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Chapter 17
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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
Alpha's Substitute Bride Chapter 25
Dean POV Liza had been Aries' suggestion. He thought it might help me regain focus as my distraction over losing Eliza was affecting pack matters. Aries believed that what plagued me could be fixed by providing physical relief.I didn't know, nor did I care, how Aries came to know Liza. She was attractive, albeit older than me, yet something about her always left me wary. Maybe it was our circumstances, or maybe her personality just didn't sit right with me. Initially, I found some comfort in my visits to her, but I worried that Liza either misunderstood our arrangement or simply didn't care. And now, she remained at the villa, a situation I needed to change to avoid unsettling Blossom.Yet, Liza seemed to be the least of my worries. I had declared to anyone who would listen that I would eternally love Eliza and place no other woman above her. She was my proclaimed true love.That's why I was lying next to Blossom, consumed with guilt yet tenderly reminiscing about our intimacy. It w
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Alpha's Substitute Bride Chapter 125 The Journey of Fina and her friend
Fina POV.Upon deciding to use Aries' money to fulfill Eliza's dream of traveling the world, I, make it clear to the two women traveling with me that they too are entitled to a share. I tell them that wherever we are in the world, without exception, if they want to take their part of the money and separate from me, they are more than welcome to do so.And so, our journey begins, with my net worth sitting comfortably at the upper end of six hundred million dollars. We look over Eliza's itinerary to decide where to start our adventure.We take a private jet from the local airstrip to the old JFK airport in the NYT (New York Territory). Because Dean has always wanted to see Times Square, we stay in NYPT for a few weeks, soaking in the sights. While there, we visit a renowned travel agent who helps us prepare for the trip: we get vaccinated, obtain our passports, learn the ins and outs of currency exchange, and shop for essentials. With everything set, we embark on our journey to South Am
Alpha's Substitute Bride Chapter 126 The Council & Monarchy
The organization known as the "Royal Werewolf Council," formerly the Royal Central Bank, rose to power as the dominant global government in the aftermath of the Great Werewolf-War. They spearheaded the reconstruction of local government infrastructures worldwide and reorganized the planet's workforce. By channeling investments into these efforts, they also developed a new currency and trade system. It became evident, however, that these investments were part of the Royal Central Bank's long-standing and devious plan. For over a century, they had meticulously orchestrated a scheme to gain global control through manipulation and strategic foresight. Their machinations led to a catastrophic war by providing aid to any country willing to adopt their centralist banking system. By doing so, they patiently awaited a conflict that would persuade nations to turn against one another. As each country became embroiled in conflict, alliances broke, and trade partnerships soured under the manipula
Alpha's Substitute Bride Chapter 124 The Story of Jovielyn & Virgilio (Virgil)
Jovielyn always cherished the arrival of spring. There was something enchanting about a cool spring afternoon, the gentle breeze weaving through the newly sprouting leaves, rousing them from winter’s harsh grip. Magic seemed to linger in the air during this season, which revealed itself on the day she met Virgilio.On that particular day, Jovielyn was by the lakefront outside the castle walls, absorbed in her philosophy book while savoring the fresh air. The castle wasn’t her home back then; it belonged to the Knight family, whom she had never encountered face-to-face—until that day.Virgilio led a group of men on a training run around the lake. She noticed them from across the water but remained unfazed, lounging on the grass beneath a willow tree that draped over the lake. Unbeknownst to them, she was there when Virgilio, at the helm of the exercise, accidentally stumbled over her.His companions continued running, laughing at the scene, but Virgilio stopped, feeling the need to apo
Alpha's Substitute Bride Chapter 123
Blossom POV As I entered the dining room, my heart raced at the sight of Alejandro in the midst of a business meeting with a group of dubious-looking individuals. He seemed entirely caught off guard by our unexpected arrival. A smile flickered across his face as he muttered something beneath his breath, waiting for us to approach. With a façade that was more unsettling than charming, he nervously ran his fingers through his mustache and exclaimed, "My lovely niece and her Alpha mate! How delightful to see you both! It feels like an eternity since we last met." Dean, not one to tolerate his pretense, interjected bluntly, "Even that would be far too soon." I couldn't help but chuckle at my mate's humor, but I quickly focused on the real reason we had come to Alejandro's home. I glared at the man who had once wielded enough power to manipulate me, the man who had stolen everything from both me and Diana for his self-serving gain. Alejandro had become the bane of my existence, and now
Alpha's Substitute Bride Chapter 122
Blossom POV The steamy air of the villa's shower enveloped us, a sanctuary of warmth and intimacy. Dean and I had teleported here before picking up our son, a desperate need for cleansing outweighing everything else. We stood together, the hot water cascading over our bodies, washing away the remnants of a nightmarish ordeal. It was the first time in ages we'd shared a shower, and the intimacy of it was intoxicating. Dean's hands, rough and strong, traced the curves of my body, a silent language of love and longing. I, in turn, ran my fingers across his solid midsection, a familiar comfort that ignited a fire within us. We were a whirlwind of emotions, a symphony of desire and desperation. The remnants of the night clung to us, a grim reminder of the horrors we'd faced. We scrubbed away the blood, the brain matter, the unknown fluids that had stained our skin. The thick soap lathered our bodies, a cleansing ritual that transcended the physical. It was a shared experience, a testam
Alpha's Substitute Bride Chapter 121
Blossom POV In just a matter of seconds, the atmosphere in the courthouse transformed dramatically. The once-bustling room was now filled with an eerie stillness as everyone present found themselves completely paralyzed by my voice. Just moments before the Primary Elder's heart would have collapsed within his thoracic cavity, I abruptly halted my song, sensing the urgency of the moment. Dean then stepped in, his voice adopting a firm yet fatherly tone as he addressed the assembly of Elders. "You have a choice, Councilmen," he declared, his presence commanding attention. "You can either come forward, bow before us, and kiss our feet, renouncing any semblance of power you believe you may still possess—this is a courtesy we are under no obligation to extend to you. Alternatively, you can relinquish all the minuscule authority that resides within your frail, sagging bodies right here in front of everyone assembled today. You have ten seconds to make your decision. Choose wisely. Ten."
Alpha's Substitute Bride Chapter 120
Blossom POV "Baby... baby!!!" I exclaimed in a frantic voice, slapping Dean gently across the face while pouring water over his head in an effort to jolt him awake. He finally sat up, a dazed expression crossing his features, and I could see that everyone present at the tournament stared at him with an incredulous blend of astonishment and curiosity. It only took a moment for him to realize his vulnerability, the reality of his complete nudity hitting him hard. He turned to me, confusion etched on his face, and asked, "What happened?" "You got tangled up in a clinch with Tristan over there," I explained, my voice steady, though I was bursting with emotions. "He managed to break away and put you into a headlock. You refused to tap out, and the moment you lost consciousness, you shifted. I was terrified—you almost turned Tristan into your next meal. Thankfully, after shifting, you seemed to remain out cold, but it looked like you were trapped in one hell of a nightmare." As I assess
Alpha's Substitute Bride Chapter 119
Blossom POV As the referee signals the start of the match, Dean adopts a loose but balanced stance to counter whatever strategy this man may employ. His opponent firmly squares up in a southpaw Muay Thai stance and begins to close the distance slowly. Determined not to be overpowered right away, Dean begins to hop around a bit, attempting to distract the man and disrupt his line of sight. However, his efforts prove ineffective; the man stays locked on him, advancing steadily with resolve. Recognizing that this competitor will not back down easily, Dean makes a split-second decision: he mirrors the man's Muay Thai stance and braces himself to absorb the oncoming jabs. Utilizing his slightly larger build to his advantage, Dean manages to clinch with the man, forcing him to the ground. Once both men hit the floor, Dean gains a dominant position, achieving full mount before spinning around to take his opponent's back. It quickly becomes apparent that his challenger lacks proficiency i
Alpha's Substitute Bride Chapter 118
Blossom POV Several of the men who have gathered here tonight show little interest in assuming a leadership role. Many of them are elderly war veterans who have transitioned into political positions over the course of their lives. Dean takes the initiative to approach them, inquiring whether they would like to take on the role of referees for the matches. To his delight, most of them readily accept the offer, as it allows them to remain actively involved in this significant event. They genuinely appreciate Dean's inclusive approach, which values their experience and contributions. With everything now set into motion and every participant prepared, the first round of combat begins. Dean has decided that he will join the matches during the third round, as he is presently occupied with assisting Caleb in organizing the matchups and deciding on the proper measures for when the sun sets. As I watch, I observe Dean glancing towards Caleb, who is smiling as he surveys the crowd and the f
