The Crown

3 - Grace

The gates to the castle appear before me as the barrier to my soon to be new pack's land. I had crossed this line many times before but now I would be their next Alpha Queen as well as their female Alpha. As much as the Luna title sounded beautiful Caden and I had agreed I was more Alpha then Luna.

The sounds of the metal gates opening reaches my ears and soon the limo was rolling through them, my new life coming nearer and nearer with every minute. To say I was nervous was an understatement. I was scared. If it wasn't for the air conditioner I would be sweating bullets from where I sat.

With a sigh I started messaging my love how close I was, waiting for a reply for a few minutes but none came. So I kept trying to reach him, calling him and messaging him. But sadly no answer. So I tried some one I knew who would pick up.

"Karina Randall speaking." I smile at my new sister's voice, glad she knew how to pick up.

"Hey Riri, I'm close to the castle want to get every one ready?" I say a little frustrated still with Caden.

"Uh oh. What did the idiot do this time?" Karina asks and I frown.

"Ask him why he hasn't picked up his cell phone when he specifically asked me to call and text him letting him know how close I was." I answer back.

"Well, okay then. The dog house is in the back yard feel free to use it." My sister dead pans for me and I couldn't help but laugh.

"Okay, I'll see you in a few." I say after a few minutes of laughing, hanging up and placing my phone back into my purse. I was happy I had met Korina back in the infirmary after The Run. She had clicked with me and Amelia and the three of us always made plans to hang out when we were all free. I was happy I would have some one I trust in this pack right away while I learned more about the royal wolf pack.

The ride through the pack grounds were quiet, forest on either side of the long road giving off a peaceful vibe. I couldn't wait to run through the trees.

The t.v. in the limo tuned into the latest news in the werewolf comunity, and my focused zeroed in on the one topic I hated with all my heart. The Run.

"His Majesty plans on terminating The Run for good in the next few weeks with something elaborate. What that is no one knows." The news women states as the screen behind her shows the highlights of the previous one, the one I had beaten.

"Our new Queen was also a part of the previous event and came out unmated. Now, how can this she wolf be our Queen if she wasn't even claimed properly." A male wolf states as the screen widens to show his angered state.

That just made me pissed beyond belief as I threw the remote at the t.v. shattering the screen. How could they judge me. The Run was a primative event that degraded us she wolves and I was happy to help get rid of it.

"Your Majesty?" The driver asks and I sigh.

"Why do reporters have to be assholes?" I ask, getting a chuckle from the man.

"Because they think they're right and that no one should argue." His response has me chuckling and tension easing from my shoulders.

"We've arrived." Those simple words have me sitting up straighter and smoothing the wrinkles out of my dress. The car came to a stop and the driver soon gets out, the sounds of wolves chatting away and the flash of cameras shuttering away at my direction.

Silence soon settled over the area and I hear the door open, a hand being offered to help me out and I graciously take it. I knew how to get out, I was trained for this day by Karina. Feet first, then head, then stand. And that's what I did.

My heels clip against the stone of the walk way and I duck my head through the door before rising with an elegant smile plastering my face. A red carpet led from a foot before the car towards the door where Caden, Zander and Korina stood waiting.

FLASH

"Grace! What do you think will happen this year with The Run." Came the first of many questions and I just turn and smile at the reporter.

"You will find out what we have planned when the time is right. For now leave the planning to us." I answer as sweetly as I could before ignoring them and turning to greet my new pack members.

Pups held out flowers for my and I happily took them, creating a bouquet as I hugged the little ones. I shook hands with the older members before I continued my way towards my mate, waving the way Korina had taught me until I was face to face with my mate.

[You're lucky there is a crowd.] I mind link him angrily as he pulls me close into a hug, our lips meeting and I couldn't help but melt into his embrace.

[I know, I know.] He links back as we turn to head inside with a final wave to the crowd before the doors were closed and only Korina, Zander, Caden and I were left alone.

"I'll take those." Korina says, taking my bouquet as I turn my glare to Caden.

"What the hell is wrong with you. You have a god damn cell phone for a reason why didn't you pick up. The limo could have been attacked by rogues and you would never know till it was too late." I snap, feeling Zander and Korina back up away from us.

"I know I'm sorry but I was dealing with paper work." He says back defensively at me.

"What happened to 'I'll focus on you today and say screw work.' Caden?" I ask, crossing my arms and scowling.

"I forgot okay."

"No its not okay." With that I turn around and march away from my mate, rushing up the stairs and heading to what had become my sanctuary here. The library.

"Grace?" Korina's voice reaches me as she follows after my retreating form.

"He's an idiot." I grumble back, getting a laugh from my sister .

"But you love him." She retorts with and I sigh.

"He has my heart what do you expect?" We both smile and laugh as we settle into the soft couches in the large book filled room, the sun streaming in from large windows.

"He does have to remember the important stuff, aka you." She concludes and I nodd. For now I wanted to avoid my mate until he learned that certain events are more important then work.