Chapter 1

Guinevere’s POV

The Rituals had been done under the moon, blessed by the moon goddess herself. I had become one with my mate, my one and only love, Hayden Perez.

“I love you,” I whispered to him, my voice barely audible over the night’s gentle breeze. “And I can’t wait to spend forever with you.”

STOP!!!

Someone yelled from the back I turned my eyes widened as I saw Hayden standing there.

“What the hell” I muttered.

If Hayden was there, then who was the man standing in front of me? Slowly, deliberately, he pulled off his mask, revealing a sinister smile that sent a shiver down my spine. A collective gasp erupted from the crowd, their murmurs filled with fear and confusion. My blood turned to ice as I locked eyes with the man’s cold, piercing blue gaze.

No

It couldn’t be. I had just been mated to the most Heartless and Dangerous Rogue

Reagan Keon

****

I felt his soft breaths on my cheeks as he snuggled closer, the gentle rising and falling of his chest, a steady rhythm that matched the beat of my heart. I couldn’t help the smile that tugged at my lips. Today was a special day, a day that had been planned for ages, a day that would be recorded in history as the greatest day ever—a day like no other.

Today marked the unification of two great packs, the Crimson Howl Pack and the Moon Claw Pack. But most importantly, it was the day I would marry the love of my life, Hayden Perez, my mate and the heir to the Alpha of the Moon Claw Pack.

“Morning, my love,” I whispered, my voice barely louder than the soft rustle of leaves outside our window.

Hayden growled playfully, his hands finding my waist as he pulled me even closer. “Five more minutes,” he murmured, his voice husky with sleep.

I chuckled softly, feeling his strong arms tighten around me. "As much as I'd love to stay in bed with you all day, we have a wedding to plan," I said, my voice tinged with both amusement and excitement.

He groaned softly, burying his face into the crook of my neck. "What if we just eloped? Skip all the chaos and keep you all to myself?" he murmured, his lips brushing against my skin, sending a shiver down my spine.

I laughed, gently prying myself from his embrace and turning to face him. His sleepy eyes met mine, a mix of love and playful defiance. "You know we can't do that. Today is too important—for us and for our packs. Besides, I want everyone to see just how perfect we are together."

Hayden sighed dramatically, but his eyes twinkled with amusement. "Fine, fine. For you, I’ll endure the madness."

I leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to his lips. "Thank you, my love. Now, let's get up.” I said my hands grabbing his as I lifted him up. Together we dressed heading out.

As I walked into the Crimson Howl House, I was greeted by a whirlwind of activity. Everywhere I looked, pack members were busy with last-minute preparations. Some were stringing up twinkling lights and colorful banners, while others were meticulously arranging fresh flowers or setting up tables draped in elegant cloths. The air was filled with a mix of laughter, chatter, and the occasional bark of orders, creating a vibrant and bustling atmosphere.

“There you are,” Shayla, my cousin, said as she walked up to me, her eyes wide with urgency. “Why have you been hiding? Luna Brea has been looking for you, and heads up, she’s mad.”

“Thanks,” I said with a smile, trying to steady my nerves as I made my way into the main room.

“Guinevere Andre Reed!”

Yikes. She must be very mad. She only called me by my full name when she was extremely pissed.

“Hi, Mum,” I said, trying to sound as innocent as possible.

“Don’t ‘Hi’ me! You were supposed to be here three hours ago,” she scolded, her eyes narrowing in disapproval.

“Something came up,” I replied, struggling to keep my voice steady. Well, technically not something, but someone—Hayden. There was no way I was going to tell her we were having amazing sex all through the night and barely got any sleep, so we slept in a few extra hours this morning.

“More important than your wedding?” she retorted, her brows shooting up in disbelief.

“Come on, honey, give her some slack,” my father, Alpha Geoffrey, said as he walked up to me and kissed the top of my head.

“Hi, Dad,” I said, smiling up at him.

“Hey, baby girl,” he replied, his voice warm and reassuring. He gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

“You keep encouraging this,” my mother said, gently swatting my dad’s chest with a look of mild exasperation.

“Oh, am I?” he replied with a mischievous grin. “Then should I tell her about our mating ceremony?”

My mother’s cheeks flushed a deep crimson, and she quickly pushed my father towards the door, flustered and embarrassed. “You should leave. We need to get her dressed,” she said, her voice hurried as she practically shoved him out of the room.

My father chuckled, his laughter echoing down the hall as he left. “Alright, alright, I’m going. He said as he walked out.

Now alone with my mother, I turned to her, curiosity piqued. “Okay, now I’m curious,” I said, trying to imagine the tale my father had hinted at.

“Dress now,” she commanded, her tone leaving no room for argument. As she tried to hide her flustered face.

As I stepped towards the ornate dressing screen in the corner of the room, a group of pack members entered, carrying my wedding dress. The dress was a masterpiece of intricate lace and flowing silk, with delicate embroidery that caught the light and shimmered like dew in the morning sun. The sight of it took my breath away, a tangible reminder of the significance of the day.

My mother’s hands were steady and gentle as she helped me into the gown. Her earlier irritation melted away, replaced by a soft, loving smile. “You look beautiful, Guinevere,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “Just like I always imagined you would on your wedding day.”

I glanced at myself in the mirror, the dress fitting me perfectly, the lace and silk hugging my curves and flowing gracefully to the floor. My heart swelled with a mix of excitement and nervousness. “Thanks, mum,” I whispered, meeting her eyes in the reflection

I love you,”

“I love you too,” she replied, her voice warm and reassuring.

Everything was perfect, and set for the big ceremony but there was one issue.

Where the hell was Hayden?