Chapter 50

~Grace~

I could tell Alex was furious. He sent a bone-chilling glare out into the crowd, silencing some of the objectors, but he couldn’t say anything himself.

The same was for me.

I shouldn’t argue with the objectors, it would just make myself look bad.

I knew that in a normal wedding, objections were merely that–words. And they were simply someone stating their opinion, they didn’t actually have any power over the ceremony.

But it was different, here, where the marriage would result in a joint ruling. If I was not accepted by the people, I would not be able to marry Alex.

My heart sank. Did people really hate me that much?

“Sit down! Grace is the best thing that has happened to the Black Lycan clan and you all know it!” Enzo’s voice carried out sharply, silencing the crowd.

He looked out at the objectors with a dark look, and it warmed my heart to know that he had always been on my side.

Some of the Lycan objectors sat down slowly, looking guilty.

But it wasn’t just Lycans who objected. Werewolves as well didn’t want the wedding to take place.

They feared that it was too strange or unusual or just non-traditional.

The group of women that had mocked me at my welcome party stood up. One of them was the woman I had saved during the Rogue attack.

“Grace is a kind and powerful woman, I am proud to accept her into the Black Lycan clan!” The one called out.

The women beside her nodded, agreeing.

Another woman stood up.

“Grace is as strong as any Lycan I’ve seen. I say let her marry,” she said.

My heart swelled.

More and more Lycans began to stand up, all in my defence. I felt my eyes begin to water, touched by their words.

To my surprise, Liam stood up. He must have been hidden in the crowd somewhere I hadn’t noticed him. I felt anxious, my breath catching in my throat. What was he going to say?

The last time we talked, we seemed to be on neutral ground, but that had been weeks ago.

“Grace Windsong…” He began, and the crowd hushed. “Is more than capable of leading the Black Lycan clan. She is an asset anyone would be lucky to have.”

He stared directly at me, nodding firmly.

I locked eyes with him, placing my hands over my heart in appreciation. I smiled at him, and he smiled back.

Stepping out of the crowd, he made his way down the aisle, staying off of the podium Alex and I stood on.

He stared up at me, tears glistening in his eyes.

“Grace, you are an incredible woman, and I am so sorry I never treated you that way. I know Alex will make you happier than I ever could, and I sincerely wish you the best in your new life,” he said, his voice wavering with emotion.

I saw Alex nod approvingly out of the corner of my eye, and I took a step forward, reaching out my hand.

Liam raised his hand, and I took it, and softly kissed his knuckles in gratitude.

“Thank you, Liam. That means more to me than you will ever know. I wish you the best in your life as well,” I responded gently, giving him a warm smile.

Liam nodded, and I could tell he wanted to say more, but he swiftly took his hand back, and made his way back into the crowd.

“Well, if everything is in order then…” The officiary began, looking at Alex and I. “Let’s finish this wedding.”

I smiled, feeling light. I was so concerned that I wouldn’t be accepted, but in the end, I was.

I was so grateful for everyone who stood up for me and supported me.

Reaching out, I took Alex’s hands once again, looking into his warm, golden eyes.

The officiary began again, and the rings were presented before us. Of course, they were inlaid with moonstone, dazzling in the sunlight, set into a silver band.

Alex took my ring and held it out to me. His face was as kind as I’d ever seen it.

I felt so lucky that I got to see this side of the fearsome Lycan King.

I held my hand out, lifting my ring finger up slightly to let him slide the ring on.

Just as the cold metal touched the tip of my finger, gasps rang out through the crowd, and I whirled my head down the aisle.

My stomach dropped.

Dressed in a silver suit, pale blonde hair swept to the side, strutted Christopher down the aisle. He looked proud to be here, as if he were the star of the show.

My stomach twisted into a knot and I felt sick.

What the hell was he doing here?!

Nobody had invited him, and I’m sure he was on the uninvite list if we had one.

A strange, cold feeling ran through my body when I looked at him. I was scared. Even with Alex by my side, and practically the entire Alpha and Luna population present, I felt unsafe.

Christopher was unpredictable and sly. There was no way he was here just to wish me good luck on my marriage.

He was here to mess things up, I was sure of it.

“What are you doing here?” Alex snarled, taking a dominant step forward.

Lycan warriors rushed forward and grabbed Christopher, holding him by the arms to prevent him from getting any closer to us.

Was he here alone? Had he brought his warriors to attack? My eyes swept the perimeter of the area, but I couldn’t see anything out of the ordinary.

“Alexander Black, you are one hell of a fraud,” Christopher called out, barely paying any mind to the warriors holding his arms tightly. He stumbled a little, but kept his gaze fixed on Alex and I.

What was that supposed to mean? A fraud?

I shook my head, irritated. Whatever he had to say was a lie. He was just here to stir up trouble.

“You never loved Grace, did you? This was all just part of your elaborate revenge plot,” Christopher continued, his voice filled with amusement. A sick grin spread across his face.

Even though I didn’t want to believe him, I felt uncomfortable at the claims he was throwing out. The crowd murmured, whispering to each other.

No, no, no, godammit! Couldn’t I just get through my wedding without any drama?!

Christopher laughed loudly, and fear struck my heart. I had never seen him so brazen before.

Why show up here if he knew nobody wanted him? Alex could break his neck without even trying, and yet he would risk that just to show up here and make a mess out of things?

“Grace deserves better than you, you… murderer,” Christoper hissed, and the crowd broke out into shocked cries.

I saw Alex stiffen.

What was this? Had Christopher actually gotten under his skin?

“What is the meaning of this?” I spat at him, sick of his antics. God, I just wanted to get through this day!

Christopher gave me a wide-eyed look, as if shocked by my response. “Oh, you don’t know? Of course you wouldn’t. If you did, I doubt you’d ever look at Alex ever again.”

I scowled. Anger rose in my chest, and I knew I was quickly running out of patience.

I gathered my skirt to make a step forward, but Christoper spoke before I could move.

“Alex killed your parents, Grace. He’s a killer and he’s kept it hidden from you!”