Ashes Of Desire

CHAPTER 17

Cara POV

“What..what do you mean in two hours, Henry?” My voice came out crooked. My palms were sweaty.

The meeting was over. It was only Henry and I left.

“You'll have to get ready. Your wedding Cara.” He informed me like nothing happened. His voice was calm as usual and his smile. My hands itched to slap me.

“Why? Why go against me? I had the right to know that before we stepped into this council. You forced me to marry Draven and I did. Now you're doing it again.” A tear slipped from my eyes. My heart pinched at the possible betrayal of Henry.

“Cara…stop,” he whispered softly. He took my hand in his and wiped the tears.

“Everything I have done has been for you. It's only right that I help you make the decisions you're unable to make.” He said as he looked into my eyes.

My brow raised. “You have no right to make decisions for me, Henry. I am the Alpha here, not you.” It seems he had forgotten our position in this pack.

“I am well aware, Cara. But.. I am not just a butler or an advisor to you, I am your guardian. It's only right that I step in when necessary.”

“Don't…don't do that Henry. Don't try to pull the parental card on me.” I shook my head, my lips tight.

“I am doing nothing. All I say is, reason this out. This is what's best for you, Cara.” He uttered and left. I stood staring at his retreating figure.

My gaze on nothing as I stared into space.

“Someone doesn't look happy.” Draven walked into the council room, his hands in his pocket.

“f**k off,” I walked past him but he held my hand.

“I won't hurt you, Cara. I am protecting you.” My lips curled.

“I don't need your protection.” I forced my hand out of his grasp and left him.

Walking towards the packhouse, the preparations were almost done. It felt like it would have happened regardless of my opinion. Everything moved swiftly. On my way, I met Abby. I could tell she was upset with the silent treatments she gave anyone who approached her.

Asking her what the problem was would have been the first thing I did but if I opened my mouth to speak, the tears and anger would rush up. So we walked together in silence until we reached my room.

“Do you know Jason Grey? He is Draven's beta, gosh he is one of the most overconfident people I have met. He believes nobody is better than him.” She scoffed and kept pacing back and forth while I sat on my bed, watching her.

“He challenged me. Me? If our packs become one, I will make sure he understands why I am so respected as a Beta.” Abby huffed, her chest going up and down.

“But why are you quiet? You haven't told me the verdict yet?”

“The wedding is happening in two hours.” I responded. My voice was hollow.

“Hmm, so…he was right.” I looked at Abby, she was still standing but looked in deep thoughts.

“Who was right?” She sighed hearing my question.

“Jason Grey. I thought he was bluffing when he referred to you as his Luna. A Luna to his people.” She came closer and raised my chin checking my face and body parts.

“You look fine but if what you say is true then you have to get ready Cara. From what I have seen, the Elders will be there with a few of our pack members and theirs.”

“No,” I shook my head softly, not wanting to get up.

“Fine then, do it for us. We need to expand and the threats coming from our rival packs keep getting bigger”. I sighed as she reminded me of duty.

“It's not that simple.” The bed dipped slightly as she sat beside me.

“It's never simple. You and I know this, but it is necessary. How would you find your parents murderer? Your revenge. Our only lead is Draven.” I closed my eyes as she said each word. The image of my mother's blood flashed behind my eyes.

“My parents,” I whispered softly. I desperately wanted to get away from Draven. I forgot I needed to be close to him eventually.

“But…but Stella? Her warnings?” I stammered, my voice soft and shaky as I leaned in for her support. Her arms wrapped around me, patting my back softly.

“I understand Cara. I do. But we need this. You need this. All the work you have done, agreeing to the marriage is for this purpose, right?” She raised my chin to look at her.

“Yes, but then it was just a contract, a means to an end. But now Abby…Oh goddess.” I hugged her again. My face was buried in her neck. Her hands stroked my hair softly.

“You can't let them see you like this, Cara. You have to remember why. Why did you agree to the marriage? This is not the end goal.”

“Hmm, you're right” I nodded slowly. I pulled myself out of her embrace. I took in a deep breath and straightened my shoulders.

“But…” I stalled, rethinking my decision.

“Butttt…” she mimicked with a brow raised.

“I will need a black dress,” Abby smiled softly at my demands.

“Of course. I have the perfect dress for the occasion.”

A Few minutes later, Abby came in holding a high neck, lace, cape-like dress.

“Oh my… goddess, this is so beautiful.” My hands roamed the fabric.

“Try it on.” I nodded and took it to the bathroom with me.

When I came out, Abby was all smiles when she saw me, but I quickly stood in the mirror and what looked back at me was a stunning version of myself.

“You're so beautiful, Cara. Perhaps the most beautiful Alpha Female.” I chuckled, my cheeks turned slightly red.

“Don't flatter me. If you agree and wear a dress for once, everybody will see I am no match for you. Dress like a lady sometimes.” She just shook her head. Her face was sour.

“I'm Sorry. I shouldn't have brought it up.” She only patted my shoulders and gave a tight smile.

“No worries. I am over it now.” She told me. But the change in her expression said otherwise.

“Okay.” I wasn't convinced but I decided to let it go. It was a long time ago.

I examined the dress on my body. It was black and white in colour. The gown rose high at the neck, its black lace forming a collar that framed my throat like a crown. The bodice beneath was sculpted and precise, pale fabric barely visible beneath the lacework that wrapped my torso. It hugged my figure, highlighting every curve and dip of my body.

From my shoulders flowed long panels of sheer black fabric. They did not cling to my arms.

The skirt spilled outward in layers. Black lace descended over it in asymmetrical patterns, tapering like ink bleeding into snow. At the back, the gown lengthened into a sweeping train, it pooled behind me.

By now, Abby was styling my hair, curling it. I looked at her through the mirror.

“This is beautiful, Abby. How did you get this? " My hands glided over the dress, feeling the soft layers of the fabric. It clung to my body like a second skin.

“It's your mother's.” My head quickly turned to her as my eyes widened, glossy but no tears had fallen.

“Be serious, Abby.” I urged her but she only smiled.

“I am serious. I just modified it. But it's really hers.” I turned towards the mirror and I saw it. It was indeed my mother's. Her favourite dress.

My heart tightened in my chest, at the thought of my mother. This wedding, my revenge.

“Hey, hey, relax.” She wiped my eyes continuously.

“She might not be here but you have a piece of her on you. You're an Alpha Cara, don't give Draven the satisfaction of seeing you broken.” I nodded repeatedly.

“Henry gave his vote to Draven.” Abby peered up immediately. Her eyes searched mine.

“Did he discuss it with you?” I chuckled at her question. Maybe if he had, I wouldn't have felt so stupid in the council room.

My silence gave her the answers.

“But why? He always, always stood by you.” I shrugged my shoulders.

“He said he was doing what was best for me. I couldn't even speak. He left immediately after saying that.” A frown creased her forehead and her mouth slightly opened.

I was shocked too but I had a wedding I didn't agree too at hand. He knew where to find me.

My eyes darted towards the clock on the wall. It was time.

“It's time, Abby.” She nodded. I took a deep breath and glanced at myself in the mirror. My hands reached for Abby's as we headed out.