The mating auction was where you went when no one wanted you.
Clare stood among the desperate women who had been passed over or discarded, her heavy hood concealing her face completely.
Beneath the fabric lay her shame, her curse, the secret that had destroyed her life.
The auctioneer droned on, listing bloodlines and basic qualities with all the enthusiasm of a man selling lame livestock.
One woman wept silently, tears tracking through carefully applied powder on her aging face.
Another stood with her chin high, defiant despite the scar that ran from temple to jaw.
A third stared at nothing, her hands curved protectively over her belly.
The last figure in the line drew the most whispers.
She stood apart, shrouded completely in a hooded cloak of dark heavy fabric.
Not even her hands were visible.
The hood hung low over her face, revealing nothing.
What could be so terrible that even here among the unwanted she had to hide, the crowd whispered.
Then the great doors burst open.
Every conversation died.
An alpha presence rolled through the hall like a wave.
The Alpha King Ellen walked in as if he owned everything in sight.
He was tall, with pale gold hair falling past his shoulders and cold gray eyes that looked absolutely merciless.
Several noblewomen stepped back.
The king swept his gaze over the platform and began walking down the line.
He stopped directly in front of Clare.
I will take her, he said.
The hall erupted in shock.
Clare could barely breathe as the guard led her to the carriage.
In the castle, Ellen summoned her to his study.
You will be my wife and queen, he said, his voice distant and controlled.
I will protect you and give you everything you need.
But I will never look beneath your hood.
I will never love you.
Our marriage will be contractual only.
We will produce an heir and nothing more.
Clare stood frozen.
Your majesty, she whispered, before you agree you should know why I wear the veil.
I do not need to know, Ellen replied.
If that is all, the wedding will take place in three days.
On their wedding night the blind maids prepared Clare in a soft nightgown.
When Ellen entered the chamber he wore a black silk blindfold.
I will not see you, he said quietly.
If you prefer no one ever sees you then it shall be so.
Thank you, she whispered, her voice trembling.
Ellen reached for her with careful hands.
His skin was unnaturally cold.
You are warm, he murmured almost in wonder as his fingers traced her shoulders.
They came together slowly in the darkness.
His touch was gentle despite the power in his body.
Breathe, he whispered against her neck.
Just breathe for me.
Clare gasped when he entered her.
The contrast of his cool skin against her heat created waves of pleasure she had never known.
When they finished Ellen kissed her knuckles softly.
Thank you for tonight, he murmured before leaving.
Night after night he returned.
Their union was supposed to be only for an heir yet he stayed longer each time.
One evening after they had made love Clare gathered her courage.
I am pregnant, she told him softly.
Ellen’s hand found her stomach in the darkness.
A child, he breathed, joy clear in his voice.
He pulled her close and for the first time slept the entire night beside her, his arm wrapped around her waiSt.
Their happiness did not laSt. Days later Ellen collapsed in the great hall, frost spreading across his cheSt. The ancient family curse had awakened.
Any king who loved would have his heart frozen.
Servants carried him to his chambers.
Clare rushed to his side.
Ellen fought to speak as ice crept toward his heart.
I love you, Clare, he whispered.
I cannot stop.
Clare removed her veil, revealing the witch brand on her forehead.
Look at me, she begged.
Hate me.
Let this break your love and save you.
But Ellen cupped her face with trembling fingers.
You are beautiful, he said.
How could I ever hate you?
His eyes fluttered closed.
Desperate, Clare rode to her father’s estate.
Release the bind on my power, she demanded.
Her father laughed.
No.
You are dangerous.
Celia, her sister, stepped forward.
Father, please.
This is our mother’s magic.
You knew all along.
After a struggle Celia struck their father, knocking him unconscious.
Clare took the seal and broke the bind.
Power surged through her like living flame.
She raced back to the castle and poured her fire into Ellen’s frozen body.
The ice fought back but her love burned hotter.
Slowly the frost melted.
Ellen’s eyes opened.
You saved me, he whispered, pulling her close.
You taught me that love is not weakness.
It is our greatest strength.
Months later their son was born healthy and strong, free of the curse.
Ellen stood before the court with Clare unveiled at his side.
You gave me life, he declared to the kingdom.
Under the full moon he marked her as his true mate.
Their wolves twined together, black and silver, strength and mercy united at laSt.
The king who swore never to love had found his heart in the veiled woman who taught him mercy could conquer even the darkest curse.
