Chapter 26 The Alpha's rage was a physical presence in the room, a suffocating pressure that made the air itself feel heavy . Luna Elena hovered anxiously at his side , her fingers brushing his arm in a futile attempt to calm him . " How dare you ? " Alpha Marcus snarled , stalking toward Raymond . " In my own home ? The night before your wedding ? " " Marcus , please- " Luna Elena began , but her husband cut her off with a sharp gesture . " I want her gone , " Alpha Marcus continued , jabbing a finger toward Giana , who shrank behind Raymond . " Expelled from the pack lands immediately . This disrespect will not be tolerated ! " Raymond squared his shoulders , placing himself more firmly between his father and Giana . " No , " he said , his voice steady despite the tension radiating through his body . " No ? " The Alpha's voice dropped dangerously low . " You dare defy me ? " " She's my fated mate , " Raymond declared , his words echoing through the suddenly silent hall . " My wolf has chosen her . I cannot - will not - be separated from her . " Luna Elena paled , her eyes darting between her son and husband . " Your fated mate ? " Alpha Marcus laughed , the sound harsh and humorless . " This ... this rogue who sneaks around behind the pack's back ? Who has no respect for our traditions , our hierarchy ? Who has made a mockery of your engagement to Aurora ? " I stood frozen in the doorway , unable to move as the scene unfolded . " I love her ," Raymond said simply , reaching back to take Giana's trembling hand . " I've tried to fight it , to do what was expected of me , but I can't anymore . " The Alpha's hand moved so fast it was almost a blur . The crack of his palm connecting with Raymond's cheek echoed like a gunshot through the hall . " You dishonor us all , " he hissed . Raymond's head snapped to the side from the force of the blow , but he remained standing . A red mark bloomed across his cheek . Giana let out a choked sob and bolted , pushing past me as she fled into the night . " Giana , wait ! " Raymond started after her , but his father grabbed his arm . " Let her go , " Alpha Marcus ordered . " Let her run back to whatever gutter she crawled out of . " I finally found my feet , rushing forward . " Stop this ! " I placed myself between them , one hand on 1/2 Chapter 26 +15 BONUS Raymond's chest , the other raised toward the Alpha . " This isn't helping anything . " Raymond's eyes flashed with unexpected anger as they landed on me . " You , " he growled . " Did you set this up ? Was this your plan all along - pretend to support me while secretly betraying me to my father ? " I recoiled as if he'd slapped me too . " What ? No , I- " " Bernard said someone called him , " Raymond accused , shoving my hand away . " Someone who knew exactly where to find us . " " It wasn't me , " I insisted , hurt blooming in my chest at his accusation . " I was at my bachelorette party when Bernard called me to come here . " " Convenient timing , " Raymond sneered , his grief and anger making him lash out . Alpha Marcus interrupted our exchange . " Enough ! Raymond , tomorrow's wedding will proceed as planned . Aurora will be your Luna . There is no alternative . " " I won't do it , " Raymond shot back . " Not anymore . " The Alpha's eyes narrowed . " Then you will never see that rogue girl again . I'll have the borders patrolled day and night . She'll be turned away at every entrance to our territory . " Raymond's face drained of color . " You can't- " " I am Alpha , " Marcus reminded him coldly . " I can do whatever is necessary to protect this pack from your selfish impulses . " Without another glance at me or his parents , Raymond pushed past us and stormed out , presumably to search for Giana . Luna Elena turned to me , her eyes filled with sympathy . " Aurora , dear , I'm so sorry you had to witness this . " Before I could respond , my father burst into the room , his face thunderous . " What's happening ? The entire pack is buzzing with rumors . " His gaze landed on me . " You knew , " he said , his voice low and dangerous . " You knew about this ... this affair , and you said nothing ? " I straightened my spine , too exhausted for another confrontation . " Yes , I knew . " His hand clamped around my upper arm painfully . " How long ? How long have you been complicit in this humiliation ? " " She wasn't complicit , " Luna Elena interjected . " Aurora is as much a victim in this as anyone . More so , even . " 2/2 Chapter 27 +15 BONUS Chapter 27 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!