Ashley’s POV
The cab finally pulled up in front of the fashion house, and I barely caught my breath before rushing inside. I was late, and the thought of Steven’s reaction made my heart pound harder.
A woman near the entrance spotted me instantly. “Are you Miss Ashley Green?”
“Yes, that’s me,” I panted, trying to compose myself.
She nodded. “You’re expected on the fourth floor.”
I muttered a quick thank you and hurried to the elevator. My palms were clammy as I rode up, my heart racing with dread.
When the doors opened, there he was: Steven, seated on a leather couch, looking calm but with a dangerous edge. Liam stood beside him. Steven glanced at his watch, raising a single eyebrow as he met my gaze.
“Right on time,” he said flatly, his voice slicing through the air like a knife.
I glared at him, almost daring him to say something more. But before he could, Liam’s soft voice broke the tension. “I hope you had no trouble finding the place?”
“No, not really,” I replied, forcing a smile. “It’s a pretty popular spot.”
Liam’s smile was warm and welcoming, completely opposite from Steven’s cold, calculating look. It was hard to believe they were related. Steven radiated power that felt terrifying, while Liam was all charm and ease-a stark angel beside a dark prince.
An assistant approached me with a polite nod. “Miss Green, please come with me.”
I looked back at Steven and Liam, unsure. Liam encouraged me with a gentle nod. “It’s time to pick your wedding dress,” he said softly, while Steven stayed focused on his phone, looking as if this entire situation bored him.
Reluctantly, I followed the assistant into a room filled with breathtaking white gowns. Each one was more elegant than the last, yet standing among them felt surreal-like I was in someone else’s wedding.
The assistant held up a gown adorned with delicate diamond stones. “This one is a limited edition. The detailing is exquisite.” She lifted it toward the light, making the diamonds sparkle.
“Diamonds?” I whispered, shocked. “Isn’t that… too expensive?”
The assistant smiled. “Mr. Steven owns this fashion house. He wouldn’t mind you choosing something extraordinary.”
Right. I’d almost forgotten I was marrying a man who wouldn’t blink twice at the cost of a diamond-studded dress. I nodded, feeling strangely detached, as if picking out a costume for a role I hadn’t asked for.
After choosing matching shoes and jewelry, I returned to the waiting area, where Steven and Liam stood, each lost in their contrasting worlds.
“Why didn’t you try it on?” Liam asked, his voice gentle.
I sighed. “There’s no need. I’m not exactly thrilled about this wedding.”
Steven, who had been scrolling through his phone, suddenly looked up. His eyes were sharp, his gaze icy. “If you’re done, let’s go.” He didn’t wait for a response, already walking toward the door.
We followed him out, and I slipped into the front seat next to Liam. Liam smiled as he started the car, saying, “To the mansion, right?”
Steven gave a curt nod.
“Mansion?” I echoed, confusion breaking through my gloom.
Liam glanced at me. “It’s where you’ll be living after the wedding. It’s… impressive.”
I sank back in my seat, trying to prepare myself. My future meant living under the same roof as this merciless man. At least it was a big, beautiful house. Maybe it could offer some comfort, if not an escape.
Suddenly, Liam veered off the main road, taking a winding path into the woods. Anxiety bubbled up in my chest.
“Why are we going this way?” My voice shook slightly. “Doesn’t this road lead into the forest?”
Liam grinned. “Just wait. You’ll see.”
The trees grew denser, shadows stretching as the sunlight faded. My pulse sped up. I glanced back at Steven, panic lacing my voice. “Steven… if this is some kind of punishment, I’m…”
Liam laughed, almost teasing. “Relax, Ashley. You’re not about to be executed.”
Before I could argue, he parked the car. “Step out,” he said, still smiling.
Swallowing hard, I stepped out-and gasped.
Before us stood a massive, grand mansion nestled in the forest. It was majestic, rising from the ground like a fortress, both beautiful and haunting.
“Oh my God,” I whispered, completely stunned.
Just then, two large wolves bounded out from behind the trees, their powerful bodies charging toward us. I screamed, hiding behind Steven and clutching his arm instinctively.
The wolves stopped in front of us, and to my horror, they began to shift, transforming into men. One of them gave a small bow to Steven.
“Welcome back, Alpha.”
The word “Alpha” sent chills down my spine.
Steven’s gaze hardened as he looked at one of the men. “Roy, I told you to stay in the infirmary until fully healed. What are you doing out here?”
The man called Roy bowed again. “I’m much better, Alpha. I wanted to train Williams in shifting. Staying in bed was… unbearable.”
I stared at them, my mouth open in shock. “You’re… you’re all werewolves?”
The man nodded politely. “Yes, Miss Green.”
I turned to Liam, wide-eyed. “You’re… one too?”
He laughed, clearly entertained by my shock. “Of course. Did you really think I was human?”
More people appeared, each bowing to Steven and murmuring, “Alpha.” Overwhelmed, I took a shaky step back, absorbing it all.
“So you all live here?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. “An entire werewolf community?”
Steven’s voice was cold and commanding. “You’ll be living here tomorrow. Get used to it.”
“Tomorrow?” I could hardly breathe. My world was changing so fast, it felt impossible to keep up.
“Yes,” he replied curtly. Then he turned to Liam. “Show her around. Make sure she’s ready to pack when she returns.”
Liam nodded and led me inside. I wandered through the grand halls, marveling at the opulence and power that filled every corner of this mansion. The walls were lined with dark wood and ancient paintings, the floors gleaming with marble.
Suddenly, two young women burst through a set of double doors, calling out, “Steve!” They rushed toward him, both wearing huge grins.
For the first time, Steven’s harsh expression softened slightly. He looked at them in surprise. “How are you two here?”
One with pink hair looked at me curiously. “You must be Ashley. I’m Freya, but everyone calls me Frey.”
The other, with fiery red hair, smiled warmly. “I’m Freja. Welcome to the family.” They hugged me before I could even react.
The sudden warmth of their embrace caught me off guard. Freya and Freja’s kindness felt like a balm in the storm of emotions whirling inside me, offering comfort and grounding me, even as my mind spun, struggling to accept this new, mysterious world.