Chapter 2
He tilted his head, actually laughing softly at my disheveled appearance.[]
“Alina Darkwood, you think just because you charmed my parents, you can control my life? Dream on! I’m telling you, no matter how much you scheme and manipulate, you’ll never be half the woman Zaria is!“]
I stared at the pure hatred blazing in his eyes, and something inside me just… broke. It was almost laughable, really.[]
Our engagement had been arranged by both packs since we were cubs.]
He’d never–not once–said he didn’t want this, even after he started caring more about Zaria Ironpelt than he ever did about me. He’d never mentioned breaking off the engagement.[]
The The mating ceremony? That was the Bloodstone family pushing for it.[]
When Zaria found out we were getting mated, she cried and went on a hunger strike, breaking both Kaelan’s and Lucian’s hearts.
To comfort her, they both started avoiding me like I was diseased.
In my last phone call to Lucian, I’d asked him: “Lucian, do you actually want to go through with this mating ceremony?“]]
He’d gone silent for a long time, until Zaria’s tearful voice came through: “Lucian, who are you talking to? Is it Alina?”
Only then did he snap: “God, this is so annoying. The families already decided everything–why are you even asking? Stop calling me!“[]
Alpha Bloodstone told me not to worry, that he’d handle the ceremony arrangements, and that he’d convince Lucian too.
Looking at Lucian now, he’d probably gotten chewed out by his father and was taking his rage out on me…]]
I let out a bitter laugh, my chest tight with a pain I couldn’t name. I took the tissues from Kaelan’s trembling hand and gently wiped away the wine stains, each movement deliberate and controlled.[]
“Alina, Alina, is your mate–to–be here? The officiant wants to get you two on stage! You–oh my God–your gown!“]
My maid of honor, Freya Wildheart, rushed in frantically. The moment she saw the scene in the dressing room, she nearly collapsed.
Her almond–shaped eyes widened in disbelief as she looked at me, then at the two men, immediately understanding everything.[
“You two assholes are picking on Alina again, aren’t you!“]]
Before she could claw at Lucian’s face, I quickly grabbed her arm, my grip probably tighter than necessary.
Freya’s father worked for the Bloodstone Pack’s business operations.
This wasn’t worth it–so not worth destroying her family over my mess…
!
But Lucian seemed to misunderstand my protective gesture. Seeing me shield him, his eyes showed a flicker of confusion.]
Chapter 2
Then he lowered his voice, his tone mocking:[]
“I’m giving you two choices. First, wear that stained gown and go through with the mating ceremony.“]
“Second, go apologize to Zaria right now. Make her happy, and I’ll announce the ceremony is postponed. I’ll get someone to rush you a new gown. Your choice.“[]
He was offering me options, but his face wore a cruel, challenging expression, like he was waiting for me to break down and beg…
Freya was crying with rage, glaring at him like she wanted to rip his throat out.]
But I… from beginning to end, I felt something cold and sharp settling in my chest. Not anger–something far more dangerous.]
I lifted my head, looking straight into his eyes with a calmness that surprised even me.
No need, Alpha Bloodstone. This gown–my mother made it for me before she died. I don’t think you could find a better designer than her.“[]
Thud-
Behind me, Kaelan crashed into the vanity table. I turned around to meet his utterly shocked eyes.
His lips were trembling, trying to speak but unable to get a word out.
I ignored him, my voice steady as steel as I continued to address Lucian: “So, your two options–I don’t want either of them!“]
