Alpha King's Mate

37. Evening

There were hundreds of people at that party, yet only one ruined it for me.

***

The celebration was in full swing. People were feasting, dancing, laughing, chatting; it was unlike anything I had ever experienced. I was happy to know that the palace was being used to its potential. It was so much more suited full of people and energy rather than empty and dead.

I couldn't really describe how happy I was. Things finally were going perfectly. Caroline and Mackenzie were finally in line, along with their families; my parents were with me and safe; I had a real friend, and a man I loved more than anything.

Things were good, if not great.

The sun had gone down and the evening was settling outside. There was rain, but it didn't make the time any less comfortable. In fact, the pattering was even more lovely.

Overall, I had this warm, wonderful feeling in my chest where I couldn't help but smile as I felt my heart beat.

"They must be very proud," the voice of Greg Bolton said to me over my shoulder. "Your parents."

I inhaled and looked to my right where my parents were excitedly chatting with a large group. "I hope so."

Cheif Bolton smiled, standing next to me, his hands behind his back. "I would be."

I nodded, unsure of how to respond. Was that a compliment? Why was he suddenly civil with me? Well I guess I know why.

I retrieved my attention from my parents and tried to find Zac, who I hadn't spoken to since dinner, about an thirty minutes before.

I took a step to leave. "Excuse me-"

"I love my family, Your Grace," he said with a hint of nervousness to his voice. "Especially my daughters. Everything I did, I only did to protect them. Please try to understand my position as a parent."

I exhaled thickly. "I do."

     We stood in silence for some time. He then took a step back and spoke. "Congratulations, Your M-"

     I cut him off. "I heard you were an excellent soldier for the former king, Chief Bolton. We need good soldiers these days, that rogue attack we had all those months ago will certainly not be the last. When that time comes petty arguments will not be important. So I hope I can trust on you for a bit more than civility."

He nods and turns away. I shiver feeling an uncomfortable chill. Ignoring it, I stroll around the ballroom before making it back to Zac.

He grins down at me and my heart flutters. "Have I told you that you look beautiful yet?"

I bite my lip. "I think so, but hearing it a few more times couldn't hurt."

He takes my hand and I lean my head against his shoulder. Suddenly we are not in a crowd or being watched. Suddenly we are alone, just the two of us happily.

"Zac?" I whisper.

"Yes?"

"I love you."

"I love you too, Olivia," he says and leans down, allowing his hot breath to caress my ear and upper neck. "And I cannot wait to marry you."

I smiled and looked away in thought. "I wish I was wearing my ring. Maybe we should just tell everyone now? I don't think I can wait anymore."

"We could," he said. "But I think you'd regret not making a more personal revelation to your parents."

I nod and we stand in silence. The band finishes a song and everyone applauds.

     "I suppose."

     Just as the band is about to start a new song there is a clap of thunder; the kind where you can feel it in the ground through your feet and in your entire body.

     I jump and Zach chuckles. "Need me to hold your hand?"

     My face turns red and I frown. "I hope nobody saw that."

     "Even if they did, nobody cares if you got scared." He shrugs and quickly changes the subject for me. "Let's dance."

     "What?"

     He pulls me behind him through the crowd toward the dance floor. I instantly am reminded of the weight of the dress and I sound of my clinking heels on the smooth marble floor. I feel the cool air giving me goosebumps, even though it never bothered me before. We make it to the center of the floor and Zac guides my hands into position on his shoulders and places his on my waist.

     As soon as he touches me there I look around, almost blushing. Public displays of affection are not exactly his forte, making me wonder the public's perception of the gesture.

     I ended up regretting the curiosity however, when I noticed the amount of women swooning over him. Subconsciously I gripped his shoulder a little tighter.

It wasn't like the movies. Sure, we did dance but it was more like swaying across a dance floor. And it was easier than I expected. I quite enjoyed it.

"I'm so excited to marry you," I told him and he smiled down at me, a hint of blush on his face. "I'm so happy here with you."

He chuckled. "The feeling is mutual. So what are you thinking for it? Any mandatory conditions I should know about?"

My heart swelled and couldn't help but grinning. "Oh my god I forgot I get to plan all of this!"

"Well we have to have flowers, lots of them. No balloons. When I was a little girl I imagined having this crazy ball gown wedding dress, but I think I'm getting a bit of tired of ball gowns. Maybe a mermaid dress. It will have to have lace but not too much."

"Sounds like there are more than a few conditions."

I shrugged and repositioned my hand in his as we dance. "What about you? Any conditions?"

He shook his head and looked off. "You know I'm not very particular. All I want is you."

I looked him in his eyes, feeling warmth radiating from their intensity.

"I know, it sounds cliche, but it's true. I don't care who comes, or what people think, or if it's indoors or outdoors or anything. I just want you to say 'I do,' Olivia."

I was silent for a second before looking down at my feet. "Well now I feel guilty for caring so much about flowers and lace."

     "I know you love me, Olivia." He said and lifts my chin up to look at him. I melt.

     I mean, look at those eyes. I could swim in them. His words sounded like music. His soul fed me. It's kind of hard to describe, being so deeply in love with someone.

     Then having them rip your heart out.

     Caroline approached.