Chapter 41

Aina I sat with the Luna as she eagerly handed me a magazine filled with the most stunning wedding gowns I had ever seen. She had called me early this morning, her excitement barely contained after seeing the mark Osborne had placed on me. That mark… it had changed everything. My bond with Osborne felt stronger, deeper, almost unshakable. Yet, it still needed my own mark to make it complete. His mark rested perfectly on my skin, shaped almost like a young pup curled up in slumber. It was the most beautiful mark I had ever laid eyes on. “This one right here would suit you perfectly,” the Luna said, tapping a gown on the page. “You won’t even need a corset for it.” Her words made me laugh softly, my cheeks warming as I ducked my head shyly. She truly had an eye for beautiful and extravagant things, because the moment my gaze fell on that gown, I was enchanted. It was perfect, every stitch and curve seemed like it would be perfect for me, being a curvy woman. “You do have a keen eye,” I told her with a smile. She clapped her hands together in delight. “Since we’ve settled on that… oh, I’m so excited for it!” she squealed, practically squirming in her chair. I couldn’t help laughing softly at her joy. But our moment was cut short when a guard stepped in, Albert, one of the Alpha’s direct men. “Oh, Albert, you’re here?” the Luna greeted warmly. He bowed low in respect. “Yes, Luna. The Alpha has requested Lady Aina.” His tone was polite, but he never once lifted his eyes. The Luna’s smile faltered, a slight frown tugging at her lips as she stood, and instinctively, I rose too. But Albert quickly clarified, “Just Lady Aina, Luna.” The Luna’s head snapped toward me, her brows pinched in displeasure. I gave her a reassuring smile. “I’ll be okay,” I promised gently. She held my gaze for a moment, then sighed and nodded. “Alright. I trust you. And if he says anything you don’t like, tell him you’ll go straight to his wife about it.” I burst into laughter at that. Surely now, I knew exactly where Osborne got his fiery streak from. I followed Albert down the hall, my steps light but my thoughts heavy. What could the Alpha possibly want with me? I doubted the Luna had told him about Osborne’s bite yet—she hadn’t mentioned a word of it this morning. When we reached the grand door, Albert pushed it open and motioned for me to step inside. The Alpha sat behind his desk, his presence commanding yet calm. The moment his eyes met mine, I bowed my head slightly in respect. “There’s no need for that,” he said almost immediately, his deep voice carrying warmth. “Since you’ll be family soon.” Surprised, I lifted my gaze to him, and the smile on his face made my own lips curve. “Well, thank you,” I replied softly. He gestured toward the chair opposite him. “Please, sit.” I obeyed, folding my hands neatly in my lap. His eyes studied me carefully before he spoke again. “I heard Osborne has marked you. That’s correct?” “Yes,” I answered honestly. “He did yesterday.” The Alpha nodded slowly, as though weighing my words. “Bella was here today, furious as ever. She came straight to me, of course. I can’t believe my wife didn’t even bother to mention it.” He shook his head, almost in disbelief, before his expression grew solemn. “Since Osborne has marked you, Aina, I have no choice but to acknowledge your bond. If my past words offended you, if my open disapproval made you feel unwanted—then I am truly sorry.” His voice carried sincerity, and for the first time, I saw not just an Alpha, but a father. I smiled, shaking my head lightly. “There’s no problem, Alpha. I never thought ill of you.” And it was true. I understood why he might have considered Bella the better match, given she was an Alpha’s daughter. His features softened. “Good. Then, with your mating ceremony around the corner, why don’t you start calling me ‘Father’ instead?” My eyes widened at his words, my chest tightening with emotion. “I’d love that,” I breathed, my smile blooming wider. For a moment, joy filled me, warm and unshakable. It seemed everything was finally falling into place. Osborne and I would marry without resistance, without obstacles, now that the Alpha has accepted me. Or so I thought. After my discussion with the Alpha, I stepped out of his office, already on my way to meet the Luna so we could continue where we had left off. But suddenly, I stopped short—I had bumped into someone I least expected to see today. It was him. The one who should have been away, enjoying his honeymoon. The moment his gaze met mine, I noticed his eyes widen, and for a fleeting second, something softened in them. I instinctively took a step back. “So sorry, I didn’t know you were here,” I said quickly. He looked at me strangely, as if caught between surprise and something else I couldn’t name. Why in the world did he have that kind of look on his face? “Oh, it’s nothing. My bad,” he replied. His voice, usually sharp and cold when directed at me, now carried an unfamiliar warmth. It unsettled me, though I told myself it was only because I was soon to be wedded to his friend. “If that’s the case, please excuse me,” I said, ready to walk away. But then his voice stopped me. “Wait.” I turned back. He rubbed the back of his neck, his eyes lowered, almost hesitant. “Congratulations on your upcoming mating ceremony,” he said. For a moment, I froze. There was something in the way he said it that made me feel awkward, probably the awkward way he looks right now. I forced a polite smile. “Thank you,” I answered, and turned to leave. Still, I could feel his gaze linger behind me as I walked away. Whatever that meant, it wasn’t my problem. I had a mating ceremony to plan, and the Alpha had already told me the preparations would be in the women’s hands. The Luna was waiting.