Diana Crescent official

Six

The ball dispersed. No one was actually chosen at The Choosing Ceremony. It was more of a way for people to meet to decide if they wanted to try to be each other’s mate. But the process was very strict, which was why once one entered into an arrangement, it was difficult to be broken unless both parties consented. It was also strictly for Alpha’s.

Mates for other werewolves were more complicated.

I didn’t think I would have any problem with Desmond. Maybe, he would figure out who killed him before the night was even over so that I wouldn’t have to worry about the whole charade. But we were back in that hidden room behind the statue of The First Werewolf King again, only this time my mother was there, my sister, and Damien. I had to pretend for now, lie to my family, as well as Desmond’s. His mother and uncle were also there.

It was a lot more cramped. My face was flushed, my stomach churned.

“Did you hide him from me all of this time?”  Nina hissed at me. “You knew how much I loved him!”

“I know!” I hissed back. “No, I didn’t hide him from you. How could I hide him from you when I didn’t know he was alive until tonight?”

Desmond walked over to where Nina stood, but placed a hand on my shoulder. “Your sister did not hide anything. When the accident happened, I nearly died, but I was in a coma for six years. I woke up in a human hospital. It took me a while to remember who I was. The witches helped me. It led me to Iris, too.”

His mother’s eyes widened. “The witches helped you?”

Desmond nodded. “Yes, they showed me the path back home. They were also the ones that made me realize that I was wrong for courting Nina. My mate has always been Iris. I mistook the connection we had, Nina.  For that I am sorry. But I do see that you have found happiness with my brother. I’m glad for you two.”

Nina sniffed. She shot a dismissive look at Damien, who rolled his eyes.

Damien shot his brother a dirty look. “You couldn’t have fucking stayed dead?”

Nina jabbed him with her nail. He ignored it. “Shut up!” She looked back at Desmond. “I thought that you were dead, Desmond. I mourned for you. What happened between me and Damien…. this was all new. I didn’t…if I’d known…”

Desmond sighed. “It’s fine. As I’ve already explained, there were miscommunications on both ends. Iris is my true mate. That is, if she’ll have me.”

Everyone turned to stare at me. “I…uh…”

Calix was still there, still watching. Lola stood next him, his sister, quietly judging. Eric too. There was too much riding on this for me to back down now. Desmond tightened his grip on my shoulder. “The Gods directed me to her. She is going to be mine. I am re-claiming my role as Alpha. Anyone who objects can take it up with the gods. Damien, I will be happy to participate in the Trial of The Gods if you think it is necessary.”

Damien stepped forward with a glare that was for his brother. “Good. Because that’s exactly what is happening. I took care of what you couldn’t when you were gone. That includes Nina.”

Desmond smirked. “Can’t wait. May the best immortal win.”

My mother stepped forward. “Iris, is this what you want?”

I glanced at Desmond. I knew it was pretend but I still found myself staring at the spot where Calix had been the last time that we were in.

“Iris?” my mother repeated.

I looked back at her. “I’m loyal to the DuPont pack. So, if the Alpha would like to court me, I am amenable to that.  I support Alpha Desmond.”

Nina snorted. “Well, this is truly a matchmade in heaven. I can feel the romance from here.”

“Matches have been made on less,” Mom reminded her.

“This is insane!” Desmond’s uncle blurted. “We don’t even know where you’ve been. How do we know if there is magic at play here? You could be enchanted.”

Desmond smiled. “I’ll submit to any tests you wish me to go through, uncle. As long as you are willing to go through those same tests. That would include the Trial of The Gods. I know you must be foaming at the mouth for the chance to be Alpha, too. You always have.”

His uncle stiffened. “What could I possibly have to hide?”

“Well, I’ve been away for a long time. We live in a magical world. Anything could have happened while I was gone. I need to know that I can trust the people that I’m around now that I’m back. Which means that anyone who is in a position of power during the time I was gone, if they want to prove how loyal they are to me, will submit to those tests.”

His mother took a step forward and slapped him, hard. “Do you have any idea how much pain and suffering you caused us? You have the gall to come back and demand tests of us when we were the ones that had to burry you?”

Desmond stepped forward and towered over his mother. “I’m pleased to know you had time to care, Mother. I thought you might not have in between fucking my uncle when you were supposed to be mourning my father.”

“I’m sorry, WHAT?” I exclaimed.

Desmond looked at me. “This world is incredibly complicated, Iris. But I will keep you safe. That’s a conversation for another time.”

“Come on where?” I waved my hands. “I thought your father died of natural causes. You can’t just—”

“I’m taking you home. You know it is customary that those participating in The Choosing Ceremony stay together, don’t you? You are still loyal to the DuPont pack, aren’t you?”

“I…right.” I took a deep breath. I glanced over my shoulder and I could see Nina glaring daggers at me.

“This is wrong!” she shouted. “Desmond, you and I were supposed to be together. I was supposed to be your luna.”

Desmond glared at her. “You should have waited for me then. Maybe if you had, instead of fucking my brother, I would still be considering you instead of being with your sister.”

“Still be considering me?” Nina’s whole body was trembling with rage. “You chose me! You made me go on those ridiculous trips with you to prove that I was worthy enough to the other packs! I don’t know what this is, but I do know that you’re not in love with her! I know that Iris isn’t your mate! I’m going to fucking prove it.”

“What, exactly, are you going to prove?” Desmond gave her a look of disgust.

Nina paused. “What do you mean?”

“Whatever you do, it doesn’t change the fact that you’re with my brother, does it?  Because I believe that you are going to be participating in the binding ceremony with my brother, or am I wrong in that, Damien?” he glanced toward his brother.

Damien smiled at him and placed a hand on Nina’s shoulder. “Yes, I am. Of course, I’m going to be the Alpha once we prove that you aren’t who you say you are, you stranger!”