Book 2! (The Queen's Choice)

BLURB

Two years after the goddess broke the curse, Alpha Queen Valeria must choose a second mate after killing her fated mate. She's tempted to choose a god, but the goddess and council have something against it.

Their once forbidden love in her past life is back and this time, she's not so sure.

Another deity has caught her eyes, but her past self won't have it. She wants something and she will stop at nothing to get it.

CHAPTER 1

It had been exactly two years since I became queen of the werewolf kingdom and my beta, gamma, and alphas had all advised me to get a husband. A chosen mate. But they didn't know it wasn't easy for me. Choosing a mate on my own wasn't as easy as they made it out to be. I had to be careful. If I chose the wrong one, I'd be stuck with him for the rest of my life.

Tonight, they held a ball to help me find a suitable man to make my mate and husband. I was a nervous wreck to put it lightly. As Melody worked magic on my face, I sat still, worried. She didn't seem to notice as she continuously applied powder to my face.

"I'm so glad you agreed to this." She coated my lips red. "We can finally get you a mate."

"I don't want a mate, yet," I told her.

She paused. "You're not getting younger, V. You need to get a mate and have pups with him. You need someone to take over from you like you did your father."

"I'm not ready to be a mother, Mel." My eyes trailed down to her stomach. She was carrying her first child. "I'm not like you."

"You don't have to get pregnant immediately. You can take things slow."

I was going to respond when Logan walked into my room. He wore a black tuxedo and had gelled his hair back. He found his mate six months ago and they had tied the knot.

"Are you ladies ready?" He asked, grinning.

"We're done." Mel smiled at me.

"The people are waiting." He went over to my bed and picked up my crown. "They are waiting for their queen." He rested the crown atop my head. "You look beautiful."

"Thank you." I managed a smile despite my worry.

I rose to my feet. I wore a red, one-shoulder, ruffle hem split bodycon dress with a nude color shoe and purse. My black hair was shoulder length and my crown only made me look even more gorgeous. Mel did a good job.

"You look amazing." She told me. "Go get em' alpha."

Here goes nothing.

<<<>>>

The ballroom was brightly lit with decorations everywhere. Men and women in dark suits and gorgeous gowns danced, making small conversations. From the top of the stairs, I saw alphas and their various mates whispering to each other, probably discussing pack business or wishing the children of the other alphas would be mated to theirs. For the families with sons, they wished I would pick their child. It would favor them financially and otherwise.

"Queen Valeria Romero," the announcer called. It was Carter.

All heads turned to me as I cautiously walked down the staircase. It would be such a shame to trip and fall face-first in front of all these people and my potential mate. I would hide away for years to come. I made my way through the crowd. Alphas, lunas and their children bowed. When they lifted their heads, they smiled.

"My queen, you look amazing." Alpha Harry, my father's friend, bowed. He had his hand snaked around his mate's waist.

"Thank you, Alpha Harry." I smiled at his mate, Isla. "You look stunning."

"Thank you, Alpha. Has any young man caught your eye?"

I shook my head. "Not yet. The ball is not over, is it? I might still find the man I want."

Truth be told, I didn't want any man to catch my eye. I was happy to rule by myself. I didn't want a man to claim my father's throne just because we were mated.

"Go on then." Alpha Harry. "I wish you good luck."

I managed a small smile before walking away. Where was Melody? I needed the emotional support badly. If my brother was here, he'd make dumb jokes just to take my mind off the worry. I missed him so much. His pranks, his laughter, his rare seriousness. I missed it all.

"Hey,"

What?

I spun. Before me was Aspro in all his god glory, smiling. The man looked so damn fine, sporting a red tuxedo. He stood out amongst the other men. Although he no longer looked like the person he appeared as at first, I still admired his looks. Shiny black hair, amazing dark eyes, and pink lips. I loved his stubble.

"Is this really you? Like, the real you?" My eyes trailed down the length of him. The suit fit him perfectly.

"This is me." He answered, his smile never faltering. "I am not taking the body of a mortal. This is Aspro."

Wow.

"You look amazing."

"So do you." He said. "I've been watching you. You seemed bored and alone."

"I didn't want this ball," I admitted.

"I know. But since we're both here, would you like to dance?"

"Sure."

Aspro led me to the dance floor. The spotlight was directed at us. It made me nervous. Aspro firmly held my hand as we began to spin in circles and shuffle on our feet to the rhythmic music. It reminded me of prom. When I lowered my gaze, he gave my hand a comforting squeeze.

"You're doing great." He spun me. "Don't worry about a thing. Just dance."

"I feel like I look clumsy," I admitted. "My dancing sucks."

"I'd like to disagree." He whispered into my ear. I shivered. "The woman I'm dancing with is an amazing dancer."

A blush crept up my cheeks. The music got even slower and the light faded. My heart skipped a beat when my breasts brushed against his chest. I hoped he didn't notice.

"Tell me," he said.

"What?"

"How are you doing?" He spun me again and pulled me closer to himself. "It's been two years since we parted ways. I want to know how this Alpha queen has been."

Everything sucked. I lost my father, brother, and mate. I became queen when I wasn't ready. I had to lead thousands of wolves despite all the pain I felt. As queen, they expected me to put on a brave front even if all I wanted was to cry my pain out. I had to be tough.

"I've been okay." The lie tasted bitter on my tongue.

Aspro arched a brow. "You told a lie."

"No, I didn't."

"You just lied to me again." He stopped dancing. "Want to get some fresh air?"

I nodded. "Yes, please."

I followed him outside. From the way he maneuvered his way around, it made me wonder if he had been here before. Perhaps it was a special god thing. He stopped in front of a bench and we sat down.

"Tell me everything."

I let out a slow gust of air. "It's been hard on me." I began. "The death of my father and brother still has me shaken till today. I feel as though I am alone even when I have people all around me. That feeling is just there. Being queen..." I thought for a while. "It's not easy, really. I wished my father was around to guide me, show me the ropes. Unfortunately, he's gone. The only good thing is that I don't have to go through excruciating heat. I'd hate that."

"I can be of help to you if you let me."

"How do you mean?"

"First and foremost, I can help you with managing the kingdom. I've been around for centuries. I'm sure you could use my help. Also, I can be your friend. I'll try my best to get accustomed to the mortal way just to make you happy."

I was speechless. "W-why?"

He reclined on the bench. "Why what?"

"Why would you do those things for me? You don't belong here."

"Let's just say I want to. I'll feel a lot better knowing you're happy."

Oh.

"Thank you. " I gave a genuine smile. "I'd appreciate the help."

He rose to his feet and held out his hand for me. "Let's go back in. The ball was held for a reason."

"Do I have to go back in there?"

The corner of his lip curled into a smirk. "You don't have to. But if you want to find yourself a mate, you have to socialize. Still up for it?"

"I guess so."

We returned to the ballroom. Men and women held glasses of wine in their hands as they chatted amongst themselves. They didn't seem to have noticed I stepped away for a while.

"Stay here," Aspro said. "I'll go get you a drink."

"Okay."

He disappeared into the crowd, leaving me alone. I stood there until someone called my attention. His hair was a light brown and his eyes hazel. He was fairly tall and slightly muscular. He was a fine man.

"Your majesty." He flashed me a smile. "My name is Leonardo Garcia. Son of Alpha Flynn and Luna Kathryn of the Blazeridge Nightwalkers pack. It is a pleasure to meet you."

Somebody save me from this man. I didn't want to talk to him, but I also didn't want to dismiss him. It would be considered rude. Where was Aspro? I felt better talking to him. However, I didn't fail to take note of the pack he mentioned. The Blazeridge Nightwalkers was a very strong pack. Alpha Flynn was doing a good job in keeping his pack and even increasing it. It was commendable.

"Likewise." Lie.

"I'd like to know you better, my queen."

I don't want to know you. Get away from me.

I faked interest in the conversation. "Really?"

"Yes." He confirmed. "What do you enjoy doing?"

"Well, I enjoy training. It helps me get my mind off things. It's relaxing." I answered. "What about you?"

He took a sip of his wine before responding. "I love training as well. Father used to force me to do it, but now I enjoy it." His relaxed visage turned slightly serious. "My queen, you know that the reason this ball was held is to help you choose a mate amongst the eligible males of various packs."

Don't you go there. Aspro, where are you? I glanced around the ballroom, searching for him. Nowhere to be seen.

"Go on."

"Well, I don't know about you, but I think we will make a wonderful couple. I mean, we enjoy the same things and I know I speak for both of us when I say we only want the best for our people.

"Hold on a second, Mister." I crossed my arms over my chest, annoyed. "I am not choosing a mate just so he can take the crown from me and have me hide behind him in the name of being queen. Even if I were to choose you as my mate, I will still be in power as the ruler of the werewolf kingdom. No one is taking the throne from me."

By the time I was done, he was stunned.

"But a woman cannot-"

"A woman cannot what?"

Both our heads turned to the owner of the voice. Aspro. I noticed his energy was no longer as noticeable as it used to. Perhaps he didn't want Leonardo to know who he was.

"Who are you?" Leonardo sized Aspro up.

"I am Caelum, her friend."

Caelum?

"I know no Alpha whose son's name is Caelum." Leonardo faced me. "Your majesty, are you sure he is not an imposter pretending to be an Alpha's son?"

"Leonardo, he is not an imposter," I said, hoping he'd just walk away. I was already annoyed by what he said earlier. "Caelum is my friend." I linked arms with Aspro. "Where's the drink?"

He scratched the back of his neck. "I got a little distracted. Sorry."

"No problem." I shifted my attention to Leonardo. "Please excuse us."

I led Caelum... I mean Aspro, away from Leonardo. I did not like him. He wanted a throne I fought to keep, a kingdom I lost my family for. He was insane if he ever thought I'd give up my throne and be his little dolly wife. Impossible. I was a fighter and it would remain that way. Only I could sit upon that throne until my child was of age.

"Valeria," Aspro stopped walking.

"Mm-hmm?"

"Mavros is here."