CHAPTER 8. AN IMPROMPTU WEDDING
RYDER.
The route leading to the pack was silent, just as it should be. I'd chosen a hotel in this remote part of the city for the silence and solitude it had to offer. I thought it'd be good medicine for my soul and it was.
Halfway through the ride, I got a glance of Jason, swiping his fingers on the screen of a tablet.
I recognized the tablet instantly, it was his aide as my Beta and P.A.
“You seem thrilled about resuming your duties,“ I said. It was dry sarcasm as neither of us was in the mood for jokes.
Although, trust Jason to match my sarcasm by saying, “Uh-huh, so thrilled I'm close to tears,“ He scoffed and continued, “Just checking out your schedule for the month. I just got the email,”
“Read it out to me.“
I listened passively as he read out the contents. It was all the usual responsibilities that came with being an Alpha. Stuff I was pretty used to.
A golf rendezvous with the CEO of Glazier corporations, one of the biggest corporations owned and operated by humans. There was also an invitation to a bonfire night with the Alpha of White - wolf pack, an average pack. My interest was piqued at the mention of my bar. Something about the new employees…
“Could you repeat that?“ I asked, adjusting my seat.
“Sure,“ Jason swiped through the screen again. ”A certain Shilah filed a report to fire an incompetent Suzy. Your consent is needed on the matter,”
“Suzy?“ The name reverberated in my head for a while. “Never heard of her.“ I mused.
“Well, there have been a couple of new recruitments since your uh – breakdown. You've been slacking on a lot of things, Ryder. You need to get back on your shit,“
“I will.“
After two hours of ride, we were finally at the magnificent gate of our castle.
The fanfare and jamboree were heard from over a thousand miles but I thought I was hallucinating.
Now I was disturbed, seeing the buzz coming from the castle.
I turned to Jason in a reflex, “What's going on?“
His slight squirm and the long lines of worries on his face had me on an edge. I knew that look – It was Father. But what scheme was he up to this time?
“I'm sorry, Ryder, but we were authorized to keep it a secret. Your Father demands that he tells you himself…“
“Tells me what?“
“I guess there's no better way to say this, so here it goes – ” he waited, and the few seconds of suspense was killing – “You're getting married, Ryder. Today.“ The words finally came right out.
What?!
“I'm sorry, Ryder. I was pretty shocked by it too. I got to know about it as I got your schedule. It was there, pinned as the event of the day. I have no idea…“
Jason was probably saying a million words of apology and explanations but I was already tuned out.
The words he said earlier still reverberated in my head.
YOU'RE GETTING MARRIED!
It had to be bullshit, every bit of it. The logical reaction should be to call him out on his shit. He should get a fucking scold for pulling my fucking legs. But I knew more than anyone else that this was some serious shit going down. Something beyond Jason, something with so much force it could bring about an avalanche. Something only Father could do.
How could I have been so dumb? How did I take this long to realize this whole thing was Father's game and I'd just been unfairly played?
I watched the gates open with a racing heart. It was impossible to think of a way out of this on such short notice. Father had me right where he wanted me – caught in his bait.
The guard and the driver alighted the car. A royal valet came to open my door but I quickly shut it back, locking Jason and me in.
“Who's the bride?“ I gruffed out. My breathing came fast like I was suffocating and as a matter of fact, I was.
“Huh?“ Jason was slightly taken aback.
“Who's the fucking bride?!“ I yelled out this time, hating the feel of the word 'bride' on my tongue. “If I'm gonna be getting married, I should as well know who the unlucky bitch is,“
“I – I got no clue, Ryder. It isn't stated here. I think it's all part of your Father's surprise parcel,“
“I hate Father's surprises,“
“Brace yourself, man, 'cause you're surely not gonna like this.” He gestured and I quickly turned to the wind-down window.
“You got to be kidding me!”
The palace female Omegas had just rolled out a red carpet, graced with rose petals. At the end of it, two others held an elegant 'robe', which had embroideries at its front, so skillfully made.
I knew that robe although this one's a lot sophisticated and made for royalty, I do know it. Everyone from this pack would identify this robe with just a glance.
“That's a fucking wedding robe!” I lamented. This shit is real. I'm getting married.
“I'm sorry it came down to this, man. Truly sorry,” Jason soothed.
It was the most ironic shit that I was getting such pathetic sympathies on my wedding day like it was a funeral.
I couldn't believe how much my fingers were trembling when I reached to unlock the door.
I tried for a poker face when I alighted the car. Every step I took towards the robe cut at my heart, making it bleed beyond healing.
The robe was slid into my outstretched arms and they chanted a 'LONG LIVE, THE ALPHA PRINCE!'
The door to the main hall opened and I was staring back at a party of all times. It was a mixture of tradition and sophistication. The humans in attendance were all in tuxedos and party gowns. The werewolves were dressed in wedding costumes for the pack. Jason would probably be the only 'odd' one, as he'd gotten the memo a little too late.
I was escorted to the high table and there stood Father, waiting with a pitiful excuse of a smile.
I caught sight of the chalice on a small podium by the corner. The chalice was filled with shining waters from the ancient fountains. Father has fulfilled all traditional ancient rites for an Alpha's wedding.
The man deserved accolades if I wasn't so damn ready to oppose this wedding saga.
“Welcome home, son.“ He took me into a quick embrace. “Wipe off that forlorn look on your face. This is your wedding,“ He whispered harshly.
“Nice try, Father. But I'm not having this. You must call this whole thing off,“
“I'll die first!” He let go of me, rearranging his sickening smile. “We had a deal, remember?“
I checked for Jason and the others; good thing they were already seated at the table for the Betas. The other members of the high table were lost in their ecstasy. So yeah, we weren't at earshot.
“If I had known going off on that trip means being married off, then I would have nicely turned down your offer. You tricked me!” I seethed quietly.
“In the quest for power, it doesn't matter how you win. You just have to. Always remember that, son,“
“Father!“
“I believe you returned as my son and the Alpha heir of this pack. You're expected to carry out your obligations to your people and giving yourself an heir is number one on that list. Since you couldn't find a mate, it's only logical you get a wife, don't you think so?“
“But Father, this isn't…“
“Enough of this bickering. Your people and your guests are waiting for you to address them. You shouldn't keep them waiting any longer than you already have,“
I looked at the audience and I had quite several expectant eyes on me. I had no official speech prepared, so I had to improvise.
I gave a brief speech about my 2-weeks of absence, and how it had been for the good of the pack. Funny!
I assured them that I was back stronger and we will always remain the strongest, werewolf pack.
Father interrupted my speech with a tug at my robe. “This is your wedding, son. You have to make a statement on that,”
“Gladly,“ My smile widened in mischief as I turned back to the audience. “I wanna say a big thank you to everyone for honoring this invitation. Although, I find it ridiculous that y'all came here for a wedding. There's no wedding today, as this was supposed to be my engagement party. I apologize for the misinformation…“
“What are you doing, son?!“ Father muttered through clenched teeth, tugging harder at my robe.
I was defiant to his words and went ahead to remedying this fucked up situation.
“I was away and of course, entrusted the arrangements in the hands of My Father. It's quite understandable that he got very excited and went a little overboard. But it's all good, as it's still a celebration. I just don't think I'll be needing this robe today. Maybe in a few weeks, of course. Thank you all for understanding. Enjoy the party!“
Loud cheering and whistling erupted in the ongoing silence. I pulled off the robe in a mad rush and signaled Jason to come to get rid of it.
Father was on his feet, his eyes reddened like he was about to squirt fire from them.
“You just reneged, son! That's unforgivable and not expected of an Alpha!“
“I never promised you a wedding, Father. Much less with some girl, I'm yet to meet.“
“You did and you must.“ He exhaled sharply, throwing his hand up in defeat. “This time, you win. Enjoy your engagement party. But in a few days, you'll have that robe on, and you'll be taking your marital vows. Remember that!“ He finalized and left the party.
I couldn't leave, even though I was dying to. The party had a huge number of acquaintances and It was expected I acknowledged them all.
Father did quite a massive invitation in just 2-weeks, it's frightening. It wasn't easy to keep the conversations brief but I did.
By midnight, I was locked in my study, freshened up and wallowing in thoughts.
The loud thud and the suffocating chocolate scent were a nuisance to my thoughts.
She was marching toward me with so much rage, her strides were long and fast.
Confused, I sat back on the leather, swivel chair, awaiting whatever this inauspicious visit had installed.
She paused right in front of me, yelling her head off. “How dare you, Ryder? It would have been the party of the year!“
My brow creased. “Ciara, what's this? What are you talking about?“
Ciara was legendary for her impudicity. Being the first Alpha female after several decades made her pride herself as some Goddess.
Father had quite a soft spot for her, but that has never been the case with me. I detested everything she was and stood for. I detested her more for always pushing for a chance in bed with me. I'd never get into her panties, no matter how glistening it was down there.
Right now, I bet she's having one of her numerous tantrums. She's known to have lots of it.
“I'd worn the gown and dearest Goddess was I the prettiest bride yet. Everything would have been so magically perfect. But once again, you screwed me up!“
“What the fuck are you blabbing on about? What's this about being the prettiest bride and shit…?” My voice trailed off as it hit me hard. No fuckin' way. “You're the bride?!“