Alpha's Mafia Bride

"Bian! Your fiancé still hasn't arrived. The best man keeps calling, but it's going straight to voicemail! We've been waiting for almost an hour-what should we do?" Rafael's voice trembled with panic.

If Rafael was losing it, Bianca was on the brink of collapse.

A cold pit formed in her stomach, her hands shook uncontrollably, and a tear slipped down her cheek, heavy with sorrow.

Antonio had claimed to love her. What could have happened? Why hadn't he shown up for their wedding?

In one of the most beautiful churches in the city, a cello played a haunting melody as Bianca stood there, waiting to marry Antonio Moretti.

Both were prominent figures in the mafia world, bound by what Bianca had believed was love. As the eldest daughter of Massimo Bianchi, a ruthless Sicilian mafia boss who had amassed a great fortune through drug trafficking, Bianca had thought Antonio was her future.

But now, standing alone at the altar, the realization hit her like a wave-she was utterly abandoned, and everything she had trusted was crumbling around her.

Bianca Bianchi had just turned twenty-five. She was a blonde with long, beautifully toned legs. Her hair cascaded down to her small waist, and her big turquoise-blue eyes, along with the delicate features she inherited from her late mother, made her the kind of beauty most could only dream of-or at least, that's what she had thought until she met Antonio at a business meeting.

Antonio was one of her father's associates. Their relationship hadn't been love at first sight; the man had practically moved heaven and earth to win her over. It had taken him nearly three months to convince her to be his girlfriend, and after a year together, their wedding day had finally arrived. Bianca had been waiting for this day with so much anticipation.

Her sisters had helped her into her beautiful wedding dress and secured her headpiece. Her best friend, Natalia, had also been there, handing her the bouquet-the final touch she needed.

They had hurried to the church, and when they arrived, Bianca had expected her beloved and handsome fiancé, Antonio Moretti, to already be waiting at the altar. But to her great surprise, Rafael came running to tell her that he still hadn't arrived. They had waited for over an hour, but there was no sign of the groom.

"Rafael, get in!" Bianca ordered her brother. "Take us to Antonio's apartment!" she told the driver.

Antonio could be unconscious, and she had been thinking the worst of him. Her heart raced as the distance stretched endlessly before them.

"Are you sure about this, Bianca? We might be in for an unpleasant surprise. If that bastard didn't show up at the church, it's because he's not worth it! You're valuable, with such a big heart, sister," Rafael tried to console her.

"I have to see him, Rafael. I need answers. If he didn't love me, why didn't he break up with me before we got to the altar? Was it necessary to humiliate me like this?"

They finally arrived at the luxurious building. Bianca got out like a jilted bride from the countryside. Only God knew how she found the courage to get there because she didn't even know how she was still standing.

Everything spun around her like a nightmare filled with anguish and heartbreak.

The doorman didn't want to let her in, but Rafael, always armed, threatened him. The doorman relented, letting them pass but not warning Antonio that Bianca was heading to his apartment.

Trembling from head to toe, Bianca noticed the door was slightly ajar, and voices drifted from inside. She recognized Antonio's voice immediately; it was etched into her mind.

"I'm fed up! I can't marry that stuck-up woman who only lives to feel superior to everyone around her! She's exasperating! Egocentric! Used to getting her way, but she's hit a wall with me. To hell with her and the Bianchi family! The only thing I regret is not being there to see how all the guests laugh in her face!"

Antonio's voice echoed in her ears. What a son of a bitch! No one had forced him to marry her; if he didn't want to, he could've just said so! She stayed silent, straining to hear the second voice, and that's when her heart finally shattered.

"I know, my love! Bianca is unbearable, always acting superior, thinking she can do anything. But look, she couldn't catch you. You're with me, we're together, and we'll stay that way!"

"My best friend Natalia! That was her voice-her damn voice!" Bianca burst through the door to confront them. She didn't need to take many steps before she saw her lifelong friend kissing her miserable fiancé.

She interrupted them.

Having been in the mafia business for as long as she could remember, Bianca couldn't deny that it had taught her well how to hide her emotions, because, damn, she was falling apart inside.

Loving him was like holding onto a rose; the beauty was undeniable, but the thorns cut deep.

"What do you want, Bianca? If you're looking for an explanation, I'll give it to you right now! I'm not marrying you because I can't stand you. I feel nothing for you. I only pursued you so your father would accept me as a major partner and let me work on his routes. But now that I no longer need him, I'm not willing to sacrifice myself by marrying a woman who doesn't stir any feelings in me!"

"You didn't seem to feel nothing when you were begging me to sleep with you," Bianca shot back. Natalia looked at him, searching for an explanation.

Clearly, these two had been involved for quite some time.

"You're lying! Antonio feels nothing for you but repulsion and disdain! He only loves me! I am the true love of his life; we will get married and be very happy. You always thought you were invincible, Bianca, but now you're defeated. I've won-you're defeated, and your ex-fiancé is now my lover."

"I don't understand, Natalia. Why did you pretend for so long? What did you gain by acting as my friend?"

"Isn't it obvious, dear? To pass information to Antonio. You told me everything, and I made perfect use of it. Thanks to me, Antonio became independent from the Bianchi family. Now that he no longer needs them, we can live our dream life together."

"I see. You both used me for your own ends. But you forgot one thing: I don't just think I can do it all-I actually can! And you two won't defeat me. You're perfect for each other, no doubt about it. After all, dear ex-friend, you did me a favor by taking this treacherous rat off my back. Now that he's yours, don't get too comfortable. You know what he's capable of. The same goes for you, Antonio. Keep a close eye on each other to prevent mutual betrayals, you pair of rats!"

Rafael was about to draw his gun, ready to kill them, but Bianca stopped him.

"Don't do it-that would be too easy and merciful. Let life take care of making them pay for their disgusting actions!" She looked at them with pure disgust before leaving the penthouse she had visited so many times.

Rafael wanted to console Bianca, but the uncertainty in his eyes revealed that he had no idea how to ease the pain she was drowning in.

Being left at the altar wasn't something one could simply shrug off; it was a wound that sliced through to the very core.

Bianca managed to hold herself together until they were in the car. But as soon as they were alone, the barrier broke. The pain surged through her in waves. She had loved Antonio too deeply, more than she should have. She had given him everything-helped him gain her father's trust, supported him in every negotiation, and stood by him, making him stronger.

The only thing she hadn't given him was herself, and that was because she wanted to remain a virgin until their wedding night. That was supposed to be her gift to him.

"Bianca, this isn't the end of the world. You'll get through this, trust me!" Rafael wrapped her in a warm embrace, a gesture he rarely showed. Rafael was always so guarded with his affection.

"I'll be fine, Rafael. Now, please get out and cancel everything related to the wedding. I need you to do that for me."

"What? Are you serious, Bianca? You're asking me to leave the car just like that?"

"Yes, take the driver with you and handle it. Take this burden off my shoulders. Tell the guests whatever you need to; I don't care. And make sure all the gifts are returned by courier first thing tomorrow. I don't want to see a single one left. Most importantly, tell Dad not to worry about me-I'm fine. Got it?"

"Got it. But what about you? Where are you going? Let me come with you, Bianca. You shouldn't be alone right now."

"I'm heading to the family cabin near the forest. I'm telling you, but you can't tell anyone-not even if Dad pressures you. I need some time alone." She sighed deeply as she turned to face her handsome brother. "Why are you still here? Get moving!"

"You've got quite the temper! I'm trying to help, and this is the thanks I get? Fine, I'll go. Just promise me you'll be okay. You have to call me if you need anything. Understand?"

"Of course! Who else would I call if not you, Rafael? Thanks for being here with me." She reached out and gave her greatest ally a pat on the shoulder before he got out of the car and the driver remained outside. "Rafael! I almost forgot-lend me your card. I don't have anything on me."

"Bianca, don't max it out! Between you, Isabella, and Carmela, I'm going to end up broke."

Despite everything, she managed a small smile and said nothing more as she sped off down the road.

Rafael could call an Uber or take a taxi back to the church. All Bianca wanted was to escape the suffocating air. Not a moment passed on the drive without tears streaming down her face.

She wondered if she was being overly dramatic or if she had truly earned the title of drama queen. But the ache in her chest answered for her: "Yes, I have every right to cry until there's nothing left."

Bianca had finally arrived at the forest cabin-a place she had always found charming with its blend of rustic and modern elements. It had been some time since her last visit, and she hoped the keys were still hidden in their usual spot. She exited her car and began searching under the mat. There it was, the key, just as she had left it.

She opened the door without hesitation. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a man appeared. She hadn't seen him coming. Either she was losing her edge, or this man possessed super speed. She had looked in every direction and seen no sign of anyone nearby.

"If you behave, I won't hurt you, beautiful! I think today's hunt has been very successful," he said.

Bianca was caught off guard. The very tall man had her by the neck, his breath hot against her ear as he whispered disturbingly close. She struggled to free herself, but he was too strong. She couldn't get away!

"You can take whatever you want, just don't hurt me!" she pleaded, her voice trembling.

"And who told you I'm interested in what this place has to offer?" the man replied, having stumbled upon her and now determined to take advantage of the situation.

Still dressed as a bride, Bianca found herself being dragged toward the bedroom. Her fear escalated, and she began screaming for help. The cabin was isolated, but she prayed that someone, anyone, might hear her.

"Don't resist, little princess; no one will hear you here. Why are you dressed as a bride? That dress looks very good on you, but I think it'll look even better if I take it off."

"HELP! SOMEBODY HELP ME!"

Her screams grew frantic, her voice hoarse as he began tearing apart her white wedding dress. The fabric was shredded, leaving only scraps clinging to her.

Her nearly transparent panties and exposed breasts were now visible. Desperation consumed her-nothing seemed to stop this savage man from his brutal intentions.

***

The clouds loomed heavily over Zurich Airport, with the Swiss Alps standing like silent sentinels in the distance, as the private plane touched down. The moment the wheels hit the tarmac, Rocco Castellano was the first to step off.

Rocco was tall and muscular, with green eyes that sparkled like emeralds, giving him the appearance of someone in their late twenties. In reality, he was two hundred and twenty-nine years old, a seasoned wolf.

He led the Twilight Crescent Pack, the eldest of four Alphas who governed a mafia empire that pulsed through every corner of the world.

Recently, their control over the North Swiss Alps had slipped through their grasp-thanks to Rocco's worst enemy, Nikolai Drakov. The bloodthirsty vampire had set a cunning trap, one that had caught them off guard and cost them dearly. And now, they were here to reclaim it-whatever the cost.

To make matters worse, Nikolai had discovered one of their family's most treasured heirlooms, an artifact with the power to tip the balance in his favor. If that relic fell into the wrong hands, it could spell disaster for the pack. They had to retrieve it at any cost, before it became a weapon against them.

For centuries, the pack had ruled with an iron fist, exerting influence through a vast network of power and fear.

As a dynasty of Alphas, the weight of their legacy pressed heavily on Rocco's shoulders. Losing control of the North Swiss Alps had dented their reputation, and regaining it would be a formidable challenge. But it was crucial-not just for their dominance, but for the balance of power they maintained.

But then, frustration cut through his thoughts. Rocco had just started to disembark when his beta informed him that Roderic had been spotted near the Thousand Dead Forest. He could have sent his men to track him down, but the debt that wretched wolf owed him was one he needed to settle personally.

Memories of that fateful night surged back-the night Roderic had killed his lover. She hadn't been his luna, but she had been a good she-wolf with a generous heart. She had been a beautiful companion until Roderic killed her out of spite.

"What will you do, Alpha?" asked Gryffin, his beta.

"I'm going after him, of course! Deploy men throughout the forest; I'll be there as soon as possible. I'm catching that savage today!"

"Rocco! Where are you going? We just arrived a few minutes ago. Can't whatever you have to do wait until we settle in?" Vincenzo's voice sliced through the air, filled with frustration.

Rocco glanced back, trying to keep his tone steady. "Some things can't wait, brother. But I promise, once I'm done, I'll come back and play a game of chess with you. Will you hold me to that?"

Vincenzo's eyes brightened, a rare, genuine smile curving his lips. "I promise! I just hope this time you can actually beat me!"

Rocco managed a strained smile in return. It wasn't often the Castellano brothers smiled, except Vincenzo, who could charm a smile from anyone.

"Don't underestimate me. You'd better hurry, because I can't wait to show you who's the best!" Vincenzo shot back with playful determination.

Without another word, Rocco shifted into his wolf form. The transformation was swift, and soon he was a sleek, powerful creature darting through the dense forest surrounding the Castellano mansion. Speed was his ally if he wanted to reach his destination quickly.

In no time, he arrived at the spot Gryffin had mentioned. His wolf, Hawke-a massive white creature with gleaming green eyes-scanned the area, sniffing out every corner. Despite his efforts, there was no sign of Roderic. Just as he was about to move on, a woman's scream pierced the air from a nearby cabin.

The screams from the cabin drew Rocco in. He wasn't one to meddle in human affairs, but something compelled him to investigate. The closer he got, the more restless his wolf, Hawke, became.

The door was ajar, so he slipped inside quietly. The scene before him was one he would never forget for the rest of his eternal life.

A scent of strawberries and roses filled his nostrils as Hawke howled, "She's our mate; we've found her at last!"

Yes, it was her! His mate was the one being attacked by that wretched Roderic. It felt like déjà vu, but this time it was his destined mate, not just any lover.

Before they noticed him, he shifted into his human form and wrenched Roderic away from the woman beneath him-his woman.

Rocco's woman.

Roderic was a powerful wolf, and she appeared to be human; otherwise, she would have shifted to defend herself. Her strength was no match for him.

"Let her go, you damn pervert! Can't you find a woman who wants to be with you willingly?" Rocco roared.

His blood was boiling. He was naked, but it didn't matter; for his kind, it was perfectly normal. They clashed, trading brutal blows. Just as he was about to deliver the final strike, he heard his mate struggling to breathe-she was on the verge of passing out.

He hurled Roderic against the wall and crossed the room in two strides, catching the beautiful woman just as she fell into his arms.

He whispered softly, "Mine!"

His enemy had escaped like the miserable rat he was! But at that moment, Rocco had something far more important in his arms-his beautiful Luna.

She had fainted from the shock of witnessing two men fighting and trying to kill each other in front of her. Rocco swore that Roderic would pay dearly for this!

Holding his Luna in his arms, he admired her delicate features. Her face resembled a precious doll.

From the remnants of her clothing, he could see she had been wearing a wedding dress. He gently caressed her cheek, marveling at the softness of her skin. It was just as he had imagined-soft, incredibly soft.

'Are you married? I need answers. Why are you wearing this dress? You can't marry anyone but me! If anyone dares to claim you, I'll kill them without mercy!' he thought.

He carefully laid her down and headed to the bathroom to take a shower. When he emerged, a towel was wrapped around his waist, another drying his long hair.

'Mark her, Rocco!' Hawke urged. 'Have patience, friend. We need to get to know her first. We can't be so intrusive. She's very frightened right now; we need to give her some time.'

'No! I don't want to waste time. I want to take her with us. I want to touch her, Rocco!'

A moan interrupted his conversation with his wolf.

His Luna was waking up. By the goddess of the moon, her eyes were stunning-turquoise blue. He stood there, mesmerized, as she blinked up at him.

She woke with no clue about what had happened. Her awareness dawned when she saw him, an attractive Adonis, standing with only a towel covering his... member. Though he wasn't the man who had attacked her, her immediate reaction was to inspect her body. Did she think he violated her?

It was slightly amusing to see her search her body for any signs of sexual assault. Her face was etched with worry, even a hint of anguish.

She looked at him and scurried to the corner of the bed as if he were a threat. He might be, but he intended to be patient. First, he wanted to learn more about her.

"What are you doing here? Why are you wearing that wedding dress? I want to know your name!"

"What are you doing in my house? And... walking around naked? Get off my property immediately!" She demanded.

As she then thought, 'I didn't know where I found the courage to kick him out, but I wasn't going to let myself be intimidated. Why is this happening to me? It felt like a dark cloud had settled over my head, bringing one misfortune after another.'

"How ungrateful you are, woman. Is this how you treat the man who saved you from your attacker? A simple thank you wouldn't be too much!" Rocco said.

"Thank you for saving me!" she said after a moment of thought.

"I've thanked you, so you can leave now. It's not appropriate for a strange man and a woman to be alone in the same room."

Once again, she was trying to kick him out. He didn't know how much longer his patience would last. He was on the verge of claiming her right there. If that was the problem, he decided to head to the kitchen bar to see if he could find something to eat.

The place was nearly empty, with only a can of pumpkin soup in sight.

"This place is more abandoned than a desert, Gryffin!" he called his beta through the link. "Get me food delivered to a cabin on the edge of the forest. Make it quick!"

"As you command, Alpha!" Gryffin responded.

He ended the link with his beta and prepared to wait for the food. Meanwhile, he noticed the bar was fully stocked. He searched for something to his taste and found a bottle of whiskey.

He poured himself a glass, and a voice behind him said, "Serve me one too."

Was that an order? His body tensed. He didn't take orders from anyone.

This little woman had a commanding tone, not even bothering to ask politely.

Still, he handed her the glass with as much grace as he could muster. As he turned around, he noticed how she enjoyed looking at his body. He knew she liked what she saw.

He downed the glass of whiskey in one go.

"More!" she demanded.

Damn, she was something else-so bold, so commanding.

But as she looked at him, he could see the awe in her eyes. She was captivated, and he couldn't blame her. He knew what she was thinking; he could see it in the way her eyes roved over him.

She found him divine, the most attractive man she'd ever laid eyes on. Her gaze lingered on his masculine features, and he could feel the weight of her admiration. His piercing green eyes held her, made her melt. She wanted more of him, and he was more than willing to give it.

He poured another glass of whiskey for his Luna, who seemed tolerant of alcohol.

"So, are you married?" he asked as he handed her the glass.

"Me? Of course not! Why do you ask?"

'Didn't I remember that, even torn and all, I'm still dressed as a bride from head to toe? The imposing man in front of me kept staring, revealing the obvious.'

A part of him relaxed upon hearing that she had no husband, though that wouldn't have been a problem for him. He would have killed him and solved the issue.

"So, do you like costumes? Are you one of those women who enjoy role-playing?"

"What? No, it's more complicated than that, and right now I don't want to talk about it. I'm going to take a shower, and I hope that by the time I'm done, you've already gotten your attractive ass out of here!"

His attractive ass? Was this little woman treating him like a damn gigolo?

She was giving him orders and talking to him like he was a whore. Who did she think she was?

A knock on the door put him on alert. He could smell that it was his men; they must have come with his order. He opened the door to let them in.

"Alpha!" they greeted him, and he simply nodded.

He told them to leave the things in the kitchen and get out. He instructed them to take care of the cabin and the surroundings. Roderic was nearby. Whoever caught him would get an extra bonus this month. His men were happy. They knew how generous he could be with rewards and how much of a bastard he could be with punishments-a pretty practical balance for him!

He prepared two steaks with steamed vegetables and mashed potatoes, set the table, and opened a bottle of red wine.

The door to the room opened, and his Luna emerged in a small navy-blue silk nightgown.

It was short, barely a few centimeters below her round ass. He noticed she wasn't wearing a bra because her nipples were visible through the fabric.

She wasn't wearing makeup, and her beautiful face hadn't lost its charm. He thought he liked her more this way, natural.

He was so lost in her presence that he barely noticed her voice cutting through his thoughts. "Are you just going to stand there staring at me, or are you going to invite me to eat whatever you've prepared?" she asked, crossing her arms, clearly aware of how he was devouring her with his eyes.

He cleared his throat, trying to shake off the haze. "Sit down," he said, gesturing to the table as he turned back to the stove.

He was grilling a steak, his favorite cut. "It's my favorite; I hope you like it."

Damn it. She noticed he couldn't stop staring at her. He thought she might bolt any second, run out of here as if he were some kind of threat.

Why the hell couldn't he control himself around her? He'd faced tougher situations in business without breaking a sweat, but here he was, anxious and fumbling. Damn it! Why was it so hard to keep his cool?