The Alpha's Slave Mate

Chapter 45

Chapter Forty-Five

Daphne’s Point of View

When I first woke up, I was confused. I have gotten so used to Caleb having his arms around me that not having him here in bed with me is foreign. If I am honest, I do not like this feeling at all. Turning to where he should be in bed with me instead, I find a note. Daphne, I can not wait until later today

when we are bound as one in front of our community, and friends. I know we had a difficult day yesterday and I am sorry. Words can not express how happy this day with you makes me. Per tradition I am not supposed to see you before the ceremony, so I snuck out, while you were still sleeping. I am having breakfast brought up to you. Hannah, and the other girls will be over later to help you with hair and makeup. I just want you to relax and enjoy today. I will be waiting with bated breath until you are in my arms. Love, Caleb. P.S. You are so adorable when you are sleeping. 7

Caleb’s note is possibly the sweetest thing

I have ever read. It is so hard to believe how much my life has changed in the last month. I can say that I am honestly happy, and I feel safe. In a lot of ways Caleb is like my real-life white knight, but I know that he is not the only reason I am happier in my life. Even with the age difference I feel like Hannah and I are friends, and there are many people here that I have come to care for, and I believe they care for me as well. Today I officially become their Luna, and I know that I will strive to be the best Luna I can be, and to put their interests and well-being first. 2

My thoughts are interrupted by a knock. I let the person in thinking that it was the breakfast that Caleb had said he had coming. To my surprise it was not only that, but Scarlet was delivering it. From her eyes I can tell that she has been crying.

“Hey how are you holding up?” I do not want to bring up bad memories of yesterday, but I want her to know that I am here if she wants to talk things through.

“I am doing alright, sad and disappointed with Dorian’s behavior. A little embarrassed by all of it truthfully, but I have gotten so used to it that it took him. behaving like that here for me to really evaluate how bad things have gotten.” Scarlet’s voice is so soft right now that I lean over and wrap her in a hug. ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“I am so sorry Scarlet. I understand if you do not want to come tonight.” I do not want her to feel pressured to be there, especially when her world is falling apart.

“Daphne I would not miss your mating ceremony for the world. Caleb seems like a good man and I can see how happy you are. That has always been my wish for you, that you would find some happiness in this world. Plus, your man is smoking hot, you hit the jackpot.” We giggle a little at her last words and some of the tension seems to ease. I love the fact that we have this time to talk and bond some more.

“Caleb is a good man, and he does make me happy. Scarlet, how do you know when you’re in love?”

“I would like to think that it is when you would do anything to make sure that your mate is happy, even if it means that you are unhappy. Although, I am starting to rethink my idea of love. I tried to make

Dorian happy, and I ended up miserable, and I do not think that is how love is supposed to be. So, I think my new definition is when the very thought of the person you love puts a smile on your face, and makes you feel safe and secure.”

Scarlet’s eyes have started misting over and I can tell that she is having a difficult time with everything.

“Scarlet, I know that it is too late for you to reject Dorian as your mate, but you do not have to stay with him. You could stay here; I know that Caleb would allow it.” I can not help wanting to ease her pain in anyway that I can. Truthfully, I want her to stay here, I would love having my sister close to me.

“Daphne that is very sweet of you, and it is very lovely here, but I have to go back. Not because of Dorian, but because I am the Luna of the pack now. I have not done a very good job of helping my people, but I think that they are going to need me now more than ever. Things there have to change, and I do not know if anyone else will stand up to Dorian.” My respect for Scarlet grows with her words. She is starting to act like the Luna I wish to be, and putting her own people’s needs before her own. I do want her to stay, but I understand why she is choosing to go back. 2

“I understand that. I am worried that he will hurt you. No offense but Dorian does not seem like a kind man anymore.” I do worry about Scarlet’s safety going back.

“I cannot lie to you; I am slightly worried myself. At one time I thought he was a decent man. The power of being Alpha has consumed him and his ego has gotten out of control. Even though I am scared, I cannot allow him to continue terrorizing what is left of the pack.” I can see the determination in Scarlet’s eyes, and I know that there is no talking her out of it. Perhaps I can speak to Caleb and see if any of our warriors can go with her, just until she gets Dorian’s behavior under control.

“Enough about that though, eat your breakfast it is getting cold. You my dear are going to be a fully mated woman tonight and you will need your strength.” Scarlet is giggling as she wiggles her eyebrows, insinuating what will occur in the bedroom tonight. I start eating the eggs, bacon and toast that she brought up with her.

“Caleb left me a note letting me know that Hannah and a few other girls will be coming over to help with hair and makeup before the ceremony.” I can see Scarlet visibly wince at Hannah’s name.”

Sorry, do you want me to call her and ask them not to come?” I do not want Scarlet to feel uncomfortable, or Hannah for that matter. 2

“No, I need to apologize to her for Dorian’s behavior. Hearing how he attacked her made me review how he has treated some of the slave girls in our pack, and it makes me sick to my stomach. When it

first happened, I thought he cheated on me because I had not gotten pregnant. Then it just kept happening over and over, and I grew numb to it. Now I wonder how many of those girls were willing, and how many of them were forced.” I had not honestly thought about all the horrors that Dorian. has committed until Scarlet said that.

Although, I had been a slave once, I had never been subjected to that kind of mistreatment. I cannot even fathom that depth of depravity, and it feels like the breakfast I just ate is about to make a reappearance. I am once again grateful to my wonderful mate for not having slaves, and always showing respect to women. 4 Just then my phone tings with a text message from Hannah letting me know that they are on their way soon. She stopped by the town center and check in with how the preparations were coming for the ceremony and assures me that everything is perfect. She also lets me know that Alpha Marcus has already arrived, along with a few of the neighboring packs. Just like that my anxiety is back and I am worried about making a fool of myself in front of everyone. 2

“What’s wrong you are frowning?”

Scarlet snaps me back into reality, and I let out a nervous giggle.

“Uh Hannah just texted me to let me know that the decorations and food all look fantastic, and it seems that some of our neighboring packs have arrived, along with Caleb’s good friend Marcus. Then I thought about the binding ceremony to the Mood Goddess and I am scared that I am going to make a fool out of myself. It seems like there is going to be so many people there and it makes me nervous.” I like that I can be this honest with Scarlet. I always wanted this kind of relationship with my sister.

“Do not worry. You will have Caleb right beside you, and truthfully you will be so focused on him that you will not even notice anyone else is there. I think that he really loves you Daphne.” Scarlet’s words shock me a little bit. I know that I have been falling in love with Caleb, but is it possible that he is falling in love with me too? The thought alone has me smiling like a hyena. 4

I can hear that Hannah has arrived, and it sounds like she has Bethany with her. Their voices are getting closer and Scarlet tenses up a little I squeeze her hand letting her know that everything will be alright. The girls come in the bedroom, with their bags of makeup and hair supplies, and I am reminded of the night of the Mabon Ball. So much has happened since then, but tonight will be different. Tonight, I will be declared Caleb’s mate for everyone to see, and the Luna of our pack.

“Hannah, I am so sorry about Dorian. I wish there were words to truly express how terrible I feel, and how I am sorry that he ever came near you.” Scarlet did not waste any time trying to talk to

Hannah, who has not even put her bags down yet.

“Oh no please Scarlet do not apologize for him. You did nothing wrong, and I am sorry that you had to go through it too. He made his own decisions; you were not even here.” Hannah is quick to put her bags down and come over and hug Scarlet who looked like she was ready to burst. into tears. It makes me very happy to see my sister and my friend get along. I was worried that the events of yesterday would put a damper on today.

Soon all four of us are pulling out different makeup brushes, and hair accessories. We are laughing like school children as everyone is trying to decide. how my hair should be done, and how my makeup should look.

“If you were mascara make sure that it is waterproof. You might tear up and you do. not want any stains ruining that beautiful dress of yours.” At Hannah’s words all the girls are calling for me to pull out the dress. I hurry and bring it out of the closet, carefully unzipping it from the bag. 7

“Hold on I have the perfect thing to go with that.” Scarlet stands up quickly and disappears from the room. She comes. back moments later with a tiara, the same tiara she wore to her mating ceremony. It was also the one that our mother wore the day that she mated with our father.

“I know that our family has not treated you well, but I thought that you might want to wear this. It goes with the dress, and I think it is time you had it.” Scarlet’s words bring tears to my eyes. It is true that our family has not been great to me but having her here is all the family I need.

“I would love to wear this.” I finally let her know when I can speak again. With that decision made, the girls decide that they should curl my hair and leave it in loose curls down my back. It seems like no time has passed, before we are all getting into our dresses, and applying makeup. Scarlet tears up a little when she sees me in my dress, telling me that I am. beautiful.

Finally, we all have our dresses on, makeup done, and our hair looks amazing. I love the way I look tonight, and I think Caleb will love it too. I am still nervous about the binding ceremony, but

I put that out of my mind. Caleb will be there; he will know what to do.

Theo comes and knocks on the door and lets us know that it is time. He tells me that I am beautiful in my dress. Hannah and Bethany leave to take their places at the ceremony. Scarlet stays with me to walk me down. She gives me a big hug, and we leave the room walking downstairs. This is it, here we go.