The Alpha’s Substitute Mate

Isabella

I woke up to a knock on my door, I got up and unlocked the door expecting to see Violet’s sunny and smiling face but instead, it was Lance. I was confused but I tried my best to conceal it, so he wouldn’t notice.

” Beautiful morning Bella,” he smiled cheerfully

” Sorry to disturb your sleep but Mum wants me to call you down for breakfast.”

” Okay,” I said sleepily, stretching my body and yawning.

” I guess I overslept, please give me a few minutes to get ready.”

” Okay, will wait for you in the foyer, please don’t take too long.” with that he left the room

I walked into the washroom and turned on the water to brush my teeth and wash my face. I push the damp strands of hair from my forehead, exhaling a warm breath as I try to keep up with the thoughts racing through my head.

I was not eager about going down for breakfast, what if Arden is there already? I sighed knowing that I can’t be running away from him after all he’s my mate and husband-to-be. I came out of the bathroom and removed my pajamas, opened the closet, and took out a black lacy bra and matching panties. I wore a jumpsuit and I dragged a brush through my tangled hair and styled it into a messy bun. I looked into the mirror satisfied with my look. I sucked in some air and left my room to the dining hall.

I entered the dining hall and noticed that everyone was waiting for me to join them before they started having breakfast. I scanned the faces looking for one particular face with emerald-green eyes but he was not there, my chest heaved as I took in lungfuls of air and felt oddly relieved.

” Ah! Here you are, my daughter!” Queen Selena called from the royal table.

I made my way to the royal table, getting there I greeted them and the queen motioned for me to sit close to her.

” I’m sorry for coming down late for breakfast Queen Selena, I overslept,” I apologized immediately after I got seated.

” Think nothing of it dear, please call me mum, you’re my daughter now.” She smiled and gestured for the servants to start serving breakfast.

” Okay, Queen Sel… I mean mum. I smiled back at her

The servants came in and were serving omelets, pancakes, avocado toast, cheese sandwiches, bacon, and watermelon juice. I started eating unlike last night when I wasn’t having the appetite but this morning I ate like a starved bulldog. I guess it is because Arden was not there to growl or stare at me with hate. We ate in silence. The only sound that could be heard in the dining hall was the clinking of cutlery on the plates, everybody seemed quite engrossed in their meal.© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

As if Queen Selena read my thoughts she broke the silence

“My dear, I would like to go over the details of the wedding ceremony with you.” She said

Immediately my appetite vanished, and I choked on the omelet that was in my mouth, and she quickly offered me water. The last thing I wanted to think about was the wedding, let alone plan the details. After breakfast, I followed Queen Selena like a royal dog to the lounge. Immediately after we got seated, one of the maids came in carrying a purple box that was sealed with a white ribbon in a flowery pattern. And dropped it on a table beside me, I was curious but I didn’t want to open it without the Queen consenting to it.

” Here it’s for you, you can check it and find out if you like it.” Queen Selena instructed

I removed the ribbons and lifted the cover and felt tears burn behind my eyes

“A wedding gown, and it’s beautiful” I whispered. I touched delicate lace and silk fabric which was beaded with pearls that elegantly added to its beauty.

Actually the wedding gown was more than beautiful and I knew it would cost a fortune.

” The wedding dress is a family heirloom, I received it from the former Queen, and now I’m passing it to you as the future Luna and you will also pass it to the next person, it’s a tradition that has been in practice in our pack for decades.” Queen Selena elucidated

I felt more sad and worried, it seemed wrong to wear such a special garment to a farce marriage with a man who loathes me.

“Take it out dear, and have a proper look at it .”

I didn’t want to take it out of the box, but I did, so that the Queen won’t notice how the sight of the wedding dress is making me nervous.

I took out the wedding dress. It was a beautiful ball gown, more like a fairy tale princess kind of style. It has a long full skirt that flares out dramatically and a fitted bodice that was decorated with pearls and there were layers upon layers of tulle that gave it a perfect finish.

“It’s very pretty, so stylish,” I said

” You will look absolutely beautiful in it.” the Queen chipped in

I carefully folded the dress and put it back in the box and then Lance came in and joined us while the Queen opened her laptop and started talking about the details of the wedding, I listened partially but the better part of me didn’t care about the whole arrangement but I forced myself to act interested and answered her when she asked me questions.

She talked about the kind of decorations, flowers, seating, and all that ceremonial stuff.

” Bella dear, the wedding ceremony would be in the garden, so I was thinking that the place would be decorated with glowing lanterns, small floral bouquets in vases, floral garlands on the back of chairs, and rose petals sprinkled on the ground. What do you think?” She asked

“It’s perfect,” I answered

What’s your favorite flower, dear?”

” Orchids,” I replied

” Ohh Bella, before I forgot after the wedding ceremony, you and Arden have officially become husband and wife. Then we would move to the pack council hall where Arden will be crowned as the Alpha and you will be crowned as the Luna.” She smiled and touched my cheeks and giggled.

“Me! Luna?” How can I possibly become his Luna when he had already declared that I can’t be by his side as a Luna?” My head was spinning with a lot of thoughts and memories of yesterday and Arden staring at me with plain hatred.

She talked about the kind of hairstyle that I would be needing and even booked an appointment with a famous and expensive hair stylist. And also booked an appointment for my makeup, the whole preparation stuff was getting on my nerves but I didn’t have much option than to play along.

Looking at the way Queen Selena was excited, one would think she was the one getting married.