Noctis

Today is the day. The day everyone will know that I am a True Alpha and that Amara is the one taking the crown. The packs are coming back, only Luna's and Alpha's are invited. I have personally invited Xander, Tobias, Josh, and Ash.

I am in my room with Braden getting ready for the coronation. I put on a strapless red satin dress that is tight around the bust and waist and flows down to just above my knees. Braeden is in his little black tux that looks adorable on him. I can tell that Amara will have some tears when she sees him.

"You look pretty mommy," Braden smiles at me.

"And you look handsome my little man," I grin. "Let's go find Amara, I bet she is getting ready."

Braden nods and opens the door to the bedroom. We walk down the hall to where Amara is staying and I knock on the door.

"Come in," I hear her say.

I open the door and Braden follows me into the room. Amara smiles at me and then looks down at our son. I see tears brim her eyes as she tries to hold them back.

"Come on Braden, I just got my make up done," Amara giggles and I chuckle at her.

"You look amazing mommy," Braden compliments Amara.

"Thank you baby, I am almost ready. I am so nervous," Amara takes a deep breath.

"You will do amazing Amara, I know you will. This is your last chance to change your mind, are you sure you want to go through with this?" I ask, feeling guilty that she has to do this because of me.

"Of course I want to do this. These past couple days have shown me how much I want to do this. I am just nervous, that's all."

"That's my brave Mara. I will see you in the ballroom, Braden and I should get going there though."

"I will see you guys soon," Amara smiles and Braden and I give her a wide grin before leaving her room.

Braden and I walk to the ballroom without getting caught. Everyone still believes that it is me that is going to be crowned Queen of werewolves. They are in for a surprise. I slip into the grand room quietly with Braden. He knows to keep quiet until the ceremony is over.

I see Dad walk out onto the balcony with Hadley, Jack, and Luke. There is only one throne sitting up there, which is Amara's throne.

"Thank you all for coming here today for the crowning of my daughter as the next Queen. She has not found her mate yet so this ceremony will only include the Queen crowning. Without further a due, my daughter, Princess Amara Lockhart."

I hear whispers and gasps from around the room. They all don't recognize that name, even Luke, Hadley, and Jack look shocked. Amara steps out from the double door being held open by two warriors of the pack. She walks to the centre of the balcony, in front of the throne.

"Most of you know my daughter Braelynn. She is a True Alpha which means that her and her wolf separated. Braelynn has her pack starting elsewhere and Amara has agreed to take the throne. Amara is just as much of my daughter as Braelynn is. Now, onto the ceremony."

Amara looks over at me and Braden, I give her a reassuring smile while Braden gives her two thumbs up and a wide grin. I can tell Amara is holding back a laugh as she turns to Dad.

"Amara Lockhart, do you take this position as Alpha of the Royal Pack and Queen of werewolves? Do you swear to protect this pack and packs around the world with your life and never abandon them? Do you swear to put the best interest of this pack and others above your own?"

"I, Amara Lockhart, accept all of the responsibilities of Alpha and Queen.

"Then I, King Riggs Lockhart, pass down the title to you, Amara Lockhart," Dad says as he places an elegant crown on Amara's head.

Amara turns to the crowd and sits down on the throne. Everyone in the ballroom applauds their new Queen.

Soon after, the party begins. Food is brought out and placed on tables while a soft music plays. Dad finds me and Braden first and gives us both a hug before heading off to find someone. I see my friends not far away as I make my way to them. Before I get far, I am cut off by Orion. To say that I am shocked to see him would be an understatement.

"Long time no see Noctis, or should I say Braelynn?" Orion wonders.

"Noctis is fine. What do you want Orion?"

"I wanted to apologize for how I left things before. I hope you find your second chance."

I sigh as his words and I see he is about to ask but Braden interrupts him, "Who is he mommy?"

"Mommy?" Orion asks, shocked.

"This is Alpha Orion baby, I stayed by his pack territory for a bit."

"Hello Alpha Orion, I'm Braden," Braden greets, sticking out his hand to Orion.

"Nice to meet you buddy," Orion smiles and shakes Braden's small hand. Orion turns his gaze back to me, "I guess you already met your second chance mate, who is he? Can I meet him?"

"You can meet him, but he isn't my mate anymore," I tell Orion.

"I'm sorry," Orion looks down, guilt written on his face.

"It's fine Orion, at least I have Braden," I smile lightly.

Orion nods and excuses himself. Braden speaks up, "I don't like him."

"What? Why not?" I wonder, confused by his words.

"He hurt you."

"How do you know that Braden?"

"I just do. Let's go find someone else to talk to," he grins and then starts pulling me in a random direction.

I am completely shocked that Braden knew Orion hurt me. How does he know? I notice Xander, Tobias and Altor standing not far and I pull Braden in their direction.

"Hey guys, how are you?" I ask.

They all smile at me and Xander speaks first, "How could you not tell me about you being a True Alpha and nots becoming queen?" He pouts.

I laugh, "It was supposed to be a surprise."

"I am so happy for you Noctis. Are you going to introduce us to this little guy?" Tobias wonders.

"Right, guys this is my son, Braden. Braden these are my friends Xander, Tobias and Alpha Altor."

"I like you all," Braden smiles causing the three men to laugh. "Why are there so many alphas here mommy?"

"Because they were all invited to the crowning ceremony. You know, I am an Alpha and you will be one day as well," I tell Braden who looks at me with wide eyes.

"You are an Alpha?" He says in wonder.

"Yup. Callum will be my beta as well."

"Wow," Braden breathes out.

We all chuckle at his reaction and I turn my attention back to the three boys. I can tell they all want to ask the same question but aren't sure if they should.

I answer it for them, "I had Braden while I was held captive by rogues. His father is gone."

Xander makes an "o" with his mouth while Tobias and Altor just nod their heads.

"I should go grin Quinton and Josh, it was nice to see you guys again," I wave goodbye and they do as well.

"Mommy?"

"Yes baby?"

"Why does everyone keep asking about daddy or your mate?"

I sigh, "We will talk about this when you are older, okay baby?"

"Okay mommy."

I find Quinton with Josh but Ash isn't there. To be honest, I am kind of glad Ash isn't with them. I don't really want to be put in another awkward conversation with an ex-mate of mine.

"Noctis, it's so good to see you again," Quinton smiles while Josh gives me a bone crushing hug.

"I...can't...breathe," I squeak out causing Josh to laugh and let me go.

"I missed you," Josh tells me.

"I saw you a few days ago," I chuckle at his exclamation.

"It feel like forever though. You are my best friend."

I just smile and shake my head. I missed these two as well, especially Josh. They are really good friends of mine and I wish they didn't like across the ocean.

Um, Noctis? Can I talk with you? Amara asks and I tell her of course. She tells me she is out in the hallway.

"Josh, do you mind watching Braden for a moment, I have to go speak with the Queen."

"Well, you better not keep her waiting. Of course I will watch this little man for you," Josh smiles.

I kiss Braden on the forehead before heading out the the hall. I open the door enough for me to slip through and I turn the corner to see Amara standing there with Ash. I guess that explains where he was. I am getting mixed feelings from Amara. She is happy but she is also sad. Ash looks happy and guilty. What's going on?

"What's wrong?" I question.

"Ash...he um...he is my mate," Amara says.

How? Ash rejected us so how can he still have a bond with Amara? I don't feel any bond to him at all anymore. Not since that day.

"How?" I ask.

"I think it is because when he rejected us, he only really rejected you. He used your name in the rejection, not mine. Usually it affects both the human and the wolf because they are one, but since we are separated..." Amara trails off and I understand what she is saying.

"You guys are still bonded," I finish her sentence and they both nod. "Congratulations then," I smile. They both look at each other and then at me in surprise.

"You are okay with this? I mean if you aren't then we can reject each ot..." I cut Amara off.

"Don't even finish that sentence Amara. He is your mate, I would never tell you or anyone else to reject their mate. No matter the situation. I really am happy for your both and I hope you have a good time together," I say honestly.

I would be lying is I said I wasn't heartbroken. Although I am glad Amara gets to be happy with her mate, what about me? I know it sounds selfish and I have Braden, but I want a happily ever after. I want someone to love unconditionally and someone to hold me. I want a mate. It is now hitting me how much I have been hurting these last few years. I turn around so they won't see my tears as I walk towards the main part of the castle. I mindlink Braden to get Josh to bring him to the kitchen.

It is time I leave here and not look back. It is time I put behind my rejections that have haunted me enough and start anew.

I may not have a mate out there, but I have an amazing son to take care of. I have a territory to begin my new pack on and I am going to do just that.