The Alpha's Unclaimed Mate (Jason and Laila) by Caroline Above Story novel Chapter 155

Laila’s POV

I froze, and I wasn’t the only one Brittany had invited me? But… why? She hated me! Why would she want me at one of the most important moments of her life?

But then, in a flash, I knew the answer.

She had invited me because she hated me. She saw me as a threat against her relationship to Jason. What better way to eliminate that threat than to have me be here to see her moment of victory?

William was stunned also, quietly standing on my arm. Again, I was grateful for his presence, for not being alone in this. Right now, he was my only support.

Jason’s mother covered her mouth with her hand. His father’s jaw fell open for a moment, before he recovered and demanded, ” Why would you do such a thing?”

Brittany smiled at him. “Because I want her to witness this, to see for herself when Jason pledges himself to me and no one else.” Her gaze slid to me. “There has been some confusion about who belongs to who. This ceremony should eliminate that confusion.”

I had wondered how much Jason’s parents knew about what happened between Jason and me. To my memory, we hadn’t exactly been quiet that day in the office. But it’s possible they hadn’t heard. Maybe they had been out of the pack house. It was also possible that everyone was pretending not to know, for decorum’s sake.

Though, I didn’t think his parents knew or likely they wouldn’t have even given me a chance to speak before just throwing me out of here. Yet, even without knowing Jason and I had slept together, they must have still seen me as a threat to his relationship with Brittany.

That was why Sarah tried to warn me off of him. Or why the former Alpha had yelled at me at the hospital.

I was a threat to their plans.

Maybe I shouldn’t have come here after all.

Jason’s father huffed a harsh breath. “Well, I’m still not happy about this. I’d rather she just leave. But I suppose that if Brittany wants you here, you can stay. Just don’t cause any trouble. Stand in the back, and don’t bother the other guests.”

“I won’t,” I said. What did he think I was going to do? Run up on stage and try to block the wedding? I might have thought about it, but I would never actually do it.

This was what Jason wanted. This had been the choice he had made 6 years ago when he brought Brittany home, choosing her

over me.

At that moment, I locked eyes with Sarah. While the former Alpha had always been harsh, even when I had lived here with them as Laila, Sarah had been softer. She’d been the only mother I had ever known.

I’d been afraid to look at her, afraid of seeing hatred or disgust looking back at me.

But there was none of that.

Instead, a kind of pity shone in her eyes.

The former Alpha radiated satisfaction, but Sarah seemed… sadder.

She looked away.

“We should return to the stage,” Sarah said. “The ceremony will begin soon.”

With that, Sarah and the former Alpha walked away, without even glancing at me again.

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Brittany lingered a moment. Grinning at me like the cat who caught the canary, she said, “Enjoy the show, Vanessa.” Then, with a laugh, she turned and followed Jason’s parents toward the stage. They hadn’t made it very far, stopping to greet others and receive congratulations from the various guests.

I really needed that drink now, and turned back to the drink tent. Fortunately, the line had dwindled and William and I were able to get our champagne flutes without watting. I immediately downed mine.

William lifted a brow but stayed quiet. He’d been silent this whole time, which was somewhat infuriating. Surely he had thoughts about all this.

“I think you were right,” I told him. “I never should have come here.”

“No,” William said. “I’ve changed my mind about it.”

“What do you mean?”

“I think Brittany might be right.”

My jaw nearly dropped open. I never would have thought

I’d hear him say something like that.

He continued unprompted, “You’ve been caught up on Jason for far too long. Maybe seeing this ceremony for yourself will help

chance we deserve.” you finally get over him. Then… maybe the two of us will finally have the

“William…”

“Your new life is waiting. I’m right here. You just have to forget about him and see me.” The last words were said with hurt. Immediately he straightened his features and cleared his throat. When he spoke again, his voice was back to normal. “So, yeah. I think she’s right.”

I didn’t have anything to say to that. It hurt, feeling like William was against me. But how could I be angry with him? He just wanted me to get over this. Over Jason.

Maybe it was time I finally allowed that to happen.

Jason’s POV

As the ceremony began, I stepped onto the stage. Brittany stepped up from the other side, and we crossed the length of the stage to meet in the middle. Our family members were there, my father nodding with approval.

When we met in the middle, Brittany held out her hands toward me. I had no choice but to take them.

This was what I signed up for, and I was resigned to it now. This ceremony would be the worst of it, but once it was over, Brittany and I could find a kind of rhythm where we could both find peace. We wouldn’t need to be a part of each other’s daily lives. I would be tied to her romantically and sexually, but I could still find other means of happiness.

Hobbies. My satisfaction with my work. And children, once they were born.

My stomach twisted and my wolf recoiled in my mind.

She should not be the one to bear our pups…

Regret flooded through me, and in that moment, I thought of Laila, and then I thought of Vanessa. Her face when she had been sleeping… She’d been so relaxed, so beautiful, curled up in my arms.

Brittany beamed at me, her excitement obvious as she nearly bounced up and down on her feet. She was a beautiful woman, and her white dress complimented her well. She wore white flowers in her hair. I hadn’t noticed that before.

Shouldn’t a man notice things about his new wife?

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