Page 11 of Alpha Wolf's Arranged Bride
Gen, Faith, and Luke. People I used to hang with! I guess this is the moment of truth.
I have no idea if the disguise I wore years ago is going to hold up. The worst possible thing that could happen is the town recognizing me as the drifter who disappeared without a trace five years ago.
“Alpha Stanton,” Gen greets me as I get out of the car. “It’s a pleasure to receive you.”
“Thank you, ah…”
“Genevieve,” she answers, shaking my hand. “GenevieveLarson. This is Faith and Luke. We are all on the council for Eccles and will escort you to the altar, where you’ll meet your bride.”
“Wonderful. My beta and appointed council are just arriving now in the other car,” I answer.
“We’ll show them the way,” Faith says. “You go ahead.”
Gen leads me through the crowd, and I try to act as if I don’t know where I’m going, but the town is shocking in its familiarity.
The old stone monuments, paved walkways, and old buildings—it feels like home.
“Straight through to the fountain,” Gen says.
Most of the town is gathered in front of the fountain, and three of the elders are waiting there for us. I recognize them immediately and look at each of them in turn, waiting to see if any of them remembers me.
Gregor, Hazel, and Mitchell look me over and give me polite smiles. I nod back and stand near them to wait. Cody and Dorian arrive soon after, and Cody gives me a “what’s up?” gesture. I shrug in response.
We wait for so long, it starts to feel weird and creepy. The crowd whispers amongst themselves, but otherwise, nothing happens. I’m just about to ask them what’s going on when a tall man suddenly pushes through the crowd towards us.
Azarian! Scarlett’s uncle!
The townsfolk move quickly out of the way as the alpha comes forward to meet me. I step forward and confidently shake his hand, staring into his eyes directly as if I’m daring him to recognize me.
“It is good to see you, Alpha Stanton,” Azarian says. “I’m sorry to keep you waiting, but the bride needed a little more time getting ready.”
“No trouble at all, Alpha Tallow,” I answer. “We are honored to accept your offer of peace.”
Azarian smiles, and it’s not a nice smile. When he moves back a little, a tall, pale woman moves to stand with him. Someone I don’t recognize.
Does he have a new mate?
I don’t have time to ponder, because the crowd parts and music begins to play.
I’m about to meet my bride!
I stretch up, trying to see over the crowd. A group of five guards surrounds my bride, making it difficult to see her.
Why would she need so many guards? Who are they protecting her from?
As they stop before me, I catch a faint trickle of an amazing, mouth-watering scent.
No… it can’t be!
The guards separate, and as if on cue, a ray of sunlight angles through the clouds, illuminating the woman who stands between them.
My eyes take in the ruby-red hair, emerald eyes, and pale skin, but my mind refuses to admit the truth at first. When she blinks and I see the fire hidden in those deep green eyes, recognition hits me like a physical blow to the chest.
Scarlett!
Chapter 3 - Scarlett
Panic floods my blood as I prepare to leave with Jarrod. I know there’s no point trying to take my car—Uncle Azarian will have all the roads covered. My only chance is to run into the forest with my son.
