Chapter 29
Beside her, Kane’s expression was unreadable, his amber eyes fixed on my neck where Raymond’s mark now claimed me. Something like anger flashed across his features before he schooled them back to careful neutrality.
The reception that followed was an elaborate blur–first dances, toasts, cake cutting. Raymond went through each motion with precision, never meeting my eyes for longer than necessary. His gaze constantly sought Giana, who hovered at the edge of the celebration
I was speaking with relatives when Kane appeared at my side, devastatingly handsome in his tailored suit.
“May I borrow the bride for a moment?” he asked, his voice a silky purr.
Before I could object, Kane had guided me away to a quieter corner of the reception hall.
“You look stunning,” he said, his eyes traveling over me with an intensity that made my skin warm. “A vision in white. Too bad it’s wasted on a man who can’t appreciate it.”
“Kane “I began, warning in my tone.
“Just an observation,” he responded, his fingers brushing mine as he handed me a champagne flute. “Tell me, Luna, does it feel different now? Having everything you thought you wanted?”
The question cut too close to the bone. “Don’t.”
His lips curved into a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “You know, there are other paths you could have chosen. Other wolves who might have valued what Raymond so carelessly discards.”
My heart stuttered at his words. Before I could respond, Raymond materialized beside us, his expression dark.
“Kane,” he said tightly, “I’d appreciate it if you remembered that Aurora is my wife now.”
Kane’s smile widened, turning sharp. “How could I forget? You’ve made your claim quite…visible.” His eyes dropped pointedly to my neck where Raymond’s mark stood out against my skin.
Raymond’s arm slid possessively around my waist. “Then you’ll understand why I need to steal her away. Pack business.”
Kane inclined his head in mock deference. “Of course. Who am I to stand between an Alpha and his Luna?” His eyes met mine one last time, something unspoken passing between us before he stepped back.
I let Raymond lead me away, conscious of the eyes following us–particularly Giana’s, filled with naked longing, and Kane’s, burning with something I couldn’t name.
Night had fallen by the time we reached the honeymoon suite. The room was another romantic fantasy–rose petals scattered across the bed, champagne chilling in an ice bucket, candles casting a golden glow over everything.
Chopter
Raymond stood awkwardly by the door. He cleared his throat. “Aurora, about today-”
“Don’t pretend it was anything but what it was,” I cut him off. “An act. For both of us.”
“Yes,” he agreed quietly. “An act.”
I turned away, beginning to unpin my hair, when his next words froze me in place.
+15 Bonu
“I need you to cover for me again,” he said, his voice low and urgent. “Glana… she’s devastated after today. Watching me mark
someone else—it’s physically painful for her, because of our mate bond.”
I turned slowly to face him. “What exactly are you asking, Raymond?”
He couldn’t meet my gaze. “I need to comfort her tonight. She’s in the east wing guest room. If you could… swap places with her,
just for tonight…”
The audacity stole my breath. “You want me to give up the bridal suite on my wedding night so you can spend it with your
mistress?”
“She’s not my mistress, she’s my mate,” he corrected sharply. “And yes, I’m asking. Please, Aurora. She’s suffering”
And I wasn’t? The request was so selfish, so utterly blind to my feelings, that I almost laughed.
“Get out,” I whispered.
“Aurora-
“Get. Out” My voice shook with suppressed rage. “Go to her. I don’t care. But don’t insult me by asking me to facilitate it.”
He hesitated, then nodded once before slipping out the door.
I stood alone in the honeymoon suite, a bride abandoned on her wedding night, the mark on my neck a burning reminder of everything this marriage wasn’t, and would never be.
