The Alpha's Silent Bride: Seventh Time's The Charm novel Chapter 53

Chapter 53: 053; The council’s verdict

~ ROSELLE ~

I fooled myself... I decided to let go of my insecurities and lose myself in the peace I’d finally found, only to be dragged into another endless loop.

He’s eventually going to find his mate... and then he’ll marry her. I might end up dead like the six brides before me. And even if I don’t—just like he promised—I’m still going to become the other woman in his life, because I don’t think I could stand by and watch him suffer when he could end it all by marrying his mate.

It hurts. Even though I try to bask in the comfort he gives me, even though I let myself believe his promises... it doesn’t change the fact that it hurts.

Why did the Goddess have to make my fate this cruel? Just when I finally found someone who stands beside me, who fights for me, who sees me for who I am and is willing to defend me... she places an obstacle between us.

Why? Just... why?

I’m nervous... fucking nervous. As I stare at my reflection in the dressing room I happen to share with Ronan, which is ridiculously spacious anyway, I can’t help but admire the deep emerald green gown draped over my body. It brings my hazel eyes into sharp focus, while intricate silver embroidery sparkles across the bodice. It’s regal... the kind of dress that makes me feel like I belong beside an Alpha.

Except I don’t. We’re about to head to the council chamber for what Ronan says is the council’s meeting to determine whether I can become their Luna.

I know I should be excited. Happy, even. But I’m not. How can I be after what Ronan told me about the curse? I’m not selfish enough to put my own happiness before his. The thought barely settles before I grit my teeth.

No... Yes, I am selfish.

I don’t want him touching another woman the way he touches me. I don’t want another woman hearing the soft voice he reserves for me or seeing the tenderness hidden beneath his ruthless exterior.

And yet... I should be selfless. I should ignore my own wants, swallow my feelings, and convince him to find his mate. Except... I want that mate to be me.

A warm hand slips around my waist, pulling me gently against a solid chest. My cheeks instantly flush when Ronan’s reflection appears behind mine in the mirror.

My face lights up before I can stop it, a smile curling across my lips.

"You’re breathtaking..." he murmurs, his voice low and reverent. "By the Goddess... you’re such an exquisite beauty. Every time you look this stunning..." His grip on my waist tightens ever so slightly. "It drives me insane."

He’s dressed in a perfect charcoal suit that hugs his powerful frame, paired with polished black leather shoes and a long ceremonial cloak trimmed with black wolf fur that makes him look every inch the ruthless Alpha. A silver lapel pin bearing the Black Shadow Pack crest gleams on his jacket.

He dips his head, nuzzling into the curve of my neck. His warm breath fans across my skin, making my pulse race. Then his lips press against the sensitive spot just below my ear. soft at first, then firmer, hotter. He trails slow, kisses down the column of my neck, each one sending sparks straight to my core. When his teeth graze lightly over my pulse point, a tiny whimper escapes me.

I close my eyes, melting back into him, drowning in his intoxicating scent. His hands slide up my sides, careful of my injured hand, pulling me even closer until I can feel the hard heat of his body against my back. For a few blissful moments, every worry, and fear about the curse and the Council disappears. There’s only him. His mouth, and touch. The way he makes me feel wanted, and cherished.

He sucks gently on the spot where my neck meets my shoulder, then soothes it with his tongue, drawing another soft sound from my throat. I tilt my head to give him better access, lost in the sensation.

Eventually, he pulls back with a low, reluctant groan, lips brushing my ear as he speaks.

"We’re going to be late if I don’t stop now," he murmurs, voice rough with desire. A wicked grin tugs at his lips as he meets my eyes in the mirror. "Though I’d much rather stay here and peel this gown off you instead of facing those old fools."

I blush faintly at the thought, heat blooming across my cheeks. A few minutes later, we arrive at the Council chamber.

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