A wedding gift

Ashley

Today is the day my life truly begins. I sighed, biting on my lips as I stood by the full-length mirror, admiring my reflection. I loved what I saw. My eyes were so dazzled by the diamond necklace my fiancé gave me that I totally forgot how to blink. My fingers brushed along that hollow space in my neck. You know the part where pendants sat like chickens on nests, and I couldn’t help but blush.

‘Was this even real?’ I spun in every direction just to appreciate how great I looked from every angle. I felt a rush of excitement as I still couldn’t wrap my head around the fact that I, twenty-one-year-old Ashley Wells, would be getting married to none other than Alexander Grey, the Alpha of the Shadow Haven Pack.

It all began some days ago when I danced at the Moon festival. Being a professional, I saw the Alpha-Prince walk by me and clapped slowly. His eyes wrinkled slightly at my performance as he called out. “Hey! Wolf,” nothing more got me more excited that night. My aura and

The white sprayed-haired man held his hand out for me to take and as soon as my palms settled in his, he whisked me away and marked me on that same night and thus our love story began.

Though Alex was loved by many who always tried to catch his attention, I was never jealous nor did I care since it was in the nature of wolves, especially Alpha’s, to remain faithful to their mates, the ones who had been marked to be precise.

“Hey girl, it’s time to giddy up! I think everyone has waited long enough now.” My best friend, Sophia, spoke.

“Hmmm, let me have a look,” inquisitive look on her face as she began to fix the loose strands that had escaped from my updo. “This would be a bad omen if you had a bad hair day at your own wedding. You know, we wouldn’t want anyone to look prettier than the bride or rather steal the groom away from his bride,” she continued with her wry smile.

“Oh please, Sophia, don’t go there. You know I’m not a fan of too much makeup. My Alex loves me and how natural I am,” I chuckled.

“Whatever,” she rolled her eyes. “I think the mascara needs a little retouching,” She brought out my makeup kit and began to adjust my makeup. “Now hold still, I don’t want to piss off your crazy wolf,” she said jokingly, but I didn’t find it funny.

“You know I can’t control Amber,” I replied in defense after a little silence. It seemed like she never cared about my response but was more focused on making me look exceptional.

“Please turn around,” she ordered when she was finished with my eyes. “The corset will need some more adjustments too,” She added, professionally.

“Sophia, I’m fine. I don’t think I’ll be able to breathe if this thing gets pulled any tighter. And I’m not going to die in the name of beauty. But I really appreciate your efforts,” I declined politely.

“Hmmm, are you trying to say I’m wasting my time, trying to make my bestie look perfect on her wedding day?” She asked, disappointed.

“Far from that dearie. I’m only saying that the corset is fine and thanks for the adjustments on the makeup.”

“Alright then, if you insist. Now let’s take one last look at the mirror,” She exclaimed.

I took another longing look at my gown, beaming with pride and joy as I readied myself to walk down the aisle. I felt like a princess. Scratch that, I felt like a queen. I had to fight back the tears that were threatening to fall.

“You are gorgeous my friend,” she said, smiling. “Alex will not be able to take his eyes or his hands off you,”

“Really, you think so? I asked, giving a half convincing smile.

“I think I’m set then,” I confidently said.

“She helped me with my dress while I walked down the stairs. “ I have a gift for you and I would love to show you before you walk into the hall,” She told me with excitement.

“Can’t it wait until after?” I asked.

“No, my love, I wouldn’t want to take you away from your beloved when you two should be enjoying your reception,” she scoffed. ‘Just come, it won’t be long.”

“Sophia… you’ve already given me too much, you didn’t need to get me anything else,”

“It will make me so happy if you accept it now,” She beamed.

“I wonder what gift this might be that it cannot wait till after my wedding,” I replied, becoming curious and thrilled.

“Just wait and see,”

We both entered the third door in the hallway by the left. The room was well decorated and was a pleasant sight to behold.

“Aww, Sophie, you went through all this just for me? I asked super excitedly.

“This is just the tip of the iceberg, there’s more, just wait and see,” She smiled and walked out of the room.

Out of excitement, I observed the room and realized that there was another door open, but the room was dark. Out of curiosity, I walked into the room and my leg hit an object. I bent over to pick it up but it pricked my finger. It was a knife with a liquid on it. I moved closer to the wall and turned on the light to discover something shocking.

It was the corpse of Alex’s father.

‘You’ve got to be kidding me…’ I whispered. My mouth half way opened.

My heart raced and I trembled. My eyes couldn’t accept the image right before it and my heart was shattered. I flinched at the sight of the blood stains all over.

I went closer, trembling and almost immediately, I noticed a small crowd of people entering the room with Alex leading the flock.

He looked at me with hatred and shock as I held the knife. He growled. “Ashley! what have you done?”