Chapter 20: Chapter 20

Alexander Heartman had kept to his words and released Mia after three days. Her parents had refused to leave without her so they waited until she was released.

Alpha Jayden was happy with how things turned out but just when Alex was about to send them on their way, Elder Kaleb paid him a visit.

At first, he was happy to see the old man until he understood the reason for his visit.

Somehow, word had gotten out that Mia and her parents were in his Pack and he came to give them a date that the unavoidable wedding would commerce.

"Tomorrow?!" Alex exclaimed while Alpha Jayden, Stella and Mia kept mute in shock.

"That's too soon Elder Kaleb," Alpha Jayden reasoned.

"No, it's not!" Mia retorted sharply, staring angrily at Alex and if looks could kill, Alex would have been not just dead, but buried. "What, Does it irk you to marry me? It has to happen sooner or later."

She had been on his neck from the very moment she was released and she felt the need to punish him for ignoring their mating bond.

"Mia, marriage is no child's play."

Stella reprimanded her child quickly.

"I know that mom. I'm no longer a child," Mia replied, still locking gazes with Alex.

Alex wanted to be mad and unleash his devil but he just couldn't, not with those innocent eyes trapping him. So, he settled for mere anger.

He glared back at her and they had a heated stare down while her parents watched with mixed emotions. Elder Kaleb was amused.

"It's settled then," Elder Kaleb announced, cheerily smiling at the very interesting 'couple'.

Mia smiled in triumph, saying, "I'll go make preparations for our wedding then," she said, drawing the word 'our' before exiting the room.

Alex could only pity her. She was much more stubborn than she was as a child and that had blinded her from seeing the bigger picture.

It was happening and Alex wished he was awarded a little more time to coordinate himself.

Why he couldn't intimidate her was still a thing of concern to him.

•••••••••••

It was a sunny morning with birds chirping melodiously. The air smelling unusually nice and cool. At least, that was how Mia felt as she joyfully rose up from bed to prepare for one of the biggest days of her life; her wedding.

Mia ran to the bathroom to take her bath. Her maids were already present and ready for her.

"We promise to make you the most beautiful girl in the planet!"

Annabelle squealed, making Mia and the other girls chuckle lightly.

Mia was very excited and she could hardly hide it.

Annabelle and the girls kept to their words and turned Mia into a goddess. Her makeup was done perfectly and her white gown was impeccable–she was a walking doll; one so pretty that the heavens smiled down at her.

It was going to be a small wedding with just their families but Mia's first disappointment came when Alex's family hadn't shown up yet and Mia was sure they wouldn't. She even doubted if they were aware of the marriage.

Just before Mia made her way to the church, her mother walked into her room, dressed for the event and whispered into her ears.

"I really hope you do not regret this." Stella sounded disappointed, causing Mia to question her decision.

But it was too late to back down now.

The house was well decorated and their guests were already seated, awaiting the bride.

The news of the Alpha's marriage of the Crystal moon pack had spread far and near. Maidens from every nook and cranny were both shocked and envious of whoever the bride was.

They wished to attend but the wedding was strictly by invitation.

Mia walked into the small garden looking all glorious and perfect and expecting to see everyone waiting patiently for her arrival, as traditionally required, her groom most especially; only to see his stand, empty.

Her heart dropped and she felt disappointment wash over her. Where was Alex?

••••••••••••

*The night before*

Alex was pissed.

Where on earth was his wedding garment?! He had gone to his closet only to discover it was gone.

He summoned Hendrix and the older man was totally oblivious.

"I'll go ask the maids. Maybe the maids thought to prepare it." Hendrix suggested hurrying to get the maids.

"Wait!" Alex commanded as he felt himself slowly losing control. The demon was taking over and he couldn't subdue it like he used to before.

His heart pounded against his ribcage and bile rose to his throat. Anger coursed through his veins and he shook in anger as his face turned red.

"Get sagyu," He instructed quickly through gritted teeth as he took deep breaths in, squeezing his eyes shut.

The sagyu was a supernatural rope which was used to subdue him whenever the demon took control of his being. It couldn't calm him down and restore his control, but it could stop him from going on a killing spree.

Hendrix was quick to summon it just before his master turned into a big black wolf with shining red eyes and black smoke all around him.

"Sàyo mâlkui innuéni, Sagyu!"

Hendrix quickly did the incantation and the rope came to life.

It glowed bright gold as it flew to Alex on its own accord and wrapped around him, trapping and subduing him.

Alex was thankful as he groaned in pain still struggling to gain control back but the demon was stronger than before and that only meant one thing; his time would soon be up.

Alex struggled all through the night in pain and suffering. Being tied with Sagyu wasn't an easy deal and it left him groaning in pain as the rope burned his skin.

The pain continued all through the night only ending in the morning.

Hendrix had stayed by his side all through the night, whispering soothing words of comfort.

It helped him keep his sanity as he feared he'd run from all the pain.

Once it was daylight, the demon had no option but to exit his body and Alex couldn't be more grateful.

But even before he could treat his wounds, Hendrix reminded him of his wedding.

Mia.

For a second, Alex feared she'd felt what he went through the night before only to remember that the demon had no mate and once he took over, so did Alex.

That was why she'd felt nothing.

"And I also found your wedding garment," Hendrix said, providing the garment. "I was right though, the maids had gone to prepare it."

Alex took the garment from him. He hated to lose things and that was the fastest way of making him angry that the demon could take over.

"Get ready, they are already waiting for you." Hendrix finished before exiting the room with a bow.

•••••••••

Mia had to wait by the altar where Elder Kaleb and his Council members waited too in embarrassment.

They'd been waiting for nearly twenty minutes, while Hendrix had promised to go get him.

Mia was certain he wasn't coming and she nearly crumbled to the floor in pain. She couldn't even feel any of his emotions and she had been unable to since the previous night.

Her mother locked eyes with her and shook her head in pity, while her father kept a straight face.

As Mia was about to dismount the altar and run to her room, Alex came barging in.

Mia couldn't explain the sought of relief that flooded her mind when he did.

He looked formidable and effortlessly handsome but Mia also noticed the tired lines on his forehead and the bags under his eyes, he looked weak.

Mia couldn't help but worry.

The wedding went on as planned and Elder Kaleb completed the rituals quickly to which Mia and Alex were grateful for.

"You may now kiss your bride,"

Elder Kaleb said happily. It seemed like he was the only happy one here alongside Mia.

Mia's breath caught in her throat as Alex bent to her level to capture her lips in his.

Mia was ready to raise her left leg just like she had read in her books, while he claimed her lips and kissed her deeply. Ufortunately, there was no capturing of the lips neither was there any leg raising... There was only a light peck on her cheek.

Mia stared up at him in rage and sadness but he was already making his way to the door.

How truly lucky she was.