Chapter 8: Chapter 8 But I Want This One
Phoebe’s POV
Something primal surged through me, demanding I climb that podium and reach my mate. I had to get closer to him. This magnetic force was fiercer than anything I’d ever felt—even stronger than what I’d experienced with Kevin a year ago.
The crowded hall faded away until only he remained—that man with piercing electric blue eyes studying me with bewilderment. A slow smirk curved his lips as he tilted his head, like understanding had just clicked into place.
He was actually smiling at me. Those electric blue eyes were the most stunning thing I’d ever witnessed.
I couldn’t stop myself. He held me completely captive, and getting close to him became my only desire.
But before I could take another step, two royal warriors stepped into my path, ordering me back from the king. I wasn’t permitted here.
"Go back!" One warrior’s voice cut through the air as he seized my hand, yanking me toward the exit for disrupting the ceremony.
"No... I..." I fought against his grip, my eyes darting between the warrior and the king. Words tangled on my tongue. I couldn’t leave—not when my mate was right there. "No, please... I..."
Wild panic clawed at my chest. This was the first real emotion I’d felt in a year, having survived only by numbing myself completely—the only way I could endure Kevin’s nightly visits, his body claiming mine.
"This..." The words died as my eyes found my mate’s again. He just watched with that entertained smile. Was he mocking me?
Would this be my second rejection?
I’d already lost my wolf spirit to the first one. Would this rejection cost me my life?
The warriors weren’t interested in my protests, dragging me toward the exit as quickly as possible.
From my peripheral vision, I caught my father moving toward the door.
Even through my desperate need to reach my mate, I knew what awaited me. Cameron would make sure this humiliation came with severe consequences.
He’d ensure I regretted every second of it.
Each step toward that door made my stomach drop deeper. I was about to be discarded again. This would end in another rejection—my mate wouldn’t want me either.
Who could want me? I was just an omega.
The reality hit me like a physical blow—my second chance mate was the king himself. The Mad King.
I swallowed my tears and stopped fighting.
I retreated back into my protective shell, numbing everything to shield myself from the coming pain.
Then suddenly, strong hands yanked me away from the warriors. Delicious electricity sparked across my skin, and I knew instantly who had grabbed me before I even saw him.
My back collided with his solid chest as his scent wrapped around me. I drew in a deep breath and closed my eyes, drowning in the sensation.
The bond between us was powerful enough to make me feel safe for the first time in forever. I didn’t care about anyone else watching, though I caught my father’s jaw dropping in complete shock at what he was witnessing.
Cameron froze mid-step. His eyes nearly bulged from their sockets, especially when the king nuzzled my neck and licked the sensitive skin there—right in front of hundreds of people.
This intimate display was completely inappropriate for public viewing, but who would dare complain to the Mad King?
"My king... this..." The two warriors immediately backed away from the king and the woman in his arms. Confusion flickered across their faces, but they were smart enough not to interrupt this moment.
Kevin, however, lacked that wisdom. His voice boomed across the hall when he saw what the king was doing to his plaything. Rage and jealousy consumed him from within.
Even though he’d rejected me, I still belonged to him. No one else could touch me—only him.
"King Perry!" Kevin shot up from the platform.
As the host alpha for this ceremony, he occupied the second-highest seat after the king.
I felt the king’s chest rumble with annoyance as he turned lazily, his arms still locked around my body. This definitely wasn’t the kind of display you’d show in front of pack members.
"May I know what you’re doing, my king?" Kevin struggled to sound respectful, but everyone could hear the razor edge in his tone.
Kevin was furious.
His eyes blazed with rage, especially watching King Perry place one hand on my stomach while the other wrapped around my neck.
It was far too intimate.
"Here, I’m announcing you as alpha of Obsidian Claw pack. Alpha Kevin, you may proceed with the ceremony. Congratulations."
King Perry delivered his speech with me still in his arms, completely dismissing Kevin.
Why wouldn’t he? No one mattered to him. A young alpha like Kevin was merely an insignificant annoyance.
"My king, I think you need to release her. She’s just an omega in this pack. If you want another woman, I can arrange one for you. A more suitable one."
Kevin’s eyes locked on mine as he spoke that last sentence, making it clear I wasn’t even close to being suitable for anyone.
"Is that so?" Perry raised his eyebrows. "But I want this one."
Right there, in front of hundreds of witnesses, the king tilted my head and sank his teeth into my sweet spot, marking me as his.
