All Chapters of Alpha's Substitute Bride : Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

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

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

Blossom PovI didn't know what to expect, but nothing could have prepared me for the absolute bliss I felt, the waves of sheer enjoyment Dean stirred within me.Every time Dean came near, his man-werewolf scent ignited a deep passion inside me. Throughout the day, that passion built up until Dean released it all in wonderful waves, like nothing I had ever experienced before. I couldn't have imagined the way he made me feel.When I first laid eyes on him, I thought he was incredibly handsome—the kind of he-werewolf Diana and I fantasized about as teenagers. Probably the most attractive male I'd ever seen in person. His voice, both authoritative and gentle, almost velvety, added to his appeal. His confidence made him even more irresistible.After the court proceedings, when he approached me, his scent stirred something within me that I had never felt before. Later, when we were alone and Dean began kissing me passionately, marking me, I realized that the aching I'd felt was the passion

Blossom POV Uncle Alejandro had left everything in a heap on the floor of our room, torn to pieces. But it wasn't just about that. Long before, he had stolen our property and our royal standing. Time and again, our uncle had isolated us, demeaned us, and manipulated us so he could maintain control. I had to admit; my uncle had frequently made me feel angry.Yet, I had never felt the same level of rage for him as I did at this moment. At first, I thought it was because my uncle had worn me down over the years with his deceitful ways, making me numb to his antics. But then I realized my greater anger at Dean was due to sheer disappointment.I expected terrible things from my uncle. It made me angry, but once I understood he wasn't the supportive family member I hoped he'd be after our parents died, none of his terrible actions came as a surprise. I couldn't let myself get all twisted up over his behavior.But Dean? Dean had made incredible, passionate love to me. He promised to always

Blossom POV.Caleb, overwhelmed with sympathy for me, instinctively enveloped me in his embrace, and I found comfort in resting my cheek against his chest.I hadn't intended to unload all my worries onto Caleb like that. Sharing everything with him was never part of the master plan I had devised the night before, just before I finally managed to get some sleep. While I wasn't attracted to Caleb in the way I was to Dean, I valued what felt like a fraternal kind of affection from him. Caleb was someone I trusted deeply, someone who might even prove to be a crucial ally in my efforts to bridge the worrisome gap between Dean and me. I believed he possessed a wealth of insight that could potentially guide my path moving forward.Caleb held me close for several comforting seconds before finally releasing the hug and stepping back. As much as he enjoyed having me in his arms, he knew he'd have to suppress his feelings for me. This wasn't going to be an easy task, but it was undoubtedly impor