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It’s almost magical. Elegant and formal. Fitting for royalty. And as I stand in my flowing, lace and crystal bead-studded gown in the same shade as Enzo’s sapphire eyes, I feel as if I’m queen already. While I’ll be announced as their omega, I won’t actually be able to receive a formal title from the Pack Regimes until I give them an heir.
My heart races at the thought. This is happening. This is really happening. I get to bond with the men of my dreams. My perfect alphas and beta. My knights in bulletproof armor.
But why do I grow more nervous by the second? I both love and freak out at the idea of my impending heat. My body has begun to change already, and things grow more fragrant. Desire constantly clings to me, and it takes everything in me not to plead for sex. For pleasure and bliss.
Desmond slides his arm around my waist, pulling me in close. We stay out of reach from the top packs from Saint Vista and the bordering regions. They’ll never get close to me. My guys want to make an example of how an omega should be cherished and loved. Protected and treated as the most special beings in the world. This is our chance to make a difference. I wish my parents were here to see this. I wish no one, including my former intended pack, had ever been sacrificed for me to get to this point in my life.
Soft music trickles through the air, and I step closer to the railing and clutch it, watching as Wilder steps from the crowd and onto the podium, his tuxedo hugging his body in just the right way, defining his muscular biceps. He looks incredibly sexy with his hair styled and his eyes shining with his own excitement. I can only imagine how incredible this feels for him, finally reaping the benefits of all of his and his brothers’ hard work.
Arsenio and Enzo remain guarded, each of them standing watch on both sides of the stage. Everyone in the crowd hovers around and bows slightly, acknowledging his presence as a new leader within the Saint Vista Pack Regimes.
“It is a great honor to stand here today, accepting the crown and the authoritative position of Gilded Sands.” Wilder straightens his shoulders. “Even though the circumstances were not ideal, my pack has felt ready to grow and adjust for a bright future. If you are standing here before me, please know that we highly respect you on many levels, from leadership to allies. Those of you among us are some of our most trusted, and we’re ready to announce the change in our hierarchy. I might be taking the crown today, but from this moment forward, I will be sharing it with my brothers. We find great benefit in coming together with our different ideals, desires, and expectations for our people. We want to progress our territory and move away from the outdated, oppressive ruling, which my father laid forth. It is with great pleasure that I also announce Saint Vista’s very first leading beta. We have decided that the man worthy of taking control of our brand-new territory and the Platinum Shores Pack should belong to Desmond of Gilded Sands.” Wilder turns his attention to the balcony, and Desmond freezes beside me, his muscles stiffening.
I had no idea Wilder and his brothers had planned this. And from the look on Desmond’s face, he had no idea either.
The crowd murmurs before clapping, remaining respectful though it looks as if some of the alphas might disagree with Wilder’s announcement.
I squeeze Desmond’s hand and smile, giving him a little shake to help put some sense back into him. A dozen emotions cross his features before he composes himself and offers Wilder a slow nod. From our spot, only his brothers can see us, but now we must join them on the stage.
“Please rise as my brother takes the new crown of our growing kingdom.” Wilder motions to his cousin, who brings out several ornate crowns and a tiara.
Desmond guides me toward the velvet curtain of the balcony and the expansive staircase. I stop him before we can come into view and turn to face him. I cup his cheeks with my hands and stretch up, kissing him softly.
“This is incredible. I’m so happy,” I say.
Desmond doesn’t respond, but he does kiss me back. I want so desperately for him to tell me what’s on his mind. To help me decipher his scent, covered by a masculine cologne.
We reach the top of the grand staircase, every other step blooming with bouquets of white and lavender flowers along the railing, and Desmond pauses. He adjusts his tuxedo jacket, taking a moment to drink everything in.
“Is this real?” he murmurs, clearing his throat. “This can’t be, can it?”
I love that Desmond’s brothers wanted to surprise him with such a monumental gift, especially because he’s always struggling with his order, and this means that they truly believe he is worthy of being a leader. On the other hand, I can tell that Desmond has been thrown off. He’s conflicted over something and making such an announcement in front of all of our people and allies might not have been the best idea.
I squeeze his hand. “It’s definitely real. Now take a deep breath and show everyone how amazing you are. My handsome, powerful, smart, and incredibly sexy king. I believe in you. I can’t wait to celebrate in private. Just you and me.”
He puffs out a breath and guides me down the stairs, studying me to ensure I don’t trip on my high heels peeking out from my ballgown. Heat crawls up my chest and neck, and I turn my eyes toward the floor, afraid that I might accidentally catch the gaze of someone in the crowd.
The crowd remains standing, shiny dress shoes and a couple pairs of glittering heels the only thing I can see from my downturned attention. Soft applause continues until we reach the podium, and Wilder’s strong vetiver and forest scent engulfs my senses, calming my racing heart.
Extending his arm, Wilder coaxes me to leave Desmond’s side. I stroll forward tentatively, a part of me wanting to remain firmly by Desmond’s side while another part of me wants to fall into Wilder. But I can’t deny our king. He’s the leader of the Gilded Sands Pack until he signs the formal announcement. If I deny Wilder, it would be seen as rejection. Desmond kisses my temple, showing me that he understands. I can read them unlike anyone else can, knowing what to do by their scent alone.
I curtsey and allow Wilder to spin me into his arms, where he dips me backward, kissing me passionately, nearly erotically, in front of everyone. This is his proof of claim on me. This is proof that I am officially the Gilded Sands’ omega.
He snuggles his face to the crook of my neck as he brings me back up, enveloping me in a hug. It’s as if he will only allow the crowd to glimpse quick peeks of me by blocking their view with his muscular body. And I don’t mind it. I don’t want their focus.
Desmond clears his throat, adjusting the microphone. “It’s always like you to shift attention away from yourself, brother.”
Wilder chuckles, the gravelly sensation rumbling against my cheek. “And it is always like you to steal it. So, this works out, doesn’t it?”
Desmond smiles, his handsome face lighting up. “It’s quite the honor to be named as the king and leader of Platinum Shores.” His voice rises as it bellows through the speakers, his confidence radiating from him. “But you won’t get rid of me quite so easily. Our alliance will merge these two kingdoms into the force our people need. That is my promise. I will rule with the guidance and power of my entire pack.”
Soft applause hums through the air, the murmurs growing louder. The crowd doesn’t know how to truly react apart from being cordial. We won’t hear anything until after the ball. At this point, I think we’ll take what we can get. Right now, I want to celebrate. My pack deserves this—a night of fun without the looming threat of their father or rivals hanging over them.
“And speaking of my pack, I’d like to welcome my brothers and trusted advisors to the stage along with His Majesty and former King, Winston, to announce our engagement to our omega and future queen.” Desmond nods in my direction. “Our beautiful, perfect Kinsey of Gilded Sands.” It doesn’t go unnoticed that he declares me a part of the territory instead of giving recognition to my birth pack and territory.
Wilder doesn’t give me a chance to think about it before he lifts me off my feet and carries me to the podium. Enzo and Desmond meet me with a kiss from each of them, and the applause from the crowd heightens in volume.
“Keep your gaze on me, Kinsey,” Wilder whispers, touching my cheek. “I don’t want you giving the fucker even a second glance, okay? This is all for show. To prove the king is alive and able to pass on his reign.”
