The Game Of Quadruplet Mates
Chapter 12

The time has come.

"All attendees must proceed to the gardens for the final ceremony."

The announcement from the speakers was loud and clear. Everyone within the mansion would be able to hear it.

My stomach felt uneasy and I felt sick. I convinced myself that it's just the alcohol from last night. It simply did not have a connection with that fact that in just a few minutes, I would be more or less taking Pete as my mate. My stomach lurched for the third time today and I ran to my bathroom vomiting what's left of my brunch on the toilet.

I'm strong. I can do this. I've faced greater challenges than a stupid wedding. My father made sacrifices for me. It's part of life. It's part of being a good family and pack member. I will handle this wisely and gracefully. Pete is Pete. I've known him since I was little. Despite what happened these past few days, there's history between us. And... and it's not like I can't live with it.

Feeling more confident than I was when I first came into my room, I stood from my kneeling position on the toilet and flushed its contents. I brush my teeth and try to salvage my face.

When I'm finally a bit more presentable, I leave my room and descend the stairs to the ground floor.

Larissa is waiting for me at the entrance. She has always been a firm believer of 'f u c k the men that try to take advantage of us'. "You don't have to do this."

"Larissa, I'm fine. How's your hangover? You feeling better?" I asked, looping our arms together.

"Don't change the subject." Of course she caught me. Larissa is smart, too smart. "Tell me right now that you don't want this and I can choose you and have us marry each other instead."

A laugh leaves my lips. "Larissa, as much as I would want that, I'm really okay. Thank you for the lovely offer."

Larissa stands her ground. "We only truly bonded this weekend but I know I already care too much about you to let this happen. You're a fuckin g saint and have gone through too much already. But this stupid boy-" "Pete." I offered, despite knowing full well she knows him.

She scowls in distaste. "Who cares what his name is?"

"He's a pack member."

"Moon fart!"

"Stop that." I groaned at her. "It's really sweet of you to worry and I appreciate all of what you're doing, but it's not necessary. I'm fine. I've dealt with worse. But there is something... do you think you can do something for me?" Larissa's stubborn lips trembled. "What?"

"It will help a lot if we just push through this as fast as possible. Like a bandaid." I see her start to protest and I raise my hand. "Please? For me?"

My eyes felt watery and Larissa must have seen it because she closed her mouth. "Let's replace our seats."

The officials have done it yet again. They've successfully transformed the outdoor welcoming area from yesterday into a jaw dropping garden wedding.

A podium stands at the very front facing countless wooden seats that had a flower garland division in the middle to separate the boys from the girls. I felt sick to my stomach when my eyes locked on Pete, looking extremely excited chatting away with other boys. Jeremy and Konstantin are seated at the very front, right next to each other. They weren't speaking and made sure never to touch by scooting as far away as they could in their chairs.

One vacant seat was at the very front, for Jeremy's Alpha, across that was Cora all dolled up like a walking chandelier. She is beautiful as always. As if she demanded to be looked at, every pair of eyes turned to gaze upon her beauty. Cora seemed to glow while everyone paled in comparison.

She turns to look behind, to look at me, her eyes narrowed. She doesn't say anything. I wasn't worth the words, but she certainly melted me with her glare.

I forgot that this was done by hierarchy. The Alpha chooses first, followed by the Betas and so on. If, by some chance, someone doesn't want to choose, all it takes is a simple shake of their head when they're called.

A simple shake of the head will mean that one passes from the choosing. Higher ranks will propose first and if they choose someone below them... that person has no legal choice but to accept. Lower ranks cannot propose to higher ranks. It's to minimize rejections. Years ago, all forty lower ranking males proposed to one female Alpha and it took forever. The ceremony lasted until early morning of the next day.

Thankfully, a new rule was applied after that.

If someone wants to propose to someone higher, a prior understanding should be done before the ceremony in which the higher position of the two will propose to the lower instead.

In this way, it's a lot faster.

Larissa squeezes my hand before settling on a seat three rows in front of mine. I waved at her and forced a smile. It wasn't hard to replace my seat: the last one at the very back. There is no exaggeration when I say my seat is almost outside the actual gardens. I was closer to the lake than I was to the podium.

If I was being honest, I could barely see the front from the sea of heads sitting in front of me, but that's how it is. I am the lowest rank in the entire A*sembly.

The wait is nerve wrecking. All the attendees are already present but the organizers seem to be in dismay about something.

My hands couldn't stop shaking and my mouth felt bone dry despite the water bottle that I had just finished. I've caught sight of Jeremy several times whenever the sea of heads moved to the side just right. He turns to look at me and immediately goes to look away. Konstantin tries to get my attention but I sink deeper into my seat. If I speak or move in anyway, I think I might actually hurl.

Pete is easier to spot. He's around three rows ahead of me too.

He winks whenever his eyes replace me.

I'm definitely going to hurl.

What in the werewolf's balls are we waiting for? I seriously feel like there isn't enough oxygen in this garden.

Just as I felt my stomach turn for the forty seventh time, an elder goes up to the raised platform. "We apologize for the wait. There have been some complications which have now been solved."

I can only imagine what kind of complications they were fixing. The majority of the attendees can be heard sighing dispassionately. Cora in particular voices her disdain. She stands up from her seat and points to the empty seat across from her.

"Where is he?" She demands, her Alpha voice booming. "Do not start without him. He will be choosing me and I am not moving until he comes."

So it's about him.

The Alpha that no one has seen.

The elder bows his head graciously, his head nearly slapping the ground. "We've contacted him but there's not much we can do. Time is ticking."

Her big accusatory eyes turned to Jeremy, who stared away in another direction. "Where is he?"

Jeremy doesn't answer.

No one answered her.

She then turns to Konstantin and I know what it meant: if the Alpha isn't coming, Konstantin has to choose her.

"Please take a seat, Alpha, we are delayed as it is." If looks could kill, this elder would already be burning in hell. He fumbled with the paper in his hands and apologetically bowed yet again. "We will now officially commence the choosing. Girls, if your name is called please stand in front and wait to be claimed." Read more free novels at Ebookex.com

It really is an auction of sorts.

Romantic wasn't exactly the word to describe this.

"Alpha Cora, since you're already in front..." The elder trailed off. "Uhm,"

It was so awkward.

Cora was seething and none of the men in attendance could look at her directly. Her beauty kind of melted as her rage was all everyone could see.

There was a distinct quiet that went through the crowd as the elder introduced her, mentioning her rank and title, plus her infamous dowry that could buy anyone and anything. A few of the men stirred but none stood up. All the attention seemed to be on Konstantin and when the elder personally called him, which wasn't part of tradition, he shook his head.

The silent shake of his head was so loud to everyone else.

No.

Konstantin will not be choosing her.

Cora's face isn't even red at this point. It was purple.

It was unheard of.

What she's going through is just impossible. She had everything. The looks, the wealth, the power, yet still no one was choosing her. Not even a random city boy or farm boy to boost her ego.

I might be imagining it but her eyes turned to the crowd and were searching... until they found me at the very back. Thankfully, I'm saved by the elder who tries to calm her down.

"Maybe," The elder tried to speak up through the loud silence. "Maybe we should call you last, Alpha Cora? When everyone is here."

A murmur of horror went through the entire garden. To be called last is an insult, especially to an Alpha with her dowry, but what other option did she have?

If this continues, she won't be chosen.

And this is her last year.

"Find him." She screams, pounding her foot on the ground. "Call me last. Call me whenever. Just make sure he's here!"

I think I can hear Jeremy laugh from where he's seated but there's too much screaming from Cora to really point it out. She was throwing a tantrum and called for one of the elders to summon her father. He's not allowed to come.

And they tell her this.

"Don't forget who you're speaking to." She quietly threatened. "Call my father or I will have this entire mansion burned to the ground."

I did not want to be her enemy.

She was helped back to her seat with a quiet promise that her father would be called. "The Alpha will be here but please settle down while we get him."

Her glare could melt silver and I was glad to be far away from her.

If it comes down to it, at least I'm not the only one who isn't chosen. How many people can say: 'I'm unmated just like the Alpha!?

Absolutely no one.

The elder in front does his best to try and keep things together, but people are chattering away, standing from their seats and attempting to get a better view of the front. I stayed put, slowly processing what was happening all around me.

"Everyone please return to your seats or we will stop the ceremony and send you all home!" One of the elders shouted. "We've contacted all your Alphas and if you do not follow the rules, they have agreed to cut this Assembly short with or without a mate." This stops everyone. At least everyone poor that can't afford this Assembly to be cut short.

Almost immediately, the rows at the back straighten themselves.

"Now that's out of the way, let us continue replaceing everyone a mate. May we call up Miss Maria-"

Maria from the city pack was adorned in gold and silk. She walked up the stage like she owned it and, much to the anger of Cora, was instantly chosen by another city pack. She didn't even last a second up there.

But she smiled widely, happily, at the man who chose her and I couldn't help but be happy for her too.

Her dowry was only half of what Cora offered but the man, a very wealthy looking man, didn't seem to care what she had to give.

They looked perfect together.

More city girls came after Maria, all of them being chosen within at least five minutes. No one was chosen twice.

I watched as countless women went up, flashed their biggest smile and left with a man in her arms. I was really happy for them, quietly sending a prayer for a long and happy marriage.

The other packs came next and the first girl that wasn't chosen broke into tears in front of us. She was offering her family's house as her dowry but no one stepped up. I don't know what it was. She was pretty. She looked capable enough.

A tear fell from my eyes at the sight of her returning to her seat, head bowed low. She had given up on trying to wipe away the tears in her eyes and let them pour like waterfalls down her beautiful face.

No one batted an eye at her after that, going back to the Assembly like nothing happened. She was just another failure in their minds.

I don't know why it's such an issue. At least five girls before her refused the boys that chose them, shaking their heads and opting to try another year. The boys just shrugged and smiled like nothing had happened while the girls returned to their seats, unmated but with their chin up.

Meanwhile, I can still hear the girl that didn't get chosen crying her eyes out from somewhere in the middle row.

Another wave of nausea goes through me and I bury my face in the palms of my hand. It's hard not to worry. It's hard to say I didn't care about these things.

I know I would be just like her.

Pete is unreliable and it makes me even more sick just thinking about our life together. Before the Assembly, the idea of this was easy. Why was it so difficult now? Days ago I would have said yes to absolutely anyone, but now that it's here...

And then there were the two Betas. I shouldn't even be thinking about them. They're on a completely different scale, but I do notice that they haven't chosen anyone yet.

No.

I squash my thoughts before they can go anywhere else. It's dangerous to hope in a time like this.

So I stopped and stared at my hands for the remainder of the Assembly. I try to tune out name after name that's called... until I hear: "Larissa of the farm pack with the dowry of a small crystal necklace. Her family heirloom."

I sat up, eyes wide and praying that five men claim her. No. Not five. More. Like ten or twenty. She deserves to have everyone claim her.

Larissa walks to the front with her head up. She's wearing a donated dress that didn't fit her well and was torn on the wrist but she wore it like it was made for her. She made it beautiful and I couldn't have been more proud. She wasn't nervous. Larissa confidentially stood on the platform like she was the Alpha.

And then I waited.

And then I waited some more.

A few men stirred, checking her out from their seats, but none came forward.

But I didn't lose hope. Not for her.

She's the prettiest. She has dowry. She had smarts and confidence.

Surely...

"You may step down now, Larissa."

A gasp leaves my lips as well as a few tears, but Larissa never wavers, her face the same as it was when she first walked up. If she was sad or hurt, she didn't show it.

I didn't try to get her attention. I didn't want my crying face to be the first thing she sees after that.

When she finally got to her seat, she didn't look any different. She kept her head up and her expression calm. Even then, I was proud of her. I can only hope I can be as strong as her when my time comes.

Fifteen girls stood between me and the platform. And I dreaded it when each of them were called. By the time number fifteen was called to the front, I couldn't get air into my lungs anymore. I felt pale and sick and just ready to go home.

Too engrossed in keeping my stomach under control, I don't pay attention as they announce her dowry.

"Oh my Goddess!" The crowd screamed. "I can't believe it."

Strange.

Why would people react like a miracle was happening if they were only announcing her dowry that shouldn't be more than Larissa's?

Was her dowry that good?

I forced my eyes from my hands to the girl in front. Her eyes were wide like saucers and her lips were parted in surprise. I followed where she was looking at and was confused when she was looking at me...

No.

Not me.

To something behind me.

But that can't be because I'm the last one. No one should be behind me.

Curiosity getting the best of me, I twisted around and looked up and almost fell off my seat.

Amber eyes.

Beautiful molten eyes were staring right at me. It takes a second to process things as the air leaves my lungs, but it was like cold freezing water was thrown on me because my memory suddenly pieces together. It's him.

The man from the room I accidentally entered.

The man that was watching me while I danced.

My mind whirls and my heart races, a shuddery breath coming out of me.

Without the shadows hiding him, I got a good view of his face and I shivered. That same shiver that goes down my spine. He's indescribably handsome, a god-like creature and nearly three times my size, built of solid muscle. I thought he was handsome that night while I was dancing but now... in the light with his expensive suit and tie, he was even more.

Amber eyes stare into mine and my heart stops.

His gaze made heat rise on my skin, burning me deep.

"It's the Alpha."

I heard someone say.

And even more of the pieces come together.

He is Jeremy's Alpha.

The Alpha of the nameless pack.

I have heard whispers about the dark and fearsome Alpha. He has the strength of twenty men within his arms- possibly more by the look of him, and has torn apart enemies with his bare hands. The women of my pack and the ladies of the Games seem to gossip and delight in the Alpha constantly despite his intimidating reputation. I must admit Alpha Ajax is everything and more from the stories I've heard of his beauty. The man is blessed with eyes as rich as honey and tousled black hair like the night sky. His features, though incredibly handsome, were not enough to distract me from the stories whispered by my father and other warriors: the Alpha is a monster, a bloodthirsty horror... and now, he stood over me.

He didn't break eye contact and yet again, those amber eyes sent a shiver down my spine, leaving me breathless.

"He came for Cora!" The girls whispered enthusiastically. "He really came for her."

I didn't know what I was doing when I smiled, tipping my head forward before turning back to face the front.

Konstantin was right. Alphas mate with Alphas.

"Alpha Ajax, would you like to take your seat in front?" The elder that was announcing the names asked.

I don't know what the Alpha does to answer the question as he is behind me, but, from the reaction of the elder, it seems the Alpha will not be taking his seat in front.

That's when I feel his hand on the back of my seat, gripping the wood tightly. We weren't touching but I could feel the heat of his skin. We were less than an inch apart, but it didn't feel like it at all. Many were looking.

Cora was looking... her face sour and angry.

Even Konstantin was looking and he didn't look happy at all.

But what got my attention was Jeremy. He was looking too, the frown on his face evident. It's his Alpha. He should be happy. I wanted to ask him what was wrong. What could possibly make him so upset?

But I didn't have a chance because the girl in front, the girl before me, finally sat down. I don't even know if she was claimed or not.

"June," The elder called. "Of the farm pack. Her dowry is a bolt of silk."

My knees shook as I stood.

The hand on my seat... the warmth of it calmed me enough to hear the laughter in the crowd.

"A bolt of silk," They repeated, sniggering. "That's all she's worth? She'll be lucky to have enough to go back from wherever she came from."

I tried to be like Larissa. I really did.

But it was hard when everyone stared and laughed and made fun of me. It was even worse when I saw the bolt of silk in the elder's hands, as if auctioning me off.

The silk wasn't even the rich, imported type. It was just that: silk.

And I was just me.

My eyes replace Jeremy in the crowd of hundreds and, for the very first time, he smiles, encouraging me to walk. To go on.

By the time I make it to the front, I'm shaking.

And so I stood on the platform, awaiting a mate that would never come, before the heavy scrutiny of the attendees that saw me as dirt, beneath a beautiful canopy of trees and flowers, with the view of the most enchanting mansion of white stone and gold. I closed my eyes, wishing that it would end. It felt like forever. It really did.

The quiet was screaming in my ears. I could already tell the elder was about to tell me to sit down again when a voice broke the silence.

"I claim June of the farm pack."

It was Konstantin. I didn't have to open my eyes to know it was him, but I didn't know what to think... or feel or anything, so I kept my eyes closed.

The elder beside me moves. I can feel him bringing the bolt of silk towards Konstantin when a chair in the front moves, the scraping of the wood against the ground making me wince. I don't know what's happened, but I miss something big though, because gasps echo around the garden and I just pray it's Jeremy. I just pray it's him. But when I open my eyes, it's not the baby blues I was expecting.

It was amber.

"June Valentine is mine."