Page 14 of Alpha Wolf's Arranged Bride
Wife to some unknown, random guy from Rose Hollow. I don’t even really know why this is happening!
One of the guys standing next to Azarian has a familiar look to him. Even with his back to me, a sense of maddening recognition teases at my mind.
Like when you see an actor in a film and you’re sure you’ve seen them before, but can’t remember where.
The sense of familiarity gets stronger as I get closer, and I’m so curious by this point, I’ve forgotten to be scared. He has his back to me, but the broad shoulders and something about the set of his stance make me sure I know him.
As I take the first step onto the low stairs, the sun breaks out above me, warming my skin with glowing rays. The tall guy turns around—and his face goes slack with shock.
I stand on the second stair, unable to take another step towards him. I feel like the entire world has frozen, and there is only me and this man in it… this strange man I somehow recognize.
I can tell from the look on his face that he’s having a similar moment. I let my eyes linger on him, taking in the rich mahogany-brown hair and handsome features.
Where have I seen him before?
Suddenly, he catches my gaze with his, and I’m staring straight into his eyes. Beautiful, glowing amber eyes, like liquid gold lit by flames.
Jarrod’s eyes!
Recognition slams into my solar plexus, stealing my breath and making my knees tremble. I remember his hair as black, and his eyes so dark that they barely passed for brown, but there is absolutely no doubt in my mind who is standing before me.
James. The man who ruined my fucking life.
Chapter 4 - Rex
At first, Scarlett just stares up at me with a completely blank expression. She blinks rapidly, and I feel my heart pounding as she examines me even more closely.
Is she going to recognize me?
If she blows my cover right here and now, it would be all-out war. Eccles pack would set on us immediately, and there’s no way Cody, Dorian, and I could fight them back. We’d be killed on the spot or taken prisoner.
Then Eccles would go after Rose Hollow, and their revenge would be brutal and swift.
A movement behind Scarlett grabs my attention, and I see a little boy, about five years old. He comes forward and takes Scarlett’s hand. She looks down at him, smoothing his blond hair back from his face.
Holy fuck. That’s her kid!
Even though I was told my new bride already had a child, I hadn’t thought much about it before now. The shock of seeing Scarlett combines with the reality of her being a mother, and I almost stagger back from the podium.
Who is the father? Does he have a claim on her?
Scarlett smiles at the boy and gestures for him to wait with the guards. As she turns back to me, she shakes her head a little, making her long, fiery hair cascade down her back. I’m utterly enchanted as she walks up the steps to take my hands, her deep emerald eyes looking deeply into mine.
“Scarlet Tallow, I’d like you to meet Rex Stanton—Alpha Stanton of Rose Hollow. Your husband,” Azarian says.
“Pleased to meet you,” Scarlett says to me, tilting her head demurely. The smile she gives me is very sweet and mild, making her eyes shimmer with deep emotions.
She seems happy about this! That’s great. Maybe I won’t have to tell her—
“We must begin,” Azarian says. “I know you’ve all waited for some time. The bride wanted to make sure she was well-prepared for her special day.”
“Thank you for your kindness, Uncle,” Scarlett whispers. “It is an honor to be chosen for this wonderful occasion, and to have my son with me.”
“Of course,” Azarian answers, and his tone has a hard, almost humorous edge.
Something about this exchange doesn’t feel right. I know Azarian is an absolute prick, and Scarlett’s a spitfire.
Before I can think too much about it, Scarlett is taking my hands and bowing her head. The heat of her skin affects me deeply, and I have to breathe through my mouth so her scent doesn’t overwhelm my senses.
