My Mate Cheated, So His Father Claimed Me

ASTRA My footsteps echo down the aisle as I walk forward, each step heavier than the last. My bridal gown hugs my body perfectly despite the rushed preparation. The scent of white lilies sharply mixes with confusion, judgment, and disdain, until it sinks in that all of this is really happening. Every gaze is on me, but I keep my eyes forward, not on the guests, not on the wolves itching to gossip about me, but on the man waiting at the end of the aisle. It should have been my mate. I imagine Kaiden smiling, his hand outstretched, inviting me to join him. It should have been the beginning of the future we once dreamed of. I should have been walking toward the humble, thriving pack I worked so hard to call my own. But instead, I walk across the marbled floor of the Bloodveil Pack, with Draven Marwood waiting at the end of the aisle. He is the Alpha of the largest and most ruthless pack in the Northeast, known for cruelty and absolute mercilessness. He is also my mate’s estranged father… and my soon-to-be husband. My steps slowed down even more, doubt creeping into my heart. Was this really the right thing to do? “Astra, don’t!” I jolted a bit in surprise. A familiar voice cut through the silence, followed by sharp gasps and whispers. I turn and saw Kaiden striding toward me. The guests part as he storms down the aisle, rage carving his features, desperation evident in his eyes. He grabs my arm, physically stopping me. “Astra, please,” he chokes out, “this isn’t you. You can’t do this just because you’re angry at me.” Draven moves before I can react, placing himself between us, his broad back blocking my view as he faces his son. “Back down whilel I’m asking nicely.” Draven warns, “You shouldn’t be here.” Kaiden quickly snapped at his father, “You stole my mate from me.” Draven scoffed, “I stole no one. You’re the one who betrayed her.” I quickly placed myself between them before they clashed. The anger in Kaiden’s eyes flickers into hope, but I ignore him and face Draven instead. “I’ve got this,” I say quietly, asking him to trust me. Draven studies me for a moment before stepping aside. I take it as permission and turn to face Kaiden. He reaches for me on instinct, but I pull away before he can touch me. “Astra,” he whispers. “You’re angry. You’re hurt. I know I made a mistake, but we can fix-” “We can’t.” I cut him off and met his gaze.“We severed our bond the moment you cheated on me. You lost me the second you touched her.” I stepped closer and forced a grin to mask the pain in my chest, “If you want a Luna so badly, choose Lira. She seems eager enough.” “And next time,” I continue before he can argue, “try not to barge into someone else’s wedding and humiliate yourself. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to continue my wedding.” Without waiting for his response, I turn my back on him and continue down the aisle. My heartbeat steadies with every step toward Draven, toward the man offering me a future utterly different from the one I once wanted. It was terrifying, uncertain, but a choice that was truly mine. Whatever happens next… There is no turning back.