Chapter 104: The Show Begins!
Chapter 104: The Show Begins!
(Aria’s POV)
“Let me go, Alexander,” I said coldly, my voice sharp with anger. “Our mate bond is severed. You have no claim on me anymore.”
My harsh tone seemed to stun him. His amber eyes widened slightly, as if he couldn’t believe I was speaking to him this way. But his grip on my hand only tightened,
“I won’t let you go,” he growled, his wolf’s scent spiking with possessiveness.
That was the final straw for Dominic. In one swift motion, he pulled me behind him, his powerful frame shielding me completely from Alexander’s view. His silver–gray eyes had turned glacial as he faced my former
mate.
“The lady asked you to release her,” Dominic said, his voice deceptively calm. “Twice.”
Alexander’s face flushed with rage. “You stole my mate, Blackwood. But she still cares for me most. This is all just an act to make me jealous.”
Dominic let out a short, mocking laugh. “Look at yourself, Reed. You’re practically vibrating with agitation. If anyone here is jealous, it’s you.”
“We were together for over ten years!” Alexander snapped, his composure cracking. “You think a few weeks with you can erase those feelings?”
“Ten years of what exactly?” Dominic countered smoothly. “Neglect? Emotional abandonment? Public humiliation with your childhood sweetheart?”
Alexander’s jaw clenched, his wolf’s fur clearly bristling beneath his skin.
“Besides,” Dominic continued with casual indifference, “Aria isn’t here for you tonight. She’s here to witness a
rather dramatic show.”
Alexander’s anger shifted to confusion. “What show?”
Dominic ignored the question entirely. Instead, he turned to me, his expression softening as he extended his hand. When I took it, he interlaced our fingers deliberately.
“You’ll find out soon enough, little wolf,” he murmured, his silver–gray eyes holding a promise I couldn’t quite
decipher.
The intimacy of the gesture, the way he called me “little wolf – it sent an unexpected warmth through me that I quickly pushed aside.
Dominic led me back toward the main hall, leaving Alexander standing alone in the corridor. I could feel his eyes boring into our backs, but I refused to look over my
shoulder.
As we reentered the venue, I became acutely aware of the attention we were drawing. Conversations paused as heads turned our way. The sight of the Shadow Pack’s Alpha King escorting Alexander Reed’s former mate was clearly the evening’s most intriguing development.
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Tworried I said quietly as we found our seats Aleander tooled suspicious when you mentioned a showr What if he figures not when you RNA
Dominic shrugged, seemingly uncenewed. A was bound to be surpleison eventually Hix instincts aren’t completely dead, despite his poor judgment
“But this puts additional burden on you, I protested if he starts investigating-*
“Aria, Dominic interrupted gently, his silver gray eyes twinkling with amusement. “Stop worrying and enjoy what’s about to unfold. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this
His confidence was infectious, and I found myself relaxing slightly. Whatever Dominic had planned, he clearly had everything under control
The lights dimmed as a traditional werewolf melody began playing through the sound system. The haunting notes, played on silver–stringed instruments, filled the hall with an otherworldly beauty that made my wolf stir restlessly beneath my skin
The thought of what was going to happen next gave me an uncontrollable excitement.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the host’s voice boomed across the hall, please welcome our happy couple Alexander Reed, Alpha of Storm Pack, and the renowned healer Claire Watson!”
The crowd erupted in polite applause as the main doors opened. Claire appeared first, absolutely radiant an elegant white gown that emphasized her status as a healer. Her auburn hair cascaded in perfect waves, and her emerald eyes sparkled with genuine happiness
Alexander emerged beside her, handsome in his formal Storm Pack attire. They walked arm–in–arm toward the raised platform at the front of the hall, every inch the perfect Alpha couple
But as they passed our table, Claire’s gaze found mine. Her smile widened into something triumphant, almost gloating She had everything she’d ever wanted – Alexander, his pack, his status – and she wanted to make
sure I knew it
I kept my expression neutral, but inside, I savored the knowledge that her victory was about to turn to ash The couple reached the platform where a microphone waited. Alexander stepped forward first, but Claire gently touched his arm and shook her head. She wanted to speak
“Thank you all for being here tonight,” Claire began, her voice carrying clearly through the amplified sound system. “This is such a special moment for Alexander and me”
She paused, gazing out at the assembled crowd with practiced grace.
“Many of you know that Alexander and I were childhood friends, separated by the complex workings of fate and pack politics. For years, we’ve watched each other from afar, our hearts yearning to be reunited.”
The romantic narrative was perfectly crafted to tug at werewolf hearts. Several she wolves in the audience
Chapter 104 The Show Be
dabbed at their eyes with handkerchiefs.
But then Claire’s tone shifted, becoming more pointed.
“Of course, we must acknowledge Alexander’s soon–to–be former Luna, Arla Summers, who is here with us tonight.”
A collective intake of breath swept through the hall.
Instantly, the eyes of everyone in the room turned to me, and I heard a few whispers.
“Oh my God, she’s actually going to come to her ex–partner’s marking ceremony
“Still Claire and Alexander are a better match.”
I felt my head filling with blood and my cheeks heating up, she did it on purpose, this woman, she thought of how to embarrass me the moment she saw me. I tried to straighten my spine so no one could see how
embarrassed I was.
Alexander stepped closer to Claire, clearly trying to take the microphone from her, but she smoothly evaded
his grasp.
“Aria’s… actions… have ultimately paved the way for our reunion,” Claire continued, her emerald eyes finding mine across the crowded room. “Her decision to sever their mate bond has freed Alexander to follow his
heart.”
The implication was clear to everyone present – I had somehow failed as a mate, driving Alexander into
Claire’s waiting arms.
Alexander’s face had turned pale. He reached for the microphone again, this time more insistently, but Claire held it just out of his reach.
“In fact,” she began, clearly preparing to elaborate on my supposed shortcomings.
This time Alexander succeeded in taking the microphone from her, his amber eyes flashing with embarrassment and anger.
“Thank you, Claire,” he said firmly, then immediately gestured to the host. “Perhaps we should move on to the blessing ceremony?”
The host, a seasoned professional, smoothly intervened. “Of course! Let us welcome Alpha Richard Reed and Luna Elizabeth Reed to offer their blessing to the couple!”
Richard Reed strode onto the platform beaming with pride, his chest puffed out like a peacock displaying its feathers. His amber eyes, so like his son’s, gleamed with satisfaction as he surveyed the assembled crowd. Elizabeth walked gracefully behind, her smile polite but lacking in enthusiasm. When she locke me, I saw something that might have been regret she was exuding.
es with
Richard stepped up to the microphone, practically vibrating with excitement to address the gathering.
I caught Dominic’s eye, and when he saw me, a slight smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he stood up and walked over to me.
The show was about to begin
Chapter 105: Marking Cer
Chapter 105: Marking Ceremony Plays
