Page 15 of Alpha Wolf's Arranged Bride
Scarlett and I repeat the ritual words, and her uncle soon announces us as husband and wife.
The crowd cheers, and Azarian addresses the town, giving a little speech about future happiness and shared prosperity. He then directs us to the tables around the square, where a massive feast has been prepared.
When I turn to go down the stairs, I see Scarlett’s son standing near us, looking bewildered and confused. I let go of my bride’s hand and bend down so I’m at eye level with the kid.
The moment our eyes meet, a shock runs through me, like electric tingles down my spine. The sense of recognition is so powerful that I almost sway on my feet.
This is my son!
The moment the thought flares in my mind, I bury it with frantic excuses. Running out on Scarlett was bad enough—I’d never forgive myself for running out on a child.
He looks like Scarlett, and smells like her. That’s all it is.
The longer I look into his innocent, smiling face, the more I try to convince myself that this child cannot be of my blood. Even the pale amber eyes, so like mine, are not entirely rare amongst the oldest families of wolves. I force the confusing feelings away, knowing that now isn’t the time to make a scene.
I will ask Scarlett about it; it’s my right to know as her new husband. Hopefully, she doesn’t tell me a story about a high school crush that vanished into the night.
“Hey, kiddo,” I say. “I’m Rex. What’s your name?”
“Jarrod,” he answers in a small voice. I hold out my hand, and the boy gives it a firm shake.
“This is all kinda boring, huh?” I ask.
Jarrod nods. “Yeah, I have no idea what’s going on. We were running so—”
“Late!” Scarlett almost yells, jumping between us. “We were running late, that’s all. Jarrod, come down to the tables and get something to eat. You must be starving.”
“Yeah, it was a late night,” Jarrod agrees. “I haven’t had dinner or breakfast.”
“Kids!” Scarlett exclaims, grinning as she turns back to me. “So dramatic. He was just excited, that’s all.”
I watch them go ahead of me, and Scarlett bends down to whisper in her son’s ear. I see the guards standing close by, and her uncle watching them closely.
Something really isn’t right here.
Following my new bride and stepson to the tables, I’m congratulated by the elders and council. They don’t speak to Scarlett as she helps her son with a plate of food and sits down with him.
The feast goes on for a couple of hours, and I barely get a chance to speak to Scarlett. When the sky begins to darken, we’re shown to a small inn off Main Street where Dorian and Cody each have rooms downstairs, and Scarlett, Jarrod, and I have the whole top floor.
Jarrod is so sleepy, I carry him from the feast up to our rooms. Scarlett goes ahead of me, leading me to a small room where she folds back the covers of the bed. She gently takes Jarrod’s shoes off, and we tuck him into bed together.
This is going great. We haven’t had a chance to talk much, but I feel like we’re getting along just fine.
As I follow her to the master bedroom, I wonder if I should tell her who I am. Obviously, she hasn’t recognized me, and it might be better that way.
I’ll just have to be careful not to reveal anything that could trigger a memory. Otherwise, I’m happy to have a clean slate.
We sit down on the edge of the bed, and Scarlett looks down into her lap, clasping her hands. She looks exhausted, and my heart goes out to her.
“Did you eat enough at the feast?” I ask. “I can get you something to eat if you’re hungry. Or maybe a drink?”
“A drink would be good,” she mutters. “Vodka and lime.”
I remember.
“No problem,” I answer, hurrying out to the bar. I grab a bottle of beer for myself, then head back to the bedroom. When I hand Scarlett the glass, she tilts it a little so the ice clinks against it, giving me a little smile.
“Cheers,” she says, taking a sip before I can raise my beer to the toast.
