A masterpiece of luxury.
That's all I could say as my eyes roamed around. The gold chandeliers glittering above, white roses cascading down every column, and rows of guests dressed in the finest silk and tailored suits. William had spared no expense, eager to flaunt his victory before the werewolf elite. To them, today was the union of power. To me, it was the start of seeking justice in the style of white laces.
I took my first step down the aisle. All eyes were on me, their admiration and envy palpable. I could feel the weight of their gazes and admiration for me as the ‘perfect bride.’
Indeed, my face was a picture of serenity with a soft smile on my lips. But beneath the veil, my mind was a battlefield. Fury churned within me, tempered only by cold and calculated resolve. This wasn’t just a wedding. It was a reckoning.
At the end of the aisle, William waited with a smug smile. He looked so satisfied. He looked every bit the prince charming in his tailored suit, his blond hair perfectly styled, his posture oozing confidence.
Oh… I hated him!
My fingers tightened around the bouquet as I approached, imagining his throat beneath my grip instead. How dare he stand there? Looking at me with such possession. Such arrogance, when he was the reason my father lay six feet under.
I forced my lips to widen, a vision of love-struck devotion. He had no idea that every step I took was one step closer to his ruin. He extended his hand, and I reached him.
William’s eyes were gleaming with victory. “You look breathtaking, Lana.” His voice was warm, affectionate—a perfect lie.
I placed my hand in his, the contact sending a chill down my spine. “And you look handsome, as always.” I made sure my smile never faltered.
He squeezed my hand, his grip possessive. “After today, you’ll be mine forever.”
I swallowed the bile rising in my throat and tilted my head in feigned adoration. “As you’ll be mine.”
The ceremony began, the priest—one of William’s loyalists—reciting the ancient vows. William’s chest puffed with pride as he made his promises, his voice steady and sincere. Promises of love, loyalty, and protection.
Lies. Every word was a lie.
William’s thumb stroked my palm, drawing my attention back to him. His eyes were soft, filled with a tenderness that made my stomach churn. “Your turn, love.”
The priest looked at me expectantly. “Do you, Lana Harrison, take William Holloway to be your lawfully wedded husband? To love, honor, and obey, until death do you part?”
The words echoed in my head, mocking me. Obey? He wanted a puppet, a queen to strengthen his throne. My gaze locked onto his, and for a fleeting moment, I let him see it. My fury. My hatred. My promise of vengeance.
William’s brow furrowed, confusion in his eyes.
I smiled sweetly. “I do.”
William’s shoulders relaxed as he slipped the ring onto my finger as a symbol of ownership. I stared at the band. It was just a prop. A chain that would shatter the moment his empire crumbled.
I caught the smirk on Charlotte’s lips. I smiled at her sweetly. She thought I was dumb without realizing she was dumber.
The priest opened his mouth to pronounce us husband and—
A loud crash shattered the air, followed by a chorus of screams. The glass windows above exploded inward, shards raining down as shadows poured into the hall. Figures cloaked in black, their faces masked, moved fast with their lethal and commanding presence.
Chaos erupted. Guests scrambled, toppling chairs and tearing at their expensive gowns as they fled for the exits. Guards shouted orders, weapons drawn, but the assailants were faster, more coordinated, overpowering them with ease.
William’s body went rigid beside me, his hand tightening around mine. “What the hell is happening?!” he shouted at his people.
I widened my eyes as panic seeped into my voice.
William’s grip was bruising, his eyes darting around, desperate for control. “Stay close to me, Lana.”
A masked figure lunged, his movements a blur. William shoved me behind him, his body coiled with tension as he fought them off, his wolf strength on full display.
I stumbled. Fear and confusion all over me. This wasn’t part of my plan. This wasn’t supposed to happen.
Who are they? What do they want?
More shadows descended, surrounding me, their eyes cold and unyielding behind their masks. One stepped forward, he reached for me, his gloved hand wrapping around my arm.
I struggled, my fingers clawing at his hold. “No! Let me go!”
William’s roar echoed through the hall, feral and unhinged.
“LANA!” He fought to reach me, his power surging, but the assailants blocked his path, their numbers overwhelming.
The leader pulled me close, his voice low and firm. “We only want the bride.”
I thrashed in his grip, my movements wild and desperate. I looked at William, and he couldn’t lie that he was in shock too. It means… this wasn’t William doing. Or was he just good at pretending?
But William’s face contorted with rage, and his power crackled through the room. “No! Let go of my wife! I’ll kill you! I’ll—”
A sharp blow to his head sent him sprawling, his body hitting the marble floor with a sickening thud. Charlotte ran to him, checking immediately if he was okay.
The leader’s arm tightened around me, dragging me toward the shattered window. I screamed, my voice echoing through the hall. “HELP! DON’T LET THEM TAKE ME!”
We moved swiftly, the air cold against my skin as we disappeared into the darkness. I fought and kicked, but his hold was gripping me. We reached an abandoned manor on the outskirts of the city. I was tossed into a room, the door slamming shut behind me. I rushed to the window, only to find it barred. Panic enveloped me.
The door opened. A figure stepped inside, carrying his overwhelming presence. The air felt like it was growing heavy. My heart raced. My wolf was stirring inside me. The scent was unmistakable—earthy, electric, and dangerously familiar.
His emerald eyes gleamed in the dim light, locking onto mine. A shiver ran down my spine.
Mate.
I could feel the bond thrumming between us, alive and potent. My breath hitched as recognition dawned.
“Mason?!”
