NOELLE

NOELLE

“It's not what it looks like,” he blurted desperately.

The words got me even more agitated. The audacity of this male to pull his dick out of a woman and deny it before me.

“Fine, go ahead and explain,” I crossed my arms. I was curious to hear what excuse he would come up with.

“I… I … she seduced me! I was on my way to the mansion when she walked in…” he stopped, realizing his excuse did not make any sense in the least.

Falling to his knees, he grabbed my hands, “Please forgive me, Noelle. I love you…”

I yanked my hand from him in disgust.

“I've had enough of this nonsense. I mean what was I expecting when I gave a wild dog the chance? I, Noelle Adlen, reject you, Mykel Henshaw, as my mate!” I spat, storming out of the room, ignoring his pleas and cries of desperation.

There was a dull ache in my heart as I returned to the car. My wolf was hurt.

I let my head rest on the steering wheel as I thought about how miserable my life was. The man I loved all my life was happily getting married to another and the one who was supposed to help me take my mind off him was an unrepentant womanizer.

The tears stung my eyes.

How was I supposed to deal with all this?

I don't know how long I remained in that position but eventually, I raised my head and drove home.

The sight of the wedding preparations made me sick to my stomach. All I wanted to do was lock myself in my room and forget it all happened but my father was already here.

I headed to the dining, unable to plaster a fake smile. I was truly dejected.

“Noelle! You're here!” My mother smiled.

“Yes,” I responded with a nod and took my seat.

“Where is Mykel?” My father asked and I picked up my cutlery.

“I don't know.”

I was well aware of their eyes, burning at the sides of my head but I didn't acknowledge it.

My parents loved each other and I've always admired that. They were the best parents I could ever ask for.

I forced the food into my mouth. Today was for Malcolm, I couldn't ruin it with my problems.

Dinner passed with me contributing nothing to the ongoing conversations. The minute my plate was clear, I excused myself and headed to my room.

Once I hit the bed, the tears began to pour in torrents.

Why would the goddess let this happen when she knew I was desperately trying to forget about Malcolm?

First of all, she didn't acknowledge my prayers then she mated me to a total scumbag.

The door on my door startled me. I quickly dried my eyes and wiped my face thoroughly with the duvet.

“Come in.”

I expected to see my mother but the woody scent caught me off guard

Malcolm walked into the room with a smile.

Fuck me!

“Noelle,” I hated how smoothly my name slipped off his lips. “Is everything okay? You were a little off at dinner.”

He sat on the drop, shifting closer until his scent was completely intoxicating me. I swallowed, avoiding his eyes as best as I could.

“Everything is fine. I was just a bit tired and the sight of food made me lose my appetite for some reason,’’ I lied.

“Are you sure?” His rough fingers brushed my skin, sending jolts of electricity through me as it settled completely.

Couldn't he feel that sizzling sensation?

I was disappointed when I met his eyes. Of course not! It was just normal skin contact with him.

“Yes,’’ I forced a smile. “Enough about me, how are you preparing for your wedding tomorrow?” I changed the topic.

If we continued dragging it, he would eventually force the truth out of me. Malcolm could read me like an open book.

Yet somehow, he failed to see my intense desire for him. He couldn't tell the pain and jealousy consuming from within when he flaunted Emery to the world.

His face broke into a grin.

“Actually, I can't wait. Tomorrow is going to be the most amazing day of my life! Do you know how it feels to start forever with the one you love?” He asked dazedly.

No, Malcolm. I do not. Because the one I love is madly in love with another and planning forever with them.

I didn't dare say it aloud. Even if he couldn't be mine, I treasured our relationship. I couldn't imagine him cutting me off because of my feelings for him.

“I am so happy for you, Malcolm,” I hugged him because it was the only time I could hide the pain in my eyes as I said the words. “I wish you nothing but happiness.”

I fought the tears in my eyes. It felt like my heart was ripping apart.

“Thank you, Elle. This means a lot to me.” Elle’ he was the only one who called me that. The others were Noelle.

By the time he exited my room, I was a heartbroken mess. I ended up crying myself to sleep, just as I did the night he announced his engagement to Emery.

I woke up with a terrible headache the next morning. When my eyes shifted to the clock, I sprang up in panic.

Shit! Shit! Shit!

I was supposed to help dress up Emery for the wedding. I ran out of my room in my nightie and headed to the dressing room.

My body froze at the ruckus. Her bridesmaids were pacing all over, with phones in their ears.

Even the stylists were seated in one corner panicking.

“What is going on?” I asked but they didn't seem to hear me.

“Guys!” I snapped and all movements seized. “What is going on?”

“Emery is missing.”

My heart skipped.

“What do you mean Emery is missing?” I demanded.

“We came in this morning to get her ready but she was nowhere to be found. We have checked everywhere including Malcolm's room but there is no sign of her.”

“Even her clothes are gone, Noelle!”

My head was pounding from processing so much information.

“We've been trying to call her but we can't even reach her!”

“And it's past 10 am already!”

“What do we do?”

“If I understand you perfectly, you mean Malcolm is in a wedding hall filled with guests, waiting for his bride to arrive but there is really no bride coming?” I recounted.

“Yes!”

Fuck!