Semua Bab The Alpha's Regret : Bab 31 - Bab 40

Skyler returned three hours later looking shell-shocked.I'd made significant progress packing—my clothes were in boxes, my painting supplies organized, my small kitchen half-cleared. I looked up from wrapping dishes to find him standing in the doorway, slightly disheveled and holding a to-go cup of coffee."How bad was it?" I asked."She's terrifying. Absolutely terrifying." He collapsed onto my couch. "I've faced down rogue packs, challenged Alphas, fought for my life multiple times. None of that compares to three hours with Vera Santos."I bit back a laugh. "What did she ask you?""Everything. Why I rejected you, what I've done to earn you back, my long-term intentions, my views on marriage and children, my financial stability, my emotional availability—" He ran a hand through his hair. "She had a list, Wren. An actual written list of questions.""That sounds like Vera.""At one point, she asked if I'd ever made you cry. When I said yes, she threatened to key my truck." He looked a

The rental truck was packed to the ceiling with five years of my life. Furniture, boxes of art supplies, canvases wrapped carefully in blankets, and the personal items that had made my Seattle apartment mine.Skyler did a final check of the straps securing everything. "That should hold. Ready?"I took one last look at the building that had been my refuge. The window of my apartment on the third floor, the coffee shop on the corner where I'd spent countless mornings, the familiar streets that I could navigate with my eyes closed."Yeah," I said softly. "I'm ready."The drive started in companionable silence. Skyler drove the truck while I followed in my sedan, a small caravan heading east toward the mountains. Toward home.My phone rang an hour in. Vera."Just checking you didn't change your mind and flee to Canada," she said."Still heading to Ironvale. We're past Snoqualmie.""Good. And Wren? I meant what I said. You've earned this happiness. Don't let fear talk you out of it.""I wo

The pack hall was already full when we arrived. Wolves gathered in their usual clusters—warriors near the front, families in the middle, elders along the sides. Everyone turned to watch us enter, and I fought the urge to grab Skyler's hand for comfort.We were about to make this very official.Marcus stood at the front, Elder Thomas beside him. They waited until everyone settled before Marcus spoke."We're here to discuss Skyler Voss and Wren Mercer's upcoming mating ceremony." His voice carried through the hall. "As you all know, these two have overcome significant obstacles to accept their bond. Now they wish to make it official before the pack."Murmurs of approval rippled through the crowd. I spotted my parents beaming, Ronan giving me a thumbs up."The ceremony will follow traditional pack ritual," Marcus continued, "with some personal modifications that honor both wolves. Elder Thomas will oversee the spiritual aspects. The ceremony is planned for three months from now, under th

Two weeks into gallery renovations, I learned several important things about Skyler Voss:One, he looked unfairly attractive in a paint-stained t-shirt and jeans slung low on his hips.Two, he was terrible at cutting straight lines with painter's tape.And three, he sang off-key to classic rock while working, completely unselfconscious and adorable."You're staring," he said without turning around, currently rolling primer on the far wall."I'm admiring my incredibly helpful boyfriend who volunteered to spend his Saturday covered in paint fumes.""Boyfriend?" He glanced over his shoulder, grinning. "That's what we're calling it?""What would you prefer? Mate-to-be? Future ceremonial partner? The guy who can't tape a straight line?""Hey, that last one is uncalled for." He gestured at his admittedly crooked tape job. "I'm learning."I crossed the room to fix it, peeling up the tape and redoing it properly. "You're lucky you're pretty.""And handy with a paint roller.""That too." I kis

"Absolutely not."I stared at the dress Elder Thomas had laid out—a traditional pack mating gown that looked like it belonged in a medieval reenactment. Long sleeves, high neck, layers of heavy fabric in cream and gold."It's been worn by mated females in this pack for over a century," Thomas said patiently. "Your grandmother wore this. Your great-grandmother before her.""It's beautiful," I said carefully. "But it's not me."Thomas studied me for a moment. "What would be you?"I pulled out my phone, showing him photos I'd saved. Simple dresses, flowing fabric, something that honored tradition without drowning me in it. "Something that lets me move. That feels like me, not a costume.""The ceremony is about tradition—""And about us," Skyler interrupted. "You said we should honor tradition while making it personal. Wren wearing something she's uncomfortable in doesn't honor anything."Thomas looked between us, then smiled. "You're right. Both of you. The dress is tradition, but the ce