Come What May

Berenice’s pov

My mate gently put me down on the bed. I was still wrapped in the blanket, feeling extremely shy.

My mate sensed my emotions and looked at me softly.

“Wait here. I will bring some clothes for you.” He said caressing my cheek. He placed a loving kiss on my lips and left to get some clothes.

He got a full length cherry colored dress. He left me inside the cottage to give me privacy. I was feeling sore and didn’t want to leave the bed. So, he asked me to change here while he waited outside.

I quickly got dress and called out for my mate. I didn’t want to be alone.

When my mate didn’t come back, a whine left my mouth and my mate came back running in.

“Berenice? Are you alright? Are you hurting?” he fussed over me. I launched myself on my mate and he took me in his arms, cuddling me close to him.

I let out little whimpers.

“What happened, Berry?” my mate asked me, worry clear in his voice. I clutched onto him, not wanting to let go. The need to be close to him getting stronger and stronger. I buried my nose in his neck and sniffed, his scent comforting me.

He sat on the bed along with me and allowed me to sniff him.

“Berry.” I pulled my face out from his neck and looked at him.

“I am so happy you that you transformed into your wolf.”

“I’m happy too.” I said and a few tears left my eyes because of how happy I was. My emotions were getting hard for me to handle.

My mate wiped the tears away from my face and softly smiled at me.

“Your wolf form is very beautiful. A beautiful chocolate brown and shiny fur. It was so soft. Your wolf form looked divine. It had the powerful aura of a queen. It was close to the size of my wolf. I am very impressed mate.” He said and nuzzled my nose. I turned crimson red at his words feeling extremely shy.

What the hell is wrong with you Berenice?

My mate chuckled at my reaction.

“Don’t worry. Your senses are heightened. It takes a while to adjust to our new self after the turning. You will be fine. I will be there for you.” He said kissed my cheek.

I was enjoying my mate’s attention very much. Way too much.

Suddenly, I remembered something and decided to ask him about it.

“Mate, I don’t know why, I always suffer from a severe pain in my chest. The pain hits randomly. Is there something wrong with me?” I asked. I was scared of his answer.

What if I was sick?

Will I die?

I don’t want to die.

I want to live with my mate.

“No baby. Your body was preparing for the change. It was a long process. Our meeting triggered the starting of this. You are the Queen, you will have unimaginable powers, your body was not ready to handle so much of energy. Don’t worry. Nothing is wrong with you.”

I let out a sigh of relief.

“Why didn’t you turn into your wolf to meet me?” I pouted at my mate.

“Because, you are a newly turned female. It will be hard for you to control yourself when you meet my wolf form. Our animal instincts will take over in our wolf from. The need to claim your mate in every possible way will overpower any reason and logic. I don’t want to take advantage of your fragile state.” He explained and I blushed, regretting that question I asked.

“Okay.” I mumbled and hid my face in his chest.

His hands that were settled at my back started caressing it slowly.

“You know, if you lost your control in wolf form, I will be obliged to give in to you. The need to please our mate is too strong for us Lycans.” He whispered in my ear, his voice rough and turning me on.

I squirmed in his lap. My body felt like it was burning with embarrassment.

“Be quiet.” I whined.

“Okay, okay. I won’t tease you anymore, your majesty.” My mate laughed. I squinted at him.

He’s so bad!!!!!!!

Making me blush like that, Naughty mate!!!!!!!!

* * *

At the castle

The whole castle was going haywire at the news of the upcoming arrival of the cousin of the former Alpha King.

Ryder was silently cursing at his life as he knew how will this turn out.

Alexander’s uncle, Matthew Jude Knight always brought trouble with him. His daughter Savannah has always been interested in him. They dated for many years but that was a lifetime ago. Even Alexander thought that Ryder will take her as his chosen mate but it didn’t happen.

Savannah pleaded him to take her as his mate but Ryder couldn’t do that. He knew that the day Savannah meets her true mate, she will regret this mating. He is still waiting for the day his friend meets her soulmate and forgive Ryder for breaking her heart.

He knew that when they will come face to face, the atmosphere will be awkward.

But Savannah is not the real problem here. The problem is Grace. Grace Cabello. She is Savannah’s best friend. She is obsessed with Alexander. Whenever Savannah used to visit the castle, she would always accompany her. she bought tons and tons of gifts for my best friend and gave him uncountable love letters.

Alexander never paid any attention to her and never reacted to any of her tactics. Ryder knows Alexander has always been cold to everyone.

But he couldn’t help but be worried about what will happen when Savannah and Grace will meet Charlie and Berenice.

He couldn’t even talk to Adam because he left for his mate Saraya’s home to pick her up. He missed his mate way too much and couldn’t stop himself from going to pick her up personally.

The news of The Alpha King finding his true mate has spread like wildfire. Ryder had a feeling that Alexander’s parents will show up soon and when they will come to know what happened with Berenice, no one will be able to save Alexander.

Matthew is the least favorite of everyone in the Royal Family. He is a power hungry Lycan and absolutely despises werewolves. He thinks they are beneath him and shouldn’t be allowed to breathe the same air as them.

It will be very hard to control the situation if anything happens because he knows he won’t let anybody disrespect his Charlie and won’t hold back in putting anyone in their place.

Matthew Knight is a man of very conservative thoughts. His mate and Alexander’s aunt Gabriella Knight, is another level of trouble. She tried so hard to make Savannah the Beta Female and Grace the future Luna Queen.

Ryder massaged his head because it was ready to explode by just thinking about what will happen when the unwanted guests arrive.

* * *

Berenice’s pov

My mate was helping me to prepare dinner when he suddenly froze and had a faraway look in his eyes.

Someone has contacted him.

Soon that faraway look changed into irritation and he clenched his hands.

“What happened?” I asked my mate and moved towards him. before I could reach him, he held my hand and pulled me towards him roughly. I slammed into his chest and he took my lips for a hungry kiss.

I couldn’t understand what was going on. His tongue entered my mouth and tasted every inch of it. My mind was dazed and I couldn’t even moan at the heavenly sensation.

I tried to pull away a little but my mate didn’t allow me to. It was getting difficult for me to breathe. With this kiss he tried to suck the soul out of me.

He pulled away when I whimpered due to lack of oxygen. He ran his thumb along my bruised lips. I knew I have a dazed expression and I could feel my eyes getting blurry.

“I love you.” He said and connected our lips once again.

I whimpered because I couldn’t handle the pleasure running along my whole body. I clutched his Tee-Shirt and pulled on it. I was losing control over my body.

He left my lips and started kissing my cheek. He slowly made his way to my neck and started sucking aggressively. He pulled the skin at my throat making me whine and then licked it, soothing the pain.

“Ma- Mate.” I whimpered again. I don’t know what happened to my mate. Why was he behaving like this suddenly?

His hands slowly traveled up my body, from the small of my back to my waist and slowly sliding upwards, feeling every curve of my body.

His hands reached the swell of my bosom and he caressed it with his thumb.

“Ahh..” I moaned and threw my head back, giving him more access of my throat.

I was sure that my entire neck must be full with his marks.

“I love you, Berenice.” My mate spoke up, pulling away from my neck, breathing heavily.

“I love you too, mate.” I said in a small voice.

I raised my hand and caressed my mate’s cheek.

“What happened?” I asked. My mate looked at me and sighed.

He encircled his arms around my waist and leaned on the kitchen counter.

“Ryder contacted me.” my eyes widened.

“What? Why? Is everything alright? Is it about Charlie?” I babbled.

“Stop. Let me speak.” My mate said in fake annoyance and pinched my nose.

“Okay, okay. Speak.” I said and he pecked my nose.

“Thank you, your majesty. Now listen. My uncle is going to visit us soon.”

“What? Oh My God! Your uncle? I’m scared now. What if he doesn’t approve of me?” I said cutting of my mate’s words.

“Why are you getting nervous?” my mate asked, looking genuinely confused.

“He is your uncle, your family. Obviously, I will be nervous. What if he thinks I am not good enough for you?” I said.

“He doesn’t have a say in that.” My mate said instantly.

“Listen to me Berry. I just want you to know that he is not an easy person to deal with. I promise you, I will not let him say anything to you.

Just, don’t take things to your heart, okay. if something bothers you, you will talk to me. don’t hide anything from me.”

I looked at him for the moment.

“There is something bothering you. Tell me what it is. We are mates. We need to be honest with each other. You expect me to talk to you about everything but you won’t do the same when it comes to you.” My mate looked at me for a moment and buried his face in my neck, where his mark resides.

“It’s just that.. you know my past. I don’t want it to affect our relationship. When I lost all my hope of finding you, there were many proposals for a choice mating. Obviously, I didn’t accept any of them but I can’t change the past between me and those women.” My mate mumbled in my neck, his voice sending shivers down my spine.

Something stung my heart when my mate mentioned the other women with whom he has been with. But I decided to ignore it. I can’t change anything. My mate didn’t accept any of them. Even though he says that he did lose hope of finding me but he still waited. He didn’t choose anyone to be his chosen mate.

“We decided not to talk about it again, why are you bringing this up?” I asked him in a serious tone.

He needs to be clear with me. What is bothering him?

He pulled away from my neck and held my face in his strong hands, looking right into my eyes.

“What will you do when you come face to face with any of those women?” he asked and looked at me, gauging my reaction.

“I don’t need to do anything. You are mine. If they try to steal you from me, I will be their worst nightmare.” I said confidently.

Anger flared inside me and I clenched my fists. I could feel my hackles rising.

“No one can steal me from you.” He said in a soft tone.

“Your eyes are glowing.” He said and pecked my nose.

“Really?” he hummed and I gasped.

“What color?” my mate chuckled at my shocked state.

“Golden.”

“My woman’s wolf side is coming out. I am very happy.” my mate said and nuzzled my neck.

My heart skipped a beat when he addressed me as his woman.

“I can be very territorial.” I said and whimpered when my mate nipped my neck.

“Not more than be.” My mate replied after pulling his face away from my neck. He had a smile on his face but I could figure out the seriousness of his words.

“Let’s sleep. We have to go back to the castle tomorrow.”

* * *

Next day

Berenice’s pov

We woke up at the dawn and made our way back to the castle.

When we entered, the sight before me startled me. All the workers were running here and there, some cleaning and sweeping the already cleaned place. Some running with many mattresses to prepare the rooms for our guests.

I could tell that my mate’s uncle was feared. The workers looked really nervous.

They don’t need to be, they all do their job perfectly.

All their movements halted when we entered and they bowed down to us, paying their respects.

My mate and I acknowledged them and they resumed their work.

“I’ll go meet Ryder.” My mate whispered in my ear and I nodded. I saw Marry rushing to somewhere after my mate left.

“Marry!” I called her out. She looked at me and her eyes widened. She came running towards me.

“My child! Where were you all these days? How are you?” she cried out looking at me and hugged me.

My eyes got blurred with tears. I felt too happy in the comforting embrace of Marry. She has been like a mother figure to me.

The thought of my mother made me cry and I let out a sob. Marry pulled away from the hug and examined my body for any injuries.

“What happened, my child? Are you hurt? Why are you crying?” Marry asked, her voice filled with worry.

I shook my head and wiped my tears that fell down from my eyes.

“No. it’s just that, you remind me of my mother. She also fusses over me for little things.” I said, my voice thick because of me trying to control my crying. I managed to show her a wobbly smile.

“Oh, my dear. Don’t cry. Go to your room and get ready. Your Father-in-law’s cousin will arrive anytime.”

Father-in-law?

I felt happy when Marry addressed my mate’s father as my Father-in-law.

But we have to be married right?

I bit my lips at my thought.

Married to my mate…

I blushed.

I came out of my thoughts when Marry pinched my cheeks.

“What are you thinking? Your cheeks are as red as tomatoes.” Marry wiggled her eyebrows at me. I pouted at her and she laughed.

“Where is Charlie?” I asked. I never got to spend some time with Charlie, to actually get to know him.

“He is in the kitchen, helping us to prepare the feast.”

“Feast?”

“Yes, feast. Do you expect us to feed Lord Matthew and his family just some normal breakfast?” she asked me as if I am stupid.

“Oh. I’ll go to the kitchen then.” I said and left for the kitchen.

* * *

I found Charlie preparing a massive cake. I mean really massive. It was a four-tier cake. It looked so pretty. He was giving the cake it’s final touches and was decorating it with little blue flowers.

“WOW Charlie. It looks beautiful.” I complimented his work and he jumped.

“Oh God, I’m sorry Luna Berry. I just got startled.” He apologized. I smiled at him.

“No need to apologize, Charlie. Don’t be so formal with me. Think of me as your sister.” He smiled at me.

“Yes, Luna.” I chuckled at him. I think it will take some time for him to be comfortable with me.

All the maids present in the kitchen kneel down to show their respect for me. I acknowledged them and they resumed their work but silently. Before I entered the kitchen, I could hear the loud noises of chitter chatter.

Charlie was staring at my face for too long. I touched my face to see if there is something weird.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” I asked Charlie and he got scared.

“I- I’m sorry, Luna. I didn’t mean to disrespect you.” He whimpered.

“No Charlie, don’t be scared. I am not angry at you.” I said and hugged him. He slightly whimpered. I wanted to comfort him. I don’t know why I always have this urge to pamper him. like someone would want to do to a child.

I tried to send all the comforting vibes to Charlie and he settled down.

He pulled away from me and looked at me through his lashes.

“I’m sorry. You just looked different today. You were… glowing. Not that you don’t glow everyday but today it’s something different. I can’t pin point exactly what. And then the hickeys on your neck were so dark.” He rambled.

I blushed at the mention of hickeys.

I look different?

Maybe, because I shifted?

Yes, could be possible.

“Oh, okay. let’s leave that. Do you need any help? The Cake is prepared now. But anything else that I can help you with?”

“I am handling the dessert. I have to prepare some popsicles. You can help me with them if you want. Or if you have any other dish in mind.”

I tapped my chin with my index finger, thinking what to do.

“I will help you with the popsicles. I can’t think of anything else.” Charlie nodded excitedly and we both got to work with the other workers.

I would like to add that the others were very uncomfortable in my presence. They almost looked scared. I reassured them many times and it took them some time to be comfortable with me. In the end we managed to prepare food for the grand feast.

It was noon already.

We took so much time!

Well, obviously. We prepared food for over twenty-five people.

* * *

I started to get ready for the feast.

I covered up the hickeys my mate left on me. my mind was replaying our intimate moments. I blushed while applying the foundation on my neck.

Stop it, Berry!

I wore a pink sleeveless evening dress with a sweetheart neckline. This dress was also inspired by cherry blossoms. It had a 3d design.

It looked so elegant.

My mate selected this dress for me.

I wanted to twirl around the whole room in this dress but my mate entered the room.

He looked at me without uttering a single word.

I bit my lips, waiting for his reaction.

“You look beautiful.” He whispered. He marched towards me and pulled me towards him by my waist. I could feel his admiration for me.

“Thank you. You look handsome too.” I said with a blush.

My mate was in a burgundy colored three-piece tux. I was internally drooling over him.

“Thank you. Let’s go downs. Uncle will arrive any minute now.”

I was getting nervous as the seconds tick by. My mate held my hand and entwined our fingers.

* * *

My mate could feel the nerves roll off of me as we waited for his uncle to arrive.

Ryder and Charlie were also present with us. Ryder looked alert. I could tell that he was not pleased with the upcoming arrival of our guests.

Soon enough, a very bulky man entered with almost ten more people. My mate stood up from the sofa and walked towards the man I was sure is his uncle and gave him a man hug.

I could feel the powerful aura surrounding this man. He has grey, intense eyes. There was not even a single strand of white hair on his head. Not any that I could see. He is a fair skinned man, just like my mate. Maybe a tone lighter. He was just a few inches shorter than my mate.

At his side stood a very beautiful green-eyed woman. She wore a beautiful, V neck, full sleeved red gown that complimented her pale skin. A pretty red color adorned her lips. She is my mate’s aunt I suppose, because she stood holding my mate’s uncle’s arm.

Next to them stood to women.

One was a brunette. She wore an A Line deep V neck green dress. It hugged her slim waist perfectly. Her beautiful green eyes complimenting her outfit. Elegance and sophistication oozing out from her. She was fair, just like my mate’s aunt.

The other woman was a blonde. She had a beautiful honey colored skin. She wore a sparkly pink deep V neck, short bodycon dress. She didn’t seem to be a part of the royal family. She had light brown eyes.

This woman’s gaze was focused on my mate. She was sporting a look of pure admiration. Maybe she admired my mate. I mean, he is the Great Alpha King after all.

My sight shifted to the woman who wore green dress. She was looking at Ryder with a possessive look in her eyes. As if she owns Ryder. It was scary.

Is this what my mate was talking about? The past women?

“How are you, son?” his uncle asked, patting my mate’s back.

“I am doing fine, uncle. How are you?”

“I am doing well. It has been so long huh.” He said, or yelled. He was a very loud person.

My mate smiled and then greeted his aunt, giving her a hug. He nodded at the other two women and the rest of the people kneeled in front of him when his gaze shifted to them.

My mate acknowledged them and then walked towards me when they all stood up.

He gave me a reassuring smile and held my waist, bringing me closer to him.

“She is my mate. Berenice Raine.” My mate introduced me to them, his voice filled with pride.

I smiled towards our guests who were looking at me with scrutinizing gaze.

“It’s good to finally meet you, Daughter-in-law. I am Gabriella Knight, Alexander’s aunt.”

I was right! she is his aunt!

She came forward and hugged me. I don’t know why but I didn’t get that welcoming feeling from her. Her words seem so fake.

“So, the rumour is true. My nephew found the future Luna Queen of the kingdom.” My mate’s uncle finally spoke up.

He came forward and extended his hand, offering me a handshake.

“Welcome to the Royal Family.” I shook hands with him. I had a feeling that he didn’t approve of me.

My mate squeezed my waist, reassuring me. He sensed my thoughts.

“Hi! I am Savannah. Alex’s childhood friend.” The green dressed woman spoke up and hugged me.

“Hi! I am Grace Cabello. Savannah’s best friend.” The pink dressed woman said and gave me a stiff smile. I smiled brightly at her.

Her gaze was constantly shifting towards my mate. I decided not to react to it.

“Hi Ryder.” Savannah suddenly spoke up. Her voice turned sweet and she walked towards him and gave him a hug.

Charlie just stood at Ryder’s side watching them. I could see the burning jealousy I Charlie’s eyes. I think Charlie knows something about this woman.

Ryder pushed her away and gave her a small smile.

“Hey, Savvy. Meet my mate Charlie.” Ryder pointed towards the little wolf who was about to explode.

“WHAT?” uncle Matthew and aunt Gabriella shouted.

Uncle Matthew was in front of Ryder in an instant.

“YOU ARE MATED TO A MALE!” he roared in his face.

Ryder’s gaze didn’t falter. This Royal Lycan’s anger did not affect Ryder at all. He faced him head on.

“You have a problem with that?” he calmly spoke.

I rushed towards Charlie who started whimpering and held him in my arms. Ryder looked towards us and then back at uncle Matthew.

“This is wrong Ryder.” Aunt Gabriella spoke up.

“He is my true mate. There is nothing wrong in it.” Ryder said in a firm tone.

“Don’t talk to your aunt like that!” uncle Matthew screamed.

“Please calm down.” I spoke softly. Uncle Matthews eyes snapped into my direction. They were burning with anger.

“You don’t get to speak, you pathetic wolf!” he shouted at me. I stepped back in shock, with Charlie in my arms.

“Stand down!” my mate roared. He was immediately in front of us, acting as a shield for us.

“Alex! You know we are saying this because we care about you. How can such a weak wolf continue the legacy of the Royal Family. And Ryder mated a male! How could he? There is no future for the Beta bloodline now!”

Charlie started sobbing really hard in my shoulder. He was shivering badly.

“That is none of your business.” Ryder snapped at aunt Gabriella. My mate walked towards Ryder, trying to stop him from saying anything else.

“We should talk about it calmly.” My mate said.

The Savannah and Grace just looked at this exchange shell shocked.

Uncle Matthew looked at the sobbing Charlie in my arms with rage. His eyes were glowing golden.

Oh no, this is bad.

“This is all happening because of you!” he screamed and snatched Charlie away from my arms, throwing him on the floor. He raised his hand that was transformed into a deathly claw.

Everything happened so fast that I didn’t have time to react.

He looked ready to kill. He was about to attack at Charlie when a voice came from the entrance. The voice that shocked everyone to the core, the voice that halted all the movements here, the voice that made uncle Matthew freeze.

“Touch a single strand of his hair and you will be responsible for your death, Matthew.”