Page 71 of Alpha's Hidden Gem

"You have some nerve, showing up here uninvited," Axel says, his voice low and controlled, but with an unmistakable edge of warning.

The rival wolf smirks, his stance casual but his eyes cold and calculating. "Oh, I wouldn't miss this for the world. The great Axel, playing house with his little human bride. It's almost too pathetic to believe."

I feel a growl building in my throat, my wolf clawing at the edges of my control, desperate to put this insolent intruder in his place. But I force myself to remain calm, to keep my human mask firmly in place.

Axel's jaw clenches, his fingers twitching at his sides as if itching to wrap around the other man's throat. "I suggest you leave. Now. Before I'm forced to remove you myself."

The rival wolf laughs, the sound harsh and grating. "Oh, I'll leave. But this isn't over, Axel. Not by a long shot."

With a final, mocking glance around the room, he turns and saunters away, disappearing into the crowd. The tension in the room dissipates slowly, nervous laughter and chatter starting up again as the guests try to make sense of the strange confrontation.

Axel turns to me, his eyes blazing with barely contained fury. "Are you alright, love?" he murmurs, his hand finding mine and squeezing reassuringly.

I nod, not trusting myself to speak around the lump in my throat. We both know that this is just the beginning, that the rival pack's presence here tonight is a declaration of war.

But for now, we must carry on, must maintain the illusion of a perfect, happy couple. We can't afford to let our true natures shine through, not here, not now.

Ethan clears his throat, drawing the attention back to the front of the room. "Well, it seems even on his wedding day, he can't escape a bit of friendly rivalry. But that's just a testament to the strength of his character, and the love he shares with his beautiful bride. Now, let's raise our glasses to Axel and Lila, may their love continue to conquer all..."

As Ethan leads the toast, I can't shake the feeling of unease that settles in the pit of my stomach. This may be our wedding, but it's clear that the battle for our future is just beginning.

As the reception winds down, my parents pull Axel and me aside near the exit of The Night Owl. The joy and pride in their eyes is unmistakable, and I feel a lump form in my throat as they wrap us both in a tight embrace.

"We're so happy for you both," my mother says, her voice thick with emotion. "Axel, we couldn't have asked for a better partner for our Lila."

Axel smiles, his arm tightening around my waist. "Thank you, Sarah. Your approval means the world to us."

My father claps Axel on the shoulder, his grin wide and genuine. "You take care of our girl, you hear? She's one in a million."

"Don't I know it," Axel replies, his tone light but his eyes serious. "I promise, David, I'll love and protect her with everything I have."

I lean into Axel's side, my heart swelling with a mix of joy and guilt. If only they knew the full extent of what that promise entails, the depth of the bond Axel and I share. My wolf stirs within me, reacting to the intensity of the moment, and I take a deep breath, forcing my eyes to remain their human hazel and not flash golden.

"I love you both so much," I manage to say, my voice slightly hoarse with emotion. I pull my mother in for another hug, breathing in her familiar, comforting scent. She holds me tightly, and for a moment, I'm transported back to my childhood, safe in her arms.

As we part, my father presses a kiss to my forehead, his eyes suspiciously shiny. "We love you too, Lila bean. Always have, always will."

With final waves and blown kisses, my parents exit The Night Owl, leaving Axel and I standing in the entryway. As the door closes behind them, I feel a shift in the atmosphere, a subtle loosening of the tension that comes from maintaining human facades.

Axel's arm tightens around me, and I lean into his solid strength, drawing comfort from his presence. We watch as my parents' car pulls out of the parking lot, the taillights fading into the night.

"You okay, love?" Axel murmurs, his lips brushing against my temple.

I nod, turning to bury my face in his chest. "Yeah. Just... a lot of emotions, you know?"

He hums in understanding, his hand rubbing soothing circles on my back. "I know. But we got through it. Together."

I tilt my head up to meet his gaze, seeing my own feelings reflected in his deep blue eyes. "Together," I echo, the word a promise, a vow, and a declaration all in one.

As the last of the guests filter out of The Night Owl, Axel keeps me close to his side, his senses on high alert. We step out into the parking lot, the cool night air a welcome relief after the stifling tension inside.

"I don't like this, Axel," I murmur, my eyes scanning the shadows. "They wouldn't have shown up here tonight if they didn't have something planned."

Axel nods, his jaw clenched tight. "I know, love. But whatever it is, we'll face it together. Always."

Suddenly, a figure detaches itself from the shadows, followed by another, and another. My heart rate spikes as I recognize the three rival wolves from earlier, their stances aggressive and eyes glowing in the darkness.

"Well, well, well," the leader drawls, stepping forward into the dim light of the parking lot. "If it isn't the happy couple. Sneaking away so soon?"