Chapter 7
Auren POV
tood at the door, staring at Alpha Lucien His dark eyes held anger and frustration, and his hands were curled into tight fists. He wasn’t happorto see me, that much was clear. I clutched the edge of my towel tighter, feeling exposed in more ways than one.
“Elder Ryna has asked to meet you tomorrow morning,” he said gruffly, snapping his gaze back to my face.
I blinked, my mind catching up as surprise washed over me. “Oh…okay,” I darted my eyes behind him wondering if there was anyone with him. “Alpha Lucien, you didn’t have to personally deliver this message to me,” I said quietly.
“What do you mean?” he growled, “You wanted someone else to deliver this messaget And who? Did you want someone to see my would–be Luna
In this state?”
I gulped. “No!” I said, fear gripping me. “It’s just that you are an Alpha and has more important duties than to come here personally and inform me.” Goddess, he was a thundercloud, threatening to turn into a tornado and crush me all over. What did I even do?
“If you think that I will ask someone else to deliver this message to you, then you’re mistaken, Auren!” he lashed at me. Then he narrowed his eyes in suspicion “Did you mean you wanted Tarian to come here! Especially when you’re just wrapped in a towel?”
My jaw dropped, mortified as hell. “What? Not at all!” I clutched the edge of my towel. “But how did you know I was wrapped in a towel!”
At my words, he clenched his jaw and didn’t speak for a long two seconds. Then dismissing my question, he growled, “Just be there to talk to Elder Ryna in the morning at 10AM, okay!”
I nodded. “Should I wear something special“”
Lucien’s jaw ticked. “It’s a conversation, not a parade. Just don’t embarrass yourself–or me.”
I nodded quickly, my stomach churning. “I’ll do my best, Alpha.”
He stared at me for a second longer, then muttered something under his breath and turned to leave. I didn’t catch the words, but his irritation was apparent as he rushed down the stairs, taking two at a time.
As soon as the door closed, I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. “What a strange man,” I whispered to myself placing my hand over my thundering heart.
The next morning, I woke early and dressed in one of the plain dresses I had bought for myself. It was a simple shirt with an was neat, and I thought it would be good enough.
However, as soo
old, frayed jeans, but it
as soon as I was about to go out for breakfast, a soft knock on the door startled me. I opened the door only to find two maids, holding half a dozen dresses. They stared at me, blinking their eyes. Then suddenly, they bowed to me. “Alpha Lucien has sent these dresses for you.”
Surprise hit me and my breath caught in my throat. My eyes widened. For a moment, all I could do was stare, my mind scrambling to catch up with what she said. “Alpha Lucien‘” I asked in a raspy voice. “Why?”
They nodded eagerly with a smile. “Can we come in?” said the older one.
in with chicken soup. She also bowed to
“Sure,” I blabbered, opening the door wider for them. As soon as they entered, I saw another maid coming in me and entered inside the room.
“This soup will be nice for you, Lady Auren,” she said. “Alpha Lucien wants you to have light food for now.” She placed a glass of juice next to it. “And some natural sugar.”
My mind swirled with thoughts. Did he listen to how I vomited last night?
I saw the maids hanging all the dresses in the wardrobe neatly, arranging them in a color–coordinated manner. It was all too much for me, so I sat on the bed with my hands folded in my lap. When they were done, they turned to me. The older one said, “It would be great if you could wear one of these to meet Elder Ryu”
“Sure,” I replied in a low voice. They bowed again before leaving.
The chicken soup was really light and tasty. I had it all and didn’t feel like any stomach would revolt. Next, I checked on the dresses. All of them were so expensive that each one cost a fortune. I chose the least expensive one–a pewter silk dress with a round neckline and short sleeves. It hung like a hanger on my thin body, but covered my generous breasts and ass like a glove. How did Alpha Lucien know of my size?
When I arrived at the main hall, I saw a regal woman with an air of authority standing by the door with Alpha Lucien, talking to him in hushed tours. Her silver hair fell past her shoulders. There were wrinkles on face that spoke of wisdom and age. Her head snapped toward me, and su flickered on her face.
With a glint in her hazel eyes, Elder Ryna greeted me with a kind smile. “Auren, come on, child, the old, groturing to a chair She looked as
Chaper
as a to be
I sat down, ageung with the bem of my dress. “Good morning, Elder Hyna
Her eyes crinkled warmly. “Good morning, Auren. I’ve been wanting to speak with you about the marriage. I’m sure Lorien has already told you
I nodded, unsure of what to say
“You seem like a sweet girl” she began. “All I know that you must be overwhelmed about this marriage, but this marriage is not just about you and Lucien. It’s about the future of this pack. I hope you smilerstand that “
“Yes, ma’am,” I said softly.
She studied me for a moment, then leaned forward slightly. Tho you know why the wedding was delayed?”
I shook my head, my brows furrowing “No”
eyes slightly. “Did you
Elder Ryna chuckled softly. “Actually Lucien made the decision last night to delay the wedding. Then the narrowed her ey influence his decision by asking him!”
“No,” I replied. “We didn’t talk about it.” Out of anxiety for ring accused wrongly, I clutched the fabric of my dress in my lap as my heart thudded Elder Ryna leaned back in her chair and studied me for a while. Then in a soft but firm voice she said, “He’s concerned that you might not be able to bear his mark in your current state.”
My heart sank. “His mark? Why won’t be able to bear it?” For some reason her words stung me
She nodded, “Lucien is a powerful Alpha with very strong genes and very strong venom. His mark is not just a bite—it’s magic And Lucien fears that you’re too fragile to endure it.”
Weak. I swallowed the lump in my throat and lowered my head.
“No I’m asking again. Did Lucien speak to you about this?” she asked, her voice gentle but probing
THE
I thought about the previous night, his clenched teeth and snappy words. “No, he just told me the wedding was delayed. He didn’t say why”
Elder Ryna’s eyes softened. “I see” Taking a deep breath in, she asked, “And how do you feel about all this, chill)”
I tilted my head, unsure of how to answer, so I decided to be honest. “I know I’m not strong like other she–wolves, but-“Tears stung in my eyes. “I didn’t have a choice. I knew that she was hinting at my omega status, and that I was traded for an alliance. There was no alliance if I didn’t produce an heir for the Shadowfang pack.
