Zander’s POV.
The night had been long, and my temper was dangerously thin. My mind replayed Aria’s words over and over again, her trembling voice begging me to let her go, to wait for her so-called “true mate.” The audacity of her request still burned in my chest. She was mine. Whether she liked it or not, in two days, she would become my Luna. And nothing-not her defiance, not her tears, not her foolish fantasies about the Moon Goddess-would change that.
I stood in my office, the morning light creeping through the tall windows, casting long shadows across the polished wooden floor. My desk was littered with papers-documents about the alliance, letters from neighboring packs, and plans for the wedding. But none of it mattered as much as the fury boiling inside me.
“Victor,” I barked, my voice cutting through the silence of the room.
A moment later, the door opened, and my cousin stepped inside. His usual smirk was in place, but there was a flicker of caution in his eyes. He knew better than to push me when I was in this mood.
“You called, Alpha?” Victor said, his tone light, though I could tell he was watching me carefully.
“I want invitations sent to every Alpha in the region,” I said sharply, not bothering to look up from the papers in front of me. “The wedding is in two days. They’ll all be here.”
Victor raised an eyebrow, leaning casually against the edge of the desk. “Every Alpha? That’s a bit short notice, don’t you think?”
“They’ll make time,” I said coldly, my tone leaving no room for argument. “This isn’t just a wedding, Victor. This is the union that will cement the Nightshade and Silverfang alliance. They’ll show up.”
Victor studied me for a moment, then sighed, pushing off the desk. “As you wish, Alpha. I’ll make sure the invitations are sent out immediately.”
“Good,” I said, finally meeting his gaze. “And I want it made clear that this is a formal event. They’re to bring their Lunas or their heirs. No excuses.”
Victor nodded, though the smirk on his face didn’t entirely disappear. “Understood. Anything else?”
“Yes,” I said, my voice hardening. “I want the best designers in the region brought to the castle today. They’ll bring their finest wedding dresses for Aria.”
Victor’s smirk widened slightly, and he let out a low whistle. “You’re really going all out, aren’t you?”
I shot him a warning glare, and he raised his hands in mock surrender. “Alright, alright. I’ll make the arrangements. You’ll have your designers, and your bride will have the finest dresses money can buy.”
“She’s not just my bride,” I said quietly, my voice cold and unforgiving. “She’s a Nightshade. And she’s the reason my brother is dead.”
Victor’s smirk faded, and for once, he didn’t have a clever remark. He gave a curt nod and left the room, closing the door behind him.
Once he was gone, I leaned back in my chair, my hands gripping the armrests tightly. My heart pounded in my chest, anger mingling with something else I couldn’t quite place. Aria’s beauty had always been undeniable, but it was her defiance that both infuriated and intrigued me. She was like a fire-wild, untamed, and dangerous. And I was determined to claim her, to make her mine, no matter what it took.
—
By midday, the designers had arrived. Four of them, each carrying racks of gowns and boxes filled with accessories. The maids scurried around, setting up the dresses in one of the larger guest rooms that had been converted into a fitting area. I stood in the doorway, watching as they prepared. The dresses were extravagant-silks and satins, lace and pearls, intricate embroidery, and flowing trains. Each one was more beautiful than the last, but none of that mattered. The only thing I cared about was how they would look on her.
“Bring her here,” I commanded one of the maids. She nodded quickly and hurried off to fetch Aria.
When she arrived, she looked hesitant, her arms crossed over her chest as she stepped into the room. Her eyes flicked to me briefly before darting away, and I could see the tension in her posture. She was still angry, still defiant, but there was something else there too-weariness.
“Zander,” she started, her voice soft but firm. “I don’t want this. I don’t want-”
“Enough,” I interrupted, my tone leaving no room for argument. “The wedding is in two days, Aria. You’ll wear one of these dresses, and you’ll look the part of a Luna. I won’t hear another word about it.”
Her jaw tightened, and for a moment, I thought she might argue. But instead, she let out a frustrated sigh and dropped her arms to her sides. “Fine,” she said through gritted teeth. “Let’s get this over with.”
The maids stepped forward, guiding her toward the first dress. It was a soft ivory gown, simple yet elegant, with delicate lace sleeves and a flowing skirt. Aria disappeared behind the screen to change, and when she stepped out, the room seemed to hold its breath.
She looked stunning. The dress hugged her figure perfectly, the lace accentuating her delicate features. Her hair tumbled over her shoulders in soft waves, and despite the obvious annoyance in her expression, there was something undeniably captivating about her.
I felt the corner of my mouth twitch, almost as though I wanted to smile. But then I reminded myself of who she was. She wasn’t just a beautiful woman. She was the reason Kael was dead.
“It’s fine,” I said coldly, waving my hand dismissively. “Try another.”
Her eyes flashed with anger, but she said nothing as the maids helped her into the next dress. This one was more dramatic-a deep champagne color with a fitted bodice and a skirt that flared out in layers of tulle. It was bold, commanding, and undeniably regal.
When she stepped out, I couldn’t help but stare. The dress transformed her, making her look like a queen rather than a pawn in this alliance. But as much as I hated to admit it, there was something about the fire in her eyes that made her even more striking.
“Beautiful,” one of the designers murmured, clapping her hands together in delight.
Aria’s gaze flicked to mine, as if waiting for my reaction. I kept my expression neutral, refusing to let her see the way she affected me. “Next,” I said simply.
The process continued for what felt like hours. Each dress was more extravagant than the last, and each one seemed to highlight a different aspect of her beauty. The designers fussed over every detail-the fit, the fabric, the accessories-while Aria grew more and more irritated.
By the time she stepped into the final dress, I could see the exhaustion in her eyes. This gown was the most stunning of them all-a shimmering silver creation with intricate beadwork that sparkled in the light. The neckline was modest, but the back dipped low, revealing just enough to be alluring without being inappropriate.
When she stepped out, even the maids gasped. The dress was perfect, and for a moment, I couldn’t take my eyes off her. She looked like she belonged on a throne, like she was born to be a queen.
“This one,” I said finally, my voice quieter than I intended.
Aria’s eyes met mine, and for a moment, there was something unspoken between us. But then I turned away, the weight of my anger pressing down on me once again.
“Take it off,” I said sharply, my tone colder now. “The maids will prepare it for the ceremony.”
She didn’t respond, but I could feel her gaze on me as I stepped toward the door. My hand gripped the handle tightly, and for a brief second, I hesitated. But then I shook my head, pushing the thought away.
This wasn’t about her. This was about Kael. About the alliance. About duty.
I left the room without another word, the sound of the door slamming behind me echoing in the quiet hallway.