Chapter 44
· King Soren ·
I’m standing at the altar, my hands are clasped behind my back, though my fingers itch to fidget. This isn’t like me—I don’t get nervous. I’ve fought battles, faced death, and dealt with betrayal from those I trusted. But this moment? It feels monumental in a way I can’t put into words.
My eyes flick toward the rows of guests.
They’re all here—friends, council members who once questioned my authority and even enemies as I notice King Alaric at the back, my guards surrounding him but keeping their distance.
Damian stands by my side, and I catch the slight quirk of his lips, the silent support in his presence.
My father sits with Max, who’s squirming impatiently in his seat, trying to peer down the aisle, the rings on a pillow in his lap.
A small smile tugs at my lips when I see him.
Despite everything, my son is here, safe and whole.
And then, the music begins.
The soft strains of the piano play around us and every head turns toward the entrance. My breath catches in my throat, and for a moment, the world stills.
There she is.
Aubrey.
She steps into the courtyard, and it’s as if the air shifts around her, bending to her presence.
She’s radiant, breathtaking in a way that defies description.
Her gown is elegant and timeless, a cascade of ivory silk that flows around her.
Delicate lace frames her shoulders and arms, and the intricate beadwork catches the light with every step she takes, glimmering like stars woven into the fabric.
Her hair is swept up, a few violet loose strands framing her face, and her veil trails behind her like a whisper of clouds.
My mother nearly pitched a fit when Aubrey came out with her rainbow hair, but it was the first thing I noticed about her that day she brought Max home, so when I saw the boxes of dye in the bathroom, to change it back to her natural color, I tossed them and got a hairdresser in.
Wanting her as I know her, not who she was before me.
It’s her eyes that capture me—bright, wide, and shimmering with unshed tears. They lock onto mine, and in that instant, everything else fades away. Every problem, every nuance. It’s just me and her.
My chest tightens as I take her in, and I realize that this moment—this woman—has changed me in ways I never thought possible.
I’ve loved before. I’ve known what it’s like to be consumed by the intensity of a mate bond, to feel the unbreakable pull that ties two souls together.
Jacinta was my mate, my heart, and her death shattered me in ways I didn’t think I could survive.
I thought I’d spend the rest of my life carrying that broken heart, that void she left behind.
But Aubrey…
Aubrey didn’t just fill that void. She pieced me back together, one shard at a time. What we have is something deeper, something built on choice, trust, and an unshakable connection that goes beyond instinct.
Jacinta will always have a part of me. She was my first love, and I will carry her memory with me for the rest of my life. But Aubrey is the woman who made me want to live again, who made my heart beat frantically when for so long I wished it would stop.
I was always going to marry her.
My throat tightens as she gets closer, her steps slow and measured, her hand resting lightly on her father’s arm.
As she reaches the altar and her father steps away, leaving her to stand before me, a wave of emotion so powerful it nearly brings me to my knees hits me.
I take her hands in mine, and the warmth of her touch grounds me, steadying the storm of feelings swirling in my chest. Her hands tremble slightly, and I squeeze them gently, silently telling her I’m here, that I always will be.
“You’re beautiful,” I whisper, my voice rough with emotion.
A soft blush rises to her cheeks, and she smiles. “You don’t look so bad yourself, Your Majesty.”
I chuckle, the sound low and filled with affection. I lift her hand to my lips, pressing a soft kiss to her fingers.
The officiant begins to speak, but the words blur in my mind. All I can focus on is her—her face, her smile, the way her eyes never leave mine. When it’s time for our vows, I take a deep breath, letting the weight of the moment settle over me.
“I never thought I’d get to feel this again,” I say, my voice steady despite the emotions threatening to overwhelm me.
“From the moment I met you, you turned my world upside down. You challenged me, pushed me, and made me see the world in ways I never had before. You’ve given me more than I ever thought I deserved, Aubrey.
You’ve shown me love isn’t just about bonds or destiny—it’s about choice.
And I choose you. Today, tomorrow, and every day after that.
” Max offers the pillow and I slip the ring on her finger.
Her lips tremble as tears spill over, but she doesn’t look away. When she speaks her vows, her voice is soft but steady, each word wrapping around my heart.
There’s a moment of silence as the weight of our vows settles over us and Aubrey’s hands shake as she puts the ring on mine. Then, the officiant speaks again.
“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife—”
As the officiant declares us husband and wife, I don’t wait for permission. I pull her into my arms, capturing her lips in a kiss that speaks every word I don’t say aloud. She is mine.
The guests erupt into cheers and applause, but all I hear is the steady beat of her heart, the soft sigh that escapes her as she melts against me.
As we pull apart, I rest my forehead against hers, my hands cradling her face. “You’re my forever,” I whisper, and she smiles, her tears mingling with mine.
For the first time in what feels like forever, I’ve found my home. Only it was never here in the castle, it isn’t a place. Home is her.
The reception is in full swing, laughter and music filling the air.
Candle lit chandeliers sway gently overhead, casting a warm golden glow over the festivities.
Aubrey is standing across the room, radiant in her wedding gown, surrounded by people.
Her smile brightens the entire hall, and for a brief moment, I allow myself to relax and take it all in.
But only for a moment.
Because even as the celebration continues around me, my attention remains locked on King Alaric.
He stands near the edge of the room, surrounded by his entourage guards, his every move watched by my own, his eyes sharp as he scans the crowd.
He looks the part of a respected king—dressed impeccably in a dark suit, exuding an air of calm authority.
But beneath that polished exterior, I can sense the unease simmering beneath his skin.
He’s hiding something, and soon, he’s going to find out that his secrets are no longer safe.
I don’t take my eyes off him. This isn’t just a wedding for me—it’s a trap, and Alaric has walked right into it.
Minutes pass, and then I see it—the subtle change in his demeanor. One of his men approaches, leaning in close to whisper something in his ear. Alaric’s smug expression falters, his brows drawing together in a brief flicker of concern before he schools his features back into neutrality.
He knows.
Nodding to Damian, I see my men usher Aubrey, my mother, and Max out of the ballroom and to the tents outside in the courtyard. This is still Aubrey’s day and nothing will ruin it if I can help it.
I watch as he carefully places his glass down on a nearby table and casually edges toward the exit. He moves with the precision of a man who’s used to slipping away unnoticed, but not this time. Not here. Not on my watch.
I step forward, my voice cutting through the noise of the reception like a blade. “Going somewhere, Alaric?”
The entire room falls silent, all eyes turning toward us. Aubrey’s gaze snaps to mine as she is ushered toward the door, her smile fading as she senses the shift in the atmosphere.
Alaric straightens, turning to me with a carefully neutral expression. “Soren, it’s late. My guard is nervous for the trip home, not that your guard isn’t capable of…”
“You knew exactly what Clyde and Rhett were doing,” I cut him off, my voice cold. “And now, while you’ve been here enjoying my hospitality, my men have been dismantling your entire operation.”
A ripple of shock spreads through the gathered crowd.
Gasps echo around the hall, and whispered conversations break out as people try to make sense of what’s happening.
All while the few paparazzi we let attend start snapping shots for the papers, no doubt this will be splashed over every single one by morning.
Alaric’s eyes narrow, and for a split second, his composure slips, revealing the fury and panic lurking beneath.
He clenches his jaw, his hands curling into fists at his sides.
“You must be mistaken,” he says, his voice low and dangerous.
“Accusing a fellow king without proof is a grave offense, Soren.”
“I have all the proof I need,” I reply, stepping closer to him.
My voice remains calm, but my aura pulses out, heavy and commanding.
“Clyde’s testimony, Bianca’s confession, and the evidence we seized from your shipments.
It’s over, Alaric. You’ve lost. The council has everything.
” I motion to Magnus across the room, who stands.
Alaric’s lips pull back into a snarl, his fangs gleaming as he glares at Magnus. “You think you can corner me like some common criminal?” he growls before turning his attention back to me. “I built my empire while you were still learning how to walk, boy.”
“And now you’ll watch it crumble,” I retort.
Before I can say more, Alaric makes his move.
He moves with the speed and strength of an old Vampire, his strikes precise.
He grabs one of my guards who advances toward him, throwing him across the room like he weighs nothing.
Tables are upended, glasses shattering on the marble floor as guests scatter, some screaming, others frozen in shock as his men start trying to take out my guard.
“Get the civilians out!” I bark at Damian through the mindlink.
We needed an audience and we got that but that doesn’t mean risking their lives.
He nods, immediately stepping in to direct the guards toward the panicked crowd while the rest of my guard subdue Alaric’s men.
This is why we had the tents and ballroom set up for the reception.
We knew one would be destroyed. I knew Alaric wouldn’t go down without a fight.
Meanwhile, I focus on Alaric. He’s fast, but I’m faster. I shift into my Lycan form mid-leap, my muscles bulging as my claws extend. I land in front of him as he runs for the doors.
Alaric snarls, lunging at me with supernatural speed, but I’m ready. I dodge his strike, swiping at him with my claws. He hisses in pain as I leave a deep gash across his chest, dark blood seeping through his torn suit.
The fight is brutal. Alaric is strong, but his arrogance is his weakness. He fights like a man who’s used to winning, but he’s never faced someone like me—someone with everything to lose and even more to protect.
I dodge another strike, countering with a powerful kick that sends him crashing into a nearby pillar. The stone cracks under the impact, dust and debris raining down around him.
He struggles to his feet, blood dripping from his mouth as he glares at me with pure hatred.
With one final surge of power, I leap forward, sinking my claws deep into his chest. He gasps, his eyes widening in shock as I lift him off the ground.
For a moment, everything stills. The sounds of the reception fade into the background, and all I can hear is the pounding of my heart and Alaric’s labored breaths.
And then, with a swift motion, I rip his heart from his chest.
Alaric’s body goes limp, and I let it fall to the ground in a lifeless heap. Blood pools around him, dark and viscous, staining the marble floor.
The room is eerily silent as everyone stares at the scene before them. Slowly, I shift back into my human form, breathing heavily as I wipe the blood from my hands.
Damian steps forward, his expression grim.
“Get me another suit.”
He nods to one of the guards who grabs my other suit.
The few guests that didn’t make it out are shaken, but safe when I notice they are council members overseeing.
Aubrey stands near the edge of the room having come back in, her eyes wide with shock and relief.
I make my way toward her, and the moment I reach her, she throws her arms around me.
“You’re okay,” she whispers, her voice trembling.
“I’m fine,” I assure her, holding her close but keeping my hands away from her dress. “It’s over. Now let’s get back to our wedding.” She glances behind me but I grab her chin forcing her gaze back to me. “The guard will handle it.”
She nods, when I notice a smear of blood on her dress and veil. I quickly remove her veil and one of my guards comes over with a white fur cloak, draping it over her shoulders. I quickly change and Magnus comes over.
“Enjoy your reception, My King, I’ll oversee this. I already had your guard escort the few camera people out. I’ll address them at the gates.” I nod, fixing my bow tie and following my queen out.
The reception resumes slowly, though the mood is more subdued. The threat is gone, but the weight of what just happened lingers. I hold Aubrey close and feel the warmth of our bond, all I feel from her is a calm relief.