Chapter 132: Chapter 132 The Awkward Ceremony
Author
Nadia kept checking her watch, her anxiety growing with each passing minute. She had a bad feeling in her gut all morning. "Why aren’t they here yet? They’re seriously late."
Alpha Enzo stayed much calmer than his mate, but even he was starting to look worried. "Relax. They promised they’d come for the bride. You really think Alpha Zack’s going to bail on his own wedding?"
Selina sat by the window in her white gown, watching the empty driveway. She felt dread growing in her chest. Still no sign of Alpha Zack’s wedding convoy.
"Selina, don’t stress about it. Probably just heavy traffic," one of her bridesmaids said weakly.
But in werewolf culture, timing on wedding day was everything. Being late was considered a bad omen for the marriage.
When wolf packs promised to arrive at a certain time, they always left early to avoid being late. How could something like this happen?
Selina pressed her lips together and stayed quiet. Dark thoughts swirled through her mind.
She wanted to call Alpha Zack and ask what was wrong, but she worried it would make her look desperate. What kind of bride chases after her own groom?
While she fought with her emotions, the sound of car engines finally came through the manor gates.
"They’re here! Selina, look outside!"
"Oh my god, so many cars! Selina, let me count them all."
"One, two, three..." The bridesmaid’s excited voice slowly turned uncertain. "Wait... that seems like way fewer cars than we expected."
Something felt off about the whole arrival, but no one wanted to voice their concerns out loud.
Selina’s smile completely froze. "Miki, are you sure you counted right?"
Another bridesmaid quickly grabbed her arm, trying to salvage the moment. "Stop worrying about the cars. Let’s just focus on what we planned. He’s here, and that’s what matters."
But the forced cheerfulness only made Selina feel worse.
Her expression had turned stormy just as heavy footsteps approached her door. Someone knocked with zero enthusiasm. "Selina, open up. We’re seriously running behind schedule here."
The bridesmaids had spent weeks planning the perfect moment—how they’d all gather around when Alpha Zack arrived, maybe tease him a little, take some photos, make it special and memorable.
But that phrase "running behind schedule" made them all exchange nervous glances.
"Selina, should we still do the photos we planned?" someone asked quietly.
Selina swallowed hard, trying to push down the anxiety in her throat. "Just open the door."
[Why was he late for their wedding? Why wasn’t there time for any of the special moments they’d planned? Couldn’t he have just left his estate earlier?]
A dozen complaints ran through her mind, but they all vanished when that tall figure walked through her door.
Selina’s mouth fell open in shock. "Zack, what happened to your forehead?"
Every bridesmaid in the room stared in disbelief.
Alpha Zack looked like he’d been in a fight.
The huge purple bruise and swelling on his forehead was impossible to miss.
Alpha Zack was clearly trying to stay calm, but his dark eyes flashed with anger. "We had a car accident on the way here. That’s why we’re late."
"Oh god, Zack, are you badly hurt?"
Alpha Zack’s jaw was clenched tight. She could see the muscle twitching. He shook his head quickly. "I’ll be fine."
He dropped to one knee like he was doing a chore. He clearly wasn’t in the mood for romance. "Will you come home with me?"
It was the closest thing to sweet words Alpha Zack had ever said to Selina, but it sounded completely fake. Like he was reading lines he hated.
Selina felt a sharp pain in her chest.
The accident wasn’t her fault. So why was he treating her like she’d ruined his day?
She stayed quiet for several long seconds before finally whispering, "Yes."
Friends and family from both packs could feel the tension in the air.
Everyone suddenly became very interested in looking at the ceiling and floor, trying to become invisible.
--
Meanwhile, across town, Elara frowned at her reflection in the full-length mirror, holding up an emerald necklace against her black cocktail dress. "You’re absolutely sure I should wear this one?"
Alpha Dominic’s shoulder casually leaning against the frame.
He noticed the green necklace in her hand and his lips twitched with amusement. "I was just messing with you earlier. Save that one for a different outfit."
He walked over to the jewelry dresser and opened the first drawer, pulling out a sleek black velvet box. "Wear this set today instead."
Alpha Dominic moved behind her, gently sweeping her long hair forward over her shoulders. His fingers were surprisingly gentle as he fastened the diamond necklace around her neck.
The diamonds caught the light beautifully against her skin.
Elara had to admit they looked perfect with her outfit.
Alpha Dominic stepped back to admire his handiwork, his eyes dark with satisfaction and something much more possessive.
"Let’s go, Luna Wolfe," he said, his voice rough with pride. "Today your mate’s taking you out to show everyone exactly who you really are."