Alpha’s Regret After Putting Me In Jail novel Chapter 219

Chapter 219: A Dangerous Invitation

Chapter 219: A Dangerous Invitation

(Celeste’s POV)

“This can’t be real,” Matthew muttered, turning the elegant cream–colored invitation over in his

hands for what must have been the fifth time.

I watched him from my seat by the window in his newly furnished living room. The morning light caught the silver pendant his mother had given me, making it glimmer against my skin.

“It certainly looks authentic,” I replied, my finger tracing the elaborate wax seal bearing the

Moore family crest.

Matthew’s brow furrowed as he examined the invitation again. “But it doesn’t make sense.

Senior Council Member Moore himself arranging a meeting between you and Jason? After

everything that happened?”

His silver–gray eyes met mine, confusion evident in their depths.

“I don’t understand it either,” I admitted. “Jason is known throughout the territories as a

troublemaker. I can’t imagine why any respected pack would offer their daughter for mate

marking to him.”

Matthew paced the room, his wolf restless beneath his skin. “Even with his grandfather’s

influence, I would have thought Senior Council Member Moore would approach a family of

lower standing, someone eager to connect with the Moore lineage.”

He shook his head. “Not someone from the Winter Pack.”

I rose from my seat and gently took the invitation from his hands. The paper was expensive,

the kind reserved for formal pack ceremonies.

“The seal is genuine,” I said, running my thumb over the raised emblem. “And the signature

matches other documents I’ve seen from Senior Council Member Moore.”

Matthew’s protective instincts were in full force. I could see it in the tension of his shoulders,

the slight narrowing of his eyes.

“You’re not actually considering going, are you?” he asked, his voice tight with concern.

I tilted my head, considering my response carefully. “I believe I should.”

“After everything Jason has done? The threats against my family? The ambush at the

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Chapter 219: A Dangerous Invita…

restaurant?” Matthew’s voice rose slightly with each question.

I placed my hand on his arm, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath my palm.

“With his grandfather directly involved, Jason wouldn’t dare to act improperly,” I reasoned. “This might be an opportunity to resolve the conflict between our families.”

Matthew didn’t look convinced. The memory of Jason’s threat was still fresh in both our

minds.

“I don’t trust this,” he said firmly. “And I don’t trust him.”

I squeezed his arm gently. “I know. But sometimes in pack politics, we must take calculated

risks.”

Matthew sighed, his silver–gray wolf settling slightly beneath his calm exterior.

“If you’re determined to go, at least take precautions,” he said. “Bring two beta guards with you, and make sure Nina is by your side the entire time.”

A smile tugged at my lips. “Are you suggesting Nina could take on the entire Moore family if

necessary?”

Matthew’s serious expression finally broke into a reluctant smile. “If anyone could, it would be Nina. I’ve seen her training with the elite guards. She’s formidable.”

I laughed softly, grateful for the moment of lightness. “I wouldn’t put Nina at such risk, but I

appreciate your concern.”

My fingers absently traced the wooden pendant Matthew had given me–the one that had supposedly protected him in battle.

“Besides,” I added, “I have your protective charm. What could possibly happen?”

Matthew’s expression softened as he watched me touch his gift. “Just promise me you’ll be

careful.”

I nodded, the weight of the invitation heavy in my hand despite its delicate appearance.

“Three days from now,” I murmured, reading the date once more. “That doesn’t give us much

time to prepare.”

Three days passed quickly, filled with preparations and Matthews’s constant reminders about

safety protocols. Before I knew it, I was standing before the imposing gates of Senior Council

Member Moore’s estate.

The iron gates towered above me, intricate designs forming the Moore family crest at their

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center. Two pack guards stood at attention, their postures stiffening as our car approached.

I stepped out, dressed in a simple but elegant navy dress that Nina had insisted would project both confidence and respect. Jacob Weber, a beta wolf assigned as my additional protection, flanked me on the right while Nina took her position on my left.

“Invitation, please,” the taller guard requested, his tone formal but his eyes betraying surprise.

I handed him the cream–colored envelope. His brows furrowed slightly as he examined it,

exchanging a quick glance with his companion.

Before either guard could speak further, the gates swung open. Two beta wolves hurried out,

their matching gray uniforms identifying them as members of the Moore household staff.

“Miss Winters,” the first beta wolf greeted with a low bow. “We’ve been expecting you. Please,

come this way. Senior Council Member Moore has prepared quite a feast in your honor.”

The beta’s smile was polite, his manner courteous, but something about the guards‘ earlier

expressions sent a chill down my spine.

“Thank you,” I replied, matching his formality. “My guards will accompany me, of course.”

“Of course,” the beta wolf agreed quickly–too quickly. “Though we can only accommodate one inside the main house. Pack protocol.”

Nina stepped forward immediately. “I will accompany Miss Winters.”

I placed my hand on her arm, stopping her. “No, Nina. I’d like Jacob to come with me.”

Nina’s silver–gray eyes widened slightly in surprise, but she didn’t question my decision in front

of the Moore betas.

As we began to walk, I leaned close to Jacob, keeping my voice low. “Wait by the entrance. If

anything seems wrong, don’t try to be a hero. Run and get help.”

Jacob gave an almost imperceptible nod, his eyes alert as they scanned our surroundings.

The estate was impressive, with manicured gardens leading up to a grand pack house that

rivaled even the Winter Pack’s main residence. But as we followed the beta wolves, I realized

we weren’t heading toward the main building.

“Excuse me,” I called to our guide. “I believe we’re going the wrong way.”

The beta wolf turned, his smile never wavering. “Not at all, Miss Winters. The gathering is

being held at the Moore family’s private den. It’s just beyond those trees.”

He gestured to a path that curved away from the main house, leading into a grove of silver

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birches.

“Private den?” I questioned, my wolf instantly on alert.

“Yes, miss,” he explained smoothly. “This is a family matter regarding Master Jason’s potential mate marking. Senior Council Member Moore thought it more appropriate to host in the family’s private space rather than the formal pack house.”

It sounded reasonable enough, but I caught Jacob’s eye. His slight frown told me he shared my suspicion.

We continued down the path until a smaller, though still impressive, building came into view. The private den was built of stone and wood, its design more traditional than the main pack

house.

A woman stood waiting at the entrance, her auburn hair styled impeccably, her emerald dress clearly expensive. Her smile was wide and practiced as we approached.

“Miss Winters,” she cooed, extending her hands to take mine. “What a pleasure to finally meet you. I’m Sandra Moore, Jason’s mother. My, you’re even more beautiful than my son

described.”

Her grip was surprisingly strong as she clasped my hand between both of hers. I carefully withdrew it, offering a formal pack greeting instead.

“Thank you for your hospitality, Mrs. Moore,” I said; maintaining a polite distance.

“Please, call me Sandra,” she insisted, her smile never faltering as she guided us inside.

The interior of the den was lavishly decorated with rich tapestries and ornate furniture that

spoke of old money and established pack status. Jason Moore stood in the center of the main

room, his posture straight, his expression carefully neutral.

“Miss Winters,” he greeted with a bow that would have seemed sincere to anyone who didn’t

know better. “Thank you for accepting our invitation.”

I nodded in acknowledgment, keeping my expression pleasant despite the unease growing

within me.

“I’m looking forward to meeting Senior Council Member Moore,” I said, glancing around the

room. “When will he be joining us?”

Sandra’s laugh was light and airy. “Oh, I’m afraid my father–in–law has been detained with

some official pack business. He sends his deepest apologies and asked us to begin without

him.”

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