Chapter 2 LET US BREATHE THE WEDDING NIGHT

Adeline's pov

I raised my veil, trying to process what I had just heard. That wasn't the voice of my love. Who was marrying me now?

Before me stood a man in a grey suit, his hair styled neatly to the left, and his face adorned with freckles.

I heard whispers from the women behind me. "Beta Zain!"

"I thought Alpha Matteo was marrying her. She's too beautiful to end up with someone like him. I heard he killed five men before coming to this wedding!"

"What about our Alpha? He's killed more than that, but he deserves her."

"What are these people thinking? How is marrying a serial killer better?" I thought, scratching my head.

Beta Zain walked toward me and cupped my cheeks. "You look even more beautiful than the last time I saw you. The Alpha didn't reject you; consider this a trade by barter."

Stepping back, he announced, "I have to run some errands for my Alpha, which means the wedding will be delayed." I will be marrying Adeline Lioni as a member of the Crimstone pack!"

Gasps filled the room, especially from the members of the Lionstone pack. They had all celebrated because I was supposed to marry an Alpha, the strongest and most formidable member of their pack.

"Why did he reject her?" was the question on everyone's mind.

The Crimstone members looked disappointed, but I was actually relieved. If I had to marry the Alpha, convincing or killing him would have been far more difficult. A Beta in the line of succession made things easier for me.

"No!" A loud voice pierced the air.

As expected, it was Gia, and she looked furious as she stormed down the stairs.

"What is going on? Continue with the wedding! No one stops the wedding!" she shouted.

Beta Zain's lips curled into a smile. "The mother of the beautiful bride! It's a pleasure to finally meet you. Well, as ordered by the Alpha, I'll be marrying your daughter!"

Gia's eyebrows arched in disbelief. "Orders from the Alpha? No, your Alpha had plans to marry my daughter. We came here for an Alpha, not a Beta!" she screamed, and everyone gasped.

"Ruin him, Mom, so I can finally get out of here!" I thought.

Beta Zain shrugged. "Those are his orders, not mine. I have a lot of work to do. You have no choice but to let me marry her if you want to ensure a peaceful resolution between the packs!"

He turned and left as everyone began to leave from the spectacle.

"Mom! What do I do now? You didn't plan on me being rejected, did you?" I whimpered, feigning concern.

Gia sighed and rubbed her forehead. "Okay... I know how to fix this. We'll fix it. I'm not letting my child marry a Beta. We've come this far, and I won't back down!"

"What do we do, Mom?"

Gia looked deeply into my eyes and said, "You only have one job: convince the Alpha!"

---

**THE HALLWAY**

I wandered the hallways, searching for neither the Alpha nor the Beta. I was looking for a place to hide, waiting for my love to rescue me.

"This gown is so obnoxiously long! I never wanted to get married in werewolf style. I hate it!" I grumbled.

While holding up the gown, I missed a step and fell flat on the ground.

"Ouch! Adeline 1, gown 1," I winced in pain.

When I looked up, a hand reached out towards me. A calm voice said, "Do you need any help?"

I blew some air to push my hair from my face and gazed at the man.

His striking green eyes captivated me with their depth and intensity. They are perfectly framed by dark, well-groomed hair that contrasts elegantly with his fair complexion. His suit, a classic navy with a subtle sheen, accentuates his tall, athletic body.

I accepted his help and took me by his soft hand.

"You okay?" he asked as he helped me up.

I nodded and then noticed a small spot on my gown. Paint ruined the white fabric on the floor.

"Oh no! Noooo. Mom's going to kill me! I should have just hidden in the restroom. I should've swallowed my pride and hidden there!" I groaned, indifferent to his presence.

"Why are you hiding?" he asked.

Frustrated, I replied, "Well, I was waiting for that idiot to elope..." I halted when I realized I had said too much.

I gave him a polite nod and said, "I'm sorry, but I have to find my Alpha. Thank you very much!"

I started to walk away, but before I had taken five steps, he called out, "Luna Adeline, be my guest!"

Confused, I turned around. "Luna! No one has ever called me that! Is that the..."

He was now casually putting his hands in his pockets, wearing a devilish smirk.

A group of maids passed by us and, upon reaching the man, bowed their heads respectfully and said in unison, "Honor to our King Alpha!"

What? I had just met my husband and nearly revealed half of my plans. Realizing my blunder, I nervously ran away. But before I could get far, he caught up with me and grabbed my hand.

"Now let's get married, Adeline!"

"Help! Let me go!"

---

**THE ROYAL ROOM**

After the wedding was concluded, vows were being exchanged and we were escorted to our room, I didn't say a word since our accidental meeting. Maybe I was too traumatized to speak.

Gia was more than happy because her honor had been restored. In fact, she didn't spare me a glance after the marriage because she was busy basking in the glory.

Matteo closed the door behind him and I sat quietly on the bed, fiddling with my fingers while staring blankly at the wall.

Matteo noticed my silence and mumbled, "Let's see how long you stay quiet."

He moved in front of me, squatting down to hold my hands. He gently brushed a strand of hair behind my ear.

"Adeline! Who is your lover?" he asked bluntly.

I glanced at him quickly before turning my gaze back to the bed. "You don't need to know," I said, breaking the silence.

"Wow!" he said, standing up and walking toward the royal table. He poured wine into two glasses, took a sip from one, and handed it to me.

Without hesitation, I knocked the glass out of his hand, shattering it into pieces.

Matteo rolled his eyes and threw his own glass away. "I know how to deal with people like you, but I can't wait..."

He removed his shirt, revealing well-defined abs that seemed to beg for my attention. Matteo lifted my chin. So I had no choice but to look at him.

"You see that? Those bad boys are going to feel every part of your skin, especially the big juicy ones!"

He pushed me onto the bed with my back against it. I gasped and tried to escape, but he pinned me down.

"Matteo... Let me go! Please!" I screamed, but his grasp was too strong. He was an Alpha, after all!

He leaned in close to my neck, his heavy breath sending shivers down my spine. His hair fell over my face.

He whispered, "My wolf is hungry. He needs someone to satisfy its urges. But I'll make you a deal: if your lover comes to save you, I won't de

vour you. But if he doesn't, you'll be left gasping for air!"