ALPHA BIKER WHO CLAIMED HIS BROTHER'S MATE

39

MAYA’S POV

It was my wedding day. Normally, I should have been giddy and jolly, but I wasn't. The entire place was as silent as a funeral ground, except for the sound of the hairspray being used on my hair.

It was my second wedding, one to cover my shame, so why should I be happy?

I sat stiffly in the chair, glaring at myself in the mirror as the woman behind me worked. Every time the makeup artist’s brush swept across my cheek, I felt more and more like the "charity case" Jane had talked about.

Today everyone would be there: Jane, Jalen, and my parents. I knew they would tell me I was a disappointment. I could already see the look on my mother’s face.

The door opened in that moment, and I caught sight of someone in white. Delinda walked in, wearing a tailored white suit that hugged her curves. She was quite curvy, and it made me wonder how men like Rafe considered her "one of the guys." Even I, as a woman, had caught myself staring at her ass.

Goddess, I hope I did not sound like a pervert.

I let out a chuckled grunt, turning my head as the artist worked on my eyeliner. It smeared instantly, but I didn’t care.

"And what exactly are you supposed to be?" I asked, as the makeup artist let out a small, irritated groan.

Delinda leaned against the door frame, checking her nails with a look of utter boredom.

"Your maid of honor. And I f*****g hate it. That means do not say something stupid," she growled, her brows drawn down.

I couldn't help the smirk that tugged at my lips. "Well, at least you’re wearing white. I suppose I should congratulate you on fitting the theme. I would have expected you to show up in a black leather jacket, saying 'f**k the priests and elders.'"

"Don't get used to it," she drawled.

"I actually thought you’d be Rafe’s best woman," I admitted, my voice dropping as the artist moved to my lips. "Since you two are... whatever you are."

She stood up straight.

"Me too," Delinda muttered, her eyes flashing with a hint of genuine annoyance. "But apparently, he had to go with Stone. The Gamma. His second right-hand man, since Jax is out of town for business Rafe has him on." She sighed, helpless. "Bros before hoes, I guess."

I cut my eyes toward her through the mirror, my brows nearly reaching my hairline. "Delinda, stop calling yourself a hoe. It’s beneath you, and no woman deserves to be called that. It is very de—"

“Hold your horses, Rebby Todd!” She stopped me, calling me the name of the pack’s famous feminist. “It is just a saying, and I am not here to be preached to.”

“Even if. It is still demeaning,” the makeup artist concurred with me, adding, “Yeah.”

Delinda didn't look bothered by the name. Instead, she reached into the inner pocket of her blazer and pulled out a small wine bottle. She popped the cork with her teeth and took a long, unbothered swig.

"Whatever," she sighed, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. "I said what I said."

I rolled my eyes. "Can’t that wait until the wedding is actually over?" I asked, watching the dark liquid disappear down her throat.

“More judging,” she said in a low tone. “What are you? The Moon Goddess's private chaste soldier? Or my mother?”

I didn't answer her. She took more sips before she leveled me with a stare.

“Rafe already told me you hated smoking, so I left everything at home. Let me drink in peace. Trust me, I won’t like the people I’m about to face out there, and if I don't have a buzz going, your wedding is going to be ruined by my bad attitude."

In that moment, the makeup artist stepped back, admiring her handiwork. "All done, Miss Maya. You look... ethereal."

“It’s Mrs. Cross!” I shot back instantly.

“Yes, ma’am. I am sorry, Mrs. Cross,” she corrected. I saw a smile creep up Delinda’s face, as if she were proud of me for wearing her best friend’s last name with pride.

I stared at the stranger in the mirror. I looked like a queen, but it did nothing to wipe away the emptiness in my soul. I told myself I wouldn't think of all the wrong things in my life, but here I was again.

"Hey, pretty," Delinda said, glancing at the artist. "Bounce."

The woman didn't need to be told twice. She gathered her kits and hurried out, sensing the shift in the room's energy. As soon as the door clicked shut, Delinda’s eyes locked onto mine through the mirror.

"Stop talking in your head, Maya. It’s loud as hell," she said casually.

I stiffened, my heart jumping. "You promised to stop reading my mind, Delinda."

"And I’ll keep trying," she lied easily, taking another sip of wine. Her expression softened, just a fraction. "Jalen will not remember anything. I made sure of that."

The air left my lungs in a rush. I turned in my chair, my dress rustling around me. "How? Rafe said if a witch is called—"

"That is what should happen, but I made sure it wouldn't," she interrupted. I opened my mouth to speak, but she held her hand up. "And I can’t tell you. Some things are better left in the dark. Like your beast."

I swallowed hard as she said this, and I knew it was best to let sleeping dogs lie. If he wouldn't remember, then I had no business knowing what she was hiding.

"Fine," I whispered, my shoulders finally dropping an inch. "I won't push. As long as he never remembers what I am."

“Good. Now get dressed so we can get this wedding out of the way,” she said. I forced a smile, keeping my head high.

Soon I was finished and walking down the aisle. Since my father wouldn't do the honors of walking me down, Delinda offered to do it. Rafe stood in front of the temple, which held only a few guests from their biker club. No one from my side had arrived, including my parents. I thought I could finally relax and maybe enjoy what this tiny wedding had in store for me.

As soon as I reached the altar and Delinda took a step back, Rafe leaned in.

“I know you are hiding something from me, Maya, and whatever it is, I want to know as soon as this is over.”