Chapter 111 What now…
Bridget’s POV
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We reach our table, and the whole ballroom hits me like a dream someone over-
decorated on purpose. Crystals catch every bit of light. Flowers spill from the rafters and
the corners and even across the floor in soft drifts of petals.
White linens glow under crystal candelabras, their arms tangled with blooms. Every
place setting is laid out for a full-course feast. In the middle of it all, a plexiglass
dancefloor floats like a stage-and underneath, a black ribbon of water runs like a real
river.
I lower myself into my chair with a careful exhale. Inside me, the twins are acting like the
DJ has personally dedicated the playlist to them. My organs are their dancefloor.
Ryder takes the seat beside me and spreads his hand over my belly. The pressure and
warmth settle them… a little. Excited still, but less like they’re trying to kick their way out
tonight.
“Taking a breather?” a familiar voice says. “Ms. Rebecca sent you a parfait.”
I tilt my head up, and a smile comes easily.
“Iron Fang. Whoever you’re seeing tonight is going to be very, very pleased.”
He’s in all black, which somehow makes his tan skin and blond hair-pulled back into a
low bun-stand out even more.
“Thank you,” I say, already reaching.
The parfait barely survives. I dig in like I’ve been starving for days.
Ryder rises and offers his hand. “You look good, Ivan.”
Iron Fang clasps it, then tugs at his collar with a grimace that turns into something rare-
an actual laugh. “Thanks, Alpha. This suit is trying to assassinate me.”
A laugh. From him. He really does feel different lately, like something in him has
loosened. If it’s my DNA, fate, or just time… I don’t care. I want it to keep going. I want
him to get his second chance.
“Luna Bridget. Alpha Ryder.”
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Alpha Zachary stands in front of us, Luna Adriana at his side. “Thank you for having us.’
“I’m glad you came,” I say, and then to Adriana, “You look radiant.”
Her
gown is salmon and shimmering, sleeves puffed with feathery softness to the
elbow. Diamonds sit at her throat.
“Oh, stop,” she says, beaming. “You’re the one glowing. Pregnancy looks incredible on
you.”
Then her voice slips into my mind. ‘Is it just me, or are you growing at some impossible
rate?’
I keep my face pleasant and simply nod.
Her eyes widen. “That’s… wow.”
Beside me, Ryder is already in Alpha mode. “I’m looking forward to strengthening the
alliance between our packs.”
Zachary’s expression turns thoughtful. “That will be for my successor, really. I’m stepping down. Aurelia will take over. She’s ready, and since she hasn’t found her mate, we’ve set
terms for her to rule with her Beta until her mate shows.”
My stomach tightens at the idea of anyone being pushed into something. True mates are true mates. Everyone deserves that-even Aurelia.
“We’ll be glad to work with whoever leads,” Ryder says smoothly, and his fingers lace
with mine.
Good answer, mate.
Not long after, Aurelia arrives.
She’s wearing a gown that looks like it belongs in a royal portrait-massive, dramatic, unapologetic. Queen of England level. I bite down on a smirk, mostly because my insides.
have no room for subtlety anymore.
“Luna Bridget. Alpha Ryder.” She gives a crisp curtsey. “Thank you for inviting me.”
Then she gestures. “This is my Beta, Wallace. He’ll be assisting me with leadership.”
Wallace stands at her shoulder and bows.
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“It’s an honor to finally meet you, Luna Bridget,” he says, then turns his attention to Ryder with a sharp, knowing look. He’s striking-bald, mocha-toned, and built like he’s never missed a training day. “And you.”
Ryder’s smile turns edged. “So we meet again.”
Wallace’s mouth twitches. “Seems we do.”
“This time,” Ryder says, “try not to end up on your back in the field.”
“Never again, Alpha.”
Wallace glances to Aurelia. “I’ll get us drinks.” With a nod, he leaves.
I watch him go. There is absolutely a story there, and Ryder is telling me later.
Aurelia faces me again, her posture controlled. “Congratulations on your babies. I truly
am happy for you. And… I hope we can leave old issues behind and keep our alliance
intact.”
I give her a polite nod. “I’m willing to try. Time will show what kind of future we’re
actually building.”
She dips her head, accepting that.
And then she freezes.
Her nose flares. Confusion flashes across her face, replaced fast by something sharper-
alarm. She turns, scanning the room, and her heartbeat ticks up so loud I can practically
count it.
Across the dancefloor, a cluster of Alphas stands together.
Aurelia exhales like it hurts. “Damn it.” Her hand presses to her chest. “No.”
She swings back to us, breath quick. “Excuse me. I have to go.”
And she’s gone before either of us can respond.
I track her as she reaches Wallace, and the two of them move with purpose straight to
ward the exit.
“They’re definitely sleeping together,” I mutter.
Ryder’s answer is immediate. “Yep.”
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< Chapter 111 What now.
Then the energy shifts.
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From that group of Alphas, one breaks away like a charging bull tearing through a china shop. Alpha Patrick cuts across the floor, eyes dark with bloodlust, breath coming heavy. He reaches our table and sniffs hard, searching.
His wolf pushes through. “Where is she?”
Ryder’s aura drops like a hammer. “Stand down.”
Patrick blinks, the animal dragged back under control, but the anger stays. “Where did she go?”
“She… Aurelia?” I ask. He nods once, tight.
“That way,” I say, pointing.
He’s moving before my finger fully settles, chasing after his… mate.
Ryder leans closer, amused. “Were we that unhinged?”
I snort softly. “You came at me exactly like that.”
“Ah. Memories,” he says, and I fold into him.
“And more ahead,” Ryder murmurs, kissing the top of my head.
We don’t see either of them again all night. I can only imagine what’s being said when
Patrick catches up. And why would Aurelia run from the mate the goddess chose for her?
My mind fills with questions, but I don’t get to chase them.
Duty takes over.
People keep coming. Leaders, delegates, guests I never thought I’d meet in a lifetime.
Apparently I’m the main attraction, pregnant belly and all.
And the species-there are so many. Fairies who are not tiny at all (thanks for nothing,
Disney). More werebears. Witches. Vampires.
A dragon shifter even stops to speak with me, and the twins go wild at the proximity.
They respond to certain beings like they recognize power-especially the dragon king.
My stomach rolls with their excitement.
Then a woman approaches with presence that makes the air feel deliberate.
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“Alpha Ryder. Luna Bridget.” Her voice is smooth, commanding. “It is a pleasure. I am Queen Morgana. My coven will be meeting on your land, and I’ve heard how you protect them as if they were your own. Your name carries respect, Alpha.”
Ryder inclines his head. “Queen Morgana, my father has spoken highly of your work. I’ve heard you’ve only recently taken the throne. You’re welcome here, and we look forward to continuing to work with the vampires.”
Morgana is stunning. Almond-shaped eyes. Skin just a shade deeper than mine. Her hair falls in braids down her back, threaded with flowers and baby’s breath. Her gown is a deep red that makes her eyes look like embers.
I remember Ryder mentioning she’d been elevated suddenly-youngest to rule, and
powerful.
Then I see it.
That same look that crossed Aurelia’s face.
Morgana inhales, scenting the air, and turns her head, searching the room like something
invisible just walked in.
I glance at Ryder.
‘Are we seriously watching another person find their mate tonight? Is this… normal?’ I
mind-link.
‘Gatherings like this are where it happens most. Otherwise people never cross paths,’ he
answers.
Morgana’s gaze stays unfocused, caught on the scent. “What is that incredible smell?”
she asks, not to anyone in particular.
And in the next heartbeat, Iron Fang is there.
It’s like he teleports-vampire speed snapping into place as if it has been waiting inside
him to wake up. He slams Morgana back against the wall, growling, his eyes burning
red. I’ve only seen him like this in battle.
His forearm cages her in. A claw extends and rests at her throat.
Her guards surge forward.
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<Chapter 111 What now
Our warriors move too.
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In seconds, a protective ring forms around me-three men taking positions to shield me
and the babies. The room tilts toward violence.
Morgana bares her fangs, eyes flashing red and then shifting again, like something inside
her is fighting for control. She looks furious and… conflicted.
Ryder lunges in, Connor right behind him.
If this goes wrong, it’s not a scuffle-it’s a war. Iron Fang has just pinned the Vampire
Queen to a wall in our ballroom, in front of leaders from everywhere.
“Iron Fang,” Ryder bellows, Alpha aura flooding the space. “Stand down!”
Iron Fang releases her, but he doesn’t relax. He’s shaking with rage as her guards seize
him.
Morgana lifts one hand, calm and final.
Her guards let go immediately.
She angles her head, studying him. Ryder places himself between them, forcing Iron Fang to meet his eyes instead of hers, and waits until Iron Fang’s breathing drops from a
snarl to something barely controlled.
Ryder’s voice stays level. “Iron Fang. Explain.”
Iron Fang’s lips peel back. “She killed my mate.”
My hand flies to my chest. The pain behind those words is a wound that never closed.
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