Page 4 of The Wolf King's Chosen

“We need to keep an eye on this northern border. There has been a rash of rogues coming from that direction,” King Hart had said.

“We do need to ensure the safety of …” Xander’s speech trailed off absently, distracted by the angelic vision of Lexi passing in front of him, stopping to kiss her father’s cheek.

It was all Xander could do to redirect his attention to his work with the king and not watch the delicious way her hips moved as she walked away. His wolf whimpered as he fought for self-control.

Tonight, he would be fighting for that same self-control.

When they arrived at the Autumhart Palace, they were welcomed cordially by the staff and directed to stand in line for the introductions.

“All this pomp and circumstance …” Xander snapped with irritation under his breath.

“You have to admit that the Harts know how to party,” his beta whispered to him.

Xander watched as the procession began. The Hart family was gathered at the ballroom entrance, the picture of elegance and grace as each daughter curtsied to their betrothed. Each king alpha kept his cool, walking past with little emotion or break in character. Xander’s resolve was not as strong.

Mine,his wolf growled.Mate.

That was the biggest reason Xander agreed to the arrangement in the first place. He knew from the moment he laid eyes on her that she was the only one for him. All he had to do was bide his time and be patient, for the day would arrive.

And as promised, the day was finally here.

“Now presenting His Majesty, Alpha King Xander Rush of Obsidianvale.”

His hungry eyes took in Lexi’s radiance in her forest green gown, noting the sweetheart neckline and bare shoulders. His wolf howled. After his bow to the king and queen, he seized the hand of his mate and whisked her away.

He didn’t bother to look back to see if the family had taken notice. After all, she was his family now. But he did feel her gentle tug on his arm, and he stiffened before turning to face her. Besides a well-concealed look of confusion, her face was lit up by the brightness of her smile.

“Xander, where are you taking me? I have other guests to greet. I can’t just leave the rest of my family to do it. It ismybirthday, after all,” Lexi said with a laugh.

Her laugh ignited a fresh spark of lust for this sassy and confident woman. Taking care not to soften his face, he relished the sound of his name on her lips and the feeling of warmth she brought to his soul.

My Queen,his wolf growled again.

“Lexi, you’re mine for the rest of the night. For the rest of our lives,” Xander said in a low growl. He brushed her cheek with the back of his fingers. Her emerald eyes sparkled in his direction with a sly smile across her face.

“Don’t be silly, and don’t be rude. The rest of our lives can wait for one more night,” she said, jabbing her finger into his chest.

Just that simple gesture sent shivers down his spine. Her eyes never left his, and her smile was infectious. She wasn’t afraid of him. She was spunky, and he loved it. He was enraptured by this woman.

“Regardless, I will not be leaving your side for the remainder of the evening. Besides, I’ve brought a special gift for you, and I wanted to be sure it was your first.”

Her eyes twinkled with excitement. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a beautiful necklace. A fair-sized obsidian carved into the shape of a wolf hung on a gentle woven band. It was a symbol of the woman who was going to become his wife.

He had taken great care in having it made for her. He knew that wooing his mate would likely come as a challenge, and he wanted to start off on the right foot.

“Oh, Xander, it’s gorgeous. Thank you so much. I absolutely love it. Can you please put it on for me?” She turned and moved her hair to the side. He smiled to himself, seeing he clearly made the right choice when selecting her present.

However, now her scent was even more intoxicating, and he had a hard time focusing on the task she had asked of him. He put his arms around her delicate neck, placing the precious stone against her collarbone and clasping the necklace at the back of her neck.

The restraint it took not to claim her was astronomical. Her tender neck was right there, exposed. She had no idea what she was doing to him.

His hand lingered at the clasp before he brushed a finger down the delicate bones of her spine and across her exposed shoulder blade. The skin under his finger prickled slightly as he moved along her flesh. When she turned, she had a wide grin.

He was glad to know she had appreciated not just the gift but also his gesture of affection. Still, he kept his jaw set. He wasn’t ready for anyone to know she was his true mate, least of all her.

He circled his arm around her waist and followed her like a shadow around the ballroom. There were many people at the ball, so she had to make several rounds to greet everyone.

He kept a wary eye on the other guests and growled at the other men who came near her. He wanted to be sure everyone knew she was under his jurisdiction now. They had to go through him to get to her.

---