The ball was held in the training arena which felt odd considering we had just sentenced prisoners here only a day ago. Still, it was nothing less than extravagant and elegant with floral centerpieces, soft lighting, and black accents. I had to admit that the king and queen made quick and beautiful work of the materials they had been given.

But I was hardly paying attention to the decorations, the gentle music, or the people who twirled around me. My eyes were locked on Grant who looked beyond handsome.

He had really gotten much healthier since I had first found him and he was recovering very well from the second incident. His shoulders were broader with muscles, his arms thicker, and his legs stronger. His hair was thick and glossy, his eyes bright and gleaming. And seeing him in a fitted suit with his hands in his pockets and a warm smile on his lips made my heart melt in my chest. Honestly, I had no idea how I managed to land a man like him. I was so incredibly proud of the man he had become.

"You look amazing V." Grant whispered as he neared me. his eyes roved over my body shamelessly and the arm he wrapped around my waist was nothing short of possessive and lustful. "I really love the way you look in black." He growled.

"Well, I love the way you look in a suit and I can't wait to take it off when we get to our room tonight." I purred.

Grant chuckled, "You really are trying to kill me, aren't you?"

I just laughed, spun out of his arms and proceeded towards some of my pack mates.

"You look lovely, alpha." One of them commented.

I thanked him bashfully, but I felt like a goddess in the dress and it was wonderful to know that I looked the part. The dress was long and flared out at the bottom in a slight mermaid style and a pale gold coloured layer of fabric was covered with elegant black lace that came up to my collar bones and extended down my arms. The dress was also backless which made me feel incredibly sexy.

Supper was underway quite quickly and my whole pack was seated at a dozen tables that extended through the arena while Grant and myself were seated at a long, rectangular table with the king and queen. The whole atmosphere went from sweet and light to awkward and tense. My table was no exception either.

"So, Theo, how has the pack been taking the theme of royalty in the past few days?" The queen asked kindly. I really admired the way she softened the king and I knew that if I tried I could become very fond of her, but I was still wary of the king and queen for obvious reasons.

Grant, on the other hand, seemed to reject them and their lifestyle completely, "Ask Vienna, it's her pack, I've only been here a few months, they don't talk to me all that much yet." He grumbled, sawing at his steak.

"Well, Vienna, how do you think your pack is taking to all the news? It must be quite frightening for them, so much has changed in a very short time." The queen mused, her eyes focusing on me. "It must be terribly hard for you, since you're their alpha."

"It hasn't been easy." I agreed with a tight smile. At this point I was simply willing myself not to cry and the tears did stay away, "They're managing and they trust me to make the right choices on their behalf."

"Well, I'm sure you will. In the short time that my husband and I have been here we've noticed that your pack is extremely devoted to you. I haven't seen a pack love their alpha this much in years. What you have done for your pack and yourself is truly amazing, my dear." The queen said. Her composure was so soft and sweet it made my heart ache to think that Grant had missed out on having her as a mother. And it devastated me to think that such a lovely lady had to go through the fear of her son being kidnapped.

"Yes, it's going to be very hard for your pack when you leave them to come live at the castle." The king stated bluntly.

I wanted to throw up at his words. "I'm not leaving my pack." I snapped back, my emotions becoming unhinged.

"Well, you'll have to if you want to be a royal. You can't bring them all with you and expect them to be as good as our royal pack." The king scoffed, "You could hardly have omegas running around."

Grant's hand clenched down on the knife and fork he was holding and his jaw tightened, but he didn't utter a word.

"Avon, that's enough." The queen hissed, "Can't you see you're upsetting them?"

"It's time they faced facts." He chided.

"Do you want to lose our son again?" The queen demanded.

"She can't be a queen, look at her." The king said, gesturing towards me.

The lovely feeling I had had in this dress suddenly disappeared and the tears I assumed were gone came flooding back and almost spilled over.

"I need to get some fresh air." I blubbered, getting up.

"I'll come with you." Grant offered.

I didn't reply to him, I just hustled out of the arena, careful not to step on my dress or fall because of my wobbly heels. Once the I burst through the door and the cold air hit my face I began to cry.

"Oh, V." Grant whispered. He pulled me into a hug and traced my spin carefully, "I'm so sorry, sweety. I had no idea he was such an...asshole. If you don't want to go to Germany we won't go. I'd be more than happy to stay here with you and stay with your pack. I know how important they are to you." He soothed.

"No, no, we can't do that." I mumbled, brushing away the tears, "We can't. It would ruin everything. Who would be the next king and queen? We have to go, I just hated the way he talked about my pack, like they're disposable."

"Vienna, we can stay."

"Grant, I'm serious, we have to go. I can't be selfish and just think of my pack. I can deal with your dad if it means you're finally going to have the life you deserve and if it keeps peace in the werewolf community." I said.

"But your pack-"

"I'll think of something, I'm sure of it." I said, sounding much more confident than I felt.

Grant and I stayed outside for a few more minutes. I insisted we go back inside, but he wanted to make sure I was okay and I think he was trying to calm himself down as well. The king had struck some nerves with both of us.

"We got this." I whispered, pulling him in for a kiss. "We're a team now, an unbeatable team."

Grant pulled away with a slight smile. "We're a power couple." He agreed, then opened the door so we could rejoin the ball.

When we got back to our table there was an awkward silence, then the queen jabbed the king with her elbow.

He winced, "I would like to apologize for my insensitivity." He blurted. Another sharp jab was delivered by the queen, "I understand that this is a very tough time for you. I hope we can look past it and carry on with the ceremonies."

Grant and I both nodded.

The ceremonies were both short and bitter sweet. I felt better since I came to the conclusion that I could not stay here, but I felt awful knowing there was no going back now. Soon I would be moving to Germany and I would be leaving my pack behind. I was just thankful that the ceremony was a condensed version since we hadn't flown back to Germany and made the big announcement yet. Regardless, when the king spoke and proclaimed that Grant and I were next in line to take over the kingdom I shivered and when the heavy, jewel encrusted crown was placed on my head I wanted to crumple up like a piece of paper.

But then I looked at Grant out of the corner of my eye. He looked strong and regal with a crown on his head, like it belonged there and I realized that staying here with my pack would've been the wrong thing for both of us. I needed a challenge and he needed a fresh start. This was the best thing for us as a couple.

"I now pronounce thee to be the next king and queen of werewolves." The king boomed.

My pack erupted in applause and Grant squeezed my hand lovingly.

As long as he was by my side, I could do this.