Chapter 3
1216 Words
“Alpha Ivan, congratulations on your wedding” Darren spoke without looking at me. I stared at them out of the corner of my eye, doing my best to hide my disgust to avoid drawing attention to myself.
“Thank you Alpha Darren.” Then Ivan looked at me like he was expecting me to say something. Darren and Lydia followed his gaze.
Darren smirked when he saw me.
“That's a beautiful bride you've got there Ivan”
The way he said it felt like there was a layered meaning. So it was true, Darren had an affair with the former Lyrielle. I felt especially disgusted now being in her body.
“Yes. My bride” Ivan replied putting extra emphasis on ‘my’
“Your presence is much appreciated” I managed to say with a straight face.
I pretended not to notice Lydia eyeing up Ivan. She was such a slut. As if stealing my mate wasn't enough for her, she had set her eyes on my new husband too.
“I heard about the demise of your mate. You have my sincere condolences”
My ears perked up at the mention of my death. I wondered how long it had been. I still remembered my own life but I knew nothing about this body I was in, or how much time had passed.
“Yes. It was quite tragic, the night of the mating moon, a month ago. I'd only just found my mate” He answered with fake concern.
So I'd been dead for an entire month?!
“Poor thing. She was always so excited about meeting her mate” Lydia spoke as she looked up blinking away non existent tears.
They looked so believable, if I didn't know any better, I would’ve believed every word. They were snakes.
“You must be the sister” Ivan nodded his head in Lydia's direction.
Her body shifted a bit almost like she was uncomfortable but she regained her composure quickly, breaking in a fake melancholic smile.
“Yes we were step sisters. I miss her ever so dearly”
Ivan just nodded his head. He'd told me not to say anything, and to be on my best behavior, but I couldn't just sit there and allow those two to act like victims when they were responsible for my death.
“And now you two are here,” I looked between them, “together. Is that not a bit weird?” I asked feigning a lack of interest in the subject matter.
“I don't see how that is strange. Darren and I have always been friends. I'm just here to offer him support. Besides, we both loved Alyria, it is only natural that we comfort each other in our grief”
“Yes, it is very clear that you two are still in mourning. You must have loved her dearly. How did she die? I haven't gotten the full story myself”
“Alyria… allow our guests to get settled down. They've only just arrived” Ivan interrupted but I wasn't quite finished yet.
“Yes, of course. They will be sharing a room right? Since they so dearly need each others warmths”
“What do you mean?” Darren raised an eyebrow, I could see him fidgeting, his calm composure was breaking and it was fun to watch.
“In times of grief, it is good for the loved ones of the deceased to stay together” I smiled “I do appreciate you coming, please help yourselves to some refreshments”
Neither of them said a word as they nodded their heads and walked away.
I was still reeling in the fun of it all when Ivan grabbed my hand suddenly.
“What was that about?”
“What was what about?”
“I thought I told you to be on your best behavior. Don't go insulting our guests. Whatever unresolved issues you have with your ex lover do not concern me”
“I wasn't insulting them, I was just giving them my condolences and I do not care about Alpha Darren”
“By insinuating that they have or had something going on between them?” He questioned, ignoring my last statement.
“It wouldn't be farfetched” I scoffed.
“Their private and personal matters are none of our concern. Darren could be f*****g all the women in his pack for all I care. It has nothing to do with us. Henceforth just be quiet. Smile and say nothing”
I did as Ivan said and remained quiet for the rest of the event and soon, it was time for us to leave.
The ride to Ivan's Castle was long and quiet. We spent a total of two days and two nights by carriage. He never attempted to touch me even once. Meanwhile I continued to ponder why he seemed to dislike the old Valeria so much.
“We've arrived” Ivan's cold voice said as we pulled in front of a grand, majestic building.
Ivan got out and I followed suit, looking in every direction as we went into the castle.
“This will be your new home, and I expect you to be polite and respectful to everyone else. Do not make the mistake of crossing me Valeria. I promise it won't end well”
His words were a threat and it sent shivers down my spine.
“Of course” I replied simply and turned away from him. Who were the others he spoke of?
Before I could ask, a group of three lovely women came into the room. They were all dressed like Queens, each one more unique and exotic looking than the other.
I didn't realise Ivan already had other concubines.
“Valeria, meet Seraphina, Vanessa and Elaine”
I was welcomed with a curt nod which I returned. I noticed Seraphina’s eyes boring into me but I chose to ignore it.
“Seraphina, show Alyria to her chambers” Ivan spoke.
“Won't you be coming with me?” I asked. We had yet to consummate our marriage. I wasn't looking forward to it but I thought it was strange that he had shown zero interest in doing so.
“No. You should rest after the long journey” He said simply and walked away. The other two women also went their way, leaving me alone with Seraphina.
She looked me up and down with a scowl plastered on her face.
“Don't get yourself worked up sweetie. You're just the woman he had to marry for political reasons. Alpha Ivan won't ever spend a night in your room”
“And how do you know that?”
She smirked as she circled me slowly.
“I'm his favourite mistress and we were childhood friends. I know him better than anyone. You'll be completely forgotten very, very soon”
She looked so smug, she reminded me of my sister and it passed me off.
“You've known him for so many years yet you're still a concubine. I'm the wife and I'll soon be recognised as Luna while you're still just a mistress”
She looked at me, seething as something snapped within her and she lunged for me.
- Writer
