A Royal Mate

Thursday, one day before the Luna Ceremony

I woke up with Jack wrapped around me like a blanket. I inhaled his scent snuggling closer to him when a jolt of pain hit me like a truck causing me to yelp.

I tried to stretch it out but the pain became so intense that I couldn't breathe. My legs were sore and my arms were burning.

Jack's eyes burst open as he pulled me close trying to ease the ache that wracked my body.

"Shhhh, Anna are you ok? What's wrong?"

Tears formed in my eyes as he rubbed my back while I seized from the pain. Every move I made felt like pins and needles were sticking me straight into my insides.

"I can't move, Jack. It hurts too much."

Frantically he asked "Where does it hurt Anna?"

I pointed to my stomach and squeaked out "Inside."

He rolled onto his back and smirked while I writhed in pain on the bed.

He got up and went to the bathroom, filled the tub with hot water and poured some oils into the steamy bath. Then he came to the room and scooped me up causing me to jerk back in pain.

He held me close while I trembled in agony. Limbs burning and stomach cramping from the night of pleasurable torture we spent together.

He placed me in the water slowly so my body could adjust to the temperature. I was completely submerged to my chin in lavender, eucalyptus, mint and chamomile and my body relaxed within seconds.

Jack grabbed a warm towel and folded it placing it over my eyes as he pulled my hair up into a high ponytail and gently tugged me back to lie against the tub.

Once I had laid back, Jack turned the lights low and sat next to the tub running his fingers up and down my arm.

"Feeling better, baby?"

I could feel the smirk on his face. "A little. What did you do?"

He chuckled lowly. "I fucked you so hard you can't walk or move for that matter."

I gasped at his cocky answer and lifted the towel off my eyes to see his dark gaze staring at me.

Oh fuck, not that look.

I placed the towel back over my eyes and sunk lower in the tub trying to hide from his stare. He knew how to punish and goddess did it feel amazing but the after effects were a bit uncomfortable.

"You better hope I can walk down the aisle tomorrow." I whispered leaving a small smile on my lips.

He got up on his knees, slid one hand into the water down my stomach and placed a soft kiss on my lips.

"You will. But if you don't, I'll carry you."

I gasped then laughed saying "And what if I wouldn't have healed by then?"

His hand tensed at the realization that he could have hurt me enough to ruin our ceremony night but then he slowly raked his hand up my body to my chest and said "I apologize for this little set back but I won't apologize for the fact that you were punished then thoroughly fucked."

With that he lifted his hand and stood up walking out the bathroom. "Relax, baby. I have a few calls to make. Let me know when you're done and I will help you out the tub. I love you!"

I couldn't help the blush that crept over my entire body at his words. I smiled and said "I love you too. ALPHA."

A low growl came from his throat as he walked out the door.

I sat in the tub until the water turned cold then huffing I lifted the plug and drained it. Reaching on the sides I pulled myself up slowly, wencing at the aches all over my body, before grabbing a towel.

Once I was wrapped in the plush, soft cotton towel I carefully walked to the bedroom where there was a note sitting on a tray in the middle of the bed.

Anna,

My call ran a little longer than expected and now I have a meeting in the office. I wish I could have helped your sexy ass out the tub but here are some lotions to help with the pain. I will be back in a few hours.

I love you,

ALPHA

My heart warmed from his kindness. I never knew the mate bond was this intense because I never really learned about it but I knew deep down in my bones and my soul that he was my forever.

I rubbed the lotion all over my skin then walked to the closet for one of his t-shirts. I had to remember to get my things moved here after the ceremony.

When I opened the door, my eyes grew wide as I saw all the clothes lining the shelves and hanging from hangers.

Were these always here?

I grabbed a beautiful silk robe and wrapped myself in it tying it snug around my waist. Then I headed down to the kitchen for a bite to eat.

The fridge was empty and no one was home so I decided to go to the store. Running upstairs to change I mind-linked Jack before I left.

I need to go into town for groceries. Can I take the car?

Yes, but Connor will go with you. He has the keys and my card. He'll be outside waiting for you in 5 minutes.

I smiled at his overprotective tone while I searched through the drawers for some leggings. Once I found them I grabbed one of Jack's football t-shirts and tied it into a knot on the side, letting it fall off my shoulder exposing my tank top. Then I grabbed some chucks and went to meet Connor outside.

I walked out the door where a black Tahoe was waiting for me and a young muscular guy came around the car opening the back door for me.

"Luna, I am Connor. I am your body guard."

"Hello Connor and please, call me Anna." I got into the back of the car and he closed the door then jogged back to the drivers seat and hopped in.

The drive to town was a good 20 minutes so I asked Connor about himself and soon I learned that he was training for the guard but he was made head of security by Jack about two years ago.

He hasn't found his mate yet but he is very dedicated to his work and felt it helped with his concentration.

I rolled my eyes. Some wolves believe the theory of losing your strength and focus making you weak, once your find your mate.

Suddenly there was a horn blaring behind us.

"What's going on?"

"Nothing Luna, just some impatient driver trying to get past us." He said watching intently in the rearview mirror.

I shrugged but the car kept honking and Connor slowly sped up causing my senses to stir. My body was buzzing from the electric energy alerting to us something was wrong.

Suddenly the car behind us slammed into the bumper causing Connor to swerve but he recovered quickly.

"Luna, I need you to brace yourself." He said with darkening eyes as his hands gripped the steering wheel whitening his knuckles.

I grabbed the handle next to the door and shoved my hand in between the seats gripping the underneath.

Suddenly there was a loud bang and our car was thrown off the road.