Broken Queen

10. The Mating Ball.

The first ball of the mating season was held in the Imperial Garden, which gleamed like the Moon that evening with all the spectacular decorations, the beauty of the Princes and Princess, and the banquet. The guests had arrived to celebrate Crown Prince Miles' birthday, which had begun hours ago and was about to end.

The ball had yet to begin yet young werewolves had already started stealing glances at the beautiful she-wolves while Alpha males hoped to find their soulmates among them. One couldn't forget that everyone was excited to dance at the ball. The parents were conversing on the sidelines, feigning as though they were unaware of their children's longing to be the Princes’ and Princess’ mates or concubines. If a Prince or Princess fell in love with their child or found a soulmate in them, it would be like hitting the jackpot. No one could pass that chance up.

Those who had found their soulmates were already making their way into the deep interior of the garden, particularly the isolated area which was filled with moans and ecstasy filled cries. The atmosphere had become heated as the sky darkened. Lust had seized control of the evening, refusing to let go of the pleasure that was the goal of the ball. On the other side of the banquet Laila and Violet had been busy chatting with their friends while gawking at Farrell and Grant, who were busy with Miles and the other Alphas.

The ball was grander than even they had anticipated, all of the Dyson Kingdom's large packs were in attendance making it difficult for them to speak with their Princes. Laila had already grown impatient. She had to solidify her hold on Grant tonight. When Grant turned away from the other Alphas, his gaze was drawn to the pink gown-clad Laila who had been tempting him the entire evening. His hormones were being affected by the mating season. He needed a good f**k and that woman was perfect.

"I can tell that my big brother is smitten with the pink flower from the Dumas Moon Pack," Farrell commented to Grant. The other Alphas were busy amongst themselves and had finally stopped bothering the Princes. The Alpha Prince remained silent. He was the type of man that would never reveal his affairs. Grant chuckled, shaking his head as he disregarded his risk-taking brother. Even though Alpha Harrison was close to them, he endeavored to display his daughter, who was daring enough to seduce the Prince. "But don't you think it's time to quit eye f*****g her and takeaction?" Farrell wondered.

“Little brother you’re without a doubt a womanizer. Just by looking at a lady you can tell that I haven't had the pleasure of tasting her fully yet,” Grant sipped his wine while staring at Laila's breasts. They were certainly large and appealing. He had them in his mouth during the last occasion that they had been together. She was the type of lady he admired, easy and a handful. Grant had met Laila on her sixteenth birthday and had fallen in love with her beauty. Laila was already in love with Grant and had volunteered to serve him in the bedroom. But he had waited for her to reach legal age in the hopes of discovering that she was his soulmate. However, that had not been the case. She was not destined for him. Now she was on the verge of turning twenty.

His wolf was enraged at the absence of his mate. He adored Laila, but he never felt the same bond with her that he could with his potential mate. Someone that he never expected to be mated to. Grant's eyes darkened as he remembered his encounter with Regina two years earlier. His wolf had gone insane over her scent even though she did not have her wolf yet.

“Impossible!” He clutched the wine glass in his hand. His wolf had been attracted to her, he had wanted to f**k her then and there. That attraction was so sensual, hot, and overwhelming that he couldn't help but get a hard on. Grant took a deep breath to clear his head of those thoughts. But that was before he overheard Laila mocking Regina with her friends.

“Why is your cousin still not at the ball, Laila?” One of the Alpha’s daughters asked.

“I’m not sure. Maybe she is afraid of facing Alpha Prince Grant. Don't you remember how she claimed that he was her mate a few years ago?” Laila replied. Everyone laughed as they recalled the event but Grant scowled. They had all thought that it was a joke that Regina had been confused by Grant's charms so she had merely called him her future mate, only the Alpha Prince knew that he had lied that day. He'd felt the connection with her! f**k! He'd be happy about it if she weren't so ugly.

“Or maybe she is busy in search of a big enough veil that can properly hide her ugliness,” Violet commented. All the bitchy Alphas’ daughters laughed. “I gave her a beautiful veil as a birthday gift. I wonder if she’ll dare to wear it tonight,” Violet added.

“Oh, today is her birthday, right?” One of the women asked. Grant's ears perked up when he learned of Regina's birthday. f**k! That meant when she arrived at the mating ball, she would be able to identify him as her mate. “But if she wanted to attend the ball, then why is she so late? It’s almost time to offer the sweets to Crown Prince Miles then the ball will start,” she added.

Laila smirked as she glanced at April, who had overheard the entirety of the young ladies conversation. Regina couldn't attend the ball since she was imprisoned in the packhouse. They had locked the windows and doors from the outside. Even if she screamed for help until she lost her voice, no one would let her out. Laila smiled innocently at Grant. She couldn't afford to ignore Regina's confidence two years ago when she referred to Grant as her future mate. Whether her claims were true or not it was terrifying. Laila was scared that if Regina appeared at the ball, she would lose the game to her. She couldn't take that chance. Violet had been paying close attention to Laila and April's deception. She just grinned, relieved that Regina would not be there to f**k with her plan.

“Is everything all right brother?” Farrell asked, pulling Grant of his thoughts.

“I was thinking, what is the deal with the pink flower’s cousin? Why is she leaving hints for you?” Grant raised his brows at his brother.

“She is begging to be f****d. That’s all,” Farrell chuckled as he studied Violet, who had dressed provocatively for a ball. It was enough to make the Third Prince hard. He had to admit she was a fantastic cocksucker. However, she had been giving him a hard time about giving him her virginity. She was the type of woman who lured men in with her virginity until she achieved her goal. Her ambition was to marry the Third Prince.

“She is from the Dumas Moon Pack. If you f**k an Alpha blood carelessly you’ll need to take responsibility. You’ve still hidden the fact from the world that you found your soulmate a few days ago,” Grant pointed out. Princess Bella had already moved into the Third Prince's residence as his mate, but Farrelll had yet to acknowledge her as his soulmate. The reason for concealing her may not be simply because she was an enemy's daughter, but due to the fact that the Alpha King had no objections. Alpha King Bentley was only concerned with the fact that his son had found his soulmate, who would provide him with more strength and an heir. Grant thought that there was something odd about Farrell and Bella's relationship. She hadn't even shown up to the ball. His brother was plotting something behind their backs.

“Having a mate and f*****g other women is a man’s right,” Farrell stated while winking at Violet who blushed under his attention. “In other words, I'm not ready to give up my personal f**k toy and a valuable cherry. Bella must stay at my side for the sake of my wolf, and Violet is something I desire. I'll covet her until I grow tired of her,” he explained with a smirk before hinting to Violet to meet him in secret. Violet immediately slipped into a dark corner as Farrell followed her.

Grant reached for a new glass of wine as he pondered Farrell's words. Keeping Bella at his side for his wolf while refusing to let Violet go. Farrell sounded like he was aiming for the throne! None of the brothers publicly discusses their desire to take the throne and please their Father. The Third Prince, who always appeared easygoing, harbored a secret yearning to become the Alpha King. Grant chuckled as he sipped his wine. He was well aware that his brothers were scheming for the throne.

That's when he noticed Laila gesturing for him to follow her into a secluded area of the garden, Grant grinned. He began by pinning Laila to a tree.

“You aren’t wearing panties, right?” He lifted her up slowly. Laila’s heartbeat began to race.

“No,” she whispered, feeling his fingers traveling between her thighs.

“Good. Tonight you aren’t going back to your pack,” he teased her lips with his. “I’m giving you a chance to serve me,” he whispered.

“But how?” She moaned in need as he teased her clit so well. “Father will…”

“That’s your problem. I want my slut waiting for me in my room tonight. You’ve been waiting for this moment, right?” He raised his brows.

“Yes,” she replied even though the word slut bothered her.

“Grant, I’m all yours because I know we’ll marry one day,” she said, looking into his eyes that were focused on her breasts. She wanted to be assured that Grant was her’s alone.

“First learn to be my slut,” he replied, fingering her slowly. A sadness rose in Laila’s heart. He never agreed that he would marry her. It just provoked her insecurity. But after taking her virginity he would have no other choice but to marry her! She just needed to publicize her relationship with Grant to force his hand. This was her chance to tie Grant to her. She would even risk her honor to become the Luna Queen! She smiled darkly, pulling him in for a kiss.

“Alpha Prince,” Carl cleared his throat as he interrupted them. Laila glared at Carl in irritation. He knew everything so why did he need to interrupt them?!

“What’s wrong?” Grant asked, as he continued kissing down Laila’s throat.

“I have an important message for you from hybrid Edger,” Carl informed. Laila was stunned to see Grant’s changing expression. He immediately let her go like a used toy.

“Let’s go,” Grant said as Carl followed him.

“Grant! Wait!” Laila called but he was gone. She gritted her teeth, smacking the nearby tree in frustration. She hated anything that distracted his attention from her. But tonight he was going to accept her!

“Laila,” the host announced her name. She adjusted her dress before entering the ball that was about to start. She was ready to dance at the ball with Grant!

***

“What the f**k did you just say!” A loud growl reverberated throughout the banquet, drawing everyone's attention to the garden's forbidden section, where only Royals were permitted.

“Grant, please control yourself. People can hear you,” Carl begged. The mating ball had yet to begin, but the entire Royal Garden was filled with guests. Alpha Prince Grant was known as the gentle second Prince of the Dyson Kingdom famous for his benevolence as well as his stunning handsomeness. He couldn't afford to lose that persona. At least not now, when he was close to achieving his visions of crushing the world beneath his boot heels.

“How could that hybrid refuse to seal the Maze?” He gnashed teeth as he stalked closer to Carl.

“I'm not sure what changed his mind. He expressed his skepticism about his newly acquired spells. He said that if anything went wrong he would lose all of his powers for good. As a result, he refused to take the chance. He hadn’t signed the contract yet, therefore he has the freedom to decline,” Carl explained.

“f**k!” Grant growled, smashing his glass on the ground. “Does that hybrid really take us for fools?”

“What do you mean?” Carl asked in confusion.

“Those f*****g dragons are so righteous! I had to cleverly conceal the truth about Royal Beta Jermaine and his grandsons being trapped in the Maze from Edger. He was going to sign the contract to gain fame, so what could have abruptly changed his mind?! I don’t give f**k about the lie that he tried to feed us. The only possible explanation is that someone cautioned him against working with us,” Grant explained, looking at the big picture.

“So you mean hybrid Edger realized that he would be dealt with once he was no longer of use to us?” Carl realized. "Someone told him, but who the f**k could have done that? It was a secret!"

“I don’t f*****g know but it’s ruined my plan,” Grant growled, gulping half a bottle of wine down in one go. Sealing the Maze would have won Grant his Father's favor, the man was terrified of Jermaine's sudden return. This was his chance to win over the Alpha King's heart and become the top candidate to succeed him to the throne.

He was the middle son, except the title of Alpha Prince was not going to aid him. Even though Crown Prince Miles was blind, his elder brother had the title of Crown Prince! The first born child was blessed, and restrictions had less of an impact on them. In Miles’ mind, he was already the Alpha King, the only thing he lacked was the crown. To make matters worse Grant had a younger brother, Farrell, who had already found his soulmate. His mate was from an enemy pack, but Farrell had not rejected her. If Farrell was the first to provide a grandson and heir to the Kingdom, he had a better chance of claiming Alpha King Bentley's position than either of his brothers.

“Grant!” Carl became terrified when the Alpha Prince shattered the wine bottle he was holding. To release his rage, he clenched his palm allowing his hand to bleed. His two brothers had various advantages, if Grant was to obtain the throne he needed to plan his next moves. If using hybrid Edger was no longer on the table, then it would have to be something else!

“What are you thinking, Grant?” Carl asked.

“I refuse to simply accept losing the game,” he let the pieces of glass fall to the ground. “I will ascend to the throne no matter the circumstances,” he vowed, releasing a dark aura.

“What are you going to do?” Carl got chills from the evil smile spreading across Grant’s lips.

“I’ll accept my mate,” he replied, leaving Carl puzzled.

“Your mate? Do you know who she is?” He turned to glance behind him at the Alpha Prince, who had grabbed a fresh bottle of wine from an Omega and walked away chuckling. The Moon Goddess had cursed Princess Regina's destiny, gifting her with a monster as a mate who would only embrace her to obtain his crown and the benefit of his wolf!

“She’ll be here soon,” Grant gulped the wine as he smiled his way into the ball to greet his mate. The game was on. No matter how much he adored Laila, the throne took precedence over everything.

“Princess Regina,” Regina's name was announced by the host since she was the last female applicant for dancing at the ball even though she wasn't there. Laila grinned. She couldn't possibly get here tonight. That ugly nobody would be crying in her room.

“Alpha Prince Grant!” The females at the mating ball chirped, eyeing the breathtaking Prince who smelled of rich red wine.

“Grant,” Laila’s face lit up when he returned. She smirked. How could he ignore her beauty. “Our names came out together as dance partners for the ball!” She informed him excitedly. “Let’s go dance.” The raucous mating ball suddenly fell silent just as she was about to seize his hand. All the attendants at the ball gasped at the same time. Laila tilted her brows to look at Grant's large blue eyes, that were not on her but elsewhere. He'd forgotten to breathe. Laila looked around the ball room, the people looked like their souls had departed their bodies. What happened? Everyone's gaze was drawn to the entryway. Violet arrived with the Third Prince, and her face immediately went sour. Farrell's eyes were also stuck on the entrance. Laila followed their gazes, only to find a tall stunning red-clad woman entering the ball.

“Who is she?” She murmured in confusion.

“Regina,” Violet muttered from behind Laila, shocking her. Regina? Laila screamed her head off as she stared at the woman who glided through the ball like a Queen, stealing every male's heart that was in attendance. But she was not wearing a veil or hiding behind her hair! Laila's heart dropped down into her stomach when she saw Regina's flawlessly beautiful face. She...she wasn't ugly anymore? When had that happened? No one had seen her face in two years, but Laila had no idea that Regina had fooled them all with her veil and her hair. Regina was dressed in a dazzling long crimson gown that brushed the floor. Her beautiful black hair remained down and free. As Regina moved farther into the room she tossed her long dress back. Laila's mouth hung open in both terror and disbelief . Regina's moon-like beauty was enhanced by the queen-like diamond necklace adorning her throat and the lipstick on her lips.

“What a vision!” Violet’s attention was drawn to Farrell's groaning voice. She clenched her fist in dread. The Third Prince had clearly fallen for Regina. Her gaze was then drawn to the Crown Prince, who had been eye f*****g the Princess with his wolf’s eyes. His wine glass had already fallen from his grasp and soiled his coat. Those who had prior to that moment sneered at the Princess had lost their ability to speak.

Bernice could have burned Regina to ashes with her glare if it were possible. Regina's stride reminded her of Aziza's. She turned her gaze to Violet, who was once again unable to appreciate Regina's allure. The young Princess's aura was enough to cause her to lose confidence when all three Princes devoured the same woman with lustful eyes. Alvara's heart swelled with rage when she saw Regina wearing her Mother gown, which she had altered to modernize the garment revealing her creamy smooth skin. She never expected Regina to wear her Mother's jewelry or clothing. She could not even bear to look at her flawless beauty. She had once again stolen everything from her daughter! Carl licked his lips. He’d already known Regina was as beautiful as the Moon, but he had no idea she was a Queen without a crown! f**k! He regretted the fact that his wolf had not yelled 'mate' in his mind.

Laila couldn't help but notice that Grant had taken a step forward, discarding Laila like she was yesterday's garbage. His heart raced so quickly in response to Regina’s beauty that he appeared to be having a heart attack. Had he been so f*****g blind to not recognize this earth bound goddess all those years ago? Her aura and scent were f*****g with his heart.

Regina’s gaze was focused straight ahead ignoring the people around her until her eyes fell on Grant who pursued her like a hound. Grant cursed at his wolf to scream 'mate' so that he could announce to the world that she was his, only his. So that he could pluck every male in the room eyes out that had been yearning for her, but it never happened. Regina didn't so much as look at Grant for a full second before tearing her gaze away from him and continuing to pass him by without a bow.

He was left speechless as he sucked in a deep breath. What exactly just happened? Why didn't the woman who was supposed to be his mate not sense the mate bond with him? Grant's wolf refused to acknowledge Regina as his mate! How was that possible when he still felt attracted to her? He could feel the pull but not the bond! Enraged, his eyes turned bright crimson. His gaze followed her until she came to a halt in front of the host, whose mouth hung open at witnessing her beauty. He held the chit in his fingers.

“This chit has the name of my ball dancing mate, right?” She pulled the chit from his grasp, gracing him with a small smile that made not just that young wolf blush, but all the males surrounding her blush as well. When Regina opened the chit to read her dancing partner’s name, she discovered an unfamiliar name printed on it.

“Aiden Crown,” she muttered, trying to figure out who this wolf was, until she observed the wolves around her falling on their knees.

“The Dragon Prince!!!” Someone exclaimed. Someone stood in front of her before she could turn around to figure out what had happened. Her gaze was drawn to a regal black robe and a powerful aura before she elevated her gaze to a tall gorgeous man with green eyes. She gasped when she saw this man in front of her once again. The Dragon Prince? He was a dragon? She took a step back to put some space between them before Aiden's strong arm wrapped around her thin waist like a snake.

“Let’s dance, Princess Regina,” he gently drew her closer to his chest. Regina's heart raced as she watched his lips curl into a smile as their gazes locked.

“There must be some mistake,” Aiden's fingers moved down her back, shooting sparks all over her body as she attempted to explain. “What a fated sexy mistake,” he leaned close to her ear to whisper. When his lips brushed against the shell of her ear, Regina gripped the gown at her side. “Such a sexy mistake that I fell for you.”