Her Cold-Hearted Alpha

KIARA

I took a deep breath as I entered the same venue as last night . This time I felt a thousand times different . There was no excitement , but a deep pain in my chest . M y mate was going to mark someone else tonight . That had been another slap in the face , but on the way here , Mom had mentioned how the council seemed to want the marking done today too . Dad and I both hadn’t told her about my mate .

First of all , I didn’t get the chance as she and Dad had practically jumped each other the moment Mom walked on to pack grounds , and then Raihana had helped me get ready . Sadly , Raven had gone back home per her dad’s orders . Although she had wanted to stay , her dad had heard of the attack and was going crazy , so she had to listen . Her dad reminded her that she was still seventeen and under his command . I couldn’t blame him , and I kind of agreed , being around me she’d just be in more danger .

aunger . I could see many had their eyes on me , and as much as I’d love to say it was because of how I was dressed , I knew it wasn’t . Well , not entirely . The rumours about me had spread and now all the unmated Alphas were eyeing me like a prize to be won , knowing I had special abilities like my mother . I hated their predatory gazes and their lust – filled eyes . Dad had one arm around Mom , the other around me.

I was the only woman dressed in dark colours as I had wanted . I was here to make a statement , and although mom had questioned me on my choice to go against the dress code , she hadn’t said much . Rayhan had offered to accompany me tonight , saying it was just as a friend , but I didn’t want to entangle him in this mess anymore . Now that I knew who my mate was , the thought of any other man was off – putting . Raven had chosen a gown that screamed me , yet at the same time ,

it was elegant . Made up of black sequined lace and sheer nude panels , it was cut in a mermaid style , with a trail spread behind me . It had long sleeves that were partially sheer and a dipped sweetheart neckline that was sheer down the centre , showing off a good amount of cleavage . I wore nude heels , and my hair was curled with half pinned u p and the rest down , a small thin vine entwined into it .

I had told Raihana to go easy on the make up today . Keeping the base dewy , with a soft smoky eye and matt red lips . I didn’t want to look like I was trying too hard , and after last night , I didn’t feel up to the full dramatic look . I wasn’t even able to look at the mating ball dress that I had picked out so lovingly . Although when I looked in the mirror I still looked regal , there weren’t those excited sparks of a girl wanting to meet her soul mate anymore . I looked like a woman standing i n the face of destruction , staying strong n o matter how bleak the future looked .

was that there were a lot fewer people . Soft music played in the background and there was the bustle of waiters carrying trays of drinks . Then the pleasant ,

it . ” Elijah ! ” Uncle Rafael’s voice came . We all turned to see him standing there with his mate , who looked stunning in a nude gown , Raihana by her side in pastel pink . Everyone met each

little strange calling him uncle now . ” Where is Alejandro anyway ? ” Rafael asked , now looking around . ” He’ll come soon enough , I’m guessing . ” Maria said . I saw the uncomfortable look in her eyes , seemed like she didn’t really like him

drink . ” She whispered . ” Raihana . ” Her mom warned . ” We’re just going over to the dessert table . ” I said before excusing us from the adults . ” 1 ” How come you broke the dress code ? ” Raihana now asked , looking me over . Don’t

I had just taken a bite when his deep , rich , seductive scent hit me like an avalanche . My heart pounded recklessly as I slowly turned to look at the man that had just entered , as did everyone else . He looked extremely handsome in a black suit , a white shirt that had

too ? My heart was thumping but I wasn’t going to let him get to me . I turned my attention to Jasmin , who stood by his side , her hand resting on his arm ever so slightly , as if she was scared he’d pull away or lash out if she got too comfortable . Funny , considering they were fucking just yesterday … She looked stunning in a gold shimmery princess gown ; her hair was twisted up in a bun with a tiara sitting on top of her head

” Raihana said , earning a frown from her mother . I saw her glance at me and knew she wasn’t sure about how things were with Alejandro and me . I was glad she didn’t bring it up again , and I was even more glad she didn’t know about Rayhan and m e . Everyone had fallen silent as the king made his way through the centre . ” She does look good , a fitting pair . ” I said softly . ” Yes . ” Mom said with a nod . She looked at me and I saw

My heart thudded with pain and sadness but I simply looked at him indifferently , I wasn’t going to react . I was here to show him that I wasn’t going to mourn him . I saw his eyes flicker

to Alejandro , who simply ignored him . I felt a bit bad as he went beetroot red in front of so many Alpha’s who were already jealous of him

them , clearly unaffected . I needed a drink , but at the same time , I didn’t want to lose my senses , not after how recklessly I had behaved last time . ” You girls

kiss on the forehead , before meeting Mom with a kiss too . ” He’s a charmer . ” Mom said with amusement . ” Yeah . ” Dad said , glaring at Rayhan , who simply flashed him a smirk . I knew Dad wasn’t happy about our night together … ”

Rayhan said with a wink as Dad growled a t him . I felt a pair of eyes searing into me and I