Sold as the Alpha King's Breeder novel Chapter 418

Chapter 76: Show Time

*Ciana*

The following day I didn't see Tallis at all. I'd woken up in his empty room and figured he'd gone to work. I went to find him, but it seemed as if he'd vanished. He didn't even return at night.

I sent word to let Warren know where I was and we met up somewhere in the woods to plan what to do about the alliance ceremony.

When the morning of the ceremony arrived, I steadily made my way to the location, cloaked in a ceremonial robe with an oversized hood like most pack members. My face was shielded. but otherwise undisguised.

Only a few hours remained until the contract was to be signed. After those signatures were marked in ink and blood it would be too late to go back.

I mingled among the shadows, away from people that moved around the pack square, getting ready for the big alliance ceremony. I could feel their excitement. They saw this as a step forward to greatness as Raymond had said in his speech to the pack a few days ago.

The man made my skin crawl.

Some people brushed past me, nearly knocking me off balance.

"Sorry," they muttered, continuing on their way.

I hadn't seen Warren since the morning, but he knew the plan.

The crowd would be gathering in the great hall for the ceremony, and I was nervous to say the least. I knew my people would come to my aid once they learnt the truth. But there was a part of me that still believed that Raymond could manipulate them in some way. He had done it before, what was stopping him from doing it again?

I made sure to keep to the shadows.

Fake Ciana walked onto the stage. She dressed in the pack colors of white and deep purple. The dress had a whimsical touch to it. The skirt flowed all the way to the floor, concealing her feet. The bodice was tight and cinched at her waist perfectly. It had a sweetheart neckline that gave her just the right amount of cleavage to remain tasteful.

Her hair had been pinned up and her face was kept natural.

I had to say she looked beautiful. If she hadn't had a nervous look etched on her face I would have thought she almost looked like a princess.

"She is stunning, isn't she?" a woman beside me whispered.

I simply nodded my reply.

I followed her every move as she made her way to Raymond who was wearing a ceremonial white gown, something only the Alpha was supposed to. It was then that I noticed the feather in her hand.

It was the same feather that was meant to be in my father's safe, but Raymond had hidden it. Fake Ciana gave a forced smile and went to sit at one of the chairs. She placed the feather on the table and zeroed in on it.

I walked toward the stage seeing Raymond talking to a rather tall looking man. The man's back was turned toward me but I could see Raymond's face clearly.

Raymond's brows were furrowed and his eyes were narrowed at the man before him.

I drew closer toward them trying to pick up on what they were talking about.

"What do you mean he isn't here? The ceremony is meant to begin within the next twenty minutes. We cannot have the union without him here." He bit out lowly. "Do you understand what it took to get us to this point? This could ruin everything."

The man bowed his head, "I'm sorry sir. There seems to have been some kind of landslide which may be blocking his way over here."

"We cannot wait. Time is of the essence. We will begin the announcement and when he arrives, he will join Ciana on stage. Then I will perform the ceremony. Go and prepare the contract, wax seal, and the feather."

The man bowed his head and left Raymond standing alone.

I walked back to the ground and took a seat among the rest of my pack members. I made sure to keep my head low and my hood on.

Each second felt like an hour as I waited for the twenty minutes to tick down.

After the time had passed Raymond walked onto the stage with a smile on his face. Oh, how I wanted to put my fist right in the middle of his face.

"My people!" He addressed the pack, "Today is a day of great honor for this pack. Today we unite not only two lands but we make history. We usher in a new age and opportunities that have never been seen before."

Everyone in the crowd cheered with joy.

If only they knew.

"Alpha Luther has had some trouble on his journey here, but he will be here shortly." He then turned to look at the side of the stage. "But we have Alpha's representative, our beloved Miss Ciana Black!"

The crowd roared again and chanted my name.

The place fell silent as everyone looked to Raymond for the proceedings to continue. He opened his mouth but a loud banging sound interrupted him.

Suddenly, Warren barged in through the doors dressed in a suit and tie.

Audible gasps could be heard from all over the area. Guests stood from their seats to get a closer look at the young prince who had just walked in.

"Stop this madness at once!" His graceful yet authoritative voice echoed. Everyone lowered their heads to show their respect. After all, Warren was a royal prince. He was born with Alphaness, just like his brother.

"Ciana Black is not going through with this alliance today," he finished his words, staring at Raymond.

Raymond looked frustrated. "Prince Warren, what is the meaning of this?"

"The meaning of this?" Warren scoffed. He then turned to address the pack members. "The meaning of this is that I am a man in love. I thought I'd made myself clear the first day I arrived."

The room grew silent and every single pair of eyes were on Warren.