm remains, searing and shameful. I tug on the off-shoulder sleeve that covers it.
A gentle knock sounds at the door before it opens to reveal Eli. He halts for a moment, blinking in surprise.
“Ariella, you look–” His eyes soften. “Absolutely stunning.”
Heat rushes to my cheeks. I am still growing accustomed to Eli’s sincere compliments.
“Shall we go greet our guests?” Eli extends his arm with an encouraging smile.
I take a deep breath and slip my hand into the crook of his elbow. Together, we walk to the grand greeting hall, where voices echo raucously.
As we near the open doors, panic constricts my lungs. I stop short, pulse racing.
Sensing my fear, Eli turns and grasps my shoulders gently. “Ariella, listen to me. You are royalty here. No one can hurt you anymore.”
I meet his steady blue gaze and let his words ground me. With a shaky exhale, I nod.
At a signal from Eli, the musicians strike up a pleasant melody, and the massive doors open. I make my entrance into the hall with Eli next to me, and Rafe and Shawn following.
All eyes turn to me. I keep my chin high, ignoring the rapid pace of my heart. We reach the front of the room and turn to face the enraptured crowd. Eli’s voice rings out clear and proud as the music quiets.
“With utmost joy, we present our beloved sister, Princess Ariella Loveta.”
Cheers and furious applause erupt. I smile and wave at the crowd. Although they can’t see my full face, I want to make sure they can tell from my eyes that I welcome them to be here.
Eli gently pats my hand and it’s my cue.
I step forward and raise my voice.
“Alphas and Lunas, esteemed attendees,” I announce. “Welcome! Your presence here today adds radiance to our gathering. I am delighted to declare the official start of the night. May our time together be filled with joy and cherished moments.”
Another round of applause echoes in the hall, and Eli leans in to whisper, “Well done. I’m so proud of you!”
He has no idea how nervous I am!
Just then, the doors to the hall swing open and silence settles over the room.
An imposing figure makes his entrance into the banquet hall, commanding attention with every step. He wears a perfectly tailored black suit, which seems as if it’s sculpted to his powerful frame.
His golden hair gleams under the chandelier lights; his chiseled features are a study in masculine perfection. His strong jawline accentuates his rugged handsomeness, while his lips hold a subtle curve that hints at a concealed charm.
His straight nose leads to the focal point of his allure—his ice-blue eyes. These piercing orbs, like frozen sapphires, sweep the room with a look of polite interest.
Everyone is momentarily entranced by his effortless elegance and striking handsomeness.
No doubt he is a powerful Alpha.
Seven broad-shouldered warriors accompany him. One seems to be higher ranked than the others–his Beta, perhaps, though it is clear that the Alpha needs no protection with his immense power evident in his self-assured stride.
He seems faintly familiar, but I cannot place him.
“Alpha King Ethan Stirling of the Everstone royal pack! Welcome!” Eli announces, pulling everyone from their dazes.
Rafe has come to my side and explained in a whisper, “Their pack is a close ally to us. He will be staying with us even after the gathering to discuss a land purchase.”
I take in a brief flash of crystal blue in his eyes and a hazy memory suddenly surfaces.
I see myself on a balcony under the moonlight. He brushes a strand of hair from my face and leans in close, his breath warm on my skin. Our lips meet in a passionate kiss.
Then he and I are tangled in silken sheets, skin to skin. His hands explore my body reverently as soft moans of pleasure escape my lips. And the next morning he rolls me onto my back and kisses me sweetly.
The memory fades as quickly as it came, leaving my body warm and cheeks flushed.
It’s him–the stranger I woke up next to that morning had been the Alpha King Ethan Stirling!
Oh. My. Goodness.
What should I do now?
With everything that happened in the past few days, I almost forgot about the mysterious man I had s*x with. Once in a while when I do think about him, I have been subconsciously pushing that memory to the back of my head.
To me, it was the trigger of Marcus’ betrayal, and therefore should be buried with my past at the Midnight Moon pack.
He approaches us with fluid grace. Thank the Goddess that I’m wearing a veil, but would he recognize my scent?
My heart is beating so fast.
What shocks me more is that I even seem to hear my wolf purring briefly inside me. This is the first time my wolf has reacted to anything in a long time.
When Ethan’s eyes pierce into mine, they send a tingle up my spine. My breath catches nervously.
Ethan’s mouth quirks up slightly. The branded B on my arm aches. I feel tiny ice prickles creep across my flesh as I fearfully wait for him to see through my veil and remember that I was the woman he bought.
But he simply takes my hand in his and says, “It’s an honor to meet you, princess,” as he lifts my hand to his lips and kisses the back of it. Electricity shoots through my body. I have to fight the urge to pull my hand back.
Thank the Goddess that he releases my hand right away, and I’m able to let out a shaky breath.
He then turns to my brothers. “Congratulations on the return of your precious sister.”
“The Crystal River thanks you for honoring us with your presence, Your Majesty!” Eli replies. He then turns to the crowd. “Without further ado, let the night begin!”
***
After some food and alcohol, the crowd starts to mingle.
“Are you alright?” Rafe asks. “Your face is cherry red.”
“Ye-yes!” I answer, but I can’t tell him it’s because once again, I notice Ethan is looking my way.
It has happened a few times throughout the night. Every time he does, the spot where he kissed my hand tingles.
“You sure?” Rafe is suspicious.
I quickly make up an excuse. “Yes! It’s getting a little warm here. I could use a break to get some fresh air.”
Rafe nods. “Don’t take too long.”
“I won’t!” I promise him. Knowing that I’ll be out of Ethan’s sight in no time, I finally let out a relieved sigh.
But my relief is short-lived.
Bile churns in my stomach as I suddenly catch sight of them–Marcus and Lilith.