Fated is overrated

"Almost 2,5 years ago, a young woman stumbled upon our lands. When our guards arrived at the scene, this woman was rendering a rogue wolf unconscious, after effectively having incapacitated 4 other rogues single handedly already. All of this was being done, might I add, in her human form" Zion calls out to the crowd, as I see Zeke and Zane looking at me lovingly.

I smile at each of them briefly, before turning my attention back to Zion. "My sons were lucky enough to be mated to this brave young woman, and I could not be happier to have her standing in front of me here today".

Zion smiles broadly at me, before continuing. "It is my absolute honor to perform this ceremony today, and officially welcome Lola into our family".

Zion grabs a silver knife, and slices his hand, before slicing my own.

We then join hands, and my bond with him, as well as with the entire kingdom, snaps into place. I knew what to expect already, as my mates had explained everything to me beforehand. The process is then repeated with Zeke, Zane and my hand. This is more for show, as we are already bonded, and the ceremony doesn't really add anything."

The ceremony part is now complete, please give your future Queen the warm welcome she deserves!" Zion booms out, and the crowd erupts in cheers and clapping. Well, most of the crowd that is.

Call me paranoid, but even in a loving moment such as this, I am still on the lookout for threats. And I easily pick out those who aren't clapping, or in general those whose energy feels off.

"Please allow our newly mated trio to acclimatize while you find your seats, before you are all allowed to offer your congratulations". I am really not looking forward to shaking so many people's hands and keeping a smile on my face the entire day, but I guess I will have to get used to that from now on.

As the dragon Queen and Lycan Queen I am bound to receive some unwanted attention. Zeke and Zane both squeeze my hands gently. As I stare at their beautiful, loving faces, I am reminded that all I need in days like these is them and my family.

We walk hand in hand towards our table, where my family and theirs are already seated. And to my pleasant surprise, Nadia is also seated at our table, next to Damon. The mood at the table is informal and relaxed, and of course Damon teases me relentlessly about wearing a princess style ballgown. Me, "the badass dragon Queen that bites", as he calls it.

My stomach grumbles when I see the waiters bringing in plates of food, I was really hungry as I haven't eaten much today after the sandwich incident. They are serving a delicious looking steak, and I can't wait to sink my teeth into it.

But, as the waiter is setting my plate down in front of me, I smell the same vile odor I smelled this morning, and I instantly feel the need to gag again. Zeke and Zane notice my discomfort, and pull me up to my feet and away from our table graciously. I hear Zane explain to the table "sorry, we want a minute with our mate". As we round the corner Zeke wraps his arms around my waist, as I breathe in deeply. "What's wrong baby?"

Zeke cups my cheek, while looking at me pleadingly. "I think.. I think someone might be trying to poison me. My food smells really vile, it's making me want to gag. I had the same thing this morning, when your mom brought a sandwich for breakfast that was prepared by the kitchen staff".

The color drains from their faces, as they look at me worriedly. "Hold on" Zane storms off before I could even blink, heading back towards our table I presume. Zeke holds me tight as I catch my bearings, when I notice his eyes glaze over and his look of concern increases.