Torn

Chapter 57✓

Carter

Elder Audrey stands in front of a podium, looking intimidating as fuck. Quinn is positioned on my left, while Xander is on my right. They each take one of my hands and I squeeze theirs tight in return.

"What an absolutely average day for a mating." Elder Audrey begins. "But as well all know, this isn't just any mating. We have two packs joining together to create the ever fathomable Alpha Ultima, as well as the Luna has not been blessed with the bond. No, she is to be is a chosen mate. Not to mention a human one at that." Elder Audrey sneers down at me and I'm honestly so taken aback by her words I'm not sure how to handle it.

Her smile sends chills down my spine, and I can't get past that this is the most outright hostile anyone from the werewolf community has been to me thus far. Something dark seem to be hidden behind her eyes. I look over to Quinn and then Xander to see their jaws clenched and brows furrowed.

My mates are not happy with how things are going so far, that I can tell. While Audrey may be an older woman but the power that radiates off her, comes off in almost physical waves. Her aura demands respect.

"Because of these factors, today's ceremony will be performed a little... differently." She looks over to Serena who holds a long, covered, black box in her hands.

Serena walks up to us and kneels on one knee in front of Elder Audrey. She holds up the box above her lowered head and the Elder steps up to take it from Serena's hands.

"As Carter, being a human, is unable to mark her mates in return, we will bind their life forces together in a different manner." Her eyes flick to mine once more and the darkness I see hiding there, makes my stomach clench.

Every time Elder Audrey said the word "human", it comes out dripping with disgust. She clearly doesn't like me, but I don't understand why. My mates are vibrating at my sides, but nothing can be done about this. We need an officiant, and the ceremony cannot be completed without an elder.

If it weren't for the Claiming Moon being today, I honestly would be asking to postpone until another day. We're out of time and I won't let a snobby old woman take my men from me and watch them mate fucking Chantal because of my hurt feelings.

My brows furrow as I think about what she has said. How are we going to bind our life forces if Quinn and Xander aren't going to Mark me?

"Don't worry, love. We still have every intention of Marking you as ours. " Quinn says quietly.

"It'll just be in the privacy of our room and away from all of the seeing eyes." Xander purrs and gives me a suggestive wink.

My cheeks flush again and I have to squeeze my thighs together tightly. A few more hours and we will be all alone. To say I am anxious is an understatement. The need I have for them slowly building as the day has gone on.

Elder Audrey clears her throat loudly as she tries to get our attention back to her. The audience chuckles and I lower my head in embarrassment. Of course, werewolves with their damn increased hearing would be able to hear, even though it was whispered.

"Sorry, Elder. Please continue." Quinn says apologetically though he's still looking down at me with a devilish smirk.

Elder Audrey lifts one hand and opens the black box in front of her. The inside of the box is filled with red silk-like material and nestled inside is a long, curved, and dangerous looking blade.

The delicate golden handle is adorned with red gemstones. The slick silver blade curves wickedly and glistens in the fading light of the sun. My breath hitches and my heartbeat triples.