Chapter 1: Chapter 1 Horsehoes and Rainbows

Arabella’s POV~

My mother! She plops me down right in front of the king’s castle. Sebastian McCallum..My mate and manwhore extraordinaire..and I get to convince him true mates do exist..and I am his! Fun times!

But, at least, she put me in a gorgeous gown! A spicy number, royal blue with silver threads running through it..backless and a cowl neck..just enough side boob to be Hott, with a slit up my right leg to my hip. Matches my blue eyes and waist length platinum hair. My only complaint is she didn’t give me her height..I’m only 5’2.. *Sigh*

My name is Arabella Sirces. My mother is the Moon Goddess. My father was the Alpha of Silver Moon Pack..until he was assassinated in his sleep by his chosen mate and her lover. I have known Sebastian is my mate since I was 10 years old..8 years now..and she decided I needed to observe him from her realm, whenever I visited. Thanks, Mom! I’m scarred for life! So, now I’m here..in front of the castle, stalling my entrance. I am nearly 45 minutes past the time the ball commenced…why, you ask?..because my mother said I have to make an entrance.

The whole purpose of this ball is for my mate to choose his forever partner. Yep..my 25 year old mate has decided time has come to get married. Ah well! Here goes nothing, and I step inside. An elegant elderly man is standing just beyond the entryway. He asks my name and could he see my invitation. I hand it to him..he reads it and hands it to the young man beside him..says “Announce her” and to me he says “follow him” .. So, I do..because..why not?

The sentries open the double doors and the young man waves me forward and halts me at the top of a grand staircase and Aramis says ‘this some Cinderella shit right here’ and I smile. That young man picks up a microphone and announces to the crowd, at large “Lady Arabella Sirces of Silver Moon” and I am left with nothing other than to march my happy ass down 1483 stairs!

Don’t fall! Don’t fall,.Bella..you can do this..you don’t want to land on your ass! As I was finishing my inner pep talk I realized I am at the bottom of the stairs and all eyes had followed me down. Awkward much? A gentleman stepped to me and said “Allow me, Milady” reaching his hand out, palm up..for me to take. I took it and he led me over to get a drink. He said “Royal Beta Kaiden Black, at your service “ and I smiled and said “you already know my name.”And he nodded, with a grin.

The air around my head filled with the amazing scent of fresh cut grass and mint and I put my head down. Fuck me..already? Well..here we go! Amaris is dancing in my brain. I said I love you Mari..bear with me. She just came back with ‘You can do this!’ I turned slowly and looked him up from his alligator shoes to his form fitting tuxedo slacks, a crisp white shirt and a jacket that fit his shoulders so perfectly, I could feel my pussy clench. And oh the irony! His royal blue tie! I looked all the way up to his gorgeous face. Strong jaw line. Full lips. Perfect nose. And directly into his eyes..green with golden glints! His shoulder length shiny black hair, pulled into a stylish manbun.

His deep, velvety voice said “Are you done?” I laughed and said “Yeppp…Not bad, but I’ve seen better”. And we released our scent for a moment..long enough for him to catch a whiff just to watch his face. Perverse, I know.. but he ain’t ever met anyone like me before.. so he best buckle up! He stood staring at me for several long moments. Then he looked at Kaiden and said “Arrange a room for this one, too” and he turned to walk away..

I laughed.. He spun and glared at me. And I sweely said “I’m Arabella.” He said “I heard..your point?” I said “I just didn’t want you to confuse me with all your chippies”. And I heard Kaiden chuckle.

Sebastian just spun on his heel and walked away. Kaiden said “nice first impression” I laughed and said “I’m not here to impress him. He is my True Mate and eventually he will realize that! Now dance with me! “

We walked onto the dance floor and Kaiden said “You just made my life a whole lot more interesting! Does the king know?” I said “he has an idea..I released my scent for a few seconds. So..he’s puzzling it out! You don’t get to tell him.. that’s cheating.” I gave him a cheeky grin and he said “Allow me to thank you for the laughs this is going to bring” And I laugh. He twirls me around and I hear Sebastian behind me, asking to cut in.

I told Kaiden I would meet him at the bar after..I was gonna need a drink. He laughs..waving..walks away. I turn and step into Sebastian’s space. We take position and start moving to the music. He remains silent a minute. Then says “Please limit your time with Kaiden. He gets distracted easily” I giggle and say “Oh I don’t know. I think he and I will make fast friends!” He said “he doesn’t need anymore friends. And you are here for me to determine if you will be a suitable bride” and I laughed again! And I said “I know I’m suitable..the jury is still out on you.” And I headed to find Kaiden and a very stiff glass of whiskey!

I reached the bar and ordered my whiskey. I took a sip and surveyed the room. I spotted Kaiden talking to another nice looking man..nearly the same height. They make their way over to me. He said “how’d that go?” And I laughed and said “I was warned away from you because you are easily distracted.”

His eyes got wide and I grinned. The man who had walked up with him, held his hand out, saying “Hi! I’m Royal Gamma Brayden Collins” I said..”ahhh Luna’s protector. Well, I can protect myself, but I would be proud to call you friend”. And shook his hand. He smiled and said “So you have made up your mind to be the Luna Queen?” I said “nooo…that is a decision made by Our Goddess…” Brayden laughs “True Mates? That’s still a thing where you come from?” I said “that is a thing from all over the world..Just because people have decided to ignore her teachings..her dictates..doesn’t make it any less true!” And I smiled sweetly.

Then, I said “how many other girls has he arranged rooms for, Kaiden?” He said “There are 20, including you. Tomorrow morning, you ladies will meet in the grand salon to educate the King on your merits.” I busted out a laugh and said “I will not sell myself to my mate.. he will determine my ‘merits’ as he gets to know me.” Brayden said “But, this is a competition and you must compete. King Sebastian already has 3 favorites that he is leaning towards “

Kaiden said “The competitions prove your worth.” My worth?? I already know my worth.. Amaris says just figure out what we have to do! I want Eros! I looked at the guys and asked what the competitions entail. Brayden speaks up and says “Speed, strength, and endurance. As well as sparring against the other ladies to prove fighting skills. Archery, rifle and handguns competition. Talent and skills..can you cook..dance or play music.. things a female would be proficient with” I said “Fuck me running? Do I have to prove I can wipe his ass, too?” And they both busted out laughing and said “noooo” And I said “well..horsehoes and rainbows up my ass, for that!