Page 13 of Alpha Wolf's Arranged Bride
“I believe your uncle warned you of the consequences if you refused his proposal?” the thug growls.
“He did!” I cry. “But you’ve got us now. There’s no need to follow through with his threat. I’ll do it—I’ll marry the guy!”
The big warrior frowns, shaking his head. “You’re lucky that your uncle told us to take you alive and that he’d decide laterwhat he wanted to do. I should snap his neck right here for your insolence.” He glared down at my son.
“No!” I scream. “Don’t, please! I’ll do anything you say.”
The two guys holding Jarrod chuckle, sharing an amused look. Jarrod has gone completely white, his eyes almost bugging out of his head. I run forward, trying to get to him, but I’m immediately grabbed by the other men.
My heart breaks as I look into my son’s terrified eyes. I tried to avoid this horror, and all I did was make it worse.
I’m so sorry, Jarrod. God, I’m sorry for everything!
The walk down the mountain seems to take a long time, and light begins to trickle into the sky as we reach the town limits. The guys shove us into the back of a van and drive to my uncle’s manor.
“What are we doing here?” I ask warily.
“Azarian wants you under strict guard,” the guy says. “You’re to get ready for the ceremony, with Jarrod, here at the manor. The women are going to help, and we will be waiting outside to take you into town.”
Clinging to Jarrod’s hand, I get out of the van and walk shakily to the house. My uncle’s housekeeper greets me and takes us upstairs, where a few of the elder women are waiting. Both of us are bathed and dressed for the occasion, and even though an event like this would usually be a celebration, the mood is tense and almost completely silent.
I stand in front of the mirror in my white dress as the women braid ribbons into my hair, watching Jarrod have his hair combed back. He’s wearing a smart suit and looks incredibly grown up. When he glances over at me, he smiles, even though there’s still fear in his eyes.
“You look pretty, Mom,” he says.
“Thanks, baby,” I say with a trembling smile. “You look really handsome, too.”
“It’s okay, Mom,” he says, coming over to hold my hand. “He’s going to be a nice guy, you’ll see. Everything is going to work out.”
One of the women scoffs loudly, and I shoot her a glare. She shrugs, turning away with a cruel smile.
Fine. Torture me if you want, but Jarrod’s just a kid!
“We’d better go,” Elder Rowan says. “Azarian’s sent a few messages. Apparently, the groom is ready and waiting.”
A cold breath shudders through my chest, making me shiver all over. Jarrod smiles, giving my hand a firm squeeze. I smile back at him, determined to fake it for my son, even though I’m terrified.
If I do this, Jarrod will be safe. Uncle promised me!
The elder women take us outside, where we’re met by the guards. They aren’t local pack members, and I have to wonder where Uncle Azarian is getting his tough guys from.
We’re thrown into the van again and driven into the center of town. I’m shocked to see an ocean of people flooding the square around the fountain.
I guess Uncle needs a few witnesses.
“Come on,” the big guy says. “They’re waiting for you.”
He grabs my arm and pushes me ahead of him. I reach for Jarrod, but the guy shoves my son back.
“He’ll be right behind you,” the tough guy says. “Don’t worry.”
“I do worry,” I shoot back. “Wouldn’t you?”
The guy just gives me a cruel smile and shoves me forward again. I look back over my shoulder once to make sure Jarrod is following behind me, then face front to walk towards the fountain. I can see Uncle Azarian, Elder Gregor, and two others I don’t recognize.
One of them must be my husband.
The crowd parts before me, and music starts to play. A sense of unreality sets into my bones as I realize this is actually happening. Within a few minutes, I’ll be married.
