Chapter 102. The Marking.
Chapter 102: The Marking Ceremony Preparation Event
Chapter 102: The Marking Ceremony Preparation Event
(Aria’s POV)
I turned toward the shrill voice, immediately recognizing Margaret, Claire’s aggressive pack representative. Hel perfectly styled black hair and sharp features were twisted with anger as she stormed toward me
“Security! Remove this intruder immediately!” Margaret shouted, gesturing wildly at me.
Two enforcer wolves appeared at my sides, their muscular builds towering over me. Their faces were expressionless, trained to follow orders without question.
“Ma’am, you need to leave,” the taller one said, his claws partially extending in a clear intimidation tactic.
Margaret stepped closer, her eyes burning with self–righteous fury. “This woman is Alexander Reed’s bitter ex–Luna. She tried to push Claire Watson down a flight of stairs at Silver Leaf Herbalists!”
The accusation was so outrageous that I almost laughed. That’s not what happened,” I countered, keeping my voice steady despite my racing heart.
“She’s here to sabotage the marking ceremony,” Margaret continued, addressing the growing crowd of curious onlookers. “She can’t accept that Alexander has found his true match in Claire.”
I reached into my purse and pulled out my invitation. “I was invited,” I said firmly, holding up the elegant card with the Storm Pack emblem.
Margaret’s eyes widened in disbelief. Before I could react, she snatched the invitation from my hand, tearing) it into pieces that fluttered to the polished floor.
“A forgery,” she sneered, but her wolf’s scent betrayed her nervousness. She knew I had a legitimate
invitation.
The enforcer wolves gripped my arms, their fingers digging into my skin. “Let’s go,” one growled.
“Take your hands off her.”
The command came like a c***k of thunder in the suddenly silent lobby. The crowd parted as Dominic Blackwood strode toward us, his silver–gray eyes cold as winter ice.
The enforcer wolf holding my right arm hesitated, clearly recognizing the power radiating from Dominic. In that moment of uncertainty, Dominic moved.
It happened so quickly I barely saw it. One second the enforcer was holding me, the next he was on the ground, Dominic standing over him with casual dominance.
“Are you alright?” Dominic asked, his attention now fully on me. His hand touched my face with unexpected tenderness, his powerful Alpha scent protectively surrounding me.
I nodded, still startled by his swift intervention. “I’m fine.”
From the corner of my eye, I spotted Margaret attempting to slip away through the crowd. Before I could point her out, Dr. Nathan Lewis appeared, extending his foot with precise timing.
Margaret went sprawling across the marble floor, her designer dress hitching up embarrassingly. Dr. Lewis
Chapter 102: The Marking.
looked down at her with unveiled disgust.
“Security,” he called to the remaining enforcer wolves. “Please remove this crazy she wolf from the premis
The enforcer wolves, now enger to save face after their colleague’s humiliation, grabbed Margaret Her protests echoed through the lobby as they dragged her toward the service elevator.
“You can’t do this! Do you know who I am? I represent Claire Watson!”
The elevator doors closed on her outraged face, and blessed silence fell
Dr. Lewis brushed his hands together as if removing dirt. “Some people,” he sighed, shaking his head. “No manners whatsoever.”
The onlookers, sensing the drama was over, began dispersing. Dominic placed his hand gently on the small of my back, guiding me away from the curious stares.
“Did you get it?” he asked quietly, his silver–gray eyes studying my face. The mate bond severance
certificate?”
I nodded, feeling a strange mixture of relief and vulnerability as the reality of my freedom finally sank in. “It’s
official now.”
A small, surprisingly intimate smile passed between us. Without another word, Dominic led me into the main
venue.
The marking ceremony preparation event was in full swing. Silver crystal lights hung from the ceiling, casting a soft glow over territorial Alpha emblems displayed proudly on the walls. Silver moonstone accents and rare moon–flowers adorned every table, showcasing the wealth and status of the Storm Pack.
Dominic found a quiet corner table and pulled out a chair for me. “Rest here. I’ll get you some food.”
I sank gratefully into the seat, suddenly aware of how exhausting the confrontation had been. My pregnant wolf whimpered softly within me, seeking comfort.
silver–steamed vegetables,
When Dominic returned, he carried a plate filled with carefully selected foods moon–seared protein, and herb–infused bread. All perfect choices for a pregnant she–wolf.
“Thank you,” I said, touched by his thoughtfulness. “You didn’t have to do that.”
“You need to eat,” he replied simply, his eyes briefly dropping to my belly before meeting my gaze again. “Especially after that scene in the lobby.”
Dr. Lewis joined us, sliding into a chair with the relaxed confidence I’d come to associate with him. “That was quite an entrance, Aria,” he remarked with a grin. “Though I suspect it wasn’t the one you planned.”
I couldn’t help but smile despite everything. “Definitely not how I expected to start the evening.”
As I ate, I observed the room. Pack representatives from across territories mingled, their expensive “ire and jewelry indicating their high status. In the center of it all was Richard Reed, Alexander’s father.
He moved through the crowd with practiced charm, accepting congratulations on his son’s upcoming marking ceremony. His smile was wide, his amber eyes – so like Alexander’s – gleaming with pride.
Then he spotted me.
The transformation was immediate. His smile vanished, replaced by a dark scowl that aged his handsome features. He excused himself from his conversation partners and strode directly toward our table, his wolf’s
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