Chapter 55: Ceremony
It takes a lot of alcohol to get werewolves drunk. Especially an Alpha, such as myself. As I walk down the aisle, everything seems to blur together. Thankfully I am not swaying. Well, I don't think I am. I can feel the dull blanket covering my mind. It comforts my stormy sea of thoughts.
Finally, I have succumb to the chaos and let it engulf me. The dark liquor burned my throat but I'd emptied the bottle before making my appearance.
Standing across from Indicum, he frowns. If I wasn't any wiser, I would've thought he was worried about me. I hand my bouquet to Stella and turn to clasp hands with him. Where our skin touches sparks ignited like touching an electrical socket. His eyes narrow slightly.
After we place the rings on our fingers and say I do, we kissed chastely. The crowd applauds politely and we exit stage right.
Once inside the venue, Indicum grasps my wrist tightly and practically drags me to an empty secluded room.
"What the hell Regina?" He growls but I don't even flinch. "Why are you drunk at our wedding?"
He runs his fingers through his hair out of exasperation. I'd like to run my fingers through his hair…wait, what? What has gotten into me? I shake my head to clear my thoughts. I look up and notice his eyes are flickering from deep blue to dark green. I lean against the wall and cross my arms over my chest. The motion pushes my breasts up so they're nearly spilling from my dress. I follow his gaze to my chest.
"I don't answer to you. I'm an Alpha and I'll do what I want." I smirk.
Indicum stays quiet, his anger palpable. He approaches with a lethal stare. I don't flinch or look away. My eyes meet his and I notice so many emotions swirling behind their darkness. My breath hitches as he brings his face a mere inch from mine. I can smell his minty breath and the woodsy smell of his wolf. My stomach clenches and between my legs becomes slick. In that moment I almost forget about Rex. Almost.
*Traitor!* I yell at my body.
*He is our mate.* Praesul smiles, clearly still aroused by his proximity.
"I want you to remember those exact words in the future." His lips graze mine softly before he pulls back.
A lopsided smile is plastered on his face as he abruptly stalks out of the room.
"What in the actual fuck?" I suck in a deep breath not realizing I'd been holding it.
I clasp my heart as it beats quickly in my chest. Am I having a panic attack or am I actually starting to feel something for someone again?
"Are you okay?" Stella asks entering the room cautiously. She grabs my hand gently and leads me to sit down.
"Yeah." I say breathlessly.
"You can talk to me you know. You're not my mom."
"I'm your protector."
"You're my sister." Stella pouts firmly. "Talk to me Gin."
"This," I gesture to my dress, "should have been with Rex."
A sob escapes my lips as Stella pulls me in for a hug.
"It's about time you let it out." Aqua says from the doorway, shutting it behind her.
"Fuck off." I grumble.
"Wasn't an Alpha order; don't have to listen." Aqua takes a seat near mine.
"Keep going Gin." Stella coaxes.
"I miss them so much! But Indicum is also one of my mates and I can't help but feel attracted to him." I whisper brokenly between sobs.
"Guilt." Stella and Aqua say in unison.
I nod and let the tears flow. Stella wipes them before the black teardrops fall onto my white dress.
"You're ruining your make-up." Stella smiles softly.
"You know I don't give a damn about make-up." When had I ever used more than mascara and the occasional cover up?
Aqua laughs, "Don't worry, I've got some in my purse. We'll fix it before you make your appearance."
"Gin, is there more?" Stella asks gently.
These past few years, all packs agreed to keep watch and even send search parties to find Rex and Augur. All have turned up unsuccessful.
Some of the smaller packs eventually grew tired of wasting resources to help. They even challenged me in the tournament. They lost, of course, but still. It put everything into perspective. I was asking the impossible because I refused to believe the truth. I need to continue living.
"I don't want to move on but I feel like I have to. I feel like I'm stuck in limbo and it's not fair to anyone, including myself." I say, this time my voice doesn't crack. I put my head in my hands and sigh loudly.
"You need to go talk to Indicum and tell him. You haven't even told Ignis everything yet. You can let people in, they aren't going to hurt you." Stella says softly.
"But they will hurt me, it's inevitable." I sigh but I know she is right. "You're right."
"Mark the bloody calendar!" Aqua feigns surprise.
We all laugh. They set to work on fixing my make-up before tidying my appearance.
"That'll do." Stella pats my arm. "Your couples dance should be soon."
"I guess I'll find him first and try to explain things." I stand up and make my way to the door. "Don't stay in here too long ladies."
They fan me away. I know they wanted to talk about me and for once I don't mind. Maybe they're right I should take control and let Indicum know what's really going on.
I let myself feel the mate pull and follow his scent. He isn't in the open area with all the other dancers. Praesul started to pace nervously. She feels like something is off.
I go to the second story of the venue, down a hallway to a closed door. I try the handle but it is locked. Praesul whines and I can tell he is behind the door.
Collecting my thoughts, I knock in rapid succession. I can hear sounds but can't make out what they are. Abruptly the door opens. My heart feels like it's been pierced by an icicle at the sight before me.
Lipstick is smudged on Indicum's face and his belt is undone. A little of the red color is even on his white collar.
"Regina -"
My eyes find hers and the smirk on her face says it all. Her dress is lowered so her breasts are fully exposed. Casia. Indicum's Beta.
Quickly I mask the hurt and surprised expression on my face. Unfortunately, I can't stop my mouth before the word could escape.
"Why?" My Alpha tone doesn't work on him.
The silence is deafening. Emotions swirl in his deep blue flickering forest green eyes. It looks like his human side wins the battle though. He sighs loudly.
"I don't answer to you. I'm an Alpha and I'll do what I want."
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