The Alpha’s Plus Size Obsession novel Chapter 4

Mary Ann

The cheers and howls from the ceremony still echoed in my ears as the reception spilled into the grand clearing behind the ceremonial grounds. Lanterns hung from the trees, casting a golden glow over long tables heavy with food and drink. Music played—soft drums and strings that should have felt celebratory. Instead, everything felt hollow.

Modric disappeared almost immediately after the vows.

One moment his arm was tense under my fingers as we walked back down the aisle, the next he was gone, melting into the crowd with a muttered excuse about pack business. I stood there alone near the head table, my beautiful lace gown suddenly feeling too tight, too exposed. My wolf whined inside me, still buzzing from that corner-of-the-lips kiss and the electric spark that had passed between us. But my husband? Nowhere to be seen.

Guests whispered behind my back. I could hear the murmurs even as I pretended not to.

“…plus-size Luna for Ironclaw? Bold choice.”

“Modric must be furious. Poor Velvera…”

“She’s pretty enough, I suppose, but can you imagine her running with the pack?”

I kept my spine straight, forcing a small smile as I sipped from a glass of champagne. My curves filled out the gown in all the ways I usually loved—soft hips, full breasts, the gentle swell of my belly but tonight every glance felt like judgment. I smoothed my hands down the fabric, reminding myself I had survived worse. Still, the loneliness clawed at me. This was supposed to be a celebration of our union, yet here I was, the bride standing by herself while the groom vanished.

I stared at the dancing couples, their laughter floating on the night air, and tried to ignore the ache in my chest. This is your life now, Mary Ann. Get used to it.

A shadow fell across my vision. A hand extended toward me, palm up.

“May I have this dance?”

I looked up. Kylian. Modric’s Beta and best friend since childhood. Tall and broad like most Ironclaw wolves, with warm brown hair and sharp hazel eyes. I remembered him instantly always right there in the background at the Elite Alpha Academy, laughing loudest whenever Modric called me “Fat Luna.” One of the boys who had turned my school years into a nightmare.

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