Chapter 15
Larissa’s Pov
Samuel had gone all out. Half of the Moonfang Pack was lined up behind him, an extravagant procession of sleek black cars, all loaded with the betrothal gifts he had personally chosen.
The sheer scale of it left everyone speechless–even the most stone–faced elders blinked twice.
Even I couldn’t believe it. He’d actually prepared that much… for me.
I mean, sure, I’m the High Priestess’s daughter–but only technically. I’m the illegitimate one. My mother died when I was little, and ever since, I’d been living under the
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thumb of my stepmother. Life with her was… manageable, at best. Cold, calculated, and never enough. Samuel was the one golden thread I could grab onto, the highest branch I could ever hope to reach.
So when I overheard their conversation from behind my bedroom door–my stepmother and Samuel–I was frozen with surprise.
She hadn’t planned to give me much of a dowry. Barely half of what she gave her own daughter. But the moment she saw Samuel’s display of wealth and power, she changed her tune. Suddenly, there were silk boxes being packed with gold and fine fabrics, heirloom jewelry I thought I’d never see again. Even my father, who had always treated me like a ghost, looked at me differently that day.
“Our Larissa sure is a lucky girl,” he said with
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a smile I’d never seen directed at me.
Samuel answered smoothly, “It’s only natural. Larissa and I are fated mates, after all.”
when the formal talks were done, I finally stepped out of my room. My cheeks were burning-I could barely meet Samuel’s eyes -as I climbed into the ceremonial carriage.
And then the drums started.
The entire Moonfang Pack erupted in celebration. Horns blared. Wolf soldiers lined the roads, tossing handfuls of gold coins into the air. The streets were alive with
cheers and clamor.
Everyone knew: Samuel was marrying me.
Me–Larissa Turner.
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Felicia’s POV
When the big day finally rolled around, Kevin didn’t try to stop me anymore. In fact, he seemed downright excited to tag along like we were headed to some kind of festival.
And honestly? We kind of were.
Samuel’s estate was packed. Crowds surrounded the place like wolves during a full moon feast.
As soon as Samuel stepped out of his car, his eyes landed right on me. I was chatting politely with his father–just catching up, really. But the moment Samuel saw us, he came charging over like a wolf convinced he smelled trouble.
“Felicia,” he blurted, not even pretending to
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keep his voice down. “I’ve already made up my mind to marry Larissa. You can’t stop it now, no matter how hard you try.”
I blinked at him. Oh, so that’s what he thought I was doing here?
I turned to face him slowly, my voice cool and clipped. “Samuel, I’ve told you more times than I care to count–I’ve already stepped aside for you and Larissa. I’m just catching up with your father. That’s all.”
His father gave a nervous chuckle and nodded, clearly wanting no part of this awkward exchange.
Then, right on cue, Kevin appeared from who–knows–where, slid an arm around my waist, and pulled me snug against him. He grinned.
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“That’s right, Samuel. Felicia and I are doing just fine, thank you very much. We wouldn’t dream of ruining your big day.” He leaned in a little closer, voice playful. “We even brought you a wedding gift. Want to guess what it is?”
Samuel frowned. Of course he did. He and Kevin never really got along. Samuel always thought Kevin was too unruly, too shameless -which, to be fair, wasn’t entirely wrong. But this wasn’t the time or place for old rivalries, so he clenched his jaw, forced a tight smile, and backed off.
The ceremony kicked off shortly after that.
Larissa arrived to a fanfare of petals and flute music, her face glowing under a sheer lace veil. Unlike the whirlwind way I had picked my mate, Samuel’s wedding was steeped in tradition. They knelt, bowed, gave
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thanks, and played the perfect couple unuci the watchful eyes of a hundred guests.
I was sitting at the main table with Kevin, prime viewing spot and all, but I didn’t look at Samuel once. Not even when they exchanged vows. Not even when the
audience clapped. I kept my eyes on Kevin or the wine in front of me.
I could feel his gaze burning into the side of my face. I could feel the frustration he was swallowing down with every toast.
Still, he followed through. He did the bows. He said the words. He pretended he wasn’t wondering whether he’d made the wrong choice.
Just when he and Larissa were about to head into the bridal chamber, his father suddenly spoke up, loud and proud.
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“Samuel’s always told me the moment he fell for Larissa,” he said, clapping a hand on his son’s shoulder. “Back in the training grounds -he said her shooting skills left such an impression, he couldn’t get her out of his head. Since today is such a grand occasion, and we have so many guests… why not give us a little demonstration, Larissa? Show us what captivated my son!”
Samuel’s face lit up with nostalgia. “That’s right,” he said, eyes softening as he turned to Larissa. “I’ll never forget that day. Just one glimpse of you at the range, and I was done for. Everyone should see how amazing you
are.”
He was expecting her to glow with pride.
Instead, Larissa froze.
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em Her parents shifted uncomfortably. Her gmother gave a tight smile. “That can’t be
right… Our Larissa has never touched a gun in her life. She plays the piano, not–well- not something so crude.”
END
The entire room seemed to tilt.
Samuel’s smile faltered. “You don’t shoot?”
Larissa avoided his eyes, her mouth opening and closing like she was about to explain, but no sound came out. Everyone saw the truth written in her silence.
And right then–right then–I couldn’t help it. I let out the smallest laugh.
Samuel turned toward me like he’d been yanked by a string.
I met his eyes, raised my glass slightly, and
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smiled. “Don’t push poor Miss Larissa. If you really want to see some marksmanship, I can give you a demonstration instead. Call it my little wedding gift to you.”
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