Omega's Choice

by Lilli Carlisle

  The magical splendor around him had been aided by the many omegas in residence this week during the celebration. From the multitude of vines covering the walls and showcasing vibrant blooms in every color to the floating candles and crystals adding light and sparkle to the room, it seemed as though he had walked into a fantasy world. Many in attendance continued to look around in awe, but the only person he was desperate to see at that moment was his mate.

  He was dressed in a different version of his ceremonial uniform, considering his arms were bare. His chest was covered by the royal red sash; attached to it were the multitude of medals he’d earned in combat. Black trousers and shoes rounded out his attire.

  As was tradition, his arms remained visible so the mating tattoo that would grace his left arm and shoulder could be seen by all in attendance. The bishop stood in his intricate ceremonial gown only a few feet away. A small mirrored table was set up off to the side, guarded by another priest. It held two gold cuffs placed on a velvet pillow. At the end of the ceremony, they would be placed on Helena’s and Aldric’s wrists once the tattoo was in place.

  Silence descended and the doors were finally opened. Aldric found he could barely breathe. All eyes turned toward the royal family as they entered, but the only person Aldric could see was Helena. She was exquisite, and she was all his—his mate, his omega, his life.

  Graceful and with her head held high, Helena was escorted between the king and queen down the aisle toward Aldric. Her smile glowed and her omega jewel shone bright red, filling him with the love they shared. Once the three reached him, King Leonidas turned to kiss Helena on her forehead in a fatherly gesture before turning to Aldric and pinning him with a gaze that would have cowed many a man.

  “Alpha Aldric Forst, today I entrust to you the life of one of the two people I love more than anything in this world. Do you understand the gravity of these proceedings?” His voice carried throughout the hall, causing more than one wolf to bare their throats in respect.

  “Yes, sire. I accept this responsibility with everything that I am and will not fail in my duty to protect and love your niece.” He purposely used the term “niece” instead of “princess” because that was who he was bonding with here today. Helena may be royal, but to the king, queen and Aldric, she was simply Helena—and perfect in every way.

  After a few moments, King Leonidas released Helena’s hand and placed it in Aldric’s before taking Queen Alexandra and leading her to their thrones. Once they were seated, everyone took their seats. Aldric held both of Helena’s hands, gently pulling her close and kissing her palms before they faced the waiting bishop.

  As the ceremony began, the only person he could concentrate on was Helena. She glowed with happiness and it spread to everyone in the hall. Soon they came to the point in the ceremony where both Helena and Aldric would say their personal vows to one another.

  “Aldric, my love, as you now know, I have waited years for the chance to bond with you. Today, I choose you as you are, completely and unconditionally. I offer myself to you in return, as I am. I will laugh with you in joy and comfort you in times of sorrow. I will stand with you as you lead, celebrate our triumphs, and mourn our losses. May my love give you strength, shelter, and a warm home in times of love and strife. No matter what the obstacle, we will face it together. You shall never again walk alone. Aldric, I give you all that I am and all that I will be.” The pure, undeniable love she had for him shone in her eyes, humbling Aldric to his core.

  “Helena, thank you for coming into my life and filling the empty places in my heart. I promise to spend each day by your side. Your love gives me strength and purpose and makes me the person I’m supposed to be. Together we will create a family of our own filled with love, laughter, compassion, and joy. I will protect your heart and your body from any who wish you harm, and I swear to never forget the blessings you bring into my life. I give you all that I am and all that I will be.” Aldric had hoped he would be able to explain how much she meant to him. By the radiant smile on her face and the tears in her eyes, he thought perhaps he had.

  The bishop came forward, holding the royal scepter between Helena and Aldric. “Place your left hands on the scepter and repeat after me.” Aldric gripped the golden staff just above Helena’s hand and the bishop took a few steps back. “As ordained by the gods, I bind my powers, body, and soul to you and choose no other for the remainder of my days.”

  In unison, Helena and Aldric repeated the words that would bind them together for all eternity, in this life and the next. Their voices filled the entire hall, coating the assemblage with their promises.

  Light poured through the windows and a loud crack of lightning shook the building. Aldric attempted to move to protect Helena, but his body was frozen to the spot. Suddenly, the scepter began to glow and brilliant light poured outward as the metal began to heat.

  The warmth from the scepter flowed up Aldric’s left arm and into his tattoo of Fenrir, followed by swirls of black wrapping around his and Helena’s arms. Colors flashed and embedded themselves into their skin, creating their mating tattoo. Images of vines, forests, flowers, and wolves covered their left arms in exact copies of one another, depicting their combined family lineage and powers.

  They were now one.

  Two deep, joyful wolf’s howls thundered through the room and Helena, along with the king and queen, bowed their heads.

  Helena whispered softly, “Mom, Dad… I love you.”

  Her parents were indeed here in spirit, giving their blessings alongside her aunt and uncle.

  Slowly, the light began to fade, leaving Aldric with a feeling of peace and contentment. Helena almost vibrated with happiness as the bishop took the staff away and the other priest brought over the gold cuffs. He handed them, pillow and all, to the waiting bishop. “Aldric, fasten the cuff to your mate’s left wrist.”

  Carefully, he placed the jeweled and engraved cuff on Helena’s wrist, and then when prompted by the bishop, Helena did the same. Cheers erupted around them and Aldric couldn’t hold back any longer. Grabbing Helena around her waist, he lifted her to his chest and kissed his bonded mate until they both had to come up for air.

  Their families surrounded them, sharing this moment of pure joy and happiness. Aldric had yet to place Helena back on the ground and was in no hurry to do so. She was his, and if he wanted to carry her, he would.

  “My love, look.” Helena spoke softly, close to his chest, her fingers tracing over the part of her tattoo on the inside of her upper arm. Six small flowers in bud bunched together in the shelter of a large black wolf, indicating their future children.

  Tears filled Aldric’s eyes. He now had his bonded omega mate and they would have six children.

  “You have been truly blessed, son—six children.” Karl spoke almost reverently as he compared the same markings on Aldric’s arm to Helena’s.

  “Yes, father, I truly am.” He kissed his mate one more time and carried her out of the hall and into the reception.

  It was well after midnight before Aldric and Helena finally escaped back to their suite of rooms, and for the first time since childhood, Amalia and Giselle were not with her. Aldric carried her through the outer living areas and straight to their bedroom while Helena tried to untie his sash and rip the material from his chest. She was not in the frame of mind to wait. She had waited years to make love to her mate, and that was happening as soon as she could get him naked. Her wolf howled in agreement.

  Aldric agreed with her plan as he continued to brush searing kisses down her neck and across her collarbone, unwilling to break the connection.

  As soon as their bedroom door was closed, the sash went flying, along with his medals. She would find those later, maybe tomorrow when they came up for food. Nothing was getting in her way. She wanted her mate now, and her wolf was pacing close to the surface.

  “Your eyes have changed, sweetheart. Your wolf wants to come out to play.” He chuckled then gently laid her down on the bed t
hat was now theirs. He attacked her lips with a need bordering on pain. She loved every minute of it. She was certain her eyes had indeed turned golden as the gray scale in the room became prominent and color less pronounced.

  Aldric pulled away and began working on the many buttons holding her dress to her body. She knew he was being careful, not wishing to damage such an important piece of clothing. Once he had enough of the top buttons undone, she shimmied herself out of it as quickly as possible, needing to feel her alpha skin to skin.

  “That was easier than I thought.” He sounded surprised by the quick turn of events. He cautiously lifted the gown and placed it safely on the nearby couch. “It’s like unwrapping a present. The best damn present I’ve ever received. Damn, you are so beautiful.”

  Blushing at his compliment, Helena rose to her knees on the bed, dressed only in her white lace panties and strapless bra. “Now it’s my turn to open my present.” She was eager to touch what was hers. Reaching out as he stood beside the bed, she popped the button on the front of his trousers and lowered the zipper. If he was surprised by her forward behavior, he gave no indication as he dove back in for another bone-melting kiss.

  “I love you so much,” he moaned while she pushed down his trousers, revealing tight black boxer briefs covering his long, thick erection. She had her first moment of doubt. Aldric must have felt it as well.

  He shucked his pants the rest of the way off before crawling onto the bed and gathering her into his strong arms. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’ll make sure you’re properly prepared before we make love. There will be a bit of pain, as this is your first time, but I promise to try to make it as little as possible.”

  She understood and knew he would never cause her any intentional harm. “I love and trust you. Please make love to me. I’ve waited for you for so long.”

  He went back to exploring her body with his talented mouth. Soon her bra and panties joined the growing pile of clothing on the floor, but his boxers remained on.

  His lips latched onto her sensitive nipple, causing her back to bow. She cried out as need washed through her body in searing waves. He brushed his now-extended canines over the distended nub of one breast and then the other. She arched her back, trying to get closer to the intense sensations as he continued to lavish her breasts with thorough, divine attention.

  Slowly, he released her and began kissing his way down her stomach, stopping to lap at her belly button before positioning himself between her spread legs. His glowing eyes looking up at her promised many wicked, wonderful things just before he delighted her with the first brush of his tongue against her clit. She was hurtled into a world of ecstasy and need as she cried out his name, unable to control the emotions he brought out in her.

  “Easy, baby, I’ve got you.” He spoke between licks while holding her to the bed with one large, calloused hand across her stomach, its rough texture abrading her skin and making her soar even higher. Slowly, he began sliding the fingers of his other hand through her wet folds until he gently pushed one into her quivering core.

  “Aldric.” She came with such force that she thought she might have blacked out for a few moments. Tiny pinholes of bright light danced in her vision as she floated. “Feels so good. Don’t stop. Please, mate, don’t stop.”

  “You are mine completely and it’s my pleasure alone to make you come over and over again.” He gave her another wicked grin, his large canines flashing, before driving his tongue into her over-stimulated body, lapping up her juices from the devastating orgasm.

  Chills erupted across her every nerve ending, and goose bumps raised on Helena’s sensitive flesh as instinct took over and she thrust her hips upward, trying desperately to take him deeper.

  He slid a second finger inside her, spreading her wide and preparing her for the imposing size of his cock. His tongue stroked at her labia, drawing her essence inside himself and making her whimper with want. Her own canines had dropped in preparation for the mating bite.

  “Please, Aldric. I can’t wait any longer,” she begged as her hips continued to buck up, driving her mad as his fingers brushed against a spot inside her that made her moan even louder.

  He pulled his fingers free, leaving her feeling suddenly bereft, and stood at the side of the bed to remove his boxers. His thick, long cock slapped up against his belly, a trail of precum clearly evident in the dark hair on his stomach. She couldn’t help herself; she needed a taste. Quickly she moved to kneel on the bed in front of him, and took his pulsing, hard shaft into her mouth.

  “Helena.” Aldric stood motionless. Growls rumbled deep in his broad chest, but he allowed her the time to explore his hard body. She lapped at the large mushroom-shaped head, causing him to shudder and groan in pleasure, so she did it again. The salty taste of his precum exploded across her taste buds. Soon she had him as far down her throat as she could without choking, while gently caressing his heavy balls.

  “That’s it, baby, just like that. Oh gods, what you do to me.” His praise spurred her on, encouraging her to bob her head up and down faster. With her tongue, she speared the tiny slit at the head of his shaft, making him groan even loader.

  He reached under her arms and lifted her away from her prize, placing her gently back in the center of the bed, and then he blanketed her with his solid form. He was careful to keep most of his weight on his arms as he began kissing her once again. She wondered if he could taste himself as their tongues dueled until she raised her hips to indicate she was ready to receive her alpha mate, making him growl fiercely. The blunt head of his rock-hard erection pressed firmly against her, demanding entrance.

  “Are you ready, mate?” he asked, his lips still lightly brushing against her own.

  “Yes. Make love to me. Make me yours in every way.” She was beyond any further thought and simply surrendered to her need to be joined with her mate. Her wolf was completely on board with this plan, pushing forward to claim and be claimed.

  His eyes held hers and his canines grew even longer as he slowly pushed himself deep inside of her willing body. The stretch was intense, and the moment he came up against her hymen, she felt the sharp bite of pain as he broke through and buried himself to the hilt.

  He held himself still inside her, kissing her neck along her bonding tattoo, waiting as she became accustomed to his invasion. Rumbling vibrated through his chest, comforting her and causing her need to spike at the same time. She began to rock her hips upward, desperate for some type of friction against her swollen clit.

  “Aldric, please move. I’m ready,” she begged, eliciting a deep, satisfied growl from her mate and a surprising nip to the side of her neck. Gods, that’s hot.

  Slowly, he pulled out until just the head was still inside her. Then he thrust deep, making her moan in unimaginable pleasure. The ridges of his shaft raked over nerve endings, bringing them screaming to life.

  At first, he moved slowly, stretching her unbelievably wide and awakening an even deeper need for him. She knew he was trying to keep a tight rein on his control, but she wanted him wild with need. Using her sharp canines, she bit down on the spot where she would place her mating bite, the spot where his shoulder and neck met, but she didn’t break the skin just yet.

  That was all it took.

  A ferocious growl erupted from his lips and echoed throughout the room. He pulled his hips back and slammed himself to the hilt deep inside her over and over. His frantic rhythm drove her to the brink of another orgasm. Their sweat-covered bodies slid together in a dance as old as time, both moaning, desperate to get even closer. She knew she wouldn’t last much longer, the need to come, and to bite her mate was unstoppable.

  He brought his knees up and placed both his arms underneath her body. Leaning back and using his strength, he lifted her up and onto his lap. Her legs wrapped around his spread thighs as he continued to push in and out of her quivering core while he kissed her senseless. This new position allowed him to penetrate even deeper and brought her closer to flyi
ng.

  “Aldric, I’m going to come,” she gasped once his lips released hers.

  “Yes, baby, come for me. Milk the come from my body,” he growled, shuttling impossibly faster into her now shaking body. Leaning forward, he sank his sharp teeth into the soft flesh of her neck. The pain morphed into pleasure and she struck him, biting deep.

  The rich ambrosia of her mate’s blood flooded her senses, setting off one orgasm after another. Releasing his neck, Helena screamed her pleasure to the world before licking the wound closed. Both would wear the scars of their mating bites for the rest of their days, signaling the final step in their bonding complete. She could feel the warmth of his seed filling her as his howl echoed loudly through the palace and was answered by the faraway howls of their pack.

  Carefully, he licked the bite mark on her neck closed to stop the small amount of blood that flowed from the wound, then he nuzzled the spot softly. She slumped into her mate’s arms, completely sated as he gently laid her down onto their bed.

  “Love you so much, my beautiful mate. You are my life. I promise to make you happy.” He spoke softly, almost a whisper in the now quiet room.

  Not wishing to break the spell, Helena answered in the same soft tones. “You make me happy as you are, my love. I need nothing more than you.” She cupped her mate’s handsome face and reverently kissed the long scar that ran from his left temple, across his cheek, and down his neck to his collarbone.