A murmur ran through the crowd. Isabella's face turned pale, then red with anger. She hadn't expected this. She had dreamed of being the Alpha's bride, of the power and prestige that came with it. But now, her position was threatened by an unseen rival.
Lucifer stepped forward, his expression calm but his eyes cold. "I will not marry the Maiden until my fated mate appears. If I do not find her suitable, I will marry Isabella. However, Isabella will live with me in my house outside the Pack until then."
Isabella's eyes flashed with fury. She clenched her fists, already plotting ways to eliminate this unseen mate. She knew she couldn't let anyone stand in the way of her becoming the Alpha's wife.
"Alpha Vladimir," she said, trying to keep her voice steady, "I understand your decis
