Chapter 2
When Luna Celia and Anthony’s brother into marriage, it was during the most chaotic period the Red Moon Pack had ever seen. Rogue wolf packs were circling like vultures, leaving the Red Moon Pack barely enough. energy to organize a proper celebration. Their union was so rushed that they skipped over everything–no ceremony, no banquet- just marked each other.
Now, with Alpha Anthony again offering her the title of “Luna” I couldn’t help but think: Why not help her realize her quiet, unspoken dream of experiencing a proper wedding?
Luna Celia’s expression softened at my suggestion. After all, what woman didn’t, at least once, dream of being a radiant bride?
1/8
Chapter 2
+ 5 Points
Perhaps Anthony, too, found reason in my words because his expression subtly shifted. He stayed silent, withholding any objection.
Noticing his lack of protest, I caught the flicker of conflict in Luna Celia’s eyes. After a pause, she cautiously asked, “Can I really try it on?”
I nodded, signaling the staff to guide her into the dressing room to try on the wedding dress.
Meanwhile, Alpha Anthony had already changed into a groom’s suit, looking every inch the part. Yet, when he noticed Luna Celia preparing to try on the gown, he began loosening his tie, appearing ready to change out of his formal wear. I stopped him before he got too far.
2/8
Chapter 2
+ 5 Points
“Luna Celia’s pregnant,” I reminded him, my voice steady. “She’s already uncomfortable enough. What if she needs you and you’re out of reach?”
At that, Alpha Anthony froze mid–motion. Though he stayed beside me, his unease poured from him, his restlessness evident in the subtle movements of his hands and the tense line of his jaw.
Catching his visible discomfort, I let out a quiet scoff.
Not long after, Luna Celia emerged from the fitting room with the staff’s assistance. Since her pregnancy hadn’t started to show yet and her frame was similar to mine, the wedding dress fit her like a dream.
Despite her effort to temper her emotions, excitement danced on Luna Celia’s face.
3/8
Chapter 2
+ 5 Points
Timidly, she asked, “Anthony, how do I look? Is this… nice?”
Her soft voice pulled Alpha Anthony out of whatever daze he had slipped into. His eyes, which had been lingering on her, cleared, and after a moment’s pause, he answered with a low hum of agreement.
Before the moment could settle, a staff member approached, clearly captivated. “Wow! The gown is breathtaking on you,” she exclaimed. “You two make the most perfect bride and groom I’ve ever seen!”
Her words landed like a stone in water, rippling through the room. Everyone’s expressions shifted.
Luna Celia stiffened, her anxious gaze darting to Anthony. She forced a thin smile and quickly tried to clarify, “Oh, no, you’ve
4/8
Chapter 2
+ 5 Points
misunderstood-”
Before she could finish, I clapped my hands together, cutting her off. “She’s right! Luna Celia looks absolutely stunning. You’d think this dress was designed just for her.”
Anthony’s eyes snapped to me, disbelief flickering across his face. He knew me too well–better than perhaps anyone else. He was fully aware of my penchant for guarding what was mine, especially something as personal and symbolic as my wedding dress. Yet, here I was, not only allowing someone else to wear it but also lavishing praise upon her without hesitation.
“Nicole, you-” Alpha Anthony began, his voice trailing with uncertainty.
I met his gaze head–on, blinking with deliberate innocence as I interrupted him
5/8
Chapter 2
+ 5 Points
smoothly. “Relax. I’m just stating the obvious.” Glancing at my watch for effect, I added lightly, “Anyway, I just remembered I have work to catch up on. I should probably head back to the office.”
Before he could respond, I turned on my heel and strode toward the boutique’s door.
Behind me, I caught movement in my peripheral vision–Alpha Anthony started to follow, but Luna Celia reached out and stopped him.
As I reached the threshold, I glanced back instinctively. Alpha Anthony was guiding Luna Celia toward the fitting room with a tenderness that struck me like a punch to the gut. His touch was careful, his focus solely on her as though she were the only person in the room.
6/8
Chapter 2
+ 5 Points
For a fleeting moment, I was swept by an uncanny sensation–did he marry her out of obligation, as he claimed? Or had he, against all odds, fallen in love with her?
I didn’t know. And frankly, I had no desire to uncover the answer, not if it meant unraveling myself in the process.
The next day, I arrived at the hospital as scheduled for my pre–operative exam.
When the doctor asked casually about the child’s father, I offered a cool, detached reply: “He’s busy with work and couldn’t make it.”
That morning, just after waking up, I had contemplated telling him. I dialed his number more times than I could count, but after receiving no answer, I abandoned the idea.
7/8
Chapter 2
+ 5 Points
By the time the procedure was over, I felt drained. My strength depleted, I had to steady myself against the cold, sterile walls just to navigate the hospital’s glaringly bright corridors.
As I shuffled into the main lobby, my breath hitched. There, just several steps away, was Alpha Anthony. He stood beside Luna Celia, who was cheerfully chatting with a nurse. Judging by the clipboard in her hand, they were here for her prenatal checkup.
I stood rooted to the spot, a wave of icy realization sweeping over me.
