The Alpha's Chubby Obsession. novel Chapter 184

Side Story 28-2

“There’s no need,” I said quietly. “I handled it. But I’d prefer his wife.”

He observed me for a moment longer, then nodded. “Okay.”

I gave a small smile. “Thank you. You can leave.”

He turned slightly. “Well, that was rude,” he muttered, and I couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at my lips as he walked out.

So… it’s tomorrow then.

Tomorrow I become mated.

Tomorrow everything changes.

Yet I still don’t know which direction my life is going to take from here.

Clair

Tomorrow arrived far sooner than I expected. Before I could steady myself, the maids were

already brushing light makeup on my face and fixing my hair neatly into place. It was only meant to be a quick mating ceremony, nothing extravagant, so I kept reminding myself there was no reason

to be nervous.

Just say the vows, exchange the marks, and it will all be over.

They handed me a small bouquet, something delicate, though unnecessary for such a simple ceremony-but I accepted it without complaint. After that, they escorted me toward the hall where

the ritual would be taking place. It seemed I’d be walking in alone, which made me release a long

sigh.

But then footsteps approached, and when I turned, Randy was coming toward me.

“Well, it would be awkward if you walked in by yourself,” he said, a hint of humor in his voice.

Despite my nerves, I found myself smiling at him.

“Would you do me the honor?” he asked, offering his arm.

I nodded, slipping my hand into the crook of his elbow. “And what makes you think it would be odd?” I teased lightly.

He simply smiled. “Let’s just say someone mentioned it.”

Before I could ask what he meant, the doors swung open, and we stepped inside.

Just as he’d said-there were only seven of us.

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Side Story 28-2

Claird

I didn’t look at Alpha Abel first. My gaze went straight to Mrs. Sinclair. When she noticed me, she quickly swallowed and shifted her eyes to the side, unable to meet my stare. Then I looked toward former Alpha Klaus; he stood rigid and tall, his expression carved from stone.

The elders were next-two aged wolves, both holding the same stern, unreadable look. One of them would officiate. Their presence alone was enough to drain any hint of cheerfulness from my face, and somehow, I couldn’t force myself to smile at them even if I tried.

And finally… my eyes found the man I was about to marry.

I hadn’t realized he’d been watching me all that time until Randy released my arm and handed me over to him. Abel stood there, unreadable as ever.

The elder began speaking, reciting the ceremonial words-his tone flat, the atmosphere cold. Nothing like the warm, hopeful moment I had once imagined my bonding day would be. But regardless of how it looked, this was real. This was happening. This was my life now.

When he finished, it was time for the vows and the marking-the most difficult part of all. A wave of panic rolled through me, but Julia, my wolf, was buzzing with excitement inside. I almost wanted to call her an ignorant pup for it.

We repeated the vows exactly as the elder instructed, and then came the moment to mark each other.

Abel moved first.

He didn’t hesitate for a second. The moment he stepped closer and lowered his head, he sank his fangs into my neck-no pause, no tenderness, no attempt to soften the moment. It wasn’t gentle or soothing in any way. It was fast, cold, almost mechanical. A sting shot through me as his teeth pierced the skin, a warm liquid escaping briefly from the wound.

He didn’t even bother to lick off the blood, something I’d seen countless wolves do during their marking. He simply straightened and stepped back as if he’d done nothing at all.

The disregard hit at my pride sharper than the bite itself. Even if he didn’t want this bond, he didn’t have to be that emotionless.

One of the elders handed me a handkerchief-strange, but I took it anyway. “Thank you,” I muttered, pressing it lightly to the mark on my neck to stop me from bleeding out.

His part was done. Now I had to do mine.

And I already knew-I was going to mark him the exact same way he marked me.

I didn’t know what expression my face was holding right now, but I was sure it was either a deep scowl… or the look of someone ready to commit murder.

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