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Chapter 36
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Dean POV
I found myself hardly surprised when Caleb interrupted the proceedings we were engaged in. On some subconscious level, I might have even welcomed his interference as a lifeline out of the quagmire I'd found myself in, knowing I wasn't handling things as effectively as usual. As the others quickly scattered, Caleb took the lead, guiding me away from the business complex and back towards the villa, where the privacy of my office awaited our candid conversation."Let's be honest, brother. You need to get a grip on what's happening. What was going on in there?" Caleb queried as we walked. "I've observed as you meticulously laid the groundwork for this meeting over the months, strategizing intelligently at every turn. But today, instead of leading with the decisiveness you're known for, you appeared uncertain and hesitant. That's not the Dean people rely on.""I know," I muttered in return, not meeting his eyes. "You don't have to tell me.""IRelated chapters
Alpha's Substitute Bride Chapter 37
Dean POV "I suggested, would it truly be such a challenging admission to acknowledge within yourself the need for love, a genuine yearning for someone who can reciprocate those feelings? You long for a presence to hold once more, brother. I've observed the way your eyes trace her every movement, the anticipation that fills you when she enters a room. In the relatively brief period that Blossom has been here, she's managed to turn your world completely on its head. She's the sole catalyst making you question your steadfast resolution to never fall in love again," Caleb continued earnestly. "I realize this might not be the message you expected or even wanted to hear from me, but no one understands you quite like I do."I fixed my gaze directly on Caleb, who met my eyes confidently without flinching."I suppose," I began, only to pause and release a heavy sigh. "I suppose it all caught me off guard. I never anticipated it would become an issue. Declaring my
Alpha's Substitute Bride Chapter 38
Blossom povDean remained utterly captivated by the mere sight of me. The fact that I turned around both times he silently implored me to confirmed a deep, undeniable connection between us—a realization that we could communicate telepathically. This development came as a surprise, happening much sooner than either of us had anticipated, yet it brought Dean a sense of assurance about the feelings he found increasingly difficult to suppress. Such a rare form of communication, he had mused, couldn't possibly stem from mere lust. It had to signify something deeper and more profound about our burgeoning relationship.He had shared with me before how this type of connection took much longer with Eliza, causing a strain between them. Eliza's frustration had been palpable, her words echoing in his mind as she accused him of "not trying hard enough." But here, with me, everything seemed effortless.The other members of the pack who had been milling around the court
Alpha's Substitute Bride Chapter 39
Blossom POVDespite his insistence, I hadn't moved a muscle, and neither had Dean, who remained standing right behind me, his body nearly brushing against my bare skin, exposed beneath the strings of my bikini.Of course, it was more likely that he simply wasn't comfortable with the idea of his mate being dressed so scantily in public. The thought delighted me momentarily, almost akin to sparking a flare of jealousy in him. It reminded me of the morning when he saw me with Caleb and had to digest the discomfort of feeling he had to share me with others. In those moments, Dean experienced a vulnerability similar to what I often felt.Yes, I reasoned, while it may not precisely mirror the envy he felt after witnessing me with Caleb, it was gratifying nonetheless. By now, he must have realized that any romantic implication between Caleb and me was nothing more than an elaborate ruse.Dean was growing visibly impatient. "Blossom, I said get back to th
Alpha's Substitute Bride Chapter 40
Blossom POVDean couldn't help but chuckle to himself as I explained that I simply wanted to go for a swim. Given my choice of swimwear, he knew I wasn't merely planning to do a few laps. I looked absolutely breathtaking, and he couldn't tear his eyes away from me. It was clear that he needed to be by my side—not just to get me to go inside or cover up, but because my presence stirred a desire within him that was becoming painfully intense. There were times I felt I made him lose control, and that internal struggle was tearing him apart. He had strong feelings for me, yet he kept insisting that it couldn't possibly be love—he had vowed never to love another woman.I could see that Dean was starting to understand what I needed: to hurt him back for the pain he had caused me. I wasn't someone who sought to hurt others just for amusement, even though people like that certainly existed. I was acting out, desperately trying to grab his attention and make him f
Alpha's Substitute Bride Chapter 41
Blossom POVAs I looked into Dean's eyes, I saw disbelief etched across his face. I hoped he would reassure me, tell me it was all a misunderstanding, that I hadn't seen what I thought I saw and that he hadn't been embracing Liza. There were so many things I wanted to hear from him, so many explanations he could offer. Yet, he just stared at me, as if completely clueless about what I was referring to. He remained silent.Summoning my courage, I spoke in a calm, measured tone, "I saw you both last night. After you left me and didn't return for so long, I began to worry about you. So, I crept out into the corridor. There was a door ajar, and I thought I could find you and make sure you were okay. I quietly approached the door until I could see inside, and there you were with Liza. She had her arms around you," I continued. "And I think I saw your arms around her, too."Finally, I had spoken the truth that had been weighing on me all day. I studied Dean's face, hop
Alpha's Substitute Bride Chapter 42
Blossom POVSuddenly, Dean felt a strong urge to keep me close, safeguarding me from the world's harm. My sweetness and innocence fueled his protective instincts. He realized he should have shielded me from Liza and wondered if I had encountered her after he sent her away from Eliza's room.I was contemplating Dean's words when I felt his arms wrap around me, holding me protectively. The security of his embrace soothed me more than anything else that day, or perhaps it was finally hearing the truth in his own words. I realized I needed to place my trust in Dean, rather than others. I was relieved to hear that Liza would soon be leaving the villa.As Dean and I lay together, his arms holding me, we each became absorbed in our own thoughts. I continued to process his explanation of the previous night, willing myself to believe him completely. Initially, I thought I could. It was a relief to finally hear him speak about that night, answering questions I had been lo
Alpha's Substitute Bride Chapter 43
Blossom POV.Liza knew exactly how to exploit my vulnerabilities. She understood just where my insecurities lay when it came to Dean. Once she found my weak spot, she knew how to press it, cutting deep and mercilessly.Suddenly, my thoughts were interrupted by Dean's voice. "Oh, I almost forgot to tell you," he said. "I need to leave for a business trip shortly and won't be back until tomorrow."Dean tried to sound casual, though I could sense he wished he had given me more notice. It was one of the reasons he sought me out earlier when he found me in the breakfast room with Caleb. Things hadn't gone as planned then, and he'd been looking for the right moment to tell me since. He could have mentioned it sooner, but being caught up in our shared moments distracted him. The timing was less than ideal, he realized, but hopefully, he had soothed my worries. I was naive and innocent, and he knew he needed to be more mindful of what might unsettle me to avoid th
Alpha's Substitute Bride Chapter 44
Blossom POVI watched Caleb and Dean talking, and then saw Caleb walk away, his head lowered. I hoped they hadn't been discussing the dangers of the night, though I had to assume they were. Once Caleb had walked on, I approached Dean again, ready to share my idea, hoping against all odds that he would react positively."Well, hello Blossom!" Dean greeted me warmly, standing by his Jeep, looking ready to leave. I walked right up to him, reminding myself not to get lost in his eyes, at least not until I had said what I came to say."Dean, I want to go with you. You always say I'm strong. I know I could..." I began, but he quickly cut me off."No, darling," Dean interrupted, surprised by my request. "I'm sorry, but this just isn't the place for you. Not now, anyway. Perhaps in the future, when we have a better understanding of your skills and I feel more confident in your abilities, we can revisit this."I couldn't help but questio
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Alpha's Substitute Bride Chapter 126 The Council & Monarchy
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Alpha's Substitute Bride Chapter 124 The Story of Jovielyn & Virgilio (Virgil)
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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
