Chapter 9
Soft murmurs of the pack surrounded me as I stood in the clearing, waiting for the mating ceremony to start. Tonight, Aiden and I would solidify our bond, and I would officially become his mate. Everything was surreal. And at some point, I couldn’t believe this was already happening.
I know I should‘ ve focused on the ceremony and the future of Aiden and me. But my mind drifted back to Axl, especially when I spotted him among the guests. He was not invited, but why did he come? What did he plan to do?
My hand tightened around Aiden‘ s, reminding me of my choice. I had to stay grounded and focused on what was important.
“You‘ re distracted,” Aiden whispered in his deep soothing voice.
He squeezed my hand gently because he
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knew how bothered I was by Axl’s presence. I could tell the tension in his body, but he never took it against me. Aiden understood and supported me.
I shook my head and forced a smile.
“I’m fine. Let’s focus on tonight.”
But my stomach twisted, and I didn’t sound convincing. How could my mind be somewhere else when the ceremony hadn’t even started? It’s unfair, but I couldn’t help
- it.
“Lianna, if he is making you
uncomfortable, I’ll make him leave,” Aiden said firmly.
I tried to speak to reassure him, but no words came out of my mouth. And my attention was caught by Axl walking toward us. I tensed, and my heart pounded as he moved closer to us. Aiden stiffened, and his protective nature kicked in.
“You’ve got to be kidding. He’s not going to do this here,” Aiden muttered in a low and
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controlled voice.
He let go of me and stepped forward, positioning himself between Axl and me. I gently grabbed his arm and whispered, “It’s okay. Let me handle it.”
No matter how unconvincing I sounded, Axl was my problem to take care of. And I could feel the eyes of the pack members and the councils confused and curious about what was happening. I would not let Aiden’s name be brought to shame because of Axl.
Axl was bold with his approach because he didn’t care what people thought about him. He stopped a few feet away with his gaze fixated on me. He used to be a man full of confidence and power, but now, all I could see was just raw vulnerability. He shouldn’t have come. It made me so uneasy I couldn’t think straight.
“Lianna… I need to talk to you… please,” his voice was hoarse and almost stuttering.
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I swallowed hard, hoping it would help to keep my voice steady.
“This isn’t the time, Axl,” I said coldly.
“I know… But I can’t let this happen without saying something. Please… just hear me out.”
Aiden bristled beside me, ready to punch Axl to protect me.
“You had your chance to talk to her. It s over. Leave,” he demanded but in a low voice.
But Axl only ignored him, and his eyes never left mine.
“I know I screwed up. I know I hurt you, and I can’t take back what I did. But this… this ceremony… Lianna, it can‘ thappen. We are mates and the ones who are meant for each other. You know that.”
I felt a stab of a mixture of anger and deep sadness. Axl words weren’t new, and
everyone knew Axl broke them. His
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betrayal still stings like hell, but tonight
was not about him. It was for me and Aiden. And I had already moved on.
“Axl, I can’t keep repeating myself. You broke the bond when you made your choice. Now, I’m choosing Aiden. He is my second mate, and I love him. This
ceremony will proceed whether you like it or not,” I said firmly, hoping it would make him stop.
Axl looked like he was about to break down. His jaw tightened, and his fists clenched as he fought to control himself.
“You don’t mean that. You can‘ t.”
Aiden stepped forward with a low growl, “She does. And it’s time for you to leave, Axl.”
They glared at each other. It was watching two Alphas about to tear each other apart. No one would back down unless I did something.
“Aiden, please,” I murmured, touched
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his arm, and turned to Axl.
“You need to go. I’m not yours anymore.”
Axl’s face was drained with blood, and he nodded in defeat. He stepped back, and his gaze lingered on me for a moment, before walking away. I thought he would leave, but he stood on a further corner to continue watching the ceremony.
I let out a breath. My entire body was trembling. Axl was still there, but I knew he had accepted the situation already. He was filled with regret because nothing he would say or do would change my mind.
Aiden‘ s arms wrapped around me, pulling me close, and I rested my head against his chest.
“I’ve got you, Lianna. You‘ re safe,” Aiden whispered.
His voice soothed the chaos inside me, making me relax.
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“I know,” I whispered back, though my heart ached for sympathy for Axl.
We stood there for a moment, just the two of us, surrounded by all the pack members and councils. One of the councils looked at Aiden, asking if we could start, but I needed a second to collect myself and focus on my choice.
“Are you ready?” Aiden asked gently, his lips brushing against my forehead.
I nodded and smiled, “I am.”
The ceremony started without any destruction. And when I was done reciting my vows, I caught a glimpse of Axl. He was crying but trying so hard not to make a sound. I felt pity for him, but my heart was already sure of Aiden. He did have a chance, and he made a choice. Watching me getting mated to another Alpha was a reminder that every action has
consequences, and some would lead to a lifetime of regret.
