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Chapter 16
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Alpha's Substitute Bride Chapter 17
Blossom POV"You'll be all right, Blossom. I will always protect you. But remember, you are stronger than you think, I promise. You don't need to worry about anyone trying to shame you. You are the mate of the alpha, and everyone will see that," Dean assured me.I noticed the distant demeanor he'd held onto was beginning to melt away. Looking into his eyes, I let him pull me close to his chest once more. I felt him gently caress my hair, then rest his face atop my head, taking a deep breath of my she-werewolf scent.Dean lovingly lifted my face away from his chest to meet his gaze. He leaned down, lips poised to touch mine, but suddenly, a loud knock at the door shattered the moment."Brother! It's time to go! Save the merrymaking with your mate for later!" Caleb's easy laugh echoed from outside."Come," Dean said gently. "We must go. We'll finish this later." He gave me a slight smile before leading me to the door.Dean took my hand, guiding me through the large crowd assembled for t
Alpha's Substitute Bride Chapter 18
Blossom POVI had been pleasantly surprised that we made it this far into the evening without any major confrontations. I was aware of some sarcastic remarks made under guests' breaths upon meeting me—occasional mentions that no one could ever fill Eliza's shoes because she was, apparently, flawless.But my relief was short-lived. All I wanted was to sit down for dinner and retreat to our suite. I was exhausted from forcing a smile and extending graciousness to those who treated me so coldly. Dean, who had likely been reminded of Eliza a few too many times, had remained rather indifferent to me throughout the evening, stirring an unsettling ache in the pit of my stomach. I yearned for the moment we could finally sit at the table together—Caleb was already waving us over.Instead, I found myself facing this furious young woman hurling insults at me. Her assertion that I was unworthy dredged up all the fears and anxieties I had experienced while living with my uncle. He consistently bel
Alpha's Substitute Bride Chapter 19
Dean POV"Fina, you know I see you as family. If I didn't feel that way, I wouldn't have invited you this evening. Of course, you had the choice not to accept the invitation. But now that you're here, I hope you'll show me a measure of respect. I also ask that you extend that same respect to Blossom. Let me remind you that I am the alpha, and Blossom is my mate. As the alpha, I couldn't move forward alone. I had to make a choice, and she is the one I chose."At that moment, Caleb had left his seat at the table and made his way across the room to where I, Blossom, and Fina stood. He swiftly took Blossom's arm and led her away to her seat at the head table as dinner began, wanting to remove her from the confrontation and leave it for me to handle. Blossoming under pressure, she had already endured enough.I felt an overwhelming sense of relief when I saw Caleb striding quickly in our direction. I always counted on my brother to be there when I needed him. I knew he would instinctively g
Alpha's Substitute Bride Chapter 20
Dean POV As I made my way back into the dining hall, I took a moment to glance at the head table. There was Blossom, sitting beside her brother, looking more at ease now that she was distanced from anyone who might make snide remarks or bring up the confrontation with Fina. Initially, I was hesitant about the idea of elevating the head table—it seemed too formal for a party—but the staff had insisted, and now I was grateful. It kept Blossom away from any potential drama, and I even caught a glimpse of her smile. Despite feeling guilty for placing her in such a tense situation, I was relieved to see she found a safe haven.Most guests were engrossed in their dinner and conversation, and the atmosphere had finally calmed with laughter and chatter, just as I had originally envisioned for this party.I moved quickly to the back of the room, where Fina was holding court with a group of young women her age, likely reveling in her defiance against Blossom. Gently cupping her elbow, I steere
Alpha's Substitute Bride Chapter 21
Blossom POVSensing it wasn't the right moment to address deeper issues, I eased the tension by encouraging Dean to eat as a steaming plate of food was set in front of him. I could tell he was hungry, and the quiet that followed was comfortable. It was a relief to have him close by after such a chaotic evening, though the lingering crowd hinted that we wouldn't be retiring anytime soon."Blossom, I hate to leave you again, but it will only be for a little while. There are guests I haven't had the chance to speak with yet," Dean said, looking apologetically at me. "You're welcome to join me, or you can stay here and enjoy the company at the table."I thought about it for a moment before deciding he should go alone.As I settled back into my thoughts, I felt a gentle touch on my arm. Turning to look, I saw an older woman had taken Caleb's seat."How are you, dear?" she asked warmly. It was one of the rare times that evening someone had addressed me with genuine kindness."Oh, me? I'm fi
Alpha's Substitute Bride Chapter 22
Blossom POVI wondered if things would always be this way for me. Would I forever be seen as "the substitute" and not simply as Blossom, the alpha's mate? Although I had been eager to embrace my position, it seemed some people weren't going to make this transition easy for me. Surely, things would improve. I had no intention of shrinking away like a timid woman hesitant to claim her rightful place. I reminded myself of my royal lineage and fierce inner strength.My wandering thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the sound of Dean entering the room. I had left a small lamp on, casting a dim light that was bright enough to illuminate Dean as he started to undress, beginning with his shoes and socks. I stifled a laugh watching the meticulous way he tucked in the laces of his shoes and placed them exactly where he had picked them up earlier.He stood to unbutton the crisp white shirt he had worn that evening, beginning from the bottom with skillful fingers. Halfway up, he paused, realizin
Alpha's Substitute Bride Chapter 23
Blossom POV Or maybe I was reading too much into Dean's actions. He was probably just getting ready to take a shower—nothing more, nothing less. The fact that I was just a few feet away on the bed might not have even crossed his mind. I've come to realize he has a lot weighing on him.If he was purposefully teasing me to heighten my desire, I vowed it wouldn't always be that way. I'd take control now and then, leaving him longing as I suddenly stepped away. If this was a game Dean liked to play to assert his control, well, two could play at that game.Of course, I understood my body might not always let me take charge at the times I wanted. If the past 24 hours had taught me anything, it was that my body was incredibly in tune with Dean's. It still bothered me how little control I had over my reactions to his scent and touch. Watching him take off his shirt, revealing the definition of his abs and chest, was almost more than I could handle. I wondered if he knew that or if he was jus
Alpha's Substitute Bride Chapter 24
Dean POV I never anticipated finding myself in this situation. I intended to remain fully devoted to Eliza, yet my desire for Blossom has left me conflicted. Eliza was my first and, I believed, my only love. She possessed a classic beauty and an infectious charm that illuminated any room. Even after losing her, I convinced myself—and assured others—that no one could replace her. I was steadfast in claiming she'd remain my one true love and for the longest time I'm certain of that.However, now I'm not as sure, and this uncertainty brings guilt. Fina, although harsh and out of line at last night's dinner party, hit a nerve. She wasn't entirely wrong; I had claimed I'd never love another woman but Eliza. I likely implied that no other woman would enter my life, though my exact wording and initial mindset escape me. Even when I first encountered Blossom and recognized her beauty, I felt no wavering in my loyalty to Eliza.Choosing Blossom as my partner was a practical decision, continge
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