The Alpha’s Arranged Bride

ALPHA CARAMEL’S POV

I was glad there was an after-party so I could dance with her. However, it seemed she did not share the same sentiment because her mood suddenly turned sour just a few minutes after we began dancing. At first, I thought it was because she noticed the stares we were getting.

I held her close, trying to convey my presence, but her expression remained unchanged. In fact, it felt like she was far away from the dance floor. I frowned because I had a feeling this had to do with Rose. She must have agitated Lavender, and that was why she was behaving this way.

I doubted she even felt my touch because she did not even bother to look at me. “Why didn’t you introduce me as your wife?” Her question came.

I was taken aback by this question. “What?” was all I could ask at that moment.

Her gaze dropped to meet mine, and she looked confused for a minute before she realized she had said that out loud. “You asked something,” I said.

She shook her head and smiled nervously. “I didn’t mean to ask that. I was just too lost in my thoughts.” She tried to excuse her question, but I could not.

“It still matters, does it not?” I asked, and she smiled.

“It’s not important,” she tried to brush it off again.

“But it bothers you,” I said softly.

She said nothing as she took a step back, twirled, and then returned to my arms. I waited for her to speak, but the more I waited, the more I realized she would not speak. She was not ready to buy it. I felt hurt by this.

The moment the dance ended, I led her off the dance floor and out of the party hall. I walked over to Asher, who was speaking with someone and instructed him to inform everyone that I was leaving, as I needed to attend to something very important. Once done, I led her to the car and out of the school premises.

A few distances away, I instructed the driver to stop and told him to head back as we would head home ourselves. All the while, Lavender remained quiet but had a look of confusion on her face. I had a favourite spot, so I was taking her there.

We walked in quietness for a few minutes, hands locked as we did so. I decided without informing her, which I never really thought about until now. It was a wrong move on my side, and I felt awful having to bring it up at the point when she asked about it.

The sun slowly went down, and just as we got to where we were headed, the moon was out. She gazed at the moon with a small smile on her lips. I kissed the back of her hand, which I still held, taking her attention to me. “I’m sorry,” I apologized.

“Why?” She looked confused.

Lavender was just too sweet. She didn’t want to pursue the topic, but if I did not, I would be a terrible person to use her kindness against her. It bothered her, and that was why it slipped off her lips. “You are my wife,” I firmly told her.

“I want the people to get to know you first before I make you my Luna. I know it is too much, but I have to do it. I love you from the bottom of my heart, and even though asking this of you may make it seem like I don’t, I really care about you. I don’t want people to be biased in loving you. I wanted them to see you for who you truly are,” I explained.

It was a lot to explain all at once, but I had to make it as short as possible. Even for me, I had to make them get to know me first before I was crowned the heir after my father. I was my father’s only son, but he was ready to give the Alpha position to someone else who was fit and was accepted by the people.

He made me understand that although power moved through family generations, the pack still needs to accept their leader. He gave me a chance to bond and understand my people, so I would be an excellent leader. I wanted that for Lavender, too. She was my wife, yes.

No one can take that from her. She was my choice, but I also wanted her to be an excellent Luna. She needed to understand the dynamics of the pack and all its complexities. It was necessary for her to learn how to be kind towards the people who would become her people. It was not common, but it was for the good of all.

I explained as much as needed to her, and she nodded with a smile. “I understand,” she said with a smile.

I studied her eyes to make sure she was telling the truth. Once I confirmed she was fine, I kissed the back of her hand. “One more thing,” I said. “if anything bothers you, tell me. I am your husband. My duty is to take your burden away. If you feel I hurt you, tell me,” I told her.

It really does hurt and feels like she doesn’t trust me or she thinks I would misunderstand when she does, and it doesn’t sit right with me. In this marriage, we were meant to love and understand each other and yes, there might be misunderstandings, but with Lavender, I was ready to set things straight at all times.

She nodded in understanding. I sighed, turning to the sky to feast on what it had for us. “Was it Rose?” I asked, after some time.

I turned to her when she said nothing. “Tell me. Was she?” I said.

“It doesn’t matter,” she said.

“If she disturbs you, tell me.”

“So you will ban her from coming to the mansion?”

“You want her there?”

“I’m not saying that. I just don’t want to be the one to cause a problem between you two. I know how close you two were.”

“Just because we were close does not mean she can disrespect my wife,” I firmly told her.

“I know that, but let her be. I’ll try to not let her words get into my head,” she tried to calm me down.

I knew Lavender did not want us to fight, but that was the only way to clearly set a boundary for Rose. I do not want anyone trying to make things difficult for Lavender here. I needed to speak with Rose, and it was going to be my last say on this matter. I wouldn’t want to make any drastic decisions, but if she compels me to, then it will be done.

We stayed with each other for a while before leaving for the mansion. It was not too far a walk back to the mansion. Once Lavender was back in her room, I called Asher. They were all back, so I asked him to call Rose.

With a big smile, she walked into my study. “You called for me,” she said.

“What did you tell Lavender?” I asked, my face devoid of amusement. The smile on Rose’s face quickly disappeared. “I only spoke to her about the boutique,” she replied.

“I know you are lying to me,” I said.

Rose was good at acting. I was sure if she auditioned for a role in the movie industry; they were going to give it to her. “I’m being honest,” she said, dropping her head and her gaze to the floor.

“You know I let you stay here again because Lavender forgave you, right?” I reminded her.

She nodded swiftly. “Unfortunately, it seems I’ll have to get that changed,” I informed her, rising to my feet.

She raised her head almost immediately, eyes widening, then shook it. “Please, I didn’t say anything wrong to her,” she said.This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.

“We both know that’s not true,” I said.

“Please,” she pleaded.

I was done seeing this. “Son,” Mother called as she stepped into the room.

She glanced at Rose, who was now crying, and I sighed, taking my seat. “What happened?” She asked.

“She insulted Lavender and made her upset at the event,” I explained.

Mum glanced at Rose, who was crying at this point. “Please let her go this once,” Mum pleaded on Rose’s behalf.

“I gave her a chance before, Mother, and she missed it. I doubt if I give her another that she’ll not try to mess with Lavender again, and that I won’t tolerate,” I firmly told my mother.

“I’ll speak to her. Please,” Mother said.

I stared at Mum for a while before returning my gaze to Rose, who stood beside her. She was still crying, and if Mother had not interfered, I certainly would not have cared. I would have sent her out of the mansion and made an official order.

“Fine. One more slip-up and Rose is out of here,” I informed them.

“Thank you, Son,” Mum said.

“Thank you, Alpha,” Rose said, and I dismissed her.

I calmed down so I would not make Lavender upset with my aura. Once I felt alright, I went back to her room. She was already fast asleep when I opened the door. However, just as I was about to leave, I noticed she was sweating heavily, and then she let out a groan.