CHAPTER 005
1446 Words
CHAPTER 005
Time delayed when I started walking forward.
My father leaned in and kissed me on the cheek. My brothers were standing behind him, a tight set on their jaws, angry-looking eyes as they stared me in the direction of the podium. They had the balls of their hands but said nothing.
I lifted my eyes and saw him.
Alpha Edward.
His physique was long and wide, like a weapon. His blue eyes gleamed with hate as he looked down at me. No warmth. No kindness. Nothing but sharp and bitter lodged deep in their center.
I heard little of what the elder was saying, and his voice started speaking. I turned everything inside myself off. My lips moved where necessary and repeated vows that were not real. He said his part as well.
The rest passed in silence. I was unable to touch the bouquet in my hands. My legs were deadening on the floor. I was viewing myself out of the window.
Now, giver, I do present to you, Alpha Edward and Luna Isabella.
The room erupted. Cheers filled the hall. The pack got stomping the floor in celebration.
The older one said, You may now kiss the bride.
Tears pricked at my eyes. I forced them back. They burned even more since I had been swallowing them so long.
Edward leaned in. His eyes grew darker, colder. His lips were so near that I could have snatched my breath.
Down the stairs, down the stairs, he said.
The voice was so crisp, it gave me the shivers.
Then his lips kissed mine. My first kiss. But it was not love. Not tenderness. Not even duty. It was filled with hate. A kiss that left me empty.
He pulled back with a smile across his face, and it was not directed toward me. I was drawn into his arm that was around my waist. Together we faced the crowd.
He bent his head near my ear. His voice was low and venomous.
Always put a smile on that pretty face. Remember, princess. To them, this is a happy day.”
My stomach dropped. A shiver ran through me.
I even strained my lips in order to make it appear so. Hoping it would hold.
"You two, congratulations," said my mother. She kissed my cheek, then his. My father shook hands with the father of Edwards, and both looked satisfied. The deal had been sealed.
"The pack is anxious to see you," Marie said.
“Oh, Isabella doesn’t mind. Yes, darling, do you? My mother smiled.
My jaw tightened. I forced my eyes to soften.
“Not at all,” I answered.
Marie shouldered me through the crowd. Faces surrounded me. Questions were asked, one after another. My throat tightened. My palms dampened. The circle surrounding me became tighter and tighter as my chest squeezed.
The fifth person stepped up. My vision spun. My breath grew shallow. The anxious eyes of Marie caught my eye.
“Excuse me,” I whispered.
I threw my head away and ran out of the room. Down through the hall my legs brought me. There was the guest room door open. I sneaked in and banged the door behind me and bumped myself up against the wood.
My heart thundered.
Then the door rattled. A heavy bang shook it.
I slipped backwards, my back against the side of the bed. The air grew heavy. My chest burned.
The door creaked open.
Alpha Edward walked in. But he was not alone.
A girl clung to him. Her legs round his waist. She put her body against his and tugged his shirt with her hands. Her lips devoured his.
I froze. My stomach twisted.
I did not attract their attention until I withdrew. My hip came up against the bedside table. A lamp fell on the ground with a great crash. They turned their heads in my direction.
The girl slipped down, with heels to the floor. A slow smile curved her mouth. She was looking me up and down with her arms crossed over her chest.
So this is the little one who believes she can steal my things?
Her laugh was high-pitched, sharp, and almost painful.
Edward said nothing. His eyes were locked on me. Unmoving. Cold.
She stepped closer. I do not mind that you are his wife. Or this pack has named thee Luna. It is an arrangement. He has always been mine. He always will be.”
Her glare burned.
I lifted my chin. My voice trembled, but my chest shook.
“That is fine.”
My gaze went back and forth between her self-satisfied countenance and the expressionless one of Edward.
“You can have him.”
I forced past her, bumping shoulders together.
I walked out and slammed the door behind me. There was a sharp pain in my stomach. I had imagined this marriage to be hell. I had not been wrong.
A voice stopped me in the hall.
“Isabella, how are you?” Marie appeared.
I straightened. My hands unclenched.
Do not be weak, Isabella. Hold yourself together.
“I am good. Just needed a break.”
Her lips parted and she smiled, but soon the smile was gone. Her eyes were keen above my shoulder.
I turned slowly.
The girl was standing there with her head thrown back. Edward was by her side, with a blank face and eyes on his mother.
"Go, Samantha, and get out of my life," Marie growled.
The girl—Samantha—flinched. Her eyes opened, and then she ran away, patting her dress on the way.
I stood up for Marie to reject me as well. But instead her eyes fell upon her son.
“You. Out of my sight,” she hissed.
Edward’s jaw tightened. He passed me rigidly.
At the corner, he stopped. His head turned. His stare was more at me, colder and darker.
Then he was gone.
ALPHA EDWARD’S POINT OF VIEW “Why the scowl, Edward?” Cole grinned as I walked into the study.
I poured whiskey into a glass. The liquid burned down my throat as I swallowed fast.
Three bottles. Maybe then I would feel it.
Humans had it easy. A few drinks and they forgot everything.
“Already trouble?” Cole asked, lifting his own glass.
The sound of it irritated me. I hurled mine at the brick wall. It shattered into pieces.
The door burst open again.
Samantha stormed in, face red with rage.
“She is turning your mother against me!” Her shrill voice scraped the air. She marched closer.
“Lower your voice,” I snapped, glaring.
She scoffed, folding her arms.
“So that is what this is,” Cole muttered, setting down his drink.
“It is none of your business,” I said.
“It is. The bet, remember?” Cole smirked. “There is a lot of money waiting. Keep her out of the way until I collect.” He pointed at Samantha.
Her chest rose as she pressed her arms tighter, pushing herself forward.
“What bet?” she asked.
My stomach dropped.
Cole’s face faltered. He scrambled, lifting his glass again, trying to hide.
Her eyes sharpened. She stepped closer.
“What bet, Edward?”
“It is nothing. We bet on how long it would take me to make her submit,” I said. The words tasted like poison.
“No,” Cole cut in, grinning. “We bet on how long before the spoiled princess is wrapped around your finger. By year’s end.”
Samantha’s lips curled down.
“What did you bet?” she pressed.
I glanced sideways. Cole looked smug. Too smug.
“Ten thousand,” he answered for me.
Her hand slid down my arm, slow and teasing.
“Then you better win. Because you are taking me to Hawaii with that money.” Her teeth caught her lip.
“Do not count on it,” Cole muttered. “Word is, she does not kneel for anyone. Not money. Not power. Nothing. She has her own fortune.”
“Then charm her,” Samantha said lightly. “But no touching. I will not risk catching something ugly from her.” She laughed, high and sharp. Cole joined in.
My wolf stirred inside me. A growl pressed against my chest.
I clenched my fists. My pulse hammered.
Why was I reacting like this?
Why the hell did it feel like my wolf wanted to tear them apart for mocking her?
And what would I do if Isabella ever found out the truth about this bet?
Would she ever forgive me?
- Writer
