Chapter 76
Adeline West
The son hum of conversations filled the air around me as I stared at my reflection in the full–length mirror. I could hardly recognize the woman looking back. The wedding dress was beautiful–a delicate, off–the–shoulder gown with intricate lace detailing that hugged my figure perfectly.
The trail cascaded behind me in layers of soft fabric, almost weightless. My hair was pinned up elegantly, with a few loose curls framing my face. I looked like a bride from a fairy tale, and yet, inside, a whirlwind of emotions stirred beneath my calm facade.
omorrow, I was marrying Sebastian. The thought filled me with warmth and fear all at once.
Mary was at my side, making final adjustments to the veil. Her warm smile did little to calm the nerves that fluttered in my stomach like a thousand butterflies. I had never imagined being here, at this moment, preparing for a wedding that symbolized a new beginning–a fresh chapter after the long, twisted road my life had taken.
“You’re glowing,” Mary said softly, stepping back to admire her work. “Sebastian won’t be able to take his eyes off you.”
A soft laugh escaped me, “Let’s hope that’s true.” I said.
Despite my joking tone, the nerves in my voice were unmistakable. I glanced toward the window, catching a glimpse of the outdoor setup where the ceremony would take place. It was breathtaking. The clearing near the packhouse had been transformed into a dream–like setting, with rows of white chairs, elegant floral arrangements, and a delicate arch draped with white and red roses. The late afternoon sun cast a golden glow across everything, making the scene even more magical.
“Everything’s perfect, Adeline,” Elena said, stepping forward with her usual confidence. She had been an anchor through this entire process, a source of unwavering support.
“Sebastian has taken care of every detail. This is your day.” She said.
I nodded, trying to ground myself in that thought. This was my day–a day to leave the pain behind and embrace a future with someone who had always stood by me.
Bridget’s excited giggles caught my attention. She was twirling in her little flower girl dress, a bundle of energy and joy. Tristan, however, stood by the window, his brow furrowed in concentration as he watched people outside.
“Mommy, is the Toy man coming?” Bridget’s innocent voice broke through my thoughts.
My heart clenched at the mention of Killian. She’d been asking about him more and more lately, unaware of the storm that raged between us. I froze, unsure of what to say. Inviting Killian? That was impossible. The man was a constant reminder of everything I had tried so hard to leave behind.
Before I could respond, I noticed Tristan’s posture stiffen. He was still staring out the window, but something about the way his hands tightened at his sides sent a jolt of worry through me.
“Tristan?” I called softly, trying to gauge what had him so tense.
He didn’t respond. Instead, he turned away from the window, his face a mask of anger. I blinked, confused by the sudden shift in his demeanor.
Before I could talk to him the door opened, and Sebastian’s mother, Esther walked in.
Her presence was like a balm to my nerves, her familiar smile grounding me. “Wow,” she whispered, his gaze sweeping over me with pure admiration. “You look beautiful, my dear.”
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Chapter 76
Despite the turmoil brewing inside me, I managed a smile. “Thank you.”
She walked over to me, gently taking my hand in her. “Are you ready for this?” she asked softly.
I nodded. “I am.”
Mary appeared beside us, her voice cheerful as she motioned toward the door. “It’s time.”
My heart skipped a beat as we made our way outside. Tristan and Bridget took their places beside me, Mary on my other side as we walked toward the ceremony site. As we stepped into the clearing, the sight took my breath away. Everything was perfect–the rows of guests, the soft music, the golden light filtering through the trees. This was everything I had ever wanted, everything I had worked so hard to reach after all the heartbreak.
Sebastian, dressed in a black suit which made him look so handsome and perfect, waited for me under the floral arch, his eyes fixed on me with a look that made my heart flutter. I felt Tristan’s small hand tighten around mine as we walked down the aisle together, and Bridget practically bounced with excitement beside me.
Each step felt surreal, as if I were floating, caught in the dreamlike beauty of the moment. I reached Sebastian, who took my hands in his, and the world seemed to still. This was it. My fresh start.
One of the Elders of the pack, George, the priest began speaking, but I barely heard the words. I was too focused on the love in Sebastian’s eyes, on the promise of a future free from the shadows of the past.
“Do you, Adeline, take Sebastian to be your lawfully wedded husband?” He asked, his voice cutting through the haze.
I smiled, my heart full. “I-”
“There’s no wedding happening today,” Killian’s voice rang out, cold and final.
Killian Volkov.
He was walking toward us, flowed by his Beta, Damien, and several of his wolves. His powerful, commanding presence sent a wave of tension rippling through the clearing. His eyes were locked on mine, dark and unreadable.
A collective gasp rippled through the guests. I felt my blood run cold, my mind reeling in disbelief. This couldn’t be happening. Not now. Not here.
Sebastian stepped forward, his voice laced with anger. “Killian, what the hell are you doing?”
Killian didn’t flinch. His gaze was fixed on me, and in that moment, I knew he wasn’t here to talk. He was here to stop To stop me.
this.
I couldn’t breathe. My hands shook as I clutched onto Tristan and Bridget, pulling them closer. Why was he doing this? “This is a private event, Killian,” Sebastian growled, moving to stand in front of me protectively. “You need to leave Killian’s face hardened, his jaw clenched tight. “This isn’t happening,” he said again, his voice like ice. “You’re not marrying
her.”
Time seemed to slow as his words echoed in my ears. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t speak. All I could do was stare at him.
Sebastian’s fists were clenched at his sides, and I could feel the tension radiating off him. “This is none of your business, Killian.”
But Killian stepped forward, his eyes never leaving mine. “It is my business,” he said, his voice low but sharp. “This wedding can’t go
on.”
My heart pounded in my chest as the weight of his words settled over me like a dark cloud. The murmurs of the guests, the
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shocked expressions, the pack elders standing behind Killian–it all became a blur. Everything was crumbling around me.
Killian wasn’t just here to disrupt my wedding. He was here to ruin everything.
“Mommy, why is Toy Man stopping the wedding?” Bridget’s soft voice broke through the chaos.
I had no answers. No way to explain why Killian was here,
I looked down at her wide, innocent eyes, my throat closing up. why he was doing this. I could feel Tristan’s hand in mine, his small fingers trembling,
And then I saw it–Tristan’s face, twisted in anger. His eyes burned with a hatred I hadn’t seen before, directed at Killian, Tears pricked the corners of my eyes as I looked up at Killian, my voice barely a whisper.
Why are you doing this?”
But Killian didn’t answer.
His silence was louder than any words he could have spok
