The Alpha's Unwanted Bride novel Chapter 687

Chapter 687: THE LOCKED WOLF

The dining chamber was quiet in a way that felt intentional.

Not empty.

Not cold. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

But reverent.

A long oval table carved from pale wood sat beneath a ceiling of softly glowing stone. Vines threaded gently along the walls, blooming with small white flowers that released a faint, calming scent.

Lanterns of crystal hovered above the table, casting a warm golden light that made everything feel... safe.

I was not used to safe.

I sat across from Aiden, my hands resting on my stomach, fingers unconsciously circling slow patterns as servants moved silently around us.

They placed plates before me, food I had always seen but rarely ate. Roasted meats glazed with herbs, soft bread that smelled like honey and grain, bowls of steaming vegetables kissed with spices that made my mouth water despite myself.

Aiden watched me carefully as I picked up my fork.

"Do you like it?" he asked gently.

I took a small bite, chewed slowly.

"It’s... okay," I said honestly.

Not because it wasn’t good, it was, but because my chest felt too tight to enjoy anything fully.

The hunger had all of a sudden disappeared.

He smiled faintly, not offended. "You sound exactly like your mother when she was overwhelmed."

My grip on the fork tightened.

I swallowed.

"I didn’t come here just to eat," I said quietly.

"I know," he replied just as softly.

Silence stretched between us for a moment, thick with all the things I didn’t know how to say.

Then I lifted my head. "When can I go back for Otto?"

Aiden blinked, clearly not expecting that so soon.

"Otto?" he repeated.

"Yes," I said, a little sharper than intended. "My friend. The one your people... weren’t exactly kind to."

His brows drew together immediately. "They hurt him?"

"They chained him in silver," I said flatly. "He was screaming."

Something dark flashed across Aiden’s face. Anger, sharp and fast.

"I’m sorry," he said at once. "That should not have happened. He was perceived as a threat, but that does not excuse cruelty."

I exhaled slowly. "I just want to bring him here. He doesn’t deserve to be left alone. He saved my life more times than I can count."

Aiden nodded once. "He will be fine back in the other world. I gave strict orders. No harm will come to him."

That didn’t fully soothe me, but I nodded anyway.

Then his gaze dropped briefly, deliberately to my stomach.

"And this Otto..." he said carefully. "Is he the father of my grandchild?"

"What?" I blurted, choking slightly. "No. No, absolutely not."

He raised a brow. "You sound very certain."

"Because I am," I said quickly. "We don’t have that kind of relationship. He’s just he’s my friend. A very close one."

"A friend who stayed," Aiden observed.

I paused.

"Yes," I admitted quietly. "When I had no one. When everyone else either betrayed me or wanted me dead."

Something softened in his expression.

"And the father?" he asked. "I expect that these are qualities he would posses."

My jaw tightened.

"I don’t want to talk about that."

The temperature in the room seemed to dip just slightly.

"If he hurt you Jasmine I swear...." Aiden began, voice turning dangerous.

"No," I cut in firmly. "He didn’t. And I don’t want you dealing with anyone on my behalf."

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