Her hand was incredibly soft—like silk, or maybe fine cotton. He couldn’t decide. But it fit perfectly in his.
So perfect, he could have held it forever without a single complaint.
Damn it. Not again.
Killian clenched his jaw. He hated that feeling—one he didn’t want to have for anyone other than Maya.
He furiously glanced at Isabella’s face, but she kept her eyes down, staring at the floor. Not once did she look up at him. Just a few minutes ago, when he held her in his arms, she had pulled away as if his touch had burned her and ran off as fast as she could.
That hit something deep in his Alpha pride. Girls would throw themselves at him for a glance, and here she was—his bride—acting like he wasn’t even there. It stung more than he expected.
This isn't good for his Alpha ego.
The ceremony continued. Vows were exchanged. Then Luna Linda approached with a tray carrying two rings.
Killian took one and slid it gently onto Isabella’s finger. Her hand trembled slightly, but she didn’t pull away.
Then it was her turn.
With shaking fingers, Isabella picked up the other ring and hesitantly slipped it onto Killian’s finger.
The officiant smiled and raised his voice, announcing, “By the sacred laws of the pack, I now declare you husband and wife.”
A quiet pause followed. Then came the words that made Killian’s wolf stir eagerly.
“You may now kiss your bride.”
The wolf inside Killian nearly growled in delight. He had wanted to taste her lips since the moment he laid eyes on her. That beast inside him was far too eager.
Killian took her hand again and gently pulled her closer. With slow care, he reached up and tucked a finger under her chin, lifting her face toward his.
And then she looked at him.
For the first time, their eyes met—and Killian froze. Her blue eyes were wide, soft, and so incredibly innocent. They shimmered under the lights, enchanting in a way he couldn’t explain.
His heart stuttered. He hadn’t expected that.
Slowly, almost without thinking, his head dipped toward hers. She closed her eyes tightly as his lips brushed hers.
And then—lightning.
A spark ran through him so strong, so fierce, it felt like his whole body lit up. He jerked back instinctively, heart pounding.
He stared at her, stunned, his wolf pacing wildly within him.
Who are you, Princess?
A witch? A siren?
What the hell are you doing to me?
Isabella’s heart started pounding loudly, ready to jump out of her chest.
The moment their lips touched, she felt a spark rush through her body—but Killian suddenly flinched away, as if her touch had burned him. He took two steps back, putting distance between them.
What just happened?
She had no idea.
But one thing was clear—her first kiss had just been taken by a cruel Alpha who didn’t seem to care at all.
The pack erupted into howls and cheers once again.
She looked around and smiled faintly. At least they were happy.
That’s all she ever wanted—for her pack to be safe, to be okay… to be happy. Always.
Her thoughts were interrupted when Luna Linda stepped forward and pulled her into a warm hug.
“Congratulations, darling. I’m so happy for you,” she said, beaming with pride.
Alpha George and Alpha James approached next to give them their blessings.
Then Alpha James turned to Alpha George and said,
“We’ll take our leave now, Alpha George. My people are eagerly waiting for us to bring their new Luna-to-be home. I would also like to extend an invitation to you and your pack for Killian’s Alpha ceremony, which will be held tomorrow.”
Alpha George nodded in understanding. “As you wish, Alpha James.”
Alpha James gave Isabella a proud smile.
“And don’t worry about Isabella,” he said confidently. “She’s under my protection now. And believe me—Killian won’t let anyone lay a finger on his wife. He’s as possessive as an Alpha can be.”
Isabella could only stare at him in shock.
No one had ever made her feel so safe and protected—until now.
And all it took were a few powerful words from her father-in-law.
Alpha George looked at Luna Linda, and she understood the silent command. She walked over to Isabella and leaned down to whisper in her ear.
"Isabella, take your bags. You must leave now with Alpha Killian and his pack members."
What?
Now?
Isabella’s heart dropped. She wasn't ready. Not this soon.
“Already?!” she murmured, eyes wide in disbelief.
“Oh dear,” Luna Linda said, her voice laced with irritation, “Alpha James mentioned they must leave immediately to prepare for Prince Killian’s Alpha ceremony.”
Isabella understood. Her presence was no longer wanted here. They were in a rush to be rid of her, eager to wash their hands clean of the deal. It stung, but she swallowed the ache rising in her chest.
“But Mother, I haven’t packed my things,” she said softly, glancing helplessly around.
“Don’t worry,” Linda replied with a practiced smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “The Luna of the Blood Moon Pack, I mean, Alpha Killian’s mother must have already arranged something for you. When we come for the Alpha ceremony, I’ll bring your things along.”
With a heavy heart, Isabella stepped into the sleek black BMW 760i, her expression numb. As the engine started and the convoy prepared to move, Alpha George and Luna Linda shared a knowing smirk, glancing at each other with cold satisfaction as Linda murmured, “Finally, we are free from the blood promise.”
The other guests followed suit, taking their places in their respective vehicles and the convoy began to move, Alpha George turned to his beta and ordered calmly, “Remove all the extra security from the borders.”
His beta looked at him in shock. “But Alpha… what about the rogue attack threats?”
“There won’t be any rogue attacks on our pack,” Alpha George said quietly, his eyes fixed on the car disappearing in the distance — the one Isabella was sitting in.
“Not anymore.”
__
*A blood promise is a sacred vow that cannot be broken under any circumstances, or the death and destruction of the entire pack will be inevitable.*