Chapter 6

On the day of the marking ceremony, Adrian woke up early.

Dawn had barely broken when the phone on his nightstand lit up several times.

He picked it up and glanced at the notifications.

The earliest message was from one of his Alpha friends.

[Are you going tomorrow or not?]

The next was a work update from his Beta.

[Alpha, something feels off. Silvercrest Pack sent an official reply saying they regret that you won't be attending the marking ceremony and look forward to welcoming Blackwood Pack another time. What's going on with Elena?]

The final message came from another Alpha.

[Adrian, you should go. Don't leave yourself with regrets.]

'Regrets.'

His gaze lingered on that word. Something seemed to bump gently against his chest.

Deep within him, his wolf slowly opened his eyes. It paced restlessly before letting out a growl.

The unease had come without warning.

He frowned, but before he could think it through, his phone rang.

His Alpha friend sounded unusually excited.

"So? Are you coming or not? We've all gathered already. We're just waiting on your answer."

Adrian chuckled and leaned back against the headboard. "It's not your marking ceremony. Why are you so worked up?"

Laughter and teasing came from the other end of the line. The smile on his face widened.

"Let her wait."

After hanging up, he found himself thinking about me.

He thought I had probably already changed into my wedding gown and was glancing at the entrance every few minutes, all the while checking the time repeatedly.

The thought made him smile. It was about time I learned my lesson. Maybe after today, I'd stop acting so willfully.

Not long afterward, he received a screenshot of Freya's post from his friend on Instagram.

The photo showed a beautifully decorated lawn. White balloons swayed gently in the breeze. Moonflowers twined around elegant arches. The photography team had already finished setting up their equipment. The entire venue looked peaceful and romantic.

The caption read.

[The photographer is ready. Alpha, your Luna says the First Look will be at your secret base. Bring your friends along and find her there.]

Another message immediately followed.

[Are you really not coming? You're going to miss your First Look too?]

Adrian stared at the photo, but another image surfaced in his mind instead. Which gown would I be wearing?

Was it the sparkling fishtail dress I'd treasured for years or the flowing silver gown I'd once said looked most like moonlight?

His eyes drifted to the walk-in closet.

The custom-made suit hung in the most prominent place. The tie, the cufflinks, and the polished shoes had all been prepared.

A week earlier, without really understanding why, he'd taken out his grandfather's ceremonial suit, had it altered to fit him, and hung it there.

His friend continued urging him.

[Hurry up! Where's this secret base? We'll head over first!]

At last, Adrian stood up and walked toward the closet.

"Where else could it be?"

As he slipped on his suit jacket, he sent back a voice message.

"It's our old apartment. Head there first. I'll be there after I get dressed."

Just as he fastened his final cufflink and reached for the door, his phone rang again.

The Alpha who had gone ahead sounded visibly alarmed.

"Adrian, the apartment you and Elena used to live in has been sold."