Fated to the Alpha Who Killed Me (by Sherry) novel Chapter 153

Chapter 153

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The physical changes were still subtle enough to hide. My breasts were tender and slightly fuller, but

nothing a well–fitted bra couldn’t conceal. The biggest challenge was the scent–pregnancy altered a wolf’s

natural pheromones in ways that could be detected by others, especially those with strong bonds or medical

training.

I’d solved that problem with an arsenal of high–end perfumes. Tom Ford. Jo Malone. Layers of expensive

fragrance that I applied obsessively to my pulse points, my clothes, even my hair. The scents were strong

enough to be slightly off–putting, but when Lily had wrinkled her nose during our video call, I’d laughed it

off as “trying out new samples from work events.”

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The fatigue was harder to explain away. Pregnancy exhaustion was bone–deep, pulling me under at random

moments throughout the day. I’d started taking iron supplements and forcing myself through brutal

morning workouts, hoping the exercise would give me enough energy to maintain appearances.

On the plane to Frost territory, I’d barely been able to keep my eyes open despite the coffee I’d downed

before boarding. I’d arrived at the ceremonial grounds two days before the bonding and was immediately

swept up in the chaos of final preparations.

The venue was breathtaking–an old estate on the outskirts of Frost territory, all stone and timber and

soaring glass windows. Sienna had chosen deep blue as her color scheme, and everywhere I looked there

were flowers and silk and tiny lights that would transform the space into something magical.

“Vi!” Sienna practically tackled me in the main hall, her happiness so bright it was almost blinding. “Thank

God you’re here. Lucian’s mother keeps trying to add traditions I’ve never heard of, and I need you to help

me figure out which ones are actually required versus which ones she’s making up to torture me.”

That evening, we gathered for our final fitting. Standing in front of the mirror in the deep blue silk gown

Sienna had chosen, I couldn’t help noticing how the fabric pulled slightly tighter across my breasts and hips

than it had during the initial measurements.

“Ms. Goldcrest,” the seamstress said with a small frown, “have you gained a little weight recently? The fit is

just a touch snug through here.” She gestured at my midsection, and my heart lurched into my throat.

“Probably been eating too much lately,” I said with a forced laugh, even as panic clawed at my chest.

“Holiday season, you know how it is. Can you let it out a bit?”

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17:18 Mon, Jun 8

Chapter 153

“Of course, dear.”

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Lily was watching me in the mirror, her expression carefully neutral, but I caught the way her gaze lingered

on my reflection, the slight flare of her nostrils as if she was trying to parse something her wolf sensed but

couldn’t quite identify beneath the heavy perfume I’d applied.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” she asked quietly as the seamstress worked. “You look exhausted.”

“Just jet lag,” I said quickly. “The trip to Moonstone Pack was brutal–three days of back–to–back meetings

and barely any sleep. I’ll be fine after I rest tonight.”

By the time the fitting ended, I could barely keep my eyes open. I excused myself early and made my way to

the guest room that had been assigned to me. The moment the door closed behind me, I collapsed onto the

bed fully clothed, too tired to even remove my shoes.

I woke to someone knocking on my door, disoriented and groggy, late afternoon sunlight streaming through

the windows. My phone said it was nearly four PM–I’d slept for almost fourteen hours straight.

“Vi? You in there?” Sienna’s voice came through the door. “We’re doing a dinner run. Want anything?”

“I’m good,” I called back, my voice rough with sleep. “Just need a few more minutes.”

I dragged myself to the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face. My reflection looked slightly better–the shadows under my eyes had faded somewhat–but I still felt wrung out. I forced myself through a shower and dressed carefully, reapplying my perfume with obsessive precision before heading downstairs. The pre- ceremony dinner was casual, just close friends and immediate family, and I found myself relaxing slightly as

I sat between Jade and Lily.

But my reprieve was short–lived. The next day was the ceremony itself, and I woke feeling worse than I had in weeks. The nausea was back with a vengeance, and I’d barely managed to keep down a piece of dry toast before it was time to head to the estate’s preparation rooms.

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