Help needed from you guys!!! I'm trying to figure out what to name this series! I think it deserves a badass name and I'm struggling to come up with one so thought it would be cool to ask you guys!! Drop a comment with some ideas!

Here's your aesthetic

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Aiden

Day three of the Ball and even I am exhausted of all the festivities. I'm already missing my friends. The only person who stayed behind was Alexander. He gets along exquisitely with Ezra—both of them watching over me like two older brothers.

Besides, no one ever approaches Alexander. He's metaphorically and literally too cold. Ezra rather likes him because he's so quiet. And our band knows what Alex has gone through, so we don't even humor the rumors of him being sadistic in nature.

A few members of the palace had been incredibly enthusiastic of throwing a masquerade on the last day. Ezra and I thought it would be too cliché, but Killian argued on their behalf. Today, most of the people in the Ball are our in-house residents. Plenty of wolves have been gracing the halls these last few days, but I think tonight, the turnover of supernatural's outnumbers wolves.

As per usual, I've stayed put at my make-shift throne. Greeting our Elders, the professors, instructors, our guests from across the world who are staying. Just about anyone that comes to bend their knee and give me their regards.

I'm bored, Ezra. I tell him through the mind link.

You could dance, He replies.

Would you be my partner? I glance over at him as his face sours. I can't help but chuckle and shake my head.

Maybe you can ask Alexander. Ezra replies, his eyes glancing over at Mr. Jack Frost who's leaning against the wall of the room. He's wearing a white mask over his face that matches his hair color. His blue eyes scanning over everyone who walks in.

I glance at the end of the Ballroom. Killian is making conversation with many of our Wiccan instructors. He's been hovering around the open bar all night. He notices me staring for a moment, excusing himself before coming up to the throne. Spreading his hands at his sides in a jesting manner.

"Cheer up, Your Majesty." Killian grins—his Phantom of the Opera mask suits him incredibly well. The only person not abiding to the masquerade rules tonight is Ezra. Who refused to wear one because he thinks it's childish.

"How was the Port?" I ask Killian who steps up to take a place beside me. He hands me a drink and I take it without much thought.

"Same old, same old." Killian chuckles as he takes a sip of his own drink. "Kole wasn't very pleased that I was leaving so soon."

I crack a smile, "Can I guess? She invited you to a threesome?"

I can already sense Ezra rolling his eyes behind me. Killian let's out a laugh and nods along. "You know her best, Your Majesty."

Alexander's gaze shifts to us momentarily as he smiles. His voice quite dense, "You'll cave, one day, Warlock."

It's hard to deny that our Kole always gets what she wants, my wolf huffs with a chuckle.

"To a threesome with the Alpha and Luna of the Port?" Killian raises his eyebrows at my friend. He's always liked Alexander—even though Alex doesn't talk to him that much. I think Killian is fascinated by his coldness.

Alexander simply nods, the mischievous grin still on his face. Killian's eyes twinkle and he looks down at his glass momentarily with an incredulous smirk. He looks up at us, winking, "And who says I haven't caved already?"

"You're not serious," I cross my arms over my chest—trying so hard to suppress a laugh. Alexander smiles so genuinely—trying to hold back his own set of laughter. "Are you?"

I can see Killian playing a little game. I can also completely see him taking part in some sexual fantasy that Wayan and Kole might have agreed upon. Killian shrugs, "I guess you'll never know."

"He could just command you to tell him," Ezra rolls his eyes.

"What's the fun in that Ez?" Killian grins at my Beta. The nickname causing Ezra to clench his fists. He really hates it when Killian calls him Ez.

"Speaking of fun," I stand from my throne—turning to Ezra. "I think I'll retire early tonight. My hopes have dwindled significantly."

Ezra frowns but only seems to nod his head. The party is almost over—our guards will soon be ushering everyone back to their rooms or out of the castle. I've already given my speech for the night to welcome everyone, thanking them for their attendance.

In full honesty, my wolf and I are utterly disheartened. I know that Alexander feels the same way. I've reeled in my aura, trying my best to portray the power I'm meant to. But at this moment...I can't help but feel down.

I knew that it would be a long shot. That realistically, a Ball might not be the best way to get my Mates attention. I guess a part of me just thought that maybe fate would intervene. I turn to Alexander, his eyes shifting to me.

Using the mind link I ask him, Want to grab a bottle of whiskey?

He looks around the ballroom once. His own wolf despondent as he pushes away his inner feelings. Smiling gently at me he replies, Two bottles of whiskey?

"Studio?" I ask out loud. Alex nods once. "You go get the whiskey. I'll go set up the speakers."

Alexander offers me another smile—his way of agreeing—before he retreats behind us towards the server quarters where he knows he'll find the cellars. I turn to Ezra and Killian, giving them both a gentle smile and nod. They know I'm disappointed but they're trying to be supportive in their own ways.

"Keep me posted if you need anything," I tell them. My eyes falling on Ezra, "Is it alright to leave you as surveillance Ezra?"

"Of course, Your Majesty." Ezra bows his head gently. "Have fun with your friend. Try to enjoy yourself a bit, yeah?"

We're going to go beat the shit out of the drums, my wolf sighs in my head. I completely agree with him.

Subtly, I exit the Ballroom through the back. There's a "not-so-secret" corridor that the staff knows about but most of the guests don't. As soon as I'm out of the ballroom, I finally let my aura through. Letting the disappointment sink in fully. Walking alone through the large hallways and corridors.

As soon as I'm in the studio, I feel a sense of comfort. Placing my crown on a stand next to my drum set as I set up the speakers for my drums and Alexander's microphone. In a few moments, Alex is stepping in with a bottle of whiskey. It's already open and his tie is hanging around his neck. He takes off his mask, but I leave mine on. Trying to let it somehow cover up my emotions.

"Aiden—"

"I don't want to talk about it." I tell him curtly as I sit behind the drums.

Alexander sighs, grabbing two glasses and filling them nearly to the rim. He hands me mine and I take three large gulps. I shouldn't drink this expensive whiskey so fast but who cares. It's not going to get me drunk anyways it's not bewitched.

"You're going to find her." Alexander walks over to his microphone. A small smile spreading on his lips as he eyes it over. He truly comes alive when he sings.

"You will too, Alex."

"We both know there's a reason I haven't found my Mate, Aiden." Alexander shifts his gaze to me. Sad and hollowed. He truly believes he doesn't deserve a Mate. Or that he's cursed.

The rumors started years ago. Of how the Moon Goddess would never pick someone for the Alpha of the Sierra after what he had done. None of us in the band believe it—but I think over time, Alexander started to believe it. Wondering if it was true after all. That what he had done was so horrific, that even the Moon Goddess wouldn't want to place an unfortunate soul his way.

Alexander pushes a grin, "There's too much blood on my hands for something so lovey-dovey to happen to me."

"Shut up." I roll my eyes—pointing my drumstick at him. "Your mic is on."

"What song?" He asks standing next to the microphone as he takes his jacket off. Leaving him in a tailored dress shirt.

I smile gently, taking the phone next to my speaker. It's always plugged in here—it has all of our recordings. All of our songs. It's sole purpose, to play music when I have my headphones on or when I want it to blast head-on through the speakers.

I look for the recording of Matthew's guitar and Wayan's piano playing. Clicking play, I start hitting my drumsticks. Alexander hears the tune of the song—one that he wrote years ago. One that makes him smile and shake his head happily as it starts playing.

And just like that—we both lose ourselves in the music. I hit the drums as I watch my friend carefully. Alexander undoes the top buttons of his shirt as he waits for the first verse. His hands already leaning on the microphone as he starts to belt the lyrics gorgeously.

Alex doesn't talk a lot. For a few years, he was completely mute. He speaks so very little, but whenever he sings, he opens up in a way that no one except us know. The smile on his face contagious as his body curls to the rhythm and beat.

I grin—singing along with him under my breath. Alex dances to the beat of the music, his hips and shoulders moving side to side with my drum beat and Matthew's guitar recording.

"Cause, lord, she found me just in time," He takes the microphone and leans forward. Singing softly before suddenly belting, "She's gonna save me, call me "baby", run her hands through my hair."

Alexander smiles brightly, running his own hands through his white hair as he loses himself. I let out a small laugh, watching him spin around as his hands come up the microphone stand. "She'll know me crazy, soothe me daily, better yet, she wouldn't care."

His eyes open and meet mine and with a cocky grin he urges me forward. I lean over into my microphone until we're both singing loudly, "We'll steal her Lexus, be detectives, ride 'round picking up clues."

Alexander steps up on the piano bench, clutching onto the microphone with one hand as he throws his head back, screaming up beautifully into the air, "We'll name our children, Jackie and Wilson, Raise 'em on the rhythm and blues!"

This is the Alex that our band knows. The carefree singer who loves nothing more than the belt lyrics and showoff his killer voice. The man who dances with a microphone, expresses himself truly in this moment. It's how I feel on the drums. How Matthew feels when he plays guitar. Wayan...well Wayan expresses himself plenty, but he loves to have fun, and this is always so much fun.

Just like me, Alex wants nothing more to be accepted and loved. Life can get rather lonely when all your friends are moving forward. This is my favorite song that he decided to write. One of the few where he opens up about wanting to find his Mate. When the song is over, I can't help but feel a bit lighter.

Alexander and I laughing softly into the air. He reaches over to me, and we quickly grasp each other's hands. Embracing one another quickly as we settle back. This is so much more fun than having meetings over supply chain management, relationship building, resolving disputes, and every other monarchical duty I've had bestowed on me. So much better than stressing about the Rebellion.

My wolf purrs in the back of my head. Already more content than when we were in the Ballroom. At least we can drown ourselves in music. It's what we've been doing for years now. I pick up the phone, already moving onto the next song.

"Hit it, Aiden." Alexander winks at me and I smile back. Already tapping away on the drums.

Halfway through the song, there's a knock on the door. The only reason I hear it is because I can already smell Killian on the other side. Alexander and I's attention shifting quickly to Killian as he walks in. He let's us finish our song—crossing his arms over his chest as he smiles devilishly. Knowingly. Something flickering behind his gaze.

"You joining our boy band, Killian?" I ask him with a light smile.

"Actually," Killian takes a step. His finger grazing the keyboard. His eyes still blazing. "I came to retrieve you, Your Majesty."

I sigh, placing my drumsticks down. Duty calls. I'm sure there are hands I need to shake, people I need to speak to. It's my job. I stand from my drums, grabbing my crown and delicately placing it on my head. My wolf and I straightening.

"What calls for the attention of the King?" I ask with my formal manner.

"Not the King's attention," Killian smiles. "Aiden's attention."

I frown, unsure what he means. For a brief moment, I glance at Alexander. Maybe my friends came back into town? But seeing the confusion on Alex's expression quickly evaporates that thought from my mind.

"I just thought you'd like to know..." Killian glances between Alex and me before his purple eyes land on my golden ones. His iris blazing and an authentic smile spreading on his lips. "Her eyes are much more stunning in person, Your Majesty."

My body stills. Eyes widen. My wolf freezing me in place. I blink a few times—unsure whether to believe him. Disbelief hitting me so hard I might has well have had a knockout punch to my face. My voice catching in my throat as I try to register what Killian is implying.

Is he joking? My wolf half-growls. Because if he is, it's not funny.

Alexander's eyes widen, a smile on his lips as he turns to look at me. Both of my friends waiting for my reaction. I have no reaction—very unlike me. I suddenly feel sick. Nervous. Excited. Nauseated. Never have I felt this way and it's nerve racking.

"Killian..." My voice unsure.

"She's on the stone terrace." Killian tells me. "I found her walking through the Ballroom. You should hurry, before she decides to slip away like Cinderella."

"Killian..." My voice deepens, eyes intensifying as I feel a small growl.

He puts his hands up, "I'm not kidding. Just call me your Fairy Godmother. With magic and all."

"Aiden..." Alexander comes to my side. Grinning as he pushes me lightly towards the door, "Go."

I let them both follow me out the studio. My body walking but I don't feel like I'm the one moving it. My wolf pulling me forward as I push him back. What if it's not her? Maybe Killian was mistaken. Maybe it's just another girl with gray eyes. It couldn't possibly be...her.

As we make our way back to the Ballroom, my wolf begins to lose it. I quickly force him to calm down and he falls silent in the back of my mind. His presence incredibly strong. Guiding me and sending me a rush of energy that translates as my aura.

Before we walk into the Ballroom—where the sound of music and laughter spills through into the hallway—I turn to Killian and Alexander. My eyes falling on Alex. "What if..." My voice wavering slightly.

I gulp, deciding to mind link him. What if she doesn't...

Alexander smiles, placing his hand on my shoulder. Looking up at me with his icy blue eyes. "Just be yourself, Aiden."

"We'll wait for you by the throne, Your Majesty. I'll inform Ezra." Killian winks at me. He and Alex walking into the Ballroom at my sides before we veer in different directions.

My heart pounding loudly in my chest. She might not want this. I wouldn't. People move out of my way as my aura pushes them like Moses' parting water. No one even tries to speak to me—clearly my expression is hardened—on a mission.

She's going to hate me, I tell my wolf.

Aiden...He tries to reassure me.

When she finds out the truth, I tell him. She'll hate us.

She won't, Aiden. My wolf sighs. She's our Mate. You've protected her away from the Crown for a long time. For once, Aiden. Be selfish. You deserve it.

I lick my lip, trying not to portray my nervousness. Taking a deep breath, I step out onto the terrace. A young woman is standing against the stone railing. Her back turned to me. I take a deep breath—catching entirely.

She smells like white musk and fresh bergamot. It's lovely and quite...addicting. It quickly takes over my senses and I know my wolf is reeling. My head spinning like I'm lightheaded. My heartrate increasing drastically. It has to be her because she smells...incredible.

Everything around me disappears. The sounds of the party, the light from the moon and castle. My eyes suddenly tunnel vision on her. The only sound I hear is my heart deep in my chest.

Even with her back turned to me, I can see how strong she is. The muscles across her shoulders evident. Her arms lean and athletic. If I didn't know any better, I'd say she's quite the fighter.

She turns over her shoulder and I freeze entirely. Her hair a dark chestnut brown—wavy as it cascades down her shoulders. I can't see her face with her mask on—but I don't have to. It's her. Her gray eyes glistening beautifully as they widen in surprise. It looks like there's a thunderstorm churning in those eyes. Almost like Zeus himself is ready to release lightening behind her iris. She's...stunning.

That's exactly how I feel...stunned. I could have had a fish for a Mate, and I would have been equally as happy. Instead, I get her. A woman who looks like she would have statues built for her to be placed on pedestals. Maybe I can do that for her. My wolf already pacing the back of my mind—purring.

I notice her staring at my crown. Looking me over as she's coming to terms with who I am. I try to reel back my aura but even I'm struggling to at the moment. My wolf and I so thrilled.

I pull off the mask from my face, her body slowly turning towards me. Her jaw slacks slightly as she looks over me. Avoiding my eyes entirely. She feels nervous and unsure, which I completely understand.

Until finally, she looks at me. And I her. My breath catching again as her scent becomes utterly intoxicating. As her eyes widen and I hear her own breathing stop momentarily. Her eyes glazing over with silver like the moon dancing on water. I can feel my own do the same.

My wolf purrs deep in my chest as we share The Glaze. Our instincts elevated as one thought courses through us, Mate.

I feel like a child again. Unsure what to say. What to do. I haven't felt this...powerless in years. A sudden pull pushing me forward. I want nothing more than to know her. To know everything about her and understand who she is. To be there for her—lavish her.

The thought of holding her hand. Embracing her close to me. Kissing her lips. All of it just clouding me like the storm raging in her eyes.

I tilt my head to the side—eyeing her carefully. She looks...shocked to say the least. I don't blame her. I push back my instincts entirely. Push my wolf away from doing something rash or dumb. He huffs like an annoyed puppy.

I take a small step towards my Mate. Her body stiffening slightly. I can feel my eyes are blazing intensely.

"I've waited for you for a long time." I tell her honestly. Barely tilting my head down in a small bow. "My Queen."

The word Queen seems to rock through her. Her eyes shifting down as she blinks several times. She stays quiet and for a brief moment, she looks over her shoulder as if believing I'm speaking to someone else. The gesture has me smiling softly.

She's in shock, my wolf tells me.

No shit, I reply. I can see that.

I wait for her patiently as she tries to process it. I'm surprised she's not hyperventilating. She just looks...dismayed.

I bite my lip—controlling every bit of me as I try to sound as calm as possible. She's not in the mindset to be answering questions despite my desperate wanting to know more. Where is she from? Where has she been all these years? What does she like to do? What compels her? How can I give her everything and anything she wants?

I take a deep breath, "Would you like to stay here in the Castle tonight?"

The question catches her off-guard. Her eyes looking up at me. I can't tell if she's disgusted, appalled, afraid. I mean, I think it's all kind of mixing together in her stoic expression.

"We can speak tomorrow," I tell her. "When there are less people. And when you're not...shell shocked."

I stay in place, my head tilted as I eye her over. She's still wearing her mask, but I have to admit, the dress looks stunning on her. The color suits her entirely. Then again, I think any color would suit her.

"If you're not comfortable staying here," I decide to add when I see her jaw slacking. She's struggling to get words out and I have a feeling that's very unlike her. Her energy is off. "You're more than welcomed to return to your home. I would simply like to invite you here tomorrow."

After a few seconds of silence I add, "If you tell me where you're staying, I can send someone for you."

My wolf isn't thrilled with the idea of having her stay somewhere else. He'd so much rather have her nearby. But I'm not going to force her to be here if she doesn't wish to. She's not a prisoner. She's my Mate and she's more than deserving of making her own decisions. My wolf huffs in agreement, pacing in the back of my mind as we wait for an answer.

Her back straightens slightly, eyes narrowing at me with curiosity. I shudder faintly in excitement. Her voice coming out definitively. It sends chills down my back. Sounding both warm and fierce.

"What if I run?" She asks.

Her comment makes me crack a smile—I already like her. She's not said anything, but those four words just make me realize there's a fire behind her.

I lick my lips slowly, my eyes gazing up to the moon for a brief second before they fall back on her. I let out a breath of a laugh, "What's your name?"

Her lips purse but I think we can both agree she doesn't have much of a choice, "Sloane."

I try not to let it get to me but...fuck. Since I was eleven, I've wanted to know her name. I just feel like a kid with a crush. My wolf chuckles in my head, Are you going to write her name next to yours in your notebook?

Shut up, I tell him.

"I'm Aiden."

"Yeah..." Her eyes roll before they land on my crown. "I figured as much."

I try not to chuckle. Pushing everything back. Letting myself stay grounded. Asking her carefully, "Would you take your mask off, Sloane?"

Her name graces off my tongue in a way I never thought anyone's name could. I love the way it sounds. Sloane hesitates for a moment. Until she reaches up and takes off her mask. I'm...a goner.

I blatantly stare. Her face is just as stunning as everything else. She looks even more exquisite in person than when I saw her in the Foretell. Chiseled cheekbones, eyebrows beautifully wrapped over her piercing eyes. I know I'm biased about her beauty, but I guarantee she's turned heads.

"Take a picture." She crosses her arms over her chest.

"Could I?" I offer a smile, but Sloane doesn't seem to appreciate my comment. Her gray eyes narrowing at me harshly. I don't need a picture anyways—her face has been engraved in my mind since I saw her.

I take a deep breath, looking over my shoulder at the party. Turning to her I say, "I don't think you'll run Sloane."

She frowns—surprised by my admission. "Why not?"

"Call it intuition." Taking a step towards her, I shrug. Her eyes watching me carefully as I slowly make my way towards her. She smells so intoxicating. The closer I get, the more my heart pounds. I so badly want to touch her. To kiss her. To love her.

When I'm standing just in front of her, she inclines her head upwards to meet my gaze. I tilt my head, "Your name means warrior. I have a feeling...you won't run."

She clenches her jaw. Her eyes blazing with a storm. I can see she's trying to figure out what to do. I've probably just uprooted her entire life. I've suddenly placed her on a course—a trajectory she hadn't expected. I can see how conflicted she is. Feel how her shock is turning to agitation.

Taking a step back I ask, "Would you prefer to go home tonight? Or stay here?"

Her fists clench for a moment before she let's them go. "I would need clothes." She says.

I blink in surprise. I didn't expect her to want to stay. "We have plenty to spare."

"I need to get my things." She adds.

"You're welcomed to do so whenever you'd like." I tell her, "Unless you want me to send someone to get them for you."

I think she's still in shock. I don't know how else to explain it because she suddenly looks so tired. So confused and conflicted. I think the prospect of finding a place to be by herself is appealing to her in this moment.

"I can have someone show you to a guest room." I tell her gently, my eyebrows furrowing slightly in concern. "They'll bring you some spare clothes as well."

Sloane nods, her own eyebrows knitted together. She looks numbed over. Unsure how to feel and I let myself agree that it's valid. I don't think I would want a Mate who's suddenly power hungry for the throne. Someone who jumps at the idea of being Queen is not appealing to me whatsoever.

This isn't a fun job. It's not an exciting role. I've always known I would Ascend as King, but Sloane didn't have the slightest idea. She didn't grow up in a castle, surrounded by advisors and counselors.

I walk over to the glass door, opening it for her. Waiting for her patiently as she stares at me. Her eyes glittering at my crown with...discernment. I get it...it's not what she wanted.

"Very well..." She takes a few steps towards me. As she walks by, her voice laces with distaste. "Your Majesty."

I can feel my wolf growl in the back of my mind at the disrespectful tone in her voice. I push him back—snapping at him quickly to subdue him. A part of me expected this. All-in-all, it could have gone much better. It could have also gone...horrendously worse.

I can't even deny it as I mind link Ezra and Joanna—I'm thrilled. I watch carefully as Sloane walks into the castle. Unable to control the stupid, juvenile smile on my face. Killian the Fairy Godmother—indeed. 

***

A/N: Thoughts?? Expectations? Surprised by Sloane's decision?

Aiden's pretty stinking cute, right?

Also! Check out the new Fan Covers that were made for all my stories :)) They're all a chapter right behind the Authors note. Give it some love!!!