No Bride for My Alpha Mate

“If these behaviors continue, I’ll have to reconsider whether this ceremony is worth going through with.” My Alpha mate finally broke the silence, finishing his sentence.

A ripple of murmurs spread through the room, and my heart sank. I wanted to scream, to tell everyone the truth, but I forced myself to remain silent.

As Luciano moved on to the next topic, Araceli suddenly stepped forward, clutching her stomach.

“Alpha,” she said, her voice trembling, “I’d like to say something.”

Luciano gestured for her to continue.

“I know this isn’t the time, but I can’t stay silent anymore. I’ve tried to keep this to myself, but I think it’s important for the pack to know what I’ve been enduring.”

The pack shifted uneasily, their attention now fully on her.

“It’s Luna Isadora,” she said, her voice breaking as tears welled in her eyes. “She’s been... hostile toward me, accusing me of things I haven’t done. And today, she...”

She turned to me, her eyes glistening with crocodile tears. “She pushed me.”

Gasps echoed through the hall, and I froze.

“That’s a lie!” I said, my voice rising above the crowd.

Araceli shook her head, tears streaming down her face. “I just wanted to be close to her, to offer her my support. But when I tried to hug her earlier, she shoved me so hard I nearly fell.”

“That never happened!” I shouted, stepping forward. “She’s lying!”

Luciano’s gaze snapped to me, his eyes cold. “Isadora.”

“She’s manipulating you!” I said, desperation creeping into my voice. “She’s been playing everyone, and now she’s trying to paint me as the villain?”

Araceli sniffled, clutching her stomach dramatically. “I only care about the safety of my pup. I don’t want any trouble, Alpha. I just... I just don’t feel safe anymore.”

Luciano turned to me, his expression unreadable. “Do you have anything to say for yourself?”