Chapter2-The vanishing bride
982 Words
Mum
She hardly slept through the night. Somehow, she’d managed to convince Ava to accept the contract marriage — but even as dawn breaks, unease gnaws at her. Something feels wrong.
The noise of the youths outside jolts her from her shallow sleep. They’re decorating the compound, singing and laughing as they prepare for the celebration after the temple ceremony.
She shakes her head at their cheer. If only they knew.
Alpha Orion
His excitement knows no bounds.
This is what he’s wanted from the moment he first laid eyes on Ava — such beauty, such youth. He’d begun scheming long before now, knowing he couldn’t simply ask for her to be his Luna without leverage.
So he’d plotted with Alpha Justin, Ava’s father’s trusted friend. Together, they’d orchestrated his downfall.
He chuckles at the memory. The plan had worked flawlessly.
Orion had created a fake investment network called Make Money Fast (MMF), designed to lure in desperate wolves. Through Justin, he convinced Ava’s father to invest small sums at first, promising triple returns. The man had tested it, earned quickly, and then — greedy for more — poured in nearly everything he owned.
Then, just like that, the scheme vanished.
The money. The partners. Everything. Gone.
He smiles to himself. Perfect.
When Ava’s father was at his lowest, he offered another lifeline — through Justin again. This time, a series of “creditors” appeared, threatening him for unpaid loans which were offered him by men working on his directives . When the man was finally drowning in humiliation, he stepped in as his savior, offering to repay the debts — in exchange for Ava.
Now, the day has come.
He leans back in his chair, picturing her — the delicate face, the smooth skin, the trembling defiance in her eyes. His body reacts to the image, and he pats himself with a smug grin.
“Tonight,” he whispers. “You’ll be mine.”
By 9 a.m., he’s fully dressed, his black ceremonial robe gleaming with gold symbols of power. Still, he refuses to appear too eager.
Let them wait, he thinks with a low chuckle. Let them wonder if I’ll come at all.
He decides to arrive at the temple a few minutes before ten.
Mum
The house is bustling with activity. She moves from one corner to another, ensuring everything is in order. The ceremony begins at ten, and guests will soon start arriving.
Yet, something nags at her.
Ava hasn’t come out of her room all morning.
She’s usually up before dawn, often jogging through the quiet streets or stretching under the morning light. Maybe she’s just resting, she tells herself. It’s a big day.
“How’s Ava?” her husband asks, adjusting his robe. “I haven’t seen her yet this morning.”
“Neither have I,” she replies. “I’ll check on her soon.”
Before she can move, Steve — their only remaining servant — steps in.
“Alpha Justin is here to see you, sir.”
Her husband brightens. “Good, good. Show him in.”
Justin has been his oldest friend, the one who persuaded him to accept Alpha Orion’s offer. Even in hard times, Justin stood by him. He trusts him completely.
Outside, Martha and her cooking team are already setting up for the feast. The air fills with the aroma of spices and roasting meat. Martha, the best chef in the pack, hums as she works, unaware of the storm about to break.
At exactly 8:45 a.m., Seline, the beautician, arrives to prepare the bride.
But Ava still hasn’t appeared.
She decides to check on her. She knocks lightly.
No response.
“Ava?” she calls softly, tapping again.
Still nothing.
Frowning, she pushes the door open — and freezes.
The bed is rumpled, the window slightly ajar. Ava’s things are gone.
A chill races through her.
No… no, she wouldn’t…
She rushes to her husband. “Ava’s not in her room!” she blurts out, her voice trembling.
He frowns. “Maybe she went for her morning run.”
“By this time, she’s always back,” she protests. “This feels different.”
He lowers his voice. “Ask Steve if he’s seen her — but keep it quiet.”
Alpha Orion
He arrives at the temple at a quarter to ten, expecting to see his bride’s family waiting in honor of his presence.
Instead, the temple is filled with guests… and an uncomfortable emptiness where Alpha Bryron's family should be.
He frowns, scanning the crowd.
“What’s happening?” he mutters.
The priestess is already preparing the ceremonial items. Alphas from neighboring packs approach him with smiles and greetings.
“But where’s your bride?” one asks.
“We thought she’d be here before you,” another adds.
Orion forces a smile, his jaw tightening. He doesn’t respond. His mind races. They wouldn’t dare…
He takes his seat, pretending calm, though fury drums beneath his skin.
By ten o’clock, the priestess stands ready, but neither Ava nor her parents are in sight.
“Have you sent anyone to check?” someone whispers.
He hadn’t. He didn’t want to appear desperate. But now…
He gestures sharply to one of his servants. “Find out what’s happening — now.”
The minutes drag like hours. Murmurs ripple through the crowd. The priestess retreats into the inner chamber.
By ten-thirty, humiliation burns in his chest. Guests whisper behind their hands. Some smirk. The mighty Alpha Orion, stood up by a girl half his age.
His servant finally returns and leans close, whispering in his ear.
Orion freezes.
Then he shoots to his feet, eyes blazing with disbelief and rage.
“Ava has run away....With her lover — the boy from the lesser pack.”
For a long, dangerous moment, the temple is silent. Then Orion’s roar shatters the air.
- Writer
