A entire week of hell, and the day has finally arrived. After seven days of maxing my limits and exhausting myself with what felt like pointless torment, it's finally time to face the music.
Even though Hardin gave me a brief rundown of how the ceremony will go, I'm still nervous. For three days I'll be put to the rest with a series of different challenges and tasks, more so because I'm now Hardins mate.
"Take it off, wolves don't need to cover up." Beck mutters to me as we exit the car.
Brushing his hand away, I bury my hands into my pockets. Hardin and his beta join us, leading me into the large stone mansion. I didn't pay much attention to the building, or the decor, only the amount of wolves that whisper and stare as I pass them.
They smell my Alpha blood, they're naturally threatened by it. I assume that's why Hardin stays close to me, placing me between himself, Zed flanking my left and Beck just behind us. I have to admit, I don't feel so on edge with all three close by.
The wolves dotted through the mansion are dressed expensively, it's easy to pick out the Elders guests, and the Alphas here for my graduation. The Alphas wear only basketball shorts or sweats, practically naked.
"Kade, Mrs Slovak." I hear Hardin greet with a low grunt.
My heart falters with fright, eyes immediately snapping towards them, watching with wide eyes as Hardin shakes their hands. He acts like they're good company, even if I know it's for my sake, I hate that he's calm with them.
My mothers sharp green eyes glare at me, her smile false. My father doesn't bother to acknowledge me, and I could feel Hardin tensing beside me as my own blood refuses to look at me.
"It's good to see you again, we want to apologise for being so abrupt last we spoke." My father says, blanking my existence as he fully indulges into conversation with Hardin.
I wasn't surprised.
"Apologise then." Alpha Hardin glowers down at them, that few extra inches over my father making him more superior.
My head snaps to my mate, eyes wide as I glance between my parents and him. The fact that Hardins coldness doesn't waver, almost makes me smile. I could see my parents growing uncomfortable, I doubt they've ever been embarrassed like that in front of other Alphas.
"We are sorry." My father forces out slowly, like someone poured poison in his tea this morning.
Hardin wraps his arm around my back, and despite my legs locking into place, he drags me flush to his side. My parents stand inches from me, I could feel my skin crawling, waiting for the slap off my mother. She never liked me getting so close.
"Katalayha, do you accept?"
My eyes flash to Hardin's silver ones, his arm stopping me from stepping away, forcing me to confront them, or submit. I could feel all eyes on us, listening, my heart races. Never in my life have I denied my parents anything, I know Hardin wants me to.
His large hand squeezes my waist, the warmth of his palm easing me slightly. Hardin silently waits me my answer, unfazed by whatever I choose. Gulping harshly, I hesitantly glance at my parents.
"Of course." I say quietly, my hands clenching with nerves inside my pockets.
Mother stares at me with utter fury, the fact that she's so calm only makes it that much worse.
"Now if you'll excuse us." Hardin states, giving my father a small nod.
He pulls me away before my parents can respond. I stare up at him, taken back by his abrupt rudeness to them. Only when we're out of earshot, do I open my mouth to say anything.
"It is good to finally meet you in person, Katalayha." A powerful voice has me snapping my head to my left.
Before me stands one of the three Elders, his middle age appearance and clean expensive suit instantly making my eyes widen. I'd seen the Elders from a distance at the mating ceremony, but they didn't get close enough for me to pay them any attention.
I could feel the aura of their presence, the sheer power that pours from him like an endless volcano. I'll admit, it puts me on edge.
"Luther." The Elder says, staring down at me curiously. His name. I realise.