Chapter 9

• The silence in the hall was abruptly replaced with murmuring and sounds of surprise the moment Prince Patrick declared me his mate. I could see the surprise written on everyone’s faces, including the Alpha and his Luna, but it was most intense with the extremely beautiful ladies who had been chosen to stand in front of him. My eyes fell on Lana among them, and I saw her covered in jaw-dropping surprise. She couldn't believe it. Quickly, I averted my gaze to my parents who were sitting and staring without any reaction. I could tell the surprise had hit my family really hard, just like everyone else in the hall. I couldn't blame them. I myself was as surprised as they were. I didn't even know what was happening. All I could see was Prince Patrick holding me in his arms while the crowd stared in surprise.
• "Patrick, what are you doing?" Someone from the Alpha's cabinet quickly stood up in protest, breaking the silence.
• "I picked a mate, like I was supposed to," he replied smoothly, ignoring the strange reactions around.