Rejected by the Alpha, Claimed by his Brother

We made it back to the grand hall of the pack house, and the doors opened like the gates of heaven. Inside, the venue was still frozen in that awkward post-chaos stillness.

Half-eaten hors d’oeuvres sat on silver trays, a champagne flute teetered dangerously close to a bridesmaid’s elbow, and someone’s veil was hanging from a chandelier. No one dared speak above a murmur.

Then my not-so-proud father—rose to his feet. I could feel the weight of his gaze like a branding iron on my skin. For a moment, I worried he might try to salvage Rosa’s dignity, make excuses, or worse—blame me. But then he did something I never expected.

He bowed his head.

"To our honored guests and esteemed council members," he began, "I deeply apologize for the abrupt pause in this sacred ceremony. Emotions ran high. Truths were revealed. And justice... was done. This is a fault my family shall stand accountable for. I ask that you and every member of this pack pardon us. We promise to do better from now on."

Holy shit.

Did Don Diego just render a public apology? Did he just do that? I wished to hell that I could throw my head back and burst into a wholesome laughter.

Who could have thought his golden daughter to whom he believed would bring him the greatest pride could be the reason why he’d bow to dozens of people whom he considered not worth a hair on his chin?

Tables were turning. I hoped to hell that they stayed like that for good.

Don Diego turned toward me, something like reluctance shadowing his eyes. "We now return to this blessed union. Let the ceremony commence."

I barely breathed. My fingers tightened around Axel’s. This was it. This was actually happening.