Ashley’s POV
I packed my things, neatly folding each item into the single luggage bag in front of me. Everything fit, of course. I was never one for shopping or luxuries. It was ironic, given what today would bring.
A car horn outside jolted me from my thoughts. I glanced out the window and saw Liam waiting. My stomach twisted. This was really happening.
“It’s time, Mabel,” I whispered, though my voice cracked.
Mabel glanced over with worry. “Your supposed brother-in-law is here to pick you up?” she asked, her tone suspicious, as if she sensed something wasn’t right. I nodded slowly, avoiding her gaze.
“Can’t I come with you, just for today? It’s your wedding, Ashley. I should be there with you.” Her eyes were pleading, but I couldn’t drag her into this.
“I’m sorry, Mabel. Jayden’s family… they’re private people. You can’t come to the mansion with me.” The words felt hollow, almost rehearsed. Mabel sighed, her shoulders slumping.
“Fine. But at least let me know where the wedding will be. I want to be there for you.”
“Of course, I’ll text you the address when I can,” I assured her, my voice soft. I hoped she couldn’t tell how forced it sounded.
“You don’t even know where your own wedding is?” Her brows knitted together in concern.
Before I could stammer an answer, Mabel crossed her arms. “The Gaja Events Center. It’s in the news-one of your groom’s properties. The wedding’s at 11, then a private reception at his mansion tonight.” She bit her lip, worry etched in every line of her face. “Ashley, are you being forced into this?”
My heart skipped. She saw through me, as she always did. I swallowed, my mouth dry. “Mabel… I’m marrying him because I have to. Please, trust me on this.”
She hesitated, then gave me a sad smile. “I’ll be there. I still can’t wait to see you in that wedding dress.”
I hugged her tightly, fighting the tears that threatened to spill. “Thank you, Mabel. For everything.”
We walked out together, and I spotted Liam stepping out of the car, his usual relaxed smile in place.
“Good morning, beautiful bride,” he greeted warmly, helping me with my luggage.
“Good morning, Liam,” I murmured. Mabel, ever protective, gave him a scrutinizing look.
“So, you’re Steven Blackwood’s brother?” she asked, eyes narrowing slightly.
“In all but blood,” he replied, his smile never wavering.
As I hugged Mabel goodbye, she whispered, “Remember, I’m always here for you.” Her words hung heavy in the air as we drove off, leaving behind everything familiar and safe.
“For a bride, you don’t look very excited on your wedding day,” Liam noted as we drove.
I couldn’t help the bitter laugh. “You mean, considering I’m marrying your ruthless cousin? You tell me.”
“Ashley,” Liam’s voice softened, “Steven isn’t always like that. He just… hides behind a tough exterior. But deep down, he’s kind. You of all people should know that.”
I didn’t respond, my mind racing with memories of the Steven I once knew-a boy with a warm smile, before he became an alpha, before he hardened his heart.
******
We arrived at the mansion, and as I stepped out, Freya and Freja, Steven’s twin sisters, practically pounced on me, ushering me inside.
“No time for chit-chat! We’re already running late,” Freya chided, pulling me toward a room lined with mirrors and gowns.
Louise, a Gallic makeup artist, worked her magic, transforming me into someone I barely recognized. My hair sparkled with jewels, the gown hugged my frame, shimmering under the lights. I looked… like a queen.
“You look breathtaking,” Freya said, admiration clear in her eyes.
“Yes, Steven won’t be able to take his eyes off you,” Freja added, grinning.
I glanced away, sadness tugging at my chest. “This isn’t that kind of wedding,” I whispered, half to myself. “He doesn’t care about me. He probably won’t even look.”
Freya exchanged a glance with Freja. “Steven doesn’t hate you, Ashley. He just… worries about the mating bond,” Freya explained carefully. “If a wolf is bonded with a weak mate, it can weaken his own powers. It’s not personal.”
I bit my lip, absorbing the weight of her words. So, he thought I’d weaken him. Just the idea made my heart ache.
“Not that it’s any of our business,” Freja added gently, “but give him time. The bond connects you in ways you can’t imagine. Sooner or later, his wolf will crave you.”
I tried to hold back the unease bubbling inside me. The thought of tonight-the wedding night-filled me with dread.
There was a knock on the door, and a man walked in, his gaze locking on me.
“By the goddess… you look amazing,” he murmured, his cheeks reddening slightly.
“This is Roy, Steven’s beta,” Freja said with a smirk. I barely had time to greet him before he cleared his throat.
“The Alpha is ready,” he announced. The twins hurried me downstairs, where Steven waited, tall and formidable in a sharp suit. He looked like a king ready for war.
“Finally,” he muttered as we approached, his gaze grazing over me for only a second. My heart sank, but I reminded myself-this wasn’t a fairytale.
“Told you he wouldn’t even glance at me,” I whispered to Freya.
She sighed. “Give him time, Ashley. And don’t underestimate him. He’s… complicated.”
As the cars lined up outside, Freya nudged me toward Steven’s car. “You’re the bride. You sit with the groom.”
I shook my head. “No way. I’ll ride with you.”
Freya laughed, nudging me harder. “Tonight, you’ll be doing more than sitting with him.”
The implication made my stomach twist. How could I have forgotten about tonight? The wedding night. The words echoed in my mind as I reluctantly climbed into the car beside Steven, the man I once thought I knew, the man who now felt like a stranger.
As the car moved, I kept my eyes fixed on the road, praying to any god who’d listen. Please… let nothing happen tonight.