Emilia’s POV
I stood in front of the mirror, my eyes still red from crying and the slap that brought me back awake. It was a new day, yet I couldn’t still get over what my eyes saw last night. Mason and Kate had just betrayed me in the worst way possible. I had made up my mind to be strong and move on.
“Emilia, are you ready?” My stepmother's voice called from outside the door, sounding very impatient.
I took a deep breath and opened the door. "Yes, I'm ready." I answered softly, trying to get myself together. She looked at me from head to toe in disgust. “Good. Your wedding is today, and we can’t afford to be late.” She said mockingly.
I just nodded slowly. I have already made my decision. I was going to marry Alpha Taylor, the leader of the Mooncrest pack. It was my only choice for now, and I was ready to face it with so much courage and determination as I could.
It was a very busy morning, especially because it was my wedding day. My room was filled with the smell of flowers and the sound of rustling fabrics. My stepmother had hired a fashion designer, Mary, to help me get dressed in the traditional clothes of the pack.
As Mary tightened the laces of my dress, my mind kept going back to last night. The image of Mason and Kate together was burned into my memory. But I couldn’t think about that right now, I had to focus on what was ahead.
"Emilia, you look really beautiful," my stepmother said, her voice softer than usual. "Thank you," I replied, trying to sound strong and calm enough for her not to notice my face that was already full of shock from the compliments my stepmother of all people gave me. I knew all these ideas were her own to get rid of me. I turned slowly to face my stepmother. "I'm ready."
As we were leaving for the big ceremonial room in the backyard where the whole wedding was going to take place, my heart kept pounding. I kept thinking about Taylor. I had heard lots of stories about him, most of which were scary. But he is a man of honor, I thought, and I hoped he would treat me well.
The ceremonial room was very beautiful, decorated with flowers and symbols of the unity between the Mooncrest’s pack and ours. The air was filled with sweet smells, soft music played in the background. I stepped into the room with my heart racing hard.
People from both packs were seated there, watching as I walked down the aisle. I felt their eyes on me, but I kept my head up high.
Eventually, at the end of the aisle, stood Alpha Taylor. He was tall and strong, with a serious look on his face. His eyes were very cold, but there was something else there that I couldn’t figure out yet. As I got closer to him, I felt a shiver run down my spine.
The ceremony started with the traditional vows and rituals. I spoke my vows with a calm voice, looking into Taylor's eyes. I could see the intensity in his stare, and it both scared me and left me curious.
When it was Taylor's turn to speak, his voice was deep and strong. "I, Alpha Taylor, take you, Emilia, to be my wife. I promise to protect you and our pack, to honor and respect you, and to stand by your side through all challenges."
I suddenly felt a rush of emotions as he spoke. There was a sincerity in his words that I hadn't expected. For a moment, I allowed myself to hope that this marriage might not be as bad as I had feared.
After the ceremony, Taylor and I prepared to leave for his pack's space. The atmosphere was tense as we said our goodbyes. I hugged a few friends tightly, tears streaming down my face. I knew this was the end of one part of my life and the beginning of another.
Just as we were about to leave, a maid handed me a small envelope. "This arrived for you, miss," he said softly.
I took the envelope, my heart pounding out of curiosity. I opened it and read the letter inside. The words were written under duress, and as I read them, my blood ran cold.
"Beware of Alpha Taylor's pack. There are secrets and dangers that you cannot imagine. Trust no one."
My mind raced with questions and doubts. Who had sent this letter? What dangers awaited me in Taylor's pack? I glanced at Taylor, who was busy giving instructions to his men. He looked up and met my gaze, his expression was unreadable.
"Is everything alright?" he asked, his voice calm but with a hint of concern.
I quickly folded the letter and tucked it into my dress. "Yes, everything is fine," I replied, forcing a smile. But inside, my mind was a mix of emotions between fear and uncertainty.
As we rode away from the house, I couldn't shake the feeling that my life was about to change in ways I couldn't yet understand. The warning in the letter kept ringing in my head, filling me with a sense of fear. I knew I had to be careful, but I also knew she couldn't turn back now.
The ride to Taylor’s pack was long and stressful. I sat in the carriage, my thoughts still consumed with the mysterious letter I had just received and what awaited me that I had no clue about.
I glanced at Taylor, who sat across me, his expression was so serious and unpredictable. I kept wondering what secrets he was hiding under his cold look and if I could truly trust him. I knew I was entering a new world, one filled with challenges and dangers.
When we finally arrived at Taylor's pack, I was struck by the huge fortress that served as their home. It was a strong and intimidating structure. I felt a shiver of fear as I stepped out of the carriage and looked around.
Taylor's pack members greeted us with a mix of curiosity and respect. I could feel their eyes on me, judging me. I knew I had to prove myself, not just as Taylor's wife, but as a member of their pack.
As we entered the fortress, Taylor turned to me and spoke in a low voice. "Welcome to your new home, Emilia. I hope you will find it to your liking."
I nodded, my heart pounding with a mix of fear and determination. "Thank you, Taylor. I will do my best to adapt and contribute to the pack."
Taylor's gaze softened slightly, and he gave me a small nod. "I believe you will."