All Chapters of Alpha Alvar's Runaway Bride: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

RyleeIn the parlor. I have Ruth bring in a nice afternoon tea. When she leaves, I close the parlor door. "About the ankle. I'm sorry, Rylee, I..." Kristen says, fidgeting as she sits on the couch. "I can lie to other people. But through Alpha's link, I can't. No wolf in the Dark Moon pack can lie to Blade. He'd notice. So..." She sounds guilty. "Hey, it's not your fault at all." I sit next to her and bump her shoulder. "I was the one who lied to you first, remember? And I got you beat up." I’ve explained everything to her. "That's nothing. You must have had your own reasons to do so. Besides, I wasn't really hurt." Kristen's bright eyes are sincere. "And you offer me a day off and wonderful tea. It’s fair." Oh man. I'm so in love with her. We look at each other and smile. We grab our teacups and clink them.&nbs

RyleeCecilia can’t keep her sweet voice any longer. She screams, "What wedding? Why didn’t you tell me?!""Enough," Alvar says, annoyed. He stands and holds out his hand towards me. "Let's go. We still need to discuss some wedding details."I take a last sip of my pumpkin soup and stand up. "Okay." I wipe my mouth haphazardly with my napkin.“Wait!” Cecilia rushes over and stops him."Why?" Cecilia points her sharp nails at me. "You're marrying such a vulgar and ugly woman? Why, Alvar? On what grounds? Because she's the healer's daughter?""Cecilia, stop it. My patience is limited." Alvar pulls me towards him and puts his arm around my shoulders. "Come on."Cecilia lunges and grabs Alvar's other arm. She pleads, "Why can't it be me, Alvar? She's the healer's daughter, but I'm Gamma's daughter. Why can't it be me? Didn’t you promise my father you’d take care of me? Don’t you forget what I've done for you?"Wow, this is like a tearjerker episode of a TV show!I quietly peek around Alva

RyleeThe curtains in the parlor are all pulled up. The carpet and sofa covers have been replaced, and the bright light pouring through the windows highlights the intricate patterns on the decorations, making the room look especially gorgeous.Meg drops me off and leaves. Now, I'm alone. I sit anxiously on the couch, my mind racing with all sorts of thoughts. My legs shake involuntarily, and I fight the urge to pinch my nails. Meg said no pinching."Hera Dewey," I whisper, pronouncing my grandmother's name for the first time. Yesterday, Alvar showed me a picture of her—a stately lady in a bowler hat shaking hands with a royalty member. She looked serious, every wrinkle on her face exuding authority. Alvar said she's the head of the Dewey family now, very demanding and prickly. Would she recognize me as her granddaughter? Would she like me?Would Hera hate me if she knew my history?I've never wanted someone's approval so badly, not even Alvar's. But now, facing this relative I've neve

RyleeThis is my first time in the Mansion’s party restaurant on the first floor. The place is lavishly decorated, with a long table set for twenty, and pre-dinner snacks already laid out. The lights are dim, and the flickering candles cast dancing shadows on the walls, adding to the room's elegance.The guests all seem to know each other well. Even Meg, who’s beside me, is whispering to someone. I sit in the first seat on the left side of the table, trying to endure the occasional curious glances thrown my way. Don’t move. Stay calm, I tell myself. No one’s coming over to talk to me anyway.The restaurant slowly fills up. Most of the faces are unfamiliar, though I spot Carl, and even Cecilia has been invited. She’s seated far down the table, away from me. The two main seats—the ones at the head and across from it—are still empty. Those belong to Alvar and Hera, who both stepped out to talk.Suddenly, the living room door swings open, and Alvar strides into the dining room. He’s dress

RyleeAlvar doesn’t hesitate. “Don’t say shit. There’s no way you’re helping with the wedding. I don’t agree. You better not make a mess.” His voice is cold and hard, leaving no room for debate.Cecilia clearly didn’t expect such a harsh rejection. She bites her lip, turning her hopeful gaze to me. “Rylee, what do you say?” There’s a strange glint in her eyes. “I said I could help you, remember?”My heart skips a beat. She’s talking about our secret plan, the one where she’d help me escape. If I don’t play along, she’ll rat me out to Alvar. I’m screwed, especially since Hera just had a talk with Alvar. He’s on edge about everything right now.I tug on Alvar’s sleeve, forcing myself to sound casual. “It’s okay. Cecilia has good taste. I don’t have many friends in the pack, so I’m glad she’s willing to help.”Alvar’s frown deepens as he studies me. “What are you two playing at? I don’t remember you being so close.” His suspicion is clear, and I struggle to keep my face neutral.After a