Chapter 105: Marking Ceremony Plays Recording!
Chapter 105: Marking Ceremony Plays Recording!
(Aria’s POV)
The ceremonial attendants brought up two gold trays, each bearing delicate porcelain tea sets adorned with the Storm Pack emblem. Richard Reed and Elizabeth Reed took their seats at the head table, their postures
formal as they prepared to receive the traditional blessing ceremony.
Elizabeth’s expression remained carefully composed, though I caught a flicker of something complex in her amber eyes as she observed Claire’s slightly swelling belly. The emotion was quickly suppressed, replaced by her practiced Luna smile.
Richard, however, was practically glowing with satisfaction. His chest puffed out with pride as he surveyed the assembled crowd, clearly relishing his moment in the spotlight.
As Claire gracefully approached him with a delicate tea cup, Richard’s smile became even more radiant. The
way he looked at her made my stomach turn – utterly smitten, like a lovesick adolescent rather than a mated Alpha in his fifties.
My eyes narrowed as I watched them, burning hatred consuming me at the sight of the couple who had
orchestrated my mother’s death. I wished I could bore holes through them with my gaze alone.
My grip tightened on the small remote control hidden in my palm. My hands had begun to sweat, a mixture of excitement and anxiety coursing through me at finally exposing their true faces.
The host on stage continued his animated commentary, purposely steering the conversation toward Claire
and Richard.
“What a beautiful moment,” the host gushed. “The bond between Alpha Reed and his future daughter–in–law is
so heartwarming to witness.”
Several pack members in the audience murmured their agreement, completely oblivious to the twisted reality
beneath the surface.
Suddenly, Dominic nudged my arm gently, drawing my attention to a woman seated in the first–row VIP
section.
“See that woman there?” he whispered, his breath warm against my ear.
I followed his gaze to an elegantly dressed woman who appeared to be in her thirties. She possessed a timeless beauty that could easily make her mistaken for Claire’s sister rather than her mother.
“That’s Helena Watson, Dominic identified quietly. “Claire’s mother.”
My eyes widened slightly in surprise. Of course as the mother of the bride–to–be, Helena would naturally be present at her daughter’s marking ceremony. How had I not considered this before?
I studied Helena more closely, noting her refined features and the way she carried herself with practiced
grace. But something struck me as odd.
“She’s sitting alone,” I observed, scanning the nearby seats for any sign of a mate.
“Where’s Claire’s father?” asked quietly.
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Chapter 105: Marking Cer
Dr. Nathan Lewis, who had been quietly listening to our conversation, leaned closer with a provocative smirk.
“Which father are you asking about?” he asked with barely contained amusement.
I stared at him in confusion, not understanding the implication.
Dr. Lewis glanced around to ensure no one else was listening, then shared his scandalous knowledge in
hushed tones.
“Helena Watson has quite the reputation,” he explained. “Many pack members say she was a mistress shared by several Alphas in her younger days. No one knows the true identity of Claire’s father perhaps not even Helena herself.”
My mouth fell open slightly at this revelation. The implications were staggering.
Dr. Lewis chuckled softly at my expression. “As the saying goes, “like mother, like daughter‘–I suppose this counts as a family inheritance.”
Despite the gravity of the situation, his quip lightened the tense atmosphere for me. The cold sweat on my anxious hands began to ease slightly.
On stage, the blessing ceremony continued. Alexander, as the groom, went first. He approached his parents with the traditional tea service, his movements stiff and formal.
“Mother, Father,” he said, offering the cups with practiced reverence.
Elizabeth accepted her tea gracefully, sipping it with delicate appreciation, Richard barely touched his cup to his lips before setting it aside, his eager eyes already fixed on Claire.
The host noticed Richard’s haste and couldn’t resist teasing him.
“Alpha Reed, you seem quite eager for your future daughter–in–law’s tea service,” the host said with playful humor. “You barely sipped your son’s offering!”
The room erupted in good–natured laughter. Richard’s face reddened momentarily with embarrassment, but he quickly recovered, realizing the host’s effort to keep the mood light
“The tea was too hot,” Richard said with a weak smile, offering the flimsiest of excuses
This was clearly untrue, given that Elizabeth had just finished her entire cup without issue. But the attention swiftly shifted as the host cued Claire for her part of the ceremony.
“Now, let’s have our beautiful bride serve tea to her future in–laws,” the host announced.
Claire approached with practiced grace, her white gown flowing elegantly around her. Her face was flushed with what appeared to be maidenly shyness as she carried the ceremonial tea service.
She first offered a cup to Elizabeth, who accepted it with polite warmth. Then Claire turned toward Richard, her emerald eyes meeting his eager gaze.
Richard reached for the cup immediately, practically vibrating with anticipation,
“Wait, wait!” the host interrupted playfully. “We can’t skip the ‘change of address‘ ceremony. Our lovely Claire must address Alpha Reed appropriately first.”
The crowd chuckled at the traditional requirement. Claire’s blush deepened as she looked into Richard’s
burning eyes.
Chapter 105 Marking Cer
“Go ahead, dear,” the host encouraged. “What should you call your future father–in–law?”
Claire opened her mouth, her voice barely above a whisper. “Dad…”
But before she could finish the formal address, a sexually explicit recording suddenly blared through the
hall’s sound system.
“Alpha… uncle Richard, don’t… what if someone finds out?”
The voice was unmistakably Claire’s, breathy and desperate.
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