I am not ready

Tessa's maids struggled to manage her chaotic state, unable to calm her down. The exact events following the Alpha King's entry into the bathroom were unclear, but everyone had their suspicions.

"Urgh," Tessa screamed, running her hands through her hair, still furious that he had seen her naked. No man deserved that right unless he had claimed her properly. 

A persistent thought reminded her that she was now married to the Alpha King and would soon be mated. He was essentially her husband and had every right to see her naked.

"No, it's only temporary," she muttered, pushing the thought away. She was so confident in her escape plan that she never considered the possibility of having sex with Elias or being seen naked by him.

"Well, it's your choice to accept it," a voice in her head opined.

"My lady, we need to leave. Let me help with your hair," the senior maid said, anxious about being late to the ceremony.

"Fine," Tessa agreed, knowing she had no other option at the moment. She would do everything to avoid Elias's gaze during the ceremony to maintain her composure.

The maids prepared her for the ceremony and escorted her to the mating ground. 

As they arrived, everyone stood waiting for the bride, their expressions sullen, clearly disapproving of the event.

"They look sad," Tessa mocked, pretending to care about their feelings. She had given them the chance to eliminate her, and it wasn't her fault they chose an heir over her absence.

"The King's Consort, Tessa Matthew," the announcer declared, alerting everyone of her arrival.

"This way, Your Majesty," someone guided her from her maids to where Elias was standing.

"You are to greet the king," the person in charge of the mating ceremony whispered, instructing her as she faced away from Elias.

"Must I?" she asked, unwilling to greet him or look into his eyes.

"Yes, Your Majesty," the man responded, and she sighed dejectedly.

Forcing herself to look up at him, she stiffened and greeted, "Lovely evening, Alpha King." This unexpected greeting took everyone by surprise, except for Veronica, who snorted. She had anticipated Tessa's defiance and found it amusing.

"Ahem, the mating ceremony will begin. Please," the MC quickly announced, gesturing for the drummers to start.

As the drummers played, various raw materials were brought for Tessa and Elias to share and eat. Tessa found the taste of most of the raw food repulsive and belched at one point.

"Raw meat?" She asked when presented with a piece of meat, puzzled by the custom.

"It's not that raw. Stop whining," Elias said, already chewing his portion and scolding her.

Eyeing him, she picked the raw meat and tossed it into her mouth, humming when the meat didn't feel raw. Finally, something that suited her stomach, unlike those rotten stuffs they were giving them.

"Your hand Consort," the MC said and she pushed her hand forward, following what Elias did. 

"Ouch," she yelped when the MC cut through her palm with a knife and joined her hands together with Elias's own. 

Suddenly, Tessa felt goosebumps on her skin causing her to shiver. 'What was that?' Inwardly, she questioned, wondering what came over her. 

Was she going to fall sick?

"Alpha king, it is time to mark her." The MC relayed.

Lost in her thoughts, Tessa didn't see Elias coming until he dragged her closer to him by her waist and muttered, "It will be painful." 

"What are you talking about?" Staring at him repulsively, she asked and dropped her hand on his chest.

Elias gave no response and glanced at where he bit her the other day. It was surprisingly almost healed and was beginning to form a mark on her neck. Using that to his advantage, he bit his lips and dropped his mouth on the same spot, acting like he was biting her.

Feeling ticklish, Tessa giggled and held onto Elias's shoulder causing everyone to widen their eyes in shock. Shouldn't it be painful, why was she finding it soothing?

"Your daughter-in-law seems deranged, she enjoys pain," Andrew said, earning a smack on his arm from a worried Veronica.

No one could endure a bite pain, not even one's mate unless they weren't getting bitten but licked instead. Wait, wasn't he marking her?

"What are you doing, it tickles, stop it." She muttered, moaning softly when she felt his warm breath on her neck. 

"Stop giggling or I will bite you for real," he threatened, licking the marked spot again before withdrawing his mouth and releasing her from his hold. 

When they all saw the blood on her neck, their worries reduced and they didn't give her reaction another thought.

"The Moon Goddess has blessed your union, we wish you and Luna a healthy marriage. Bear heirs and be happy," the MC said and the event was finally over.

That was quick, unlike how she imagined a dramatic event in her mind. She was expecting them to dance or play games, who would have expected it to be this fast? Or was it that Elias made it like that?

On their way to Elias's room, Tessa stayed silent the whole time, calculating how to avoid his touch. She could fake a stomachache or pretend to faint. 

"It is here," breaking her thoughts, Elias disclosed and she nodded her head in response.

Elias closed the door after him and walked into the closet to change his clothes.

"Why are you just standing?" He asked, now topless causing her to look away. She might be a thief but she had barely even seen her men's bare chest, as she made sure everyone's privacy was respected.

"I am not ready," she answered, playing on her fingers.