THE ALPHA KING'S MUTE BRIDE

Chapter 3 The First Meeting

POV: Raiden Blackwood

The carriage slowed, the horses snorting, as the driver pulled at the reins. I sat still, silent, as Collins looked forward to peering out the window. He was my stepbrother and his mother had insisted he go with me.

"They're all standing outside," he muttered. "Looks like a welcome procession."

I did not move. "Good."

The door opened to reveal Wolfsburg Alpha Edward, standing tall, he had a smile on and I knew it was fake. He had threads of gray through his hair, shoulders stiff as if he were attempting to project confidence before me.

"Alpha Raiden Blackwood," he said, lowering his head. "It's an honor to welcome you to my home."

I stepped down from the carriage, his guards immediately lowered their heads. I scoffed at the scene, pretentious fools.

"Let's not waste time, I have important things to get to," I said brusquely.

Edward Riverton's smile faltered, but he waved toward the doors anyway. "Of course. Do please come in."

The grand hall smelled of roses and polished wood. Servants lined the walls, heads bowed, hardly daring to breathe. My eyes scanned the room, landing on the three young women standing near the center.

So these were the daughters.

They were all styled to perfection, each bounce of their hair and glint of their dresses, they were dressed to impress. I sat back in the armchair they'd left for me. Collins stood behind me, grinning wildly. If I ended up not choosing anyone of them, he will.

Edward cleared his throat. "Let me present my daughters. Girls, say hello."

The first one stepped forward—tall, pointed eyes, her chin set high in pride. Her silver gown shimmered as if she wanted candles' light to cling to her.

"I am Mavis Riverton," she stated smoothly, her voice unruffled but trained. "Alpha Edward's oldest daughter. I've learned pack economics and politics from childhood. My goal has always been to serve my pack, and to stand with a strong leader."

She curtsied, her eyes hitting mine in a dare to be awed.

I gave her a curt nod. Not more than that. .

The second stepped up beside her. She was more fragile-appearing, in pale blue gowns that suited her shiny eyes. Her smile was smaller, less blatantly pretended.

"I'm Eloise Riverton," she whispered. "Second daughter. I just got my wolf, and I've been training under our Luna's tutelage. I… I hope to continue to grow, to be a partner who can help rather than be a hindrance."

Those were the very same words I'd heard from hundreds before her.

"Mm." That was all I said.

The youngest stepped forward immediately, her red gown so much brighter than her sisters' gowns. She smiled wide, her lips painted a rich hue.

"I am Molly Riverton," she said. "I am an actress in our district. Many already recognize my name. I believe strength is not only power, but influence as well. I would be privileged to have the chance to share both with your faction, Alpha Raiden."

She curtsied, but her eyes snapped wickedly, as if she thought her forwardness alone would trap me.

She was the one my Mum always sweet talked me about. I'll pass.

I leaned back in my chair, silent.

The room bristled. Edward cleared his throat again. "Perhaps you'd prefer to be with them? Speak with them in private?"

"No," I said.

The three daughters straightened, their smiles disappearing.

"Then—a tour of the manor?" Flora, their mother, offered hastily.

"I don't need a tour."

Collins stepped behind me, clearly entertained. I felt the tension in the room, their previous excitement twisting into unease.

I rose. "I need air."

I did not wait for permission, I walked out. My guards tried to follow me, but I waved my hand, sending them on their way. I wanted solitude.

I kept walking till I came to what looked like a garden, taking out my lighter, I lit my cigarette. I was just getting immersed in the quiet.

None of them impressed me.

Not the oldest with her rehearsed speech.

Not the second with her trembling hands.

Not the third with her painted smile.

Everything about them screamed pretend.

I exhaled and watched the smoke fade. I’d seen too many like them — hungry for the title, never for the duty.

Then I heard it.

A soft sound, a hum.

Intriguingly, I followed it, turning round a corner beside a hedge.

Kneeling on the grass was a girl. She was sharing bits of bread with a small puppy, her fingers as gentle as the dog wagged its tail happily. Her dress was plain, her hair unpinned, nothing like the elegant daughters inside.

She had not yet seen me.

I stopped, watching. Something shifted within me—strange, unwelcome. For a moment, I remembered the hands of my mother when I was young. The love. The gentleness. Something I had not experienced in years.

I cleared my throat.

She flinches, spinning around. Her eyes grew wide when she saw it was me. Immediately, she lowered her head, keeping the puppy close to her chest as if she had been found stealing.

"Who are you?" I asked.

Her lips parted, but I heard nothing.

I glared. "Tell me."

She raised her hands instead, hesitating before spelling out with her fingers. It took me a moment to realize—she couldn't speak. She was signing.

Quiet.

I regarded her more closely. She pointed to herself, then slowly spelled out: Astoria.

"Astoria," I repeated, trying out the name.

She nodded slightly, still holding onto the puppy like a shield, guiding the innocent animal.

"You're hiding it from me?" I asked, gesturing towards the animal.

Her eyes snapped to the dog, back to me. She nodded, almost with guilt.

I almost smiled. Almost.

"You're not like the others," I said.

Her eyes flashed up for a second before she looked away again. She didn't realize what I was hinting at.

There's something about her that pulls me in. I can't feel her wolf, but it's like we're connected.

I threw my cigarette on the ground, standing up straight. "Take care of your dog. Don't let anyone see it."

She nodded quickly.

I turned and headed back toward the hall, but I could feel her eyes on me.

When I re-entered the house, Collins raised an eyebrow in my direction.

"Find something of interest out there?"

I did not say a word.

I leaned back into the chair, tuning out the three daughters who still stood waiting for me to acknowledge them. My mind was elsewhere.

On her.

Astoria.