The blood rushed to Steel's cock as he took a long, deep inhale. This presentation ceremony was unnecessary, as were all the last dozen or so. There was no reason to have six women from all over the country, and even some from Europe. Presenting themselves to him each time, all to find his faded mate. No matter what, it was clear the mate of his future pups was now present in the Great Hall. She was one of the six females, the second Steel had entered the hall, his Alpha glands went on high alert. It was hard to deny the scent his future mate gave off. King Draka, the Alpha male, loved this pomp and circumstance. Steel despised it, his father sat on his throne at the head of the hall, wearing not only his damn crown but holding his scepter. His freaking scepter. But like it had been told to Steel countless times before, it was all for the good of the race. Sure?

He was next in line for the throne. Not that he wanted it, because he didn't. Not that he had a choice, he certainly didn't. Just like he wouldn't have a choice in choosing his future mate that would be chosen for him due to the fates. In Omega, he'd have to spend the rest of his life with who would sit by his side if and when Steel ever reigned the Kingdom, and who would bear his pups. No, Steel's body would decide that. He had no choice, none, and neither did his Omega. Steel hoped he at least found his bonded mate easy on the eyes and somewhat intelligent, otherwise he wasn't sure if he'd be able to tolerate being tied to a male Steel couldn't bear to look at, breed with, or even. Have a decent conversation with. That would seem like eternal torture. Steel's nostrils flared as the sweet luring scent of his bonded mate became stronger. His cock was now more painful than ever.

Son, come forward. His father's deep voice encouraged Help. Demanded. Steel frowned at all the formality. The royal guards lined both sides of the hall, leaving him a clear path to the throne. With a sigh, Steel moved forward, his eyes traveling over the omega's. He strolled down the line behind them, but his attention kept being drawn to the Omega in the end.That was Her, his mate, his future. Steel's life as he knew it was now over. The Seekers had finally found his mate. He purposely rounded the group and then, crossing his arms behind his back, he marched down the line. Front, because to do so was expected. And of course, by doing what was expected would keep his father's ire at him to a minimum. Staying off the King's radar was something he and his brothers had worked hard at since they were young pups. Steel took shallow breaths through his mouth so his omega's scent wouldn't overwhelm him. He certainly never smelled anything like it. Admittedly it was heady. It made his heart race in his dick twitch and the strong instinct to mount and rut his Omega. Right then and there made his mind spin. He could just imagine what his father would say if Steel reduced himself to acting like nothing more than a horny dog humping a human's leg. Steel was a bit worried that it might actually happen if they didn't hurry up and get this ceremony over with. No one had explained to him just how strong his instincts were, but would become once he found his faded mate. It was quite disturbing since it made his control teeter on a dangerous edge. He gritted his teeth and twisted his fingers together behind his back to make sure he remained upright on his two feet as well as fully clothed. Even though he knew he didn't have to get close to figure out which mail was his mate, he approached the one on the end, the light haired one with the eyes tipped down to the floor. Those sea green eyes had flicked up in defiance just long enough for Steel to see that fascinating color. And it was the color that drew him in, but it wasn't only the unique shade of his eyes. Steel could send his future mate, the one whose body went still and solid as Steel gave in and bent over, grabbing the omega's elbow and drawing him to her feet. His Omega stood, eyes still tipped in what Steel assumed was vain submission to the floor. He stepped closer to touch the tip of his nose to the soft skin behind the omega's ear. And his scent glands and inhales deeply. The omega's alluring and somewhat sweet but strangely familiar scent filled his nostrils and lungs as his skin began to tingle, his body became warmer and his cock began to engorge. His reaction surprised him because the female who stood before him wasn't even in heat yet. With the way Steel's body was reacting now, he couldn't imagine how crazy out of his mind he'd become once the female went into heat. Even so with that one breath. Steel reflected once more that his life would never be the same again. He was going to be tied to this stranger for the rest of his days on Earth. He would now only mate with this single being and this female would be tasked to produce his heirs. He hoped he liked this Omega and could bear to live with him. Otherwise he was screwed. If not, he'd have to do his duty with this baited mate and find his pleasure, his sexual release elsewhere. A beta, a human, whoever.

"Son!" His father called from behind him. Ignoring the annoyance in his father's voice, he stared down into those sea green eyes now bravely meeting him, and asked.

"What is your name?" The woman shuddered, but stared with unexpected confidence at Steel.

Willow," Steel watched the omega's full soft lips move as he spoke. He could almost imagine the warmth of his breath rushing along Steel's skin as they rutted.

"Willow" Steel murmured softly, not only mesmerized by the woman's mouth but by those eyes. Piece of his which peaked from between thick golden lashes.

"Ringer of Light." Willow tilted his head slightly.

"If you say so, your Royal Highness." Steel frowned.

"Don't call me that again." He snapped sharply. Willow tipped her head down, her captivating eyes following at a slower pace.

"I beg your pardon, Sir?" She was obstinate, unfairful, and his demeanor didn't match her apology. Steel liked it.

"Son." His father yelled from his position at the head of the hall, thumping the bottom of his scepter under the stone platform several times to get Steel's attention.

"Prince Steel Ashter." The king only called him that when he was irritated. Which seemed to be often. Steel sighed and muttered

"Fuck my life!" he didn't miss Willow flattening her lips before Steel turned to face his father. Not that he wanted to since his erection was now raging and there was no possible way to hide it.

"Yes, Sire." He asked with his own feigned obedience. Suddenly his father's assistant, Douglas, was fluttering around him like a Hummingbird on crack. Your Highness, please, there are certain steps that must be taken. Steel swatted his hand at Douglas, wishing the male was as small as a Hummingbird so he could knock him to the ground and stomp him with his boot. The northern colony would be a better place without that little pest.

"I know, Dougie,"Steel said.

"You've gone over them with me a million times and I just don't feel like following your steps.They're not my steps, Your Highness."

The tradition?

Steel cocked a brow at Douglas. Steel glanced over his shoulder, back at Willow.

"Sorry, nothing personal." Then he let his gaze roam down the woman's body. Only for a second, though. He'd inspect her closer later when he had a lot more time and he could do something to relieve the ache in his balls. Douglas grabbed his elbow, making Steel freeze, and looked down his nose at the little pest. The assistant released him quickly, taking a step back. Color flooding his pale cheeks.

"You forget yourself, Dougie." Steel growled.

"I 'm sorry, your Highness." Steel raised his gaze from the smaller male to the head of the Great Hall. His father sat holding that damn scepter tightly with white knuckled fingers, his face pinched in red, his eyes narrowed. Father, I've found my mate.