Chapter 18

VALERIA'S POINT OF VIEW

It had been four days since I last saw Mavros and I was worried. Had something happened to him? I hoped not. Even though I was still mad at him, I prayed he was okay. A soft knock on my door pulled me out of my train of thoughts.

"V, are you done?" Maya questioned.

Today was Hannah's wedding and I had to be there despite everything that was going on. I wore a pink off shoulder twist Ruched mermaid maxi dress, a small, silver pendant, silver heels and clutch. Prior to the event, I got a new hairdo. My long, black hair was now a pin-straight, shoulder-length blonde with black roots. I liked it.

"I'm done." I opened the door. "How do I look?"

Maya's jaw could have touched the floor, if that was possible. She also wore pink, but a plunge cutout slit maxi dress. Pink was the color for women and for the men, black.

"You look stunning." She put both hands in the pockets of her dress. "Is Mel coming?"

"No."

She had been feeling ill for the past two days and I think it had something to do with her pregnancy. She was in the seventh month of her pregnancy; the last month for my kind. A complete werewolf would give birth seven months after taking in, while someone like me would take nine months since I was part human.

"That's a shame. I'll inform Drake that we're leaving."

"Sure."

Maya went down the stairs and I stood still. I was worried about Mavros. His brother had refused to tell me anything concerning him, and it angered me to no end. What was so difficult in telling me his whereabouts?

"You're leaving already?" Aspro walked up to me.

"Yeah." I looked down at my dress. "So, are you going to tell me where Mavros is?"

He let out a sigh. "Not with this again."

I lifted my head. "What's so hard in telling me where he is? It's not like I'm going to run after him or something."

"It's better you don't know. I'll go stay with Logan and Ared." he jerked his thumb in the staircase's direction. "I'll take my leave now."

Without saying another word, he jogged downstairs. Where on earth was Mavros?

<<<>>>

When we arrived at Hannah's kingdom and palace, rows of cars were glittering in the sun. Drake killed the engine of our SUV after finding a suitable spot to park. As soon as I stepped out of the car, a pleasant breeze rustled in the surrounding shrubs, cooling me instantly. I spotted guests and family members taking their seats on either side of the stone path leading to the gazebo. Calming strains of music drifted through the air. Balloons and streamers fluttered around the railing and banisters, a mixture of yellow, light blue, and white.

The children here were extremely well behaved as they let their mothers fuss over having their hair bows and ties adjusted without protest. Maya, Drake, and I sat down in the front row after being directed by a man. He said Hannah had asked him to ensure we sat there.

Before me was a man I assumed was Hannah's soon-to-be husband, Prince. He was a tall man with silver hair and blue eyes. His hair reminded me of Jack Frost. He wore a burgundy, single-breasted, satin tuxedo with a white-wing collar shirt. He lowered his head slightly when he saw me, acknowledging my presence. I did the same too.

The classical music stopped, and all heads turned to face the far end of the stone path. Hannah came down the aisle when the chorus of the bridal song began to play. She looked breathtaking wearing a strapless wedding gown with embroidery on the bodice. Rhinestones were sewn on her gown. Her hair was in blown out curls and pinned to one side. She held a hydrangea bouquet. The petals were white with a shade of burgundy. A relative of Hannah's—probably her uncle, held her left arm and smiled at her as they reached the bottom step where the minister and her fiancé awaited her.

When the bridal music faded, the clergyman stepped up to the microphone, Bible in hand. "Cherished family members and honored guests, I would like to thank you for coming out this morning to witness the marriage ceremony of Queen Hannah Vladimir and Prince Hendrix," he said. The clergyman placed the Bible down before him. "Let us pray."

After the prayer was over, the preacher led them through their vows. An adorable little boy dressed in a black tuxedo walked up and handed Prince a ring. He slipped it on Hannah's finger. Hannah took a ring from a little girl dressed in pink after saying her vow and slipped the ring on Prince's finger.

"By the power vested unto me, I now proclaim you husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride."

I watched as Prince kissed Hannah, placing his hands on her waist. Goodness, they looked cute. Maybe one day, I'd do this, too. The preacher held up his hands, bringing the crowd to their feet.

Hannah and Prince left the gazebo, wearing identical smiles on their faces. The best man, maid of honor, and the groomsmen and bridesmaids followed suit. The newlywed stopped near the end of the walk, forming the start of the receiving line. Family members and guests filed for hugs and kisses.

"Congratulations, Hannah." Maya said, going in for a quick hug. "You both are perfect for each other."

"Thank you so much." She shifted her eyes to me. "V," she opened her arms for me to hug her. I did. "I didn't think you'd make it."

"I wouldn't miss it for the world." I pulled away from the hug. "You look stunning."

"I know," she squealed, motioning for her husband to come over. "Babe, this is Valeria, the Alpha Queen," she pointed at Maya next, "Her older sister, Maya, and," next was Drake, "Maya's mate, Drake."

"It's a pleasure to meet all of you." Prince held his hand out for a handshake. After we shook hands, he looped an arm around Hannah's waist. "It's time."

"Oh, yeah." She faced me. "V, you're not married, so you're going to go behind me. I really hope you catch my bouquet."

"I hope so, too." That was Maya.

I did not speak against it. I did as Hannah said and waited for her. Once she saw I was behind her, she turned around and threw her bouquet of hydrangea. The women collided with each other as they tried to catch it. Some even hit me. In the end, I didn't get the bouquet. A woman with natural curls and olive skin did.

"I got it!" she danced around, happy. "I got it."

"Oh, V." Maya gripped my shoulders. "Don't be sad."

I shook my head at her assumption. "I'm not sad."

"Don't worry," Hannah hugged me again. "Everything will happen in due time."

I hoped so.

"Come on, let's go into the hall for the reception." Hannah linked arms with me. "I've prepared a lot of things for the celebration."

The buzzing of my phone in my pocket had me stopping in my tracks. It was Carter.

"Hello?"

"V, where are you?" he sounded panicked.

"Hannah's wedding. I told you I was going for the event."

"Well, come back home now." Mel's scream in the background had my feet rooted to the ground, cold. "Melody is at home and she is in labor, but there's a big problem."

"What's going on?" Maya asked me, snatching the phone when she saw how confused I was. "Carter, what's wrong?"

I did not know what he said, but the name that came out of her mouth next had my protective instincts kick in.

"It's Zariya."

<<<<>>>

I didn't let Drake drive because I feared we would not make it back home on time if he did. He was a very obedient driver. It was good on other days. Not just today. Not today. I floored the gas pedal like a maniac on the run from the Police. The way I swerved had my sister and brother-in-law screaming and holding on to each other. I didn't care. Melody and her child were in danger.

"Valeria, we're not going to make it if you continue to drive like this." Drake hit his head on the window. "Slow the fuck down."

I ignored him. I wouldn't forgive myself if something bad were to happen to Melody. I could never.

"Slow down, Val." This time it was Maya. "Please."

"We're almost there." I told them. "Stop being pussies."

"Young lady, we're going to have a long talk about your choice of words." Maya said through dry heaves. She was getting car sick. "And I am not a pussy."

"You have one, though." Drake. "Ouch!" Maya must have hit him. "I just stated a fact."

When the palace came into view, my worry and fear skyrocketed. What if I was late? What if something bad had happened?

"Open the gate." I mind linked the men and women at the gate. I had no patience. "Quickly."

When I made the last turn, the gate had already been opened and I sped into the yard. I parked the car in front of the palace entrance and hurried out without killing the engine. I didn't have the time for that. Completely forgetting I was in a dress and high heels, I ran into the house.

"Mel?" My eyes were fixed on the top of the stairs. "Melody!"

Her scream came from upstairs. I dashed up the stairs, holding my gown so it does not trip me.

"Melody." I swung her door open and all strength left my body.

Before me was my best friend with her bare vagina facing me. I could see the head of a baby, but that was the least of my problems now. Zariya stood beside Mel, stroking her hair. Aspro stood in the room's corner, completely helpless. Why wasn't he doing anything? Carter had his hands over his mouth as he watched his mate scream in pain.

"You came quickly." She kissed Melody's forehead. "I didn't know she means a lot to you."

"Get the hell away from her."

"You see, your friend should have given birth by now, but I'm stopping it. If she continues like this, she and the baby will die."

I swallowed. "What do you want? Tell me what you want and I'll do it. Just leave her and the baby out of this madness."

"I have two more days left and you know what that means." She faced Aspro. "You both know what that means."

"You're joking." I did not know Maya and Drake had come in until she spoke. "You can't be serious."

Melody screamed again and I swear, a tear slid down Carter's cheek. He was hurting, too.

"If I do it, will you let her give birth?"

Zariya's usually dull eyes lit up. "Why, of course."

"Fine."

"Valeria, no." Aspro. He spun me to look at him. "I will not let you do such a thing."

"My friend will die if I don't do it. She and her baby have nothing to do with what's happening."

"Neither do you."

"It doesn't matter anymore." I averted my eyes to Zariya. "Promise me that if I do what you want, you'll not harm anyone else."

"I promise." She got up from the bed. "The rest of you, leave this room."

Carter met Zariya's eyes. "I'm not leaving my mate."

"Carter, please do as she asked." Mel bit down on her lower lip in pain. "Please."

"But,"

"Please."

He reluctantly walked out of the room with Maya and Drake. Zariya shut the door.

"Go ahead." She said, "I won't look."

"I'm not going to-"

Before he could finish his sentence, I grabbed him by his shirt, pulled him to myself and kissed him. The sudden scream of my best friend motivated me to continue with what I had started. It was either this or she and the baby would die.

"V, you don't have to do this." Aspro stopped me from stripping out of my dress. "Please."

With tears pooling in my eyes, I gazed into his own. "I'll not be able to live with myself if something happens to her."

I let my dress drop to the ground.

"Do to me what you want."