Alpha's Secret Bride

The words left her mouth easier than they settled in her heart. A quiet doubt sparkled—what if trust was always this fragile in a pack of moonmates?

"I really like him. He is my dream mate, but unfortunately..."

"There is nothing unfortunate here," Emma said as she sat in front of the mirror. The hairstylist her father sent worked wonders on her hair, and she also styled Brooklyn’s hair beautifully.

After the makeup craftwolf finished, both of them looked amazing...so beautiful and breathtaking that they could hardly recognize themselves.

"Let’s go to the party hall and see how the decoration is going," Emma said and grabbed her hand. She grinned and followed her.

Brooklyn and Emma walked into the party arena, which was on the top level of Ashley’s Villa, and were dumbfounded. The event designers, lighting technicians, florists, and rental specialists were expertly turning the hall into a wonderland. The decoration was quite simple but fascinating.

They stood behind a calligrapher writing on a notecard and she almost cried. A picture they took on the beach of the moonfall she conceived Emma was also attached to the card and set on each table. They kept staring at the young Kenneth and Emily. Ashley was lying on a beach mat staring admiringly at Emily. Brooklyn noticed the picture made Emma quite emotional and led her out of the hall.

"Let’s go to Ken’s chamber and see how he is prepared," she said, dragging Brooklyn by the arm.

"Emma, no..."

She dragged her before she could complete the sentence she had on her lips.

Ken stood behind a long mirror that was in his chamber adjusting his tie when they came in. He looked at them through the mirror and smiled.

"Moonlit, have you seen the latest mates today?" Ken turned and asked.

"No, the last time I saw them was the last moonfall...kissing and dancing. They didn’t even notice I walked in on them," she replied and they burst out laughing.

"They even shared their meals...both moonfall feast and moonrise meal...within the privacy of their chamber," Ken smirked.

"Ken, won’t you crave the joy of a little sibling?" Brooklyn teased softly.

"What?" he exclaimed, his voice rising in surprise, and they both burst into laughter.

Ken strode over to Brooklyn and playfully grabbed her by the waist. "I would be honored to have a pup with you," he whispered softly against her ear.

Brooklyn struggled to free herself from his hold, but it was no use. Her face brightened with a radiant smile when she saw Emma approaching, thinking she had come to her rescue.

Instead, Emma simply walked past them, headed for the door, and shut it behind her.

Their laughter lingered in the air long after she had gone.

At exactly 6:00 PM, the guests began to arrive, each escorted by magnificent exotic road beasts. A specially arranged table was reserved for Ken, Sebastian Junior, Audrey, and Emma. They gathered around it as Audrey entertained them with lively tales about her awakening. She was cheerful and endlessly talkative. Ashley’s elder sibling, Sebastian and his mate sat a short distance away, watching them with quiet admiration.

All the guests rose to their feet the moment the presence of the High Luna was announced. She was guided to a grand table adorned with royal elegance. Ken and Emma stood as well and made their way toward her table to pay their respects.

"Ken," she smiled, feigning as though Emma was not there. She already knew her and remained unfazed.

"How did you react when you received the joyful tidings?"

"Everything still feels like a dream to me, my High Luna," Ken replied with a smile. The High Luna slowly turned her gaze to Emma and gestured toward the seat before her. Understanding the silent command, Emma sat down. Ken excused himself but did not return to their reserved table. Instead, he joined Brooklyn and Nina.

"How are you?" she asked after a brief pause.

"I’m fine."

"Elara told me everything. I’m pleased you acted with such courage. You are a brave pup."

"Thank you," she murmured softly and bowed. She could hardly believe the words had left her lips.

"Can you come to the royal mansion on Monday? I would like us to speak."

"I’m sorry, I won’t be available on Monday. My mother and I have other engagements," she said, her voice steady, though a small part of her wished she didn’t have to refuse so quickly.

"When would it be convenient for you to see me?"

"Wednesday."

"What time?"

"4:00 PM."

"I have an engagement at that hour on Wednesday, but I shall cancel it," she replied without hesitation.

Emma paused for a brief moment, caught off guard by how easily she was willing to adjust her plans. A spark of doubt crossed her mind...was she being too important in her schedule, or was she reading too much into it?

"Alright."

"Where is my Moon Prince?" she asked. Her question was answered almost instantly as the master of ceremonies announced the arrival of the Moon Prince. The High Luna’s face brightened at once as her gaze settled upon him.

His eyes were hidden behind dark sunshades, yet Emma knew he was looking directly at her. He momentarily forgot the wolves in the hall...who had risen in honor of his presence...were awaiting his acknowledgment. Through their telepathic connection, they exchanged silent words, and he quickly gestured for them to be seated. He then took his place beside Emma, kissed and gently clasped her hand. She smiled faintly and looked away.

"When will you begin attending gatherings like this in your admiral regalia, Prince Brandon?"

"Very soon, my High Luna," Brandon replied, tilting his head slightly to look at Emma’s face again.

"I missed you like hell yesterday," he murmured. She wished she could tell him how deeply she had missed him too.

"I should return to my place," she said, attempting to rise.

"No, stay with us," the High Luna insisted, sending another shiver through her.

At 6:30 PM, Emily’s father...who had arrived under the high moon to celebrate with them...delivered the opening remarks, marking the beginning of the festivities. They reconciled during her difficult time, when he realized she was all he had and stood by her through thick and thin. As for her stepmother, it’s a long story.

They all stood once more to welcome the newly bonded mates. Emily looked breathtaking in a shoulder-cut-out emerald- green-colored gown. Ashley appeared regal in a deep emerald-green tuxedo, finished with a sleek black satin lapel. The soft melody filling the hall was irresistible, and soon, mates began to glide onto the dance floor.

"What is happening?" Brandon whispered into Emma’s ear as his gaze settled on Brooklyn and Ken, who had joined the dancers.

"Ken is drawn to her."

"Wow! Then we must celebrate this...with a seven-day escape to an exotic island. Just the four of us. What do you think?" he asked.

She lowered her head, trying to hide the smile that curved her lips.

"When are we leaving?" she asked.

"Saturday."

"What?The council meeting day?"

"After the meeting."

"Are you sure the meeting will end on time?"

"It doesn’t matter what time it ends. Maybe we can postpone it next Saturday."

She glanced at them again, a satisfied smile lingering on her lips. She knew Brooklyn would be thrilled if she heard such news.

The celebration ended after a few hours, and calm gradually returned to the hall. Emma could hardly believe that Emily was now officially Emily Ashford.

Brandon and Emma remained behind after all the guests had departed. He drew her close against his chest and held her tightly once the last wolf had left. She rested against him, wishing that moment would never end.

"The house feels dull without the Alpha’s mate," he murmured, brushing his lips gently against hers before stealing her breath in a lingering kiss. "You didn’t invite your parents?"

"They ceased to be my parents the day I found my blood mother who led me straight to my father. Starlit how dare you asked me...,"

"I was just kidding, my moonblessed one. There was silence. I ...need to go now," he said as they walked towards his sleek obsidian road beast machine.

Emma pinned him against his limited edition obsidian road beast as he was about to leave the pack grounds. She had been trying to convince him to sleep over, especially since he already had a personal chamber in her father’s mansion, but he refused, so she trapped him against the polished metal, held his waist firmly, and rested her head on his chest, breathing in his wolf scent. He kept laughing, unable to push her away. Their little drama reminded her of the day he visited her in the far Springfield Territory. She couldn’t let him go.

"My moonheart," he whispered into her ear.

"I’ll come and see you in the high moon and we are gonna spend the moonfall together," he whimpered as he fondled her hair. Then...She felt it, a cold hand on her upper arm and lifted her face.