All Chapters of Alpha's Substitute Bride : Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Blossom POVI shivered slightly as my uncle tightened his grip on my arm and pushed me forward to stand at the center of the Royal Werewolf Court. I could feel the steely-eyed gaze of the court's high leadership piercing me, but I dared not look up. There was no way I was going to let them see how frightened and alone I felt.I was there as a substitute for my sister Diana, who had escaped the grip of our uncle before landing in the very position I now found myself in. Even when I had helped my sister to get away, I never expected that I would be the one selected as the mate for the alpha. It was Diana whom our royal family had offered to the courts as a substitute mate for the newly widowed Dean, the alpha leader of New Orleans' largest werewolf race. I had never actually laid my eyes on him before, but I had heard plenty about him. He was said to be one of the strongest leaders ever known, a fierce warrior who ascended to his position as alpha at a very young age. But that wasn't al

Blossom POV.My uncle is quite possibly the most controlling man I have ever known. I remember looking around my bedroom this morning. It is the drabbest place in his entire home, by far. Sure, it had a bed and a place for what few clothes he allowed us to have. The rest of his home is full of sparkle and glamor, almost gaudy because Uncle Alejandro is nothing if he isn't a showman for all his wealth—and all the wealth he wants people to think that he has, on top of that.I remember the day Diana and I came to our uncle's home. We had just lost Mom and Dad and were in such a state of utter despair, we didn't know what was happening. Of course, we were just little kids; we didn't know what was going on anyway. Diana seemed relieved that our uncle had summoned us. We had barely seen him up to that point in our lives. I have no idea why he never came around. Father used to refer to him as the black sheep. I am not sure if they grew up together. I know he and Father were half-siblings.We

Blossom POVA hush fell over the group once again. The elders are just as taken aback by Dean's response as I, Alejandro, and Aries are, and like them, they are not quite sure how to react. Clearly, as the court leadership, they had made the authoritative decision. Whatever they say becomes the law of the land. At least it always had.The court is not known for its appreciation of surprises like the one the alpha has just delivered. I had been found sound and worthy as a substitute mate for the alpha. They had made this clear in reading their decision aloud before all those present, including Dean.Now, at the surprise statement made by Dean, the elders were left pondering exactly what to do next. In their memory, there had never been a situation quite like this where someone—in this case, an alpha—contradicted what was already dictated by the court. Questioning the authority of the court can lead to punishment, as it has in other situations. Imprisonment is not out of the question wh

Blossom POV.But while he could admire the girl for her boldness, he was at the same time frustrated and angry that she would speak out of turn. He was a staunch supporter of the Royal Court and the elders. It's why he was so taken aback just now at his son's words. He felt that Dean was needlessly pushing the envelope. He was probably right, in that the court would have a hard time doling out any punishment to the most powerful alpha werewolf in all of New Orleans. At the same time, Aries was angry and disappointed in what he saw as complete and utter disrespect on Dean's part.Blossom stood her ground, keeping her eyes on the elders, willing them to acknowledge her. Several of the elders simply scoffed and went back to their side conversations. Others tried to stare her down to force her to look away. But she refused to do so. Finally, the leader among the elders addressed her.His voice was loud and harsh. It was clear he was not about to let this young she-werewolf call the shots,

Blossom POVA hush fell over the court. It was obvious that everyone, from the elders to Dean himself, was shocked at my bold words.I myself would admit I was a little surprised myself. I was dealing with my inner conflicts. Somehow, I had found the courage to speak up and offer what I felt was the only logical solution. Once I had completely formulated it in my mind, I was surprised at how obvious my solution was. Yet, I alone had come up with it. It wasn't my uncle or anyone else telling me what to think or say.I had drawn upon the anger and impatience I was feeling over having my life constantly manipulated by my uncle. I channeled that negative energy into the confidence required to make the statements I did—to lay out a choice for the powerful alpha werewolf.Had I just offered a sort of ultimatum to the alpha? This she-werewolf was bold. Somehow I both surprised and pleased him at the same time. Never before had he seen a she-werewolf act in such a manner, but he was thoroughl