Chapter 136
Chapter 136
Valencia’s POV:
I forced a smile and asked in mock mischief, “Are you worried about your mother?”
Seven didn’t smile back. His expression remained unreadable, his ruby–red eyes filled with determination. “I’m coming with you,” he said, his voice firm.
I sighed, already knowing it was useless to argue when he got like this. “You truly don’t have to,” I said, keeping my tone even. “We have guards, and Dante will be here soon. I don’t know what they’re here to say, but they won’t cause any trouble. Not in Steele territory, at least.”
And I wasn’t sure if he’d be okay facing Jaxon after what he had endured back at the
engagement.
But he shook his head once again, unyielding.
I exhaled heavily, surrendering with a small nod. If he was going to be this stubborn about it, there was no point in pushing him away.
Before I could enter the grand living room, Sir Joseph intercepted me, bowing slightly before speaking. “Luna,” he said with quiet authority, “Alpha Dante has ordered me to accompany you.”
I raised a brow.
Was this really necessary? There were multiple Steele guards stationed around the estate and the living room. Jaxon wasn’t foolish enough to attempt anything on my home turf–at least, not anything overtly reckless.
I considered refusing but stopped myself. Dante must have anticipated something.
I nodded. “Fine.”
With Sir Joseph at my side and Seven trailing slightly behind, I stepped through the towering double doors into the grand living room.
The moment I entered, Aiden was the first to stand, his expression visibly tense. His movements a little stiff. Like he was
unsure.
I kept my face neutral, schooling my features into a polite but unreadable expression. My heart did beat faster at the sight of him so unnaturally on edge, but I didn’t let it show.
I greeted him properly, my voice smooth and composed.
Aiden’s gaze flickered toward Jaxon, who lounged lazily in one of the armchairs, his posture relaxed. His blond hair was slicked back, his bright blue eyes gleaming with something I really didn’t like.
His lips curled into a smirk. “Don’t be so on edge, Aiden,” he drawled, stretching his arms over the back of the chair. “I’m just here to see my future sister–in–law. Isn’t that right, dear Celeste?”
My gaze shifted to Celeste, and for a moment, I hesitated.
She looked… different.
In my past life, Celeste had been lively, exaggerated in her movements–always performing. She would have already jumped up, faking enthusiasm, gushing over me in an exaggerated display.
But now?
1/4
Sun, 23 Feb
Chapter 136
She was eerily subdued.
༥ ཊཱི, 38% –
She wore a sleek black silk dress, her usually wild, curly orange hair straightened and pinned into a low bun, her bangs framing her face with soft waves. The black gloves covering her hands only added to the almost… funereal look.
I narrowed my eyes slightly.
Something about her outfit, her demeanor–it wasn’t just that she looked different. She looked familiar.
It took me a second to place it.
She was dressed like me.
Not exactly, but close enough that the resemblance was undeniable.
Was this intentional? I had overlooked the engagement outfit. But this was truly strange. She never wore black.
A flicker of irritation sparked in my chest. Was she doing this willingly? Or was she being made to?
Celeste hesitated before finally standing. She walked forward and shook my hand, her grip light, almost uncertain.
I didn’t return her forced pleasantries. Instead, I sat down on the sofa directly across from her and Jaxon, keeping my movements controlled.
Anastasia and Aiden sat on the side sofa. She wore a soft, rosy pink dress, her posture graceful, but she made no effort to greet me. Instead, she clung to Aiden’s arm, her gaze drifting over the room like she was taking inventory.
I ignored her.
I folded my hands in my lap and looked at Jaxon, my expression blank. “To what do I owe the pleasure?” I asked, discarding any pretense of warmth.
-Jaxon didn’t answer immediately. Instead, his gaze flickered behind me, settling on Seven. His smirk widened.
“Is that the slave?” he asked casually, his voice dripping with condescension. “Did you decide to keep him as your personal pet?”
My jaw tightened, but I didn’t let my expression change.
“Seven Steele,” I corrected, my voice sharp and unwavering. “Is now a part of this family. You will not speak so disrespectfully toward him.”
I gestured subtly with my eyes, prompting Seven to sit beside me. He hesitated for only a second, glancing toward Sir Joseph. At his nod, Seven moved, keeping a respectful distance but sitting beside me nonetheless.
Anastasia scoffed. “He’s a human slave, not a wolf. He can’t be part of a wolf pack, Valencia. Shouldn’t you know this by now? Or…” She trailed off, smirking slightly. “Maybe you were lonely without Dante around and made him your personal boyt-”
The sharp clink of a teacup against porcelain cut through the room.
Aiden had set his cup down. Not aggressively, not loudly enough to be overt, but just enough to startle Anastasia into silence.
His expression was unreadable, his silver eyes steady as he turned toward her.
Anastasia rolled her eyes but shut up.
1 spoke, keeping my tone even. “Firstly, there is no rule preventing non–wolves from being part of a pack,” I said, reiterating Dante’s words. “And secondly, I said he was family, not just part of the pack.”
2/4
15:07 Sun, 23 Feb O
Chapter 136
Jaxon’s blue eyes darkened. His posture stiffened slightly. “What is that supposed to mean?”
I smiled, tilting my head. “Nothing you need to concern yourself with, Alpha Jaxon,” I said smoothly. “So I assume you didn’t come all this way just for casual conversation?”
Anastasia answered before he could. “My brother wanted to ‘personally‘ invite you to our wedding.”
I blinked.
My eyes flickered to Aiden, but he remained impassive, offering nothing.
Seven stiffened beside me–only slightly–before relaxing again.
“How wonderful,” I said evenly. “Congratulations, Aiden.”
Aiden nodded, his expression unreadable.
Jaxon interrupted before he could speak. “Aren’t you going to congratulate me, too?” He smiled, but there was something mocking in it. “After all, I’m getting married as well.”
I swallowed back the urge to sigh and forced the words out. “Congratulations, Jaxon.”
It was stupid.
They had traveled hours for this? To deliver wedding invitations?
Something wasn’t right.
The invitations were set down in front of me, and I scanned them quickly.
Aiden and Anastasia’s wedding was scheduled for April 15th.
Jaxon and Celeste’s was set for April 17th.
Only two days apart.
How convenient.
I gave a polite nod. “Thank you for the invitation. I’ll be sure to attend–with my mate.” I made sure to emphasize ‘mate.
Jaxon’s smirk widened. “Of course. The whole family is invited. Be sure to bring your brother–in–law as well. And Marcelene –has she and Caius gotten engaged yet?”
A strange tension coiled in my stomach.
My gaze flickered to Celeste.
She remained silent, her expression carefully blank–but her hands were trembling just slightly in her lap.
I forced myself to look away.
I shook my head. “You’re mistaken. I’ll let them know, but it’s up to them if they choose to attend.”
Jaxon just smiled.
