Page 13 of The Alpha King’s Hidden Mute Mate

My feet stopped moving.

"She's a mute Omega," the elder continued, voice dripping with contempt. "Can't speak, doesn't know protocol, probably can't even write properly. If this woman stands beside you, what will the other kingdoms think? They'll mock us. They'll say the Moon Goddess scorns the King of the Moonhowl Kingdom, pairing him with some girl who can't even talk to be his queen."

I clenched my fists, nails digging into my palms.

"So I suggest," the old man said, "hide her. Let Miss Taylor—this talented singer with proper etiquette and beautiful features—serve as the public Luna. As for the mute girl, let her stay quietly in the palace, fulfill her duty as fated mate, and bear your heirs."

I felt my blood turn to ice.

I waited for my mate to object.

I waited a long time.

He said nothing.

The silhouette by the window didn't move, like a statue. The silence stretched for endless seconds. Then he spoke, voice flat as stagnant water. "Do it."

Do it.

My heart plummeted, the floor crumbling beneath me. Rage surged through me. I couldn't hold back anymore. I shoved the door open and practically stumbled inside.

The king and the elder both turned, faces showing clear irritation at the interruption. He saw it was me, paused briefly, then looked away toward his desk and picked up a document.

"You're here," he said, tone cold as a stranger's greeting, sharp eyes assessing me. "Can you hear?"

I nodded hard.

He seemed relieved, but his expression stayed distant. "Good. Then let's get the ceremony done today."

What ceremony?

He must have read my confusion.

"The fated mate bonding ritual," he said without looking up. "Only through this ceremony can the Moon Goddess's bond truly take effect. It's simple. Just a formality. I don't want to waste time on this."

I stood there in a daze, head buzzing. I wanted to confront him, to shout, to ask what he meant earlier—what did he mean, hide me? What did he mean, make Leah the public Luna? What am I to you? A tool?

But I couldn't say anything.

Two maids came over, gripping my arms on both sides, forcefully pulling me out. I looked back at him. He didn't give me a single glance.

The ceremony took place in a small chapel. Pathetically simple.

No flowers. No guests. No music. Just one dim candelabra, one old priest in worn ceremonial robes, and that man standing at the altar looking thoroughly impatient.

They pushed me to stand opposite him. The old priest recited some ancient language I couldn't understand, then motioned for us to extend our hands. The king put his hand out first, broad palm open in the candlelight. I hesitated, then slowly reached out mine.

The moment our skin touched, a faint electric current shot up from my fingertips, making my fingers curl involuntarily.

"In the name of the Moon Goddess, witness Mia Turner and Zane Caster joined as fated mates," the old priest intoned solemnly. "From this day, souls connected, in life and death—"

Zane Caster. I repeated the name in my head. My wolf responded with a howl, as if celebrating.

"For the final part of the ceremony, please howl to your mate. Complete the soul's answer."

My heart sank.

I watched Zane step back, his body surrounded by faint silver light. Bones cracked softly, his form stretching and shifting in the glow. In moments, he was no longer human but a massive, magnificent silver-gray wolf. His wolf eyes were deep gray-blue, now locked on me.