Chapter 46
Valencia’s POV
“Valencia? What’s wrong?” Dante’s voice pulled me back, his grip on my arm tightening slightly.
I blinked, still frozen in place. My heart raced as I stared at him unsure of what to say, “Did you hear that?” I whispered.
He frowned, concern etched into his features. “Hear what?”
I hesitated, my gaze datting around the recéption area. The voice had been so clear, so real. But now, in the bustling garden filled with laughter and chatter, it felt almost absurd to bring it
“Nothing.” I said quickly, forcing a smile. “I think I just imagined it.”
Dante’s eyes narrowed, unconvinced, but he didn’t press me further,
I turned my attention back to the cake before us, trying to steady my thoughts. It was stunning–a towering confection of soft caramel hues, adorned with intricate sugar flowers and edible gold leaves.
Caramel.
Dante had asked me about my favorite flavor when we’d gone shopping at the mall. I’d barely given it any thought at the time, but now, standing here, I realized he’d remembered.
My last wedding cake had been vanilla–Jaxon’s favorite. I hadn’t even liked it. This time, though as Dante sliced a small piece and pressed it to my lips. I vored, the sweet, buttery flavor on my tongue.
It was perfect.
For a brief moment, the sweetness of the cake and the laughter around us dulled the unease in my chest.
Dante guided me through the crowd, introducing me to several prominent guests. Each introduction felt weird, many of these people I had already interacted with in my past life, for various different reasons, on different occasions after I became the Luna of the Wolfe pack. However now I was meeting them again, as a stranger to them.
“Alpha Nolan of the Night Walker pack,” Dante said, gesturing to tall, broad–shouldered man with piercing purple eyes that seemed to glow faintly in the din light. His dark hair was streaked with silver, giving him an air of both authority: 4 mystery.
“Pleasure to meet you,” Nolan said, his voice deep and gravelly.
“And this is Alpha Selene of the Onyx Crown pack,” Dante continued, motioning to a striking woman with jet–black hair cascading over one shoulder. Her silver jewelry shimmered against her midnight–blue gown, and her sharp eyes appraised-
ne with a mix of curiosity and something I couldn’t quite place.
But I remembered her. She was one of the few pack leaders that had agreed to aid us when a plague had broken out in our pack. It had been a mysterious disease, and as it was uncommon for Wolves to easily get sick we were completely unprepared when it hit.
Selene nodded, her voice smooth and measured. “Congratulations. It’s rare to see a union of this scale these days.”
I smiled and gave a pohte reply back.
Then came the introductions to the two officials from the Supernatural Council.
“This is Alexander Bordeaux, crown prince of the Vampire Family,” Dante said. My eyes widened slightly. This was someone
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Chapter 46:
I hadn’t met in my previous life. But I had definitely heard of him. And heard of what he had done or will do later on
Alexander’s presence was magnetic, his crimson eyes gleaming with a predatory glint that was both unnerving and captivating. His pale skin seemed almost luminous under the lights, and his perfectly tailored black suit added to his regal
air.
“A pleasure, Mrs. Steele,” he said, his voice a velvet purr as he bowed slightly.
“And here we have Madame Lapin Blanc,” Dante said, nodding to an older woman draped in flowing black and purple robes. Her long silver hair framed a face lined with wisdom and power
“The witches send their regards,” she said, her tone formal but not unkind. Another person I had never encountered, but heard many tales about..
Of course, each interaction was brief but carried an undercurrem of tension, as though every word and gesture was a calculated move.
The Kallistars were also present, though I avoided their glares as best I could. The family’s hallmark dark eyes–except for Aiden’s striking silver–watched me with thinly veiled disdain.
Marcelene found me shortly after, cutting through the crowd with her usual no–nonsense attitude. “You look like you’re about to faint,” she said bluntly, handing me a glass of water.
I drank gratefully, the cool liquid soothing my parched throat. Thanks
Her sharp eyes didn’t waver. “What’s wrong? You don’t look so good.”
I hesitated, the unease I’d been trying to push down rising again. “I–I don’t know. I feel…like something’s wrong.”
“Wrong how?” she pressed,
I had been distracting myself the whole time during the introductions. Not wanting any unnecessary attention
But now when I opened my mouth to explain, the words wouldn’t come. Instead, my chest tightened, and a faint dizziness began to creep over me.
“Breathe,” Marcy said, her tone softening as she guided me to a quieter corner. “Deep breaths, Vi.”
I did as she said, focusing on the rise and fall of my chest. The pressure eased slightly, but the feeling of wrong ess remained, gnawing at the edges of my mind.
“Do you feel dizzy? Should I call Dante!” Marcelene asked, her voice laced with worry.
I shook my head quickly. “No, I’ll be fine. I can’t keep causing problems for everyone.”
Her frown deepened, but she didn’t argue.
“And besides,” I added, straightening up, “there’s only one ceremony left.”
The groom’s gift–giving ceremony–a tradition in all packs. Alphas were expected to present their Omegas with their most prized possession as a symbol of loyalty and respect. The tradition had lost much of its original meaning over the years. reduced to displays of wealth with extravagant gifts that often lacked any true emotional value.
I wondered what Dante would choose.
As if summoned by my thoughts, Dante appeared, his expression softening as his eyes met mine. He held out his hand, and I took it, letting him guide me towards the stage.
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“You sure you’re okay?” he asked, his voice low as he leaned closer.
I stumbled slightly, my heel catching on the edge of the carpet, and Dante’s arm shot out to steady me.
“I’m fine,” I said, forcing a smile.
His frown deepened, but he didn’t press further.
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The stage was beautifully decorated with twinkling lights and cascading flowers, a perfect backdrop for the ceremony. Dante gave a short, heartfelt speech, his voice steady and warm as he spoke about trust, loyalty, and the bond we were building together.
Which honestly felt weirdd to listen to. Wasn’t this just a one yearthing? I was going to leave after that. My heart dropped as I thought about all of this.
Will…all of this even matter after one year?
The dizziness returned, stronger this time, and I gripped the edge of the table to steady myself. My hand brushed against something wet, and I frowned, bringing my fingers to my nose.
Blood.
Gasps rippled through the crowd, and Dante was at my side in an instant, pulling me close. “Valencia?”
“1–I’m sorry,” I mumbled, confused.
I hadn’t really suffered from nose bleeds before so it felt weird.
But then I felt a strange wetness off my cheeks and instinctively raised a hand to wipe it away. Why the hell was I crying?
Only after I looked down to realize my fingers came back stained red.
Blood.
I wasn’t crying tears. I was crying blood.
“Valencia” Marcy’s voice sounded distant, drowned out by the rushing in my cars.
The crowd blurred, Dante’s arms tightening around me as he tried to keep me upright.
What was happening?
SEND GIFT
