The Alpha's Silent Bride: Seventh Time's The Charm novel Chapter 35

Chapter 35: 035: Meeting Warren

~ ROSELLE ~

We arrive at the pack grounds where the event is being hosted, and I can’t help but take in the scenery around me.

It’s beautiful. Magnificent. The entire area has been transformed for the Blood Moon Ceremony. Thousands of golden fairy lights are strung between towering trees. Crimson banners embroidered with pack crests sway gently in the evening breeze, while elegant lanterns line the stone pathways leading toward the grand ceremonial hall.

The hall itself is breathtaking. Bright chandeliers hang from the ceiling, making everything sparkle. Long tables are covered with flowers, candles, and fancy decorations. Soft music fills the air, and people chat and laugh all around us.

The place is crowded.

Alphas, Lunas, Betas, and important pack members from different packs are everywhere. Women wear beautiful gowns in different colors, while the men are dressed in elegant formal outfits.

Servants move through the crowd carrying trays of food and drinks. The delicious smell of roasted meat, pastries, and flowers fills the air.

For a moment, I can only stare.

Ronan’s hand remains wrapped around mine as he leads us deeper into the hall.

A woman approaches us. She’s beautiful, with a flowing gown sweeping across the floor and an elegant crown resting atop her head. Everything about her screams grace and authority. She carries herself like royalty, and the powerful aura surrounding her makes it clear she’s someone important.

"Well..." she drawls, a teasing smile tugging at her lips. "So you finally decided to show her off."

Her eyes rake over me, studying me from head to toe as though I were some cheap treasure she doesn’t approves of.

For a second, I fight the urge to hide behind Ronan. Instead, I straighten my shoulders and meet her gaze.

"Roselle, meet my mom, the former Luna of this pack. Mom, meet Roselle."

Ronan’s introduction nearly makes me freeze. Mom? Hell, I didn’t even know he had a—

Oh. Right. Not everyone is an orphan like I am.

He never told me, and I never thought to ask. Why would I? Most of my life has been spent trying to survive, not learning about people’s families.

I quickly give a small bow as a sign to say It’s nice to meet you. The woman hums as she looks me over. "She’s not what I expected."

"Mom, be nice," Ronan warns, shooting her a glare.

She immediately lifts her hands in surrender. I glance between them, suddenly feeling very out of place.

"I’ve got to leave you both to enjoy the Blood Moon Ceremony. It only comes once a year, and I like to relish every moment of it," she says sternly. With that, she brushes past us and walks away.

"She’s friendly," Ronan says, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. "And she’s still trying to process us. Give her time. She’ll get used to everything and welcome you with open arms."

I nod awkwardly. Honestly, I’m fine as long as she’s not dragging me around by my hair or locking me in a dark cell. I’ve seen worse.

Before the conversation can continue, another Alpha approaches us.

"Alpha Ronan." He inclines his head respectfully. "It’s a pleasure to be invited once again."

Ronan returns the greeting with a polite nod. The Alpha’s gaze then darts to me, and stays there.

His eyes widen slightly, appreciation flashing openly across his features as he takes me in.

"Well," he says with a smile, "aren’t you going to introduce me to the beautiful woman at your side?"

Is it just me or did the atmosphere suddenly becomes tense? I hear a low growl from Ronan, his arm slides around my waist, pulling me closer against his side.

I turn to look at him. Gone is the smile that had been on his face moments ago.

His jaw is pulled into a tight clench, and I can see a muscle ticking beneath his skin. His grey eyes remain fixed on the Alpha.

"I’d appreciate it," he says smoothly, "if you would take your eyes off my Luna and speak to me instead."

The Alpha blinks. Ronan’s grip on my waist tightens possessively.

The Alpha raises both hands in surrender, a sheepish laugh escaping him.

"My apologies, Alpha. I meant no disrespect."

Ronan leads me to the table, muttering something that sounds suspiciously like a curse under his breath as he pulls out a chair for me.

It’s a long table, with important guests already seated around it. I settle into my seat right beside him, while Nikolai takes the chair on my other side.

Ronan leans in close enough for only me to hear.

"I need to address the crowd," he whispers. "I’ll be back."

I nod, and his gaze lingers on me for a moment before he straightens and makes his way toward the front of the hall.

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