Addicted To Her The Alpha'S Irresistible Contract Mate novel Chapter 45

45 Chapter 45 No engagement anymore

The grand hall of the lodge thrummed with anticipation, with the scents of

moonflowers and polished oak, mingled with the underlying musk of alpha dominance and omega submission.

Garlands of silver vines draped the walls, crescent moon banners fluttering from the rafters under the soft glow of lantern light.

Guests from allied packs mingled in clusters, their elegant gowns and tailored suits a sea of deep blues and silvers symbolizing unity. The ceremonial altar at the front bore a crystal bowl of blessed water from the sacred spring, flanked by elder wolves in traditional robes.

I hovered at the edges, my maid’s apron a stark contrast to the finery, heart pounding like a trapped bird. The distraction I’d caused in the kitchens had bought Lucy time- stew splattered across the floor, shouts drawing the betas away from the back exits. Now, as the ceremony was set to begin, I prayed she’d made it to the river ford.

Grandpa Kingsley stood at the altar, his grizzled beard and commanding presence silencing the crowd as he raised his hands.

“Wolves of Kingsley and Silverfang! Today, we forge bonds under the moon goddess’s gaze. Let the bride and groom approach!”

A hush fell, expectant eyes turning to the double doors at the rear. Ronan waited at the altar, tall and composed in his charcoal suit, his sun–kissed hair gleaming, a gentle smile on his face that spoke of quiet strength. But the doors remained closed. Seconds stretched into minutes. Whispers rippled through the gathering like wind through leaves.

“Where’s Lucy?” someone murmured from the front row.

Minutes went on but Lucy didn’t appear.

Grandpa’s brow furrowed, his alpha aura flaring, making the omegas like me shrink back instinctively. “What is this delay? Mira, check on your niece!”

Aunt Mira bustled off, her heels clicking sharply on the stone floor. The whispers grew louder, a buzzing hive of speculation.

“Is she ill?”

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45 Chapter 45 No engagement anymore

“Cold feet?”

“Scandal?” Alphas shifted uneasily, their scents sharpening with suspicion. Elias stood off to the side, arms crossed, his golden eyes scanning the room, stoic as ever, but I felt the bond tug, a faint echo of his tension mirroring mine. Jessy hovered near Ronan, her elegant gown shimmering, glancing at Elias with that shy admiration that twisted my gut.

Aunt Mira returned moments later, face pale, wringing her hands. “She’s gone! Lucy’s room is empty! I couldn’t find her anywhere!”

Grandpa frowned. “What do you mean you couldn’t find her?”

“I think…I think…” Aunt Mira trailed nervously. “She ran away.”

Chaos erupted. Gasps echoed off the walls, chairs scraping as guests stood. “Gone? How?” Uncle Thorne boomed, his voice thunderous. “Search the grounds! Guards!”

Everyone was asking where she was, voices overlapping in a cacophony. “Did anyone see her?”

“This is an outrage!” Betas rushed out, barking orders, while elders huddled, muttering about omens and dishonor. Grandpa’s face reddened with fury, his alpha command slamming through the room like a wave.

“Silence! No one will leave until we have answers. Question the servants now!”

My stomach dropped, ice flooding my veins. I tried to blend into the shadows near the side door, but the bond flared with dread, amplifying every fearful beat of my heart. Servants were herded forward–omegas mostly, trembling under the elders‘ glares. One by one, they were interrogated in the center of the hall, the family drama unfolding like a brutal play.

“You, girl,” Grandpa pointed at a young omega named Sara, who curtsied shakily. “When did you last see Lucy?”

“This morning, Elder Kingsley,” she stammered. “She was in her room.”

The questions flew, accusations veiled in suspicion. “So where is she now?!”

The omega flinched. “I..I don’t know, master”

“Then who does?!”

The omega stayed silent.

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45 Chapter 45 No engagement anymore

Elias remained silent, but his eyes met mine across the room, intense and probing, sending a shiver down my spine. Did he suspect me?

Suddenly, an omega came forward. “I think I know who helped Miss Lucy run away.”

“Who? Come on, tell me!” Sarah, Lucy’s mother probed her angrily.

All eyes turned to her as she looked at me and pointed. “That one was last seen with Miss Lucy. She entered her room not long ago and stayed there for a long while.”

The spotlight swung to me, a collective gasp rising. Grandpa’s gaze locked on, hard as flint. “How dare you?!”

My legs felt like lead as I approached, the hall’s echoes amplifying my footsteps. Trembling fear gripped me, but I lifted my chin, voice steady despite the knot in my throat. The bond pulsed, Elias’s presence a distant anchor–or was it a chain?

“She–she doesn’t want to-”

Grandpa loomed, his alpha aura pressing down, making my instincts scream to submit. “What do you know about this? Speak the truth, girl, or face the lash!”

I swallowed, heart racing. “I… I checked on her, as Aunt Mira asked. She was upset and kept crying about the engagement.”

“Lies!” Aunt Mira snapped, eyes flashing. “You helped her flee, didn’t you? Ungrateful

omega!”

“No,” I insisted, though guilt twisted inside. “But… she was forced. Lucy deserves true love, not a dictated alliance. The moon goddess blesses fated bonds, not political ones.”

Gasps rippled anew at the defiance from a maid? Elders murmured angrily, Grandpa’s face purpling. “You dare lecture us on the goddess? In my pack, hierarchy is law! If you aided her-”

“I didn’t force her to run,” I cut in, voice trembling but firm. “But I understand her pain. Being trapped and choices stolen, it’s cruel. She dreamed of a mate who sees her, not a stranger for territory.”

Uncle Thorne stepped forward, grabbing my arm roughly. “Confess, girl! Where is

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