Chapter 7
Dad adjusted his glasses, his brow furrowed.
“Reported? For what? Was it taken down? This is absurd! I’m calling The Red Moon Pack house to get to the bottom of this.”
Quickly remembering, I darted to stop him. “No need! It’s probably just because the dress was too pricey. People might feel misled, or maybe there’s just jealousy over wealth. Don’t worry; if they remove it, so be it.”
I grabbed my mom’s phone to check it out. It was Alpha Simon‘ Facebook, of course. Just then, my phone buzzed. Not wanting to worry my parents, I wore a neutral expression and retreated to my bedroom.
1/6
“Elena, what were you doing at the bridal shop? Who told you to try on a wedding dress? Were you alone?” Alpha Simon fired off questions rapidly.
“I told you to come home–don’t you get it? I’ve been waiting forever. Don’t test my patience!”
I steadied my emotions with a deep breath before responding. “Alpha Simon, who do you think you are? I’m a grown woman and can do as I please! I’ve told you we’re through. Why can’t you grasp that?”
Rolling my eyes, I added, “What business is it of yours if I try on a wedding dress? Keep pestering me, and I’ll report you!”
“That place was never home to me! It’s your home!”
2/6
Hanging up before he could argue, I blocked his new number.
In the room my parents had so thoughtfully prepared, I tossed and turned, sleep eluding me. By four in the morning, a text came in from Aunt Camelia.
[How did Alpha Simon find his way to my house? What did you tell him? He seemed off today, insisting on knowing where you were.]
Rubbing my tired eyes, I replied, [I’ve made it clear to him. He’s probably unraveling, unable to cope with someone who chased him suddenly gone. It’s a blow to his pride. You didn’t reveal my location, right?]
“Do you think I’m that naive? Of course not! I’m on my way to the airport for my niece’s wedding! But is it necessary for you to be up so early on your big day?”
3/6
I didn’t respond, switching off my phone as tears blurred my vision.
With only an hour left before morning, I drifted into a fitful slumber, Alpha Simon‘ voice haunting my dreams.
“You can’t leave me; I won’t let you!”
“Who gave you permission to marry? You belong with me! I was wrong; please give me another chance, Elena.”
Tears wet my cheeks as I cried until my mom’s voice pulled me from the nightmare.
“Why are you crying, Elena? What was that dream? Do you not wish to marry?” she asked, concern in her voice.
“If you’re hesitant, then you shouldn’t go
4/6
through with it. I’ll speak to them; don’t worry.”
I clasped her hand. “No, I do want to marry–1 just had a bad dream. I’m okay.”
After a hurried wash, I set about doing my hair and makeup when my phone buzzed again. Beta Veronica was calling, probably to flaunt her victory. I didn’t answer, hitting the hang–up button instead. Her messages arrived immediately after.
[Elena, I’m so sorry. It’s all my fault. Please forgive me. Could you ask Alpha Simon not to fire
me?]
[I have elderly parents to care for. I can’t afford to lose this job! I can’t even cover rent on my own, and I’m out of savings. I’m truly desperate!]
5/6
[I admit I had feelings for Alpha Simon, but nothing happened, I swear on my life! After you left, he stopped answering my calls and erased my contact info. I have no choice but to plead with you! Everyone says you’re his favorite, that he listens to you…]
6/
