Ivana

Dressed in a dark red sweetheart evening gown, I stood in front of my full length leaning mirror with champagne silver frame. I can feel the butterflies stirring in my stomach or was it more like a hurricane? It was my mating ceremony and it was with my mate. Killian.

Oh god.

I can't do this.

I started hyperventilating. Shaking my head I took a few steps back until my back hit my dresser. There was a knock on the door and Killian appeared. He saw me breathing hard and quickly walked to my side. His russet colored eyes looking at me with concerns. He cradled my face in his and just with that simple touch I was able to breathe.

"Inhale slowly. That's it." He whispered gently.

I licked my dried lips and inhaled with my lips slightly parted before exhaling slowly. He nodded and dropped his hands. A look of uncertainty crossed his face. He rubbed the back of his neck and bit his lips nervously as he looked away from me.

"Are you ready to do this?" He asked me as he looked back and I can hear the hurt in his voice.

"I don't want to force you to do anything you don't want. I know our parents can be pushy but you and I have the right to tell them when we should do it."

My eyes roamed his face--his full plump lips and his sharp chiseled jaw down to his half dressed outfit. He had on a pair of black trousers, black shiny shoes, and a white dress shirt that was already tucked in. The top two buttons are unbuttoned. His sleeves were rolled up to his elbow. The male was reeking with hotness.

Was I ready?

I looked into his eyes and my heart was racing so fast I could hear the pounding in my ear. I was completely ready to be his. It was just the idea of tonight that has me going a little panicky.

Killian and I never went very far. We kissed and we touched but we never went any further and tonight-tonight completes everything and I was nervous because what if he doesn't like what he sees what if he doesn't want me after he marks me?

He sighed after I didn't answer him and a slow sad smile appeared on his face. "It's okay, Ivy. I'll go tell our par-"

"No!" I ushered and moved to grab his elbow to stop him. He turned back to me. I inhaled again and exhaled slowly.

"I do. I want to go through with this." I said.

He eyed me warily for a moment. "You don't look like you want to."

I bit my lips nervously and then looked down at my toes that were peeking out from under my red evening gown.

"I'm nervous about tonight." I whispered softly.

I can feel his gaze on me and I continued. "I am nervous because what if you don't like what you see and you decide to leav-"

His lips crushed onto mine.

Before I could finish the sentence his lips were crushed harshly against mine--one hand in my hair and the other open on the curve of my back as he pulled me up against his body. His lips were soft and his body heat was numbing my mind but his kiss was dominating and hard. It stirred a desire from the pit of my stomach that my toes curled in response. It was as if he was telling me needed me, that I was the air that he breathed.

When he pulled back his eyes were black with need. I licked my lips and could still taste him. His eyes dropped to my lips as he ran a finger on my lower lip.

"I will never leave you and I know I will like what I see." He whispered huskily. I clenched my thighs in response. His hands went to his chest where my hands were fisting his shirt. Awkwardly I unclenched his shirt and pulled back. He smirked and took a step back.

"I'll see you outside, mate." He said and with that headed out of my bedroom.

My mom came in shortly after. She also had on a nice red evening gown. She ran a hand through my black hair and smiled at me in a motherly way. Her eyes brimmed with tears.

"It's all happening so soon. It seriously felt like yesterday when I held you in my arms." My mom said.

I turned around and hugged her. She has always been there for me and even now she was like a pillar to me, holding me up when I needed her most.

"I love you, mom." I whispered and she hugged me tighter. I heard my dad came in and wrapped his arms around me.

"Tell me if he is being mean. I'll kill him." My dad said and I giggled.

"Dad, he is your Beta's son." I pointed out as I pulled away from him.

My dad shrugged. "Doesn't stop me from hurting who hurt my daughter."

I scolded my dad and then ushered them out of the room so that I can finish getting ready. When the clock was hitting close to midnight, I made my way downstairs and out the front door where everyone was waiting. Killian was standing on stage with my dad. My mom was in the female crowd with Beta Emily.

I glanced up and saw Killian looking at me with heated eyes. I bit my lips. My dad started giving him his speech. In just a few minutes the mating ceremony will be starting.