Page 27 of The Alpha Wolf's Bullied Bride

I sigh heavily, hanging my head in shame. I have no idea what’s going through her mind, thanks to the inner wolf she doesn’t possess; as the Alpha of the pack, I could haveeavesdropped on her thoughts if I wanted to. Without it, I’m in the dark about how she really feels.

It’s obvious that she hates me, though.

I cannot blame Lila for her coldness toward me. I might have matured during my time in Ouachita, fulfilling the special ops training that will prove advantageous against the unknown threat harming the surrounding packs and growing as a male who’s ready to take the leadership position. But I’ve caused too much pain to the Omega—unforgivable pain that I could have prevented if I hadn’t been so determined to uphold my image in the pack. With the pressures of being perfect, I managed the opposite of what I’d been hoping to achieve.

He believed in equality and would have never treated Lila the way I did. Living in his shadow, striving for perfection, I couldn’t possibly taint the image I worked so hard for by succumbing to the attraction I always felt for her. Even if it’s only base desire, the others would have dragged me through the dirt if they ever suspected that I was drawn to her.

Now, it doesn’t even matter anymore. Those who count believe that it’s a strategic move on my part, showcasing the pack’s unity by taking the Omega as my mate and making her the Luna.

My image doesn’t matter anymore, either. It’s something I worried about for so long that it seems I’ve wasted energy on my quest for perfection.

Perhaps my inner wolf wanted me to face the consequences of my actions.

Picking Lila as my mate is the ultimate punishment that I will have to suffer for the rest of my existence. Soon, we’ll be under one roof, where her resentment for me will see the light of day.

Chapter 9 - Lila

Standing in front of the full-length mirror, I stare at my reflection, smoothing my palms over the lace that hugs my hips like a second skin.

The luxurious fine lace feels exquisite on my skin, the wedding dress sitting pretty on my larger figure as the corset presses my breasts into steady peaks. I sigh discontentedly, feeling extraordinarily beautiful for the first time in my life. It’s not enough to change my mind.

“You make a beautiful bride, Lila,” Valerie admires me from the side. I meet her teary eyes, shaking my head.

“It’s not like it matters,” I whisper tersely, quickly glancing at the door to make sure no one is outside. “Is everything ready?”

Valerie nods hesitantly as she comes over, resting her hands on my bare shoulders where the neckline of the dress dips. “Are you still sure about this?”

I take a quivering breath, nodding while I gulp. “This is for the best, Val,” I assure her while inadvertently assuring myself, consoling both of us when I take her hands and give them a gentle squeeze. “Just promise you’ll find me.”

Valerie’s eyes water. “First, you need to make it out of town. I’ve checked the patrol rotations, and the south border is your best way out.”

“At least I’ll get to say goodbye to our favorite spot.”

“Don’t…” Valerie gulps on her sob as she pulls me in for a hug. “Don’t make it sound like I’ll never see you again.”

“Impossible,” I promise as I hold her tightly. A long moment passes before we break away, and Valerie’s eyes turn a translucent shade of green.

“It’s time,” she informs me after receiving a mind link from the maid. “Alpha Flynn is on his way to the town hall.” Valerie grabs my hand and pulls me out of the upstairs bedroom in the main house.

We’re supposed to be making our way to the hall, where Flynn and his family await my arrival in the wedding dress. Instead, we’re stealing to the back door, our movements hushed until we’re safely outside.

Valerie grabs the bag she’d hidden behind the trash can outside, swings it over her shoulder, and then leads me into the woods.

Passing by the cabin, my only regret is not saying goodbye to my brother before fleeing this quaint town in Rosette Valley. One day, when the dust has settled on my escape, I’ll find him.

For now, I have to run away to protect myself from the treacherous claws of Blood Moon’s Alpha. Lord only knows what he was thinking when he picked me as his mate, expecting me to go through with it after everything he’s done to hurt me.

We reach the body of water that’s become a monument to the incident that occurred there. Now, it’s where we stop to say our last goodbyes before I leave. A monument of departure, where I’ll say goodbye to the tragedy dealt here and leave the past behind, along with the pack.

“G-goodbye, my f-friend,” Valerie chokes before flinging her arms around me.

“Goodbye, Valerie,” I say with a hard gulp, not wanting to change my mind because of the awful pang of regret in my chest.The excruciating pain cuffs my voice in my throat, and I choke on all the words I want to say to my best friend, like thanking her for being the only werewolf in the Blood Moon Pack apart from my brother who’s shown me kindness. Her friendship has been the lifeline I needed not to give up entirely, allowing me to become strong enough to decide to leave.

“You must go back before they suspect that you helped me,” I urge, nudging her arm until she turns toward the town.

Valerie glances over her shoulder with a sigh. “Take care of yourself, Lila.”

“I will,” I nod, clutching the strap of the bag tighter, letting go of her hand and turning toward the outskirts of the woods. Just a little bit further ahead lies the border of the Blood Moon territory. Once crossed, I’ll be free of the pack for good.

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