Chapter 20
We waited for the door to open, but it remained shut. My parents exchanged glances before calling for the guards. With a few forceful pushes, the door was pried open, revealing a sight I never expected.”
Gasps filled the air, whispers spreading like wildfire.
“Isn’t that the Alpha of the Crimson Moon Pack and Beta Evelyn?” someone murmured behind me.!
There they were Cliffe and Evelyn completely naked, their bodies tangled together panting and oblivious to our presence.
My parents frowned in unison. “Oh..” my mother muttered, her tone unreadable.
Vivian let out a slow whistle. “Well, that escalated quickly,” she quipped
I could only stare, frozen in place. Shock rippled through me, but oddly, no pain followed. Just a strange numbness.
Cliffe’s eyes were hazy, his body clearly intoxicated. And yet, despite our blatant intrusion, they didn’t even stop
My father’s voice was cold when he finally spoke. “Since the two of you have chosen to disgrace yourselves on our property and you both belong to packs under a treaty with us, we demand that you get married immediately as compensation for this disrespect. Consider this your mating ceremony.”
With that, he tumed on his heel and walked away with my mum.
I caught a glimpse of Evelyn’s face just before the door shut behind us. A slow, victorious smile curled on her lips.
As the welcome party drew to a close, whispers of Cliffe and Evelyn’s scandal rippled through the guests. Their actions were the talk of the night, but I felt nothing but disgust.2
Ryan took me home while vivian disappeared to spend the night with her human fiancé… someone I had yet to meet. Our parents, on the other hand, left for some private time of their own.
The butler hurried to open the grand doors as we stepped inside. The house was quiet, a stark contrast to the night’s earlier chaps.\
Ryan walked me to my room, his jacket still draped over my shoulders, its lingering warmth oddly comforting
“Wow” he mused as we entered. His eyes scanned the room. “Did Vivian do this?”
“Probably “I murmured, too exhausted to care. I collapsed onto my bed with a sigh.!!
Ryan chuckled softly before sitting beside me “Do you need a massage?*%
“Yes, please,” I mumbled, not even bothering to hide how much I wanted one.
“Alright, sit up,” he instructed, rolling his shoulders and cracking his knuckles like a professional.
“Ouuu, impressive,” I teased, but I obeyed
“Just relax,” he said, his voice smooth and reassuring &
I had no idea when exhaustion took over, but the next thing I knew, I was waking up in Ryan’s arms. His scent was intoxicating warm, steady, familiar. Without thinking. I nestled closer!
“Good morning, princess,” his deep voice rumbled above me.
“Morning” I mumbled, my eyes fluttering shut again
A chorus of soft “Awws” pulled me from my half asleep state. My parents. Vivian. Watching.X
Heat rushed to my face, but I stubbornly pretended to still be asleep.
“You’ll wake her Ryan scolded them gently, his arm tightening around me protectively.
I didn’t have to open my eyes to know he was smiling. And for the first time in a long while, I felt something warm bloom in my
chest!
They left soon enough, and as soon as the door clicked shut, Ryan’s deep voice drawled out with amusement.!!
“I know you’re awake… your breathing changed,” he chuckled.
I groaned in embarrassment, burying my face into his chest as heat rushed to my cheeks.
“Nghhh.. stop noticing things,” I mumbled.X
He laughed softly, his fingers brushing a stray strand of hair from my face. “Come on, let’s wash up and head downstairs.”
“Okay I sighed, reluctantly pulling away, already missing the warmth of his embrace.X
