Chapter 246
Soren
The reception is in full swing, laughter and music filling the air. Candle lit chandeliers sway gently overhead, casting a warm golden glow over the festivities. Aubrey is standing across the room, radiant in her wedding gown, surrounded by people. Her smile brightens the entire hall, and for a brief moment, I allow myself to relax and take it all in.
But only for a moment.
Because even as the celebration continues around me, my attention remains locked on King Alaric. He stands near the edge of the room, surrounded by his entourage guards, his every move watched by my own, his eyes sharp as he scans the crowd. He looks the part of a respected king–dressed impeccably in a dark suit, exuding an air of calm authority. But beneath that polished exterior, I can sense the unease simmering beneath his skin. He’s hiding something, and soon, he’s going to find out that his secrets are no longer safe.
I don’t take my eyes off him. This isn’t just a wedding for me- it’s a trap, and Alaric has walked right into it.
Minutes pass, and then I see it–the subtle change in his demeanor. One of his men approaches, leaning in close to whisper something in his ear. Alaric’s smug expression falters, his brows drawing together in a brief flicker of concern before he schools his features back into neutrality.
He knows.
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Nodding to Damian, I see my men usher Aubrey, my mother and Max out of the ballroom and to the tents outside in the courtyard. This is still Aubrey’s day and nothing will ruin it if I can help it.
I watch as he carefully places his glass down on a nearby table and casually starts to edge toward the exit. He moves with the precision of a man who’s used to slipping away unnoticed, but not this time. Not here. Not on my watch.
I step forward, my voice cutting through the noise of the reception like a blade. “Going somewhere, Alaric?”
The entire room falls silent, all eyes turning toward us. Aubrey’s gaze snaps to mine as she is ushered toward the door, her smile fading as she senses the shift in the atmosphere.
Alaric straightens, turning to face me with a carefully neutral expression. “Soren, it’s late. My guard is nervous for the trip home, not that I am saying your guard isn’t capable of.”
“You knew exactly what Clyde and Rhett were doing,” I cut him off, my voice cold. “And now, while you’ve been here enjoying my hospitality, my men have been dismantling your entire operation.”
A ripple of shock spreads through the gathered crowd. Gasps echo around the hall, and whispered conversations break out as people try to make sense of what’s happening. All while the few paparazzi we let attend start snapping shots for the papers, no doubt this will splashed over every single one by morning. And the council is ready for any backlash from the public, ready to release all evidence and paperwork.
Alaric’s eyes narrow, and for a split second, his composure
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slips, revealing the fury and panic lurking beneath. He clenches his jaw, his hands curling into fists at his sides. “You’re making a mistake,” he says, his voice low and dangerous. “Accusing a fellow king without proof is a grave offense, Soren.”
“I have all the proof I need,” I reply, stepping closer to him. My voice remains calm, but my aura pulses out, heavy and commanding. “Clyde’s testimony, Bianca’s confession, and the evidence we seized from your shipments. It’s over, Alaric. You’ve lost. The council has everything.” I motion to Magnus across the room, who stands.
Alaric’s lips pull back into a snarl, his fangs gleaming under the chandelier’s light as he glares at Magnus. “You think you can corner me like some common criminal?” he growls before turning his attention back to me. “I built my empire while you were still learning how to walk, boy.”
“And now you’re watching it crumble,” I retort.
Before I can say more, Alaric makes his move. He moves with the speed and strength of an old vampire, his strikes precise. He grabs one of my guards who advances toward him, throwing him across the room like he weighs nothing. Tables are upended, glasses shattering on the marble floor as guests scatter, some screaming, others frozen in shock as his men start trying to take out my guard.
“Get the civilians out!” I bark at Damian through the mindlink. We needed an audience and we got that but that doesn’t mean risking their lives. He nods, immediately stepping in to direct the guards toward the panicked crowd while the rest of my guard subdue Alaric’s men. This is why we had the tents and ballroom set up for the reception. We knew one would be
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destroyed. I knew Alaric wouldn’t go down without a fight.
Meanwhile, I focus on Alaric. He’s fast, but I’m faster. I shift into my lycan form mid–leap, my muscles bulging as my claws extend. I land in front of him as he runs for the doors.
Alaric snarls, lunging at me with supernatural speed, but I’m ready. I dodge his strike, swiping at him with my claws. He hisses in pain as I leave a deep gash across his chest, dark blood seeping through his torn suit.
The fight is brutal. Alaric is strong, but his arrogance is his weakness. He fights like a man who’s used to winning, but he’s never faced someone like me–someone with everything to lose and even more to protect.
I dodge another strike, countering with a powerful kick that sends him crashing into a nearby pillar. The stone cracks under the impact, dust and debris raining down around him.
He struggles to his feet, blood dripping from his mouth as he glares at me with pure hatred. With one final surge of power, I leap forward, sinking my claws deep into his chest. He gasps, his eyes widening in shock as I lift him off the ground. For a moment, everything goes still. The sounds of the reception fade into the background, and all I can hear is the pounding of my heart and Alaric’s labored breaths.
And then, with a swift motion, I rip his heart from his chest.
Alaric’s body goes limp, and I let it fall to the ground in a lifeless heap. Blood pools around him, dark and viscous, staining the marble floor.
The room is eerily silent as everyone stares at the scene before them. Slowly, I shift back into my human form,
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breathing heavily as I wipe the blood from my hands.
Jury
Damian steps forward, his expression grim. “Get me another suit.”
He nods to one of the guards who grabs my other suit. The few guests that didn’t make it out are shaken, but safe when I notice they are council members overseeing. Aubrey stands near the edge of the room having come back in, her eyes wide with shock and relief. I make my way toward her, and the moment I reach her, she throws her arms around me.
“You’re okay,” she whispers, her voice trembling.
“I’m fine,” I assure her, holding her close but keeping my hands away from her dress. “It’s over. Now let’s get back to our wedding.” She glances behind me but I grab her chin forcing her gaze back to me. “The guard will handle it.”
She nods, when I notice a smear of blood on her dress and veil. I quickly remove her veil and one of my guards comes over with a white fur cloak, draping it over her shoulders. I quickly change and Magnus comes over.
“Enjoy your receptions, my king, I’ll oversee this. I already had your guard escort the few camera people out. I’ll address them too at the gates.” I nod, fixing my bow tie and following my Queen out.
The reception resumes slowly, though the mood is more subdued. The threat is gone, but the weight of what just happened lingers. Still, as I hold Aubrey close and feel the warmth of our bond, all I feel from her is a calm relief. So I know I didn’t totally ruin the night.
Chapter 247
