Page 56 of Fated Alpha Protector

“I made corn soup and I need you to taste it for me,” she throws over her shoulder. “It's Mother's famous recipe, and I hope I didn't spoil it.”

“Ana!” I say firmly, finally grabbing her attention.

She stops abruptly in her tracks.

“What is it?” she asks, clearly annoyed.

“We're getting married!” Theo calls from behind me.

Anastasia frowns at her brother, then turns to me. She repeats the cycle of looking between Theo and I with her mouth agape, in search of confirmation.

“Are you serious?” she whispers only loud enough for my ears.

I nod as a smile grows on my face. Anastasia mirrors that smile as she excitedly jumps and flings her arms around my neck.

“Congratulations, Mia!” she bounces as she holds me. She stands at arm's length and gazes at me with loving warmth in her eyes. When she claps her hands cheerfully, she says, “I have a wedding to plan now!”

Chapter 20

THEO

“Come on, Brother!” Anastasia grabs my arm and tugs me forward. Of course, I'm much firmer on my feet and don't move an inch.

It's still amusing, though, as I chuckle under my breath.

“Wait, Ana,” I plead as I remove the black velvet box from inside my suit jacket pocket. Lifting the lid off the box, I look up at my sister and ask, “What do you think?”

Anastasia gazes into the box, her eyes widening with surprise when they land on the piece of jewelry. The stunning teardrop diamond set in a white gold band glints under the light.

My sister looks up at me as her jaw drops.

“It's perfect!” Anastasia beams. “But what about Mom's ring?”

I shrug as I replace the cover on the jewelry box. “Mother's ring will be your heirloom when you marry.”

“Theo–” Anastasia begins to protest, but I stop her by lifting a hand in the air.

“No, I will hear nothing of it,” I say as I return the box to the inner pocket of my jacket. “You are still meant to find your fated mate. And you will marry him.”

Anastasia blushes as she turns to the door. A self-satisfied grin grows on my face as I tug the lapels of my suit jacket to straighten myself out.

I would have given Mother's ring to Mia if I wasn't so sure Anastasia wanted it. After all, Mia and I have been determined to forge a new path for ourselves ever since learning about her lineage.

I follow Anastasia down the corridor of an upstairs section in the pack hall. She throws me a thumbs up before disappearing through the door of Mia's dressing room. I try stealing a quick glance, but all I hear is Mother's voice before the door is shut in my face.

Sighing, I know I have to exercise a little more patience until Mia is completely mine. At least, before the Moon Goddess, she's been mine in previous lifetimes. And she'll continue being mine for all of eternity.

“I can't believe I had to cancel my own plans for this,” Liam teases when he joins me at the altar.

The Nightwalker wolves are gathered in the grand hall, my father seated in the front row. I smile at him, and he nods in response. A gesture to show his pride.

“You think I would have let the Beta of the pack get married before the Alpha did?” I chuckle, watching Jarrod show pack members to their seats.

Liam places a hand on my shoulder just as the song changes. “I'm really happy for you, Theo.”

My attention is drawn to the aisle, where Mia appears at the doorway. She's breathtaking in a white dress with flowing sleeves and a figure-hugging bodice.

She looks up until our eyes meet, stealing my breath with her alluring hazel depths. A nervous smile lifts her heart-shaped lips as she slinks her arm into Anastasia's.

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