Todos os capítulos de Alpha DECEPTION: Capítulo 21 - Capítulo 30

Emily’s POVThe harsh afternoon sun streamed through the tall windows of the estate, spilling light across the marble floors and reflecting off the gold trays scattered with swatches, invitations, and tiny floral samples. I leaned against the doorway of the grand hall, sipping my coffee, trying to make sense of the chaos surrounding me. It wasn’t chaos exactly, rather it was organized, calculated and controlled.Ralph had orchestrated every element, from the table settings to the timing of the flowers’ delivery, as if he were conducting a secret song I wasn’t entirely allowed to hear yet.“I still think burgundy and gold might be too much.” I said, holding up a swatch against the morning light. “It feels… heavy.”Ralph’s grey eyes flicked up from the tablet he was scrolling. “Heavy is memorable, my princess. He replied smoothly. “And we want them to remember.” He chuckled darkly.I rolled my eyes but didn’t argue, his tone had that subtle authority, the kind that made resistance fee

EMILY'S POVThat night, I dreamed of Rudy.We were teenagers again, sitting on the old bench in the Cortez gardens. He was showing me something on his phone, his shoulder warm against mine.In the dream he turned to look at me, his brown eyes were soft, full of something I hadn't recognized then but understood now."Emily!" He said. "I need to tell you something."But before he could speak, I woke up.My room was dark and silent. The engagement ring glittered on my nightstand, catching the faint moonlight. I stared at it for a long time.Then I reached for my phone and scrolled through my messages. Rudy's name sat near the bottom, our last conversation weeks ago.I need to talk about something important. The money trail… it's leading somewhere dangerous. Can we meet?My reply: Not now Rudy, I have another engagement.I had chosen Ralph. I had chosen the champagne and the moonlight and the promise of a future without fear.The next morning, I put on my armor.A sleek suit, diamond ring

The morning of my wedding, I woke before the sunrise. For a long moment, I just lay there, staring at the ceiling. The room was quiet, the house was quiet. Even my wolf was quiet, curled somewhere deep inside me like she was waiting for something.I turned my head to look at the dress hanging on the closet door. White silk merged with delicate lace. Pearls sewn into the bodice by hand, my mother had chosen it. She had cried when I tried it on, and couldn't stop chattering about how beautiful it was.By eight o'clock, my room was full of people.Clara fussed with my hair, pinning and repinning until every strand was perfect. My mother directed everyone like a general commanding troops, makeup artists dabbed and brushed, florists delivered towering arrangements of white roses.Through it all I sat still as stone, my body was present, but my mind was faraway."You're so calm, darling." my mother said, pressing her cool hand to my cheek. "I was a wreck on my wedding day, I couldn't stop c

EMILY'S POVThe wedding was over.I woke slowly, the silk sheets cool against my skin, sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting soft gold across the unfamiliar ceiling. For a moment, I forgot where I was.Then I turned my head and saw Ralph's side of the bed, it was empty but his pillow still held the indent of his head.I sat up gradually, the events of yesterday crashed over me in waves. The dress. The vows. The kiss. The photograph. In fact everything was so overwhelming.I looked down at my hand, two rings now. Engagement and union, platinum and diamonds, glittering in the morning light.Mrs Othon-Cortez. The name felt so big to bear.A soft knock sounded at the door, Clara peeked in. "Good morning, Mrs Othon-Cortez.”“Mr Othon asked me to let you sleep, he's in the study taking calls.""Thank you, Clara."She smiled and disappeared.I lay back against the pillows and stared at the ceiling.Mrs Othon-Cortez.Whoever sent that photograph wanted me to doubt. Wanted me to ask

EMILY'S POVPortofino was beautiful.The Island clung to the cliffside like something from a dream, all white stone and blue shutters overlooking the Mediterranean. Bougainvillea spilled over terraces in explosions of pink and red. The air smelled of salt and lemon and summer.I stood on the balcony of our villa, watching the sun paint the water in shades of gold, and tried to feel something."Honeymoon" was what everyone called it. Three days after the wedding, Ralph had announced the trip with a flourish. My mother had cried with happiness, the Elders had nodded approvingly, the press had run photos of us boarding his private jet, calling it a "fairy tale escape."I smiled and packed my bags.Now I stood here, the Mediterranean breeze soft against my skin, and felt absolutely nothing."Beautiful, isn't it?"Ralph's voice came from behind me, his arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me back against his chest. He rested his chin on my shoulder."I could stay here forever." He murmur