Chapter 3

—Sienna’s POV—

Asher stood there, processing what I’d just said.

There were a few really awkward seconds of silence.

Finally, after what felt like eons, he pushed a few damp strands of his golden hair from his forehead, the corners of his lips curving into a smile that revealed his canine teeth.

I can sure imagine those teeth running all over me.

“I thought we were just a one night thing?” he chuckled, pulling me from my heated thoughts. I was pretty sure he thought I was joking.

Maybe I should have been.

Looking at him like this, I wanted to agree that it was only a temporary fling. The way he’d so quickly rejected my plea for help the night before was a red flag to his reliability.

I needed - craved - loyalty.

“Forget this ever happened,” I muttered, wrapping the bedsheet around my bare body before rushing into the bathroom, not allowing him another word.

By the time I was dressed and cleaned up, Asher was nowhere in sight. Of course he’d bailed.

My last hope was to request an extension from the Elder’s Council. The Council was put in place to oversee the alphas, ensuring their duties were completed.

The Council could vote to remove an alpha from their position if they failed to meet their duties - like I currently was. The final approval of inheriting a pack was also given by the Council, so they really were the make or break.

A lot of male alpha heirs had set precedents for delaying their inheritance after the sudden death of their elders, considering the weight of the loss on their shoulders.

I wasn’t so sure it would work the same for me, since it had been set by, and for, males. I could only hope the Elder’s would treat me fairly.

After all, I’d lost my parents too, suffering the same weighted grief the males had.

When I arrived at the place where the mating ceremonies happened, I was flabbergasted to see Julian already waiting outside.

He was in the suit I’d picked out for him. Every detail of our ceremony had been meticulously planned by me.

Now it all just made me feel sick, thinking of the beautiful floral arrangements, the dress I’d chosen.

“Not in your wedding dress, eh?” Julian grinned, acting like yesterday’s rejection had never even happened.

He was desperate to claim me as his own, solely for control of my pack.

“Why are you here?” I asked in disbelief.

“For my beautiful bride, of course,” Julian purred, a twinkle in his eye.

“Didn’t you feel the bond shatter?” I resisted a growl, needing to keep calm.

“I figured you were just upset in the moment and you’d cool off after a bit,” Julian shrugged.

He was in some serious denial about all of this.

“Upset in the moment, huh?” I couldn’t resist the urge to roll my eyes all the way back in my head.

“Exactly,” he said with a dazzling grin stretched across his full lips, and I had to use every last ounce of self restraint to stop myself from forgiving him.

Because it could be that easy.

I could say yes and suffer the consequences of it. Julian would merge our packs, ultimately taking control of them both as one.

No, I told myself. This isn’t the way.

“We’re done,” I said icily. “I’ll be requesting an inheritance delay from the Elders.” I took a step closer, my own poison lacing my next words. “I refuse to marry a traitor who only covets my pack.”

“Oh, Sea,” he laughed, giving a slight shake of his head.

There was that stupid nickname again.

“You’re so adorably naïve, you know that?” It was his turn to get in my face, his breath hot against my cheeks. “Delaying inheritance is a privilege given only to male heirs.”

“That’s ridiculous,” I snapped, wincing at the hoarseness of my voice, the lack of backbone.

Julian’s fingers snaked around my wrist as he held me in place. “Your age inhibits you from knowing these things. It’s fact, Sea - it’s over for you if you don’t marry me.”

The reality of his words sank in.

I’d lost my parents, and now I was going to lose the pack they’d fought so hard to protect.

“The witnesses are coming,” Julian murmured as he pulled back, straightening his suit out to perfection. “Will you really tell them you’ve failed your duty as an alpha?”

After everything I’d been through, I wasn’t allowed to fail.

There was a scuffle of shoes behind us, the Elder witnesses approaching. My fate was soon to be sealed.

“Are we ready?” One of them asked with a clearing of his throat.

My heart seized in my chest. I couldn’t breathe, couldn’t move.

Julian’s appeared smug. “Ah, sir - ”

My time was up.

“Wait!”

That voice.

I was pulled into a familiar warm embrace, and I nearly broke down on the spot as Asher spoke, so light and playful.

"The real groom is here."

There was a long pause, and Asher kept a calm smile plastered on his face as Julian stared daggers at him.

“A gamma?” Julian snorted. “He’ll never gain the Elders’ approval.”

Asher extended his arm for me, ignoring Julian completely. He didn’t even spare him a glance.

“You first, my lady,” he smiled with gentle eyes, and curiosity ate at me.

Why had he changed his mind? I’d never even had the chance to explain myself.

Julian was enraged, triggered by our lack of attention. Veins bulged at his temples, giving his handsome face a swollen look.

He was grabbing at the last strings of hope, the Nightwind pack slipping through his greedy fingers.

“Marriage isn’t a game, Sea,” he snapped, grabbing for my wrist.

“I’m doing what’s best for my pack,” I said calmly, though my heart was pounding in my throat.

“I’m what’s best for your pack!” Julian spat, his cool exterior cracking to reveal his true self.

“Not true,” I said with a polite smile.

My gaze flitted to the two Elder witnesses standing nearby, their brows knitting in confusion.

“I apologize for the interruption. Julian recently proved to me that he was not the loyal mate I sought out, so I had to make new arrangements.” I bowed my head, aware they could report every action of ours back to the Elder’s.

“She’s not well - ” Julian started, but I stopped him with the raising of my hand, my focus on the witnesses.

“I’ve chosen my mate,” I motioned to Asher. “We may begin the ceremony.”

Then I took Asher’s arm, sweeping past Julian’s shoulder, the witnesses following.

“Sienna!” Julian roared, practically foaming at the mouth. “You’re making a stupid mistake - ”

His words faded away as the doors thudded shut, and I almost broke down in a hyperventilation of gasps.

I was free of him.

Asher had proven me wrong. He’d shown that I could trust him - at least for now.

“Why?” I murmured for only his ears.

“Your parents did me a great favor. It’s my turn to help you.”

A sob brewed in my throat, almost breaking through.

“Thank you,” I whispered shakily, knowing we’d talk more in private soon.

Right now, it was time to secure my pack.

The Elder witnesses led us into the main room, which, in another universe, could have had all the decorations.I’d spent so long planning.

None of that mattered now.

What mattered was that I could keep my pack. And after Julian’s outrageous behavior, the Elder’s vision of him would definitely be tainted.

Asher and I stepped up to the altar, the room dim, somewhat lifeless, even.

I met his crystal blue eyes, very aware of the shiver that ran through my entire body when our gazes locked.

Who are you, Asher Blake?

“Let us begin,” the Elder witness said, stepping up to the altar with us. The other moved to the side, quietly observing. “And the rings?”

Oh no. We didn’t have any rings, did we?

“Um - ” I met Asher’s eyes in a panic, finding his smug.

“Right here,” he nodded, slipping a small, velvet box from his pocket.

My jaw nearly dropped to the ground. Not only had he come here to rescue me - he’d somehow managed to secure rings as well.

The witness opened the box, revealing two simple, yet effortlessly beautiful black rings. One was studded with small diamonds, while the other was a clean, sleek black.

Wow.

Asher took the diamond studded ring, slipping it onto my finger, and I did the same for him.

“May you mate for life,” the witness nodded. “You are young, Sienna Hawke, but we see a strength in you like no other your age.”

“Thank you, sir,” I said, pride blooming in my chest. “We won’t let you down.”

Asher smiled, ever so slightly, the edge of his perfect lips twitching upward.

“We’ll process this with the Elder’s today,” the second witness spoke, our marriage license in his hand, which we all signed.

Maybe this wasn’t going to be forever, but Asher had saved me today. Our bond began to blossom, yet I was startled by the silence from my wolf.

It’s done. I’m a married and mated alpha.

A chill shuddered through me.

Where is my wolf?