Chapter 50

The rehearsal dinner was going to be a dress rehearsal as well. I particularly needed to be sure that I could walk in my dress and heels. I didn’t want to embarrass myself in front of the whole pack by tripping and falling.

I stood in front of the full-length mirror, staring at myself. The dress was just as perfect as the last time I put it on and now that my makeup and hair were done, the whole thing seemed to be more real. I actually looked like a bride. Not just some girl playing dress-up.

I couldn’t help smiling at myself and doing a little twirl. Of course, Arthur chose that moment to come in through the side door.

I gaped at him. I’m pretty sure an entire swarm of flies could have entered my mouth at that moment. That’s how open my mouth was. Arthur looked like some kind of fairytale prince come to life.

Arthur had requested an all white tuxedo. It made him look like he was glowing. The color contrasted nicely with his tanned skin. He had paired it with a white tie. The only splash of color was the emerald green pocket square that he had picked out to go with the color scheme.

“Do it again,” he commanded, his voice coming out strained. His hands were in fists at his sides. His stance was stiff, like he was holding himself back.

“Do what again?” I asked softly and he made a twirling motion with his finger. He wanted me to spin again. I obliged, not sure where this was going.

When I finished my twirl, I let out a gasp. Arthur was directly in front of me now. I hadn’t even heard him move.

I stumbled. Arthur’s arms shot out, grabbing onto my waist and steadying me. His hands tightened around me as he pulled me to him. I tried to keep my face away from him so I wouldn’t get makeup on his suit, but he wasn’t making it easy.

“You’re the most beautiful woman I have ever seen,” he growled into my ear and I let out a self-deprecating chuckle. How could he say that when I knew what Sofia looked like? There was no way I was the most beautiful. Not by a long shot.

Arthur pulled away abruptly, cupping my face in his hands. “I mean it, Almara. If I have to say it for the rest of our lives, I will. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. And I am so lucky that you are going to be my wife and the mother of my children.”

I blinked away tears. I couldn’t cry right now. It would mess up my makeup that I had painstakingly applied. So instead I focused on the last word. “Children?”

Arthur’s lips broke out into a beautiful smile. “You didn’t think I would be satisfied with just one, did you?”

“The contract didn’t say anything about multiple children,” I said before I could stop myself. Arthur’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. It only lasted for a couple of seconds before realization hit and he chuckled.

“We’ve been so busy that I forgot to tell you. I tore up the contract. It doesn’t exist anymore. I wasn’t lying when I said that you’re mine. Forever and always,” Arthur whispered and I nearly choked on the air that I suddenly inhaled.

The contract was gone. Did that mean…?

“We can talk about it later. Right now, our family and friends are outside waiting for us. Just know that you’re stuck with me,” he said, before taking my arm and leading us to the chapel.

Our wedding party was already there waiting. Cathy was beaming at me. Dana had a scowl on her face, but she managed a cool smile when Arthur glanced over at her. William was Arthur’s best man and a wolf I didn’t really know was his groomsman.

I didn’t have many friends so the wedding party was kind of small. It didn’t matter though. I was just happy that Cathy was here. And my parents. My dad practically ran me over as he wrapped me in a hug.

“I’m so proud of you,” he said, giving me one more tight squeeze before he let me go.

Arthur smiled at me as he and his groomsmen walked inside the chapel, getting into place. Dana and Cathy lined up, while my father and I stood behind them. We were just waiting for the song now.

Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years” began to play and as soon as her voice came over the speakers, Dana began to walk. Even though this was a rehearsal, my heart started pounding away in my chest.

“It’s time to go, my little love,” my father whispered and I clung to his arm. We started moving and as we entered the chapel, all I could see was Arthur waiting for me at the end of the aisle. Everything else disappeared.

When we reached the end, my father made a show of removing an imaginary veil and kissed my cheek.

“Who gives away this woman?” the officant asked, smiling down at us.

“I do,” my father answered, giving my hand a quick squeeze before sitting down next to my mother. I went up the steps by myself, pretending to give my bouquet to Cathy. Arthur took my trembling hands in his, holding them tightly so that no one else would notice.

“Alright. Now, I’m sure everyone here knows how a wedding is supposed to go. I’ll start with the ‘Dearly Beloved’ bit and then ask ‘Is there anyone here who objects?’ If you wish to object, that is the time to do it,” the officiant said and Arthur gave a fake glare. Everyone chuckled.

“The bride and -” before the officiant could continue, the chapel doors flew open and in walked Sofia.

“I object!” she said loudly as she came down the aisle with a slight limp. I glanced at Arthur and his face had completely shut down. I looked over his head, but he was going through so many emotions that it was hard to keep track. I honestly had no idea how he was feeling.

“Arthur, please don’t marry her. I’m your mate. Your fated mate. I’m so sorry for what I put you through. I’ve seen the error of my ways. I’m ready to have a family. I’m ready to be your wife,” Sofia pleaded, her blue eyes full of tears as she reached out a hand.

To my horror, Arthur let go of my hands and took Sofia’s. “Why are you limping, Sofia? Are you okay?”

Sofia let out a heart-wrenching sob. “Oh, Arthur. My ballet career is over. I hurt my leg months ago and the doctors said that I’ll never dance again. Please. You have to forgive me. I can’t lose you, too.”

Arthur’s face fell. I bit my lip, wondering what he was going to say or do. I resisted putting my hand over my belly as an instinctive protective urge hit me. What Arthur did next could potentially break me.

“Oh, Sofia,” Arthur said on a sigh and pulled her into his arms. My father’s face turned red with anger and my mom placed her hand over her mouth in shock. Timed seemed to slow down and I could only stare as the maelstrom over Arthur’s head slowly shifted to a deep red. That was love. He still loved her. Of course he did. I was a fool.

Almara, wait…Lily started, but it was too late. I couldn’t be here. I had to get away. I ran down the aisle, ignoring the cries around me. I wrapped my arms around myself as I ran, my heart breaking for me and my baby. We were utterly alone.