Haylee's POV.
"Why did you run from me?" King Johna's question came out in a full, furious growl instead of calm and collected.
"I..." I gulped nervously. What do I do now? What if he hates me?
"Answer me." This time, his voice was a little more calm. His wolf calmed down more when Johna pulled me close, wrapping his arms around me.
"I...I thought..."
"Thought what?" he growled.
"I thought you were going to reject me!" I cried. Burying my face in his chest, I allowed the painful sobs to reek throughout my body. This was nothing but pure and utter torture.
"Why in the Goddess's name would I do that?"
"Because he did," I whispered in his chest.
"Darling, if you had a first chance mate, and he rejected you, he was nothing but a blind man."
"He was an Alpha," I muttered.
"Guess he was an idiotic Alpha if he rejected what could have been his beautiful prize." I had to laugh at his comment. It was nice to let go of my worry. "Let's go home," he announced.
"Home?" I questioned aloud.
"Home," he confirmed. I haven't had a real home since I was kicked out of my birth pack. I nodded, and we walked back to the castle.
Guards bowed at their king, opening the doors to give us access to enter. I sucked in a breath when we walked through the ballroom. I swallowed and released a shaky breath.
Johna guided me to the stage, helped me up the steps, and walked us to the microphone. The D.J. music died down, and every pair of eyes were on me and Johna.
"Thank you, Cullen," Johna stated, nodding at the D.J. "Everyone, I have an announcement to make. I have found my gorgeous mate. This young beauty right beside me is the one and only Haylee Hella Delles from Crystal Moon Pack. My mate, my darling, would you like to say anything to our pack?"
I swallowed harshly, glancing from Johna, to the microphone, and out to the pack. I nodded slowly, and Johna passed me the microphone. I gulped nervously but took a deep breath.
"As you know, my name is Haylee. I am the Third in Command of Crystal Moon Pack. I...my parents are no longer with me. The other week, I got a letter saying my parents didn't survive the disease they had. They were good people, amazing fighters, and the best parents I could have ever dreamed of having. I am not perfect, and I'm not afraid to admit that I have several flaws. I never really grew up with fancy clothing or special "toys". I grew up fighting. I became a warrior at age 6. I supported my family, I helped the best I could around the pack, and I was at every meeting my father had with the Alpha. I tried my best, and I never gave up, only improved from my mistakes."