The Lunar Curse: A Second Chance With Alpha Draven novel Chapter 11

Chapter 11: She said 'No' to the Vows

Meredith.

The scent of jasmine and vanilla filled the air as Madame Beatrice sprayed perfume over me in slow, deliberate motions.

The fragrance clung to my skin, a stark contrast to the suffocating weight pressing down on my chest.

Everything about me, from my jewelry to my embroidered shoes, screamed elegance.

And yet, my palms sweated. I had never felt more like a nervous prisoner.

The knock on the door was brief before it swung open. I turned my head, watching as the butler from yesterday stepped in, his posture stiff, before speaking.

"Lady Carter and her daughters have arrived," he announced.

My heart twisted. Before I could prepare myself, my mother and my sisters stepped into the room.

They didn't hesitate to look me over—Monique's sharp eyes flickered over the elaborate embroidery of my gown, the delicate jewels in my hair, and the soft white veil cascading down my shoulders.

Then, she smirked as Madame Beatrice and the servant girls nodded politely at my mother. She was the wife to the Beta of one of the Royal werewolf packs after all.

"Well, well," Monique mused. "Who knew our disgraced, wolfless sister could actually look the part of an Alpha's bride?"

Mabel chuckled, crossing her arms. "Not that it will make a difference. Even wrapped in silk, she's still worthless."

I swallowed the bitterness creeping up my throat, keeping my gaze impassive.

I wouldn't give them the satisfaction of seeing my pain as I had learned long ago that silence stripped them of their satisfaction.

My mother, standing between them, barely glanced at me before exhaling. "Meredith, whatever happens today and in the future, do not embarrass our family and our pack. You will stand tall and do what is expected of you. Remember this."

I blinked slowly, then asked in a tone devoid of emotion, "Which pack?" My voice was quieter than I intended, but it still held an edge.

"Father already cast me out. I don't belong to Moonstone Pack anymore."

Mabel clicked her tongue, shaking her head. "Mum, do you see this? Just one day here, and she's already talking back."

Mabel was right. I never talk back to my family.

Monique turned to Mabel, smirking. "Don't worry. Her tongue will be bridled soon enough. A few lessons here, and she'll learn what happens to weaklings like her who don't know their place."

My gaze remained neutral, though my fingers curled into the fabric of my gown.

That was when my mother finally turned to face me fully, studying me for a moment before speaking again. "I brought you something."

I frowned slightly as she stepped aside.

From the doorway, another figure entered. A woman—her brown eyes wide with quiet urgency, her dark hair braided neatly over her shoulder.

I inhaled sharply.

Azul.

"I am here to serve you, My Lady." Azul lowered her head.

For a moment, my mind refused to process it.

Azul was my maidservant from years ago. The one who had taken care of me when I was still the cherished daughter of the Carter family. The only person who had ever shielded me in that house. The one who had been ripped away from me the day the Lunar Curse branded me because my father decided that I didn't deserve to be waited upon for being useless.

Now, she stood before me, her gaze flickering with emotions she could not express in front of my mother and sisters.

"She will serve you here," my mother said flatly. "You have no one in this place. Consider this a betrothal gift from me."

A gift?

A war raged inside me.

I didn't know what to feel. My mother, the woman who had always been silent in the face of my suffering, had brought back the only person who had ever cared for me.

Why?

I didn't thank her. I didn't speak at all because I didn't know if this was a twisted act of kindness or another form of control.

Before I could sort through my emotions, the sound of bells rang loudly through the estate.

The wedding was starting.

Madame Beatrice stepped forward, offering my mother and sisters a tight-lipped smile. "It's time to escort the bride."

My mother didn't say goodbye. My sisters didn't offer a final insult. They simply left with Azul.

And then, with Madame Beatrice walking ahead, the servants led me forward.

To my fate.

---

*~Draven~*

Alpha Magnus of the Moonstone Pack—Healers. They are good with medicine, herbs and poison.

Alpha Solas of the Bloodfang Pack—The warriors. Known as the Hunters, Protectors and Guardians. Brutal in battle, unmatched in raw strength. They are fast, ruthless and relentless. Their wolves are as swift as the wind, their attacks unpredictable.

Alpha Victor of the Silvercrest Pack—Engineers. Weapon crafters.

Alpha Ulric of the Ashfang Pach—The wealthiest pack. They control trade and resources.

And then my father, Randall Oatrun, ex Alpha of the Mystic Furs Pack—The strategists. Cunning and precise, known for unpredictable tactics. Our pack was built on intelligence and careful maneuvering.

And above them all, watching from his elevated seat, sat King Alderic, the current Werewolf King.

"Mine." My wolf, Rhovan growled in my head, surging forward.

"Not now," I ordered.

"She's ours."

"You must be joking," I said to him.

"Claim her!" freewёbnoνel-com

"Control yourself!" I raged.

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