The Alpha’s Substitute Mate

Isabella

I sucked in some air and left my room with the Queen and some maids for the garden in the castle.

Everyone’s eyes were on me as I kept moving. The place was packed with a lot of people, many of whom I was certain were the Pack members and while others were probably Alphas from the different packs who came to grace the occasion with their presence and most importantly to be in the good books of Blood Moon Pack.

As we got to the garden, Queen Selena and the maids went to have their seats and I was left with Violet standing beside me. I scanned around looking for my Dad or sisters but there was no sign of them. Somehow I had expected him to make an appearance on my wedding day. Maybe it would make up for the way he had signed away my life and then sent me off without even saying goodbye.

“He didn’t even bother to care if I was alright or I was accepted by the Blood Moon Pack knowing he didn’t stick fully to his own side of the bargain.” His lack of care shouldn’t surprise me, but it still hurts me.

I felt a glint of tears in my eyes and I sighed and dabbed my eyes and tried to console myself

” What was I thinking that Dad will suddenly love me, hell no

This marriage was his way of finally getting rid of me.”

” But how would I walk down the aisle without Dad? The tradition demands that the father walks down the aisle with the bride and then hands her over to the groom.” I started feeling nervous about the whole thing.

I was still lost in my thoughts when I felt a hand tap my shoulders and veered around and saw Mr. Jack, Dad’s chauffeur, smiling at me, he was wearing a jet-black suit, and his short black hair was a mixture of gray and he looked handsome.

Immediately I saw him, I felt some kinda joy, and I hugged him. Seeing someone from my pack infused some kind of strength in me.

” Hi Bella, how are you? He said

” I’m fine Mr. Jack, Where is Dad? Is he with you?” I enquired

But the pain in his eyes was enough to answer my questions but I silently wished just maybe my instincts were wrong at that moment.

He shook his head and replied, ” I’m so sorry Bella, but the Alpha sent me to stand in for him.”

” What about my sisters?” I stuttered

“I’m so sorry but I’m the only one from the pack that was sent to attend the wedding.”

I felt a pang of pain slice through me. I was broken even if Dad hated me so much then what happened to my sisters?

I fought hard against the tears waiting to emerge. I really tried but just couldn’t win against my emotions. I immediately turned away from Mr jack but he was faster and stopped me from running out of the garden, he hugged me and patted my back

” Be strong dear, you can do this, and please, stop crying. Today is your big day. Remember you should be all smiles and happy.” He cheered me up and released me from the hug

He stepped back a bit and looked at me intently

” You made a beautiful bride Bella, and you look exactly like our late Luna.”Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

It was as if he regretted saying those last words because he apologized immediately and mumbled something like he would be punished if the Alpha heard about it.

Just then the cello player started playing “We belong together by Mariah Carey.”

“Are you ready, everybody is waiting.” Mr. Jack whispered and stuck out his elbow and…

I nodded and I held his elbow in a ladylike manner and we walked down the aisle which had been decorated with colorful balloons and bouquets of flowers. As we got closer everyone turned in their chairs to stare.

Jeez!!! I would never get used to that. I’m a very shy person and the way their eyes were focused on me and for a second I thought I would lose my balance and fall flat on my face but I held onto Mr. Jack’s elbow tightly and tried to focus my attention on something else.

Unconsciously my eyes settled on the altar and my heart flopped over in my chest.

“Arden”

There he was… Looking absolutely delicious in a black tux. His hair was perfectly coiffed and I could smell his scent drifting in the air.

That smell of summer rain and lavender, that literally made me drool and I felt butterflies in my stomach and that weird sensation that made me want to run into his hands and have a feel of that sexy chest of his. My eyes slid down to his lips and I was left visualizing what it would be like to have a taste of those plump cherry-red lips. I felt my cheeks heat up from all my wild imagination but I was happy that no one would notice because of the veil that was used to cover my face.

He stared at me with his cold emerald green eyes and his face was devoid of any emotion and his hands were clasped behind his back.

I straightened my back, squared my shoulders, lifted my chin, and kept my eyes on Arden. More like I stared into those cold eyes of his. I choose not to cower before him

No!!! I would not crouch down in fear.

We stopped in front of the altar and Mr. Jack turned me to face him and took my hands in his, he leaned closer to my ear so that what he would say could only be heard between the two of us. He spoke in a low tone

” Bella dear, you’re stronger than you think. Be courageous and find your inner strength.” He squeezed my hands and then passed my hand into Arden’s and moved back to his seat.

I was standing close to Arden and his murderous stare reminded me of the famous word ” If looks could kill.”

After a short while, the wedding officiant started reading the vows out loud

“Do you, Arden Vinci, take this woman Isabella Cross to be your lawful wedded wife?”

He stared at me and for a moment I saw a flash of pain in his eyes but it disappeared immediately and was replaced with his cold stare. He replied sharply more like he wants to get over and done with this.

” Yes, I do”