Chapter 1: wedding preparation
A sleek black Range Rover pulls up smoothly in front of the Blackwood Group of Industries building. The driver quickly steps around to open the door, and an elegant woman in a tailored black pants suit steps out, radiating dominant authority.
“Park the car in the parking lot and wait for me there,” she commands coldly.
“Yes, madam,” the driver replies with a respectful bow.
Moments later, Serina strides into the grand lobby. A handsome man standing near reception catches sight of her, a brilliant sparkle igniting in his eyes. He steps forward to meet her, taking her hand and gently kissing her knuckles.
“My love, Serina,” he murmurs softly. “Seeing you has brightened my entire day.”
Serina smirks slightly. “Since when have you become a poet? Mind telling me?”
“Ever since the moment I laid eyes on you, my love,” Rommel replies smoothly.
Nearby, Nick stands in silence, taking in the scene. Rommel turns his head, catching sight of him.
“Serina, what is your driver doing here?”
Serina turns around, her gaze landing on Nick. “I told you to wait in the parking lot!”
Nick keeps his eyes lowered. “Madam, you forgot your phone in the backseat. I only came to return it.”
Setting the device down, Nick quietly steps away.
Serina turns back to Rommel. “You know today is our wedding day. Don’t let a driver ruin your mood.”
“How could anything ruin my mood when I’m with you?” Rommel says softly, running his fingers through her hair. “My eyes only look at you, and my ears only care to hear your voice.”
They hold each other’s gaze for a quiet moment before leaning in for a kiss.
Serina steps back with a soft smile. “I need to go meet my father first. After that, we have to collect the wedding dress.”
“Of course, my love,” Rommel replies. “As you command.”
Serina enters her father's spacious top-floor office. Darius’s face instantly lights up at the sight of his daughter, and he stands to pull her into a tight hug.
“My brave daughter,” Darius says proudly. “What brings you up here?”
“I came to take Rommel to pick up the wedding dress,” Serina explains. “He arrived early this morning, so I thought I’d stop by and see you first.”
Out in the parking lot, Nick sits alone behind the wheel, tears welling in his eyes. He can’t stop remembering the way Rommel kissed Serina’s hand, each memory twisting sharply in his chest.
Deep inside, Nick loved Serina fiercely, but he could never bring himself to speak those words aloud.
His silent heartbreak burned in his eyes, but his lips remained sealed. He was an Omega wolf, and Serina was an Alpha she-wolf—the daughter of the pack leader. Winning her heart was a distant, impossible dream, and Nick knew it would never come true.
A short while later, Serina and Rommel step outside, and Nick drives them to the most exclusive luxury bridal boutique in the city.
Inside, Serina addresses the boutique manager directly. “Show me the most exquisite and expensive wedding dress you have.”
“Right this way, miss,” the manager replies politely.
After browsing several options, Serina and Rommel select a breathtaking gown. As Serina steps into the dressing room to try it on, Nick quietly approaches Rommel.
“Someone is waiting outside to speak with you.”
Rommel frowns. “Who would be looking for me here?”
“Mr. Darius Rucker sent them,” Nick answers.
Nodding, Rommel steps out to investigate.
Moments later, the fitting room door opens. Serina steps out in the stunning white gown, expecting to see Rommel standing there. “How do I look?”
Nick turns, and his breath catches. His gaze freezes on her, the rest of the world melting away in an instant. His pulse races as the words slip past his lips before he can stop them.
“You look like the queen of my dreams.”
Serina’s eyes flare with instant rage. She steps forward and slaps Nick hard across the face.
“Keep your mouth shut!” she snaps. “Where is Rommel?”
Rommel re-enters the boutique right at that moment, the same bright sparkle returning to his eyes as he sees her in the gown. He walks over, taking both of her hands in his.
“You have to wear this one,” Rommel says softly. “You look stunning. When the guests see you in this dress, they won’t be able to look away.”
He strokes her hand gently. “Have them pack it up and head home. Your father and I have an urgent matter to attend to first.”
Serina’s brow furrows with worry. “Where are you two going? I have a bad feeling about this.”
“Don’t worry, my love,” Rommel reassures her, kissing her gently once more. “I’ll tell you everything as soon as I get back.”
He turns and hurries out, leaving Serina to collect her packed dress and head home with Nick.
Back at the office, Darius paces impatiently until Rommel enters.
“How is this possible?” Rommel asks urgently. “You said he was dead. How did he come back?”
“I don’t know,” Darius replies coldly. “But just like we put him down the first time, we will kill him again.”
Rommel nods grimly. “Where did they ask to meet?”
“The Midnight Forest.”
“The Midnight Forest?” Rommel repeats.
“Yes,” Darius says, adjusting his coat. “Come fully prepared so we can end them right there. Midnight Forest is a long drive, and your wedding is tonight. Let’s finish this quickly.”
By evening, guests begin arriving at the Blackwood Residence. The entire Western Wolf Community—from the smallest packs to the grandest—has gathered, as Darius’s Silver Moon Pack is now the most powerful territory in the region.
Upstairs, Serina stands by her window in her wedding dress, staring anxiously at the main gates. Down in the courtyard below, Nick looks up at her window, fighting back tears.
Serina’s phone suddenly rings. It’s Rommel.
“We’re going to be a bit late,” Rommel says over the line. “Kael is there to manage things. Besides, you’re strong enough to handle everything on your own anyway.”
Before Serina can demand an explanation, the line goes dead. Her chest tightens with deep uneasiness.
Stepping downstairs, Serina greets the arriving pack leaders. Rowan, the Alpha of the Bloody Moon Pack, approaches with a subtle smirk. “Congratulations, Serina. Tonight, someone’s destiny is about to change.”
Serina eyes him coolly. “It certainly seems that way, though I suspect we hold very different views on what that means.”
RowanChuckles dismissively. “Forget all that.” He gestures over his shoulder. “Derek, get over here!”
A tall, sharp-eyed warrior steps forward. Rowan introduces him smoothly. “Meet my son, Derek.”
Derek takes Serina’s hand, pressing his lips to her knuckles while maintaining intense eye contact. “Seeing you tonight brightens the entire room.”
Serina gently pulls her hand back. “Thank you for the compliment, but I must attend to the other guests.”
Derek watches her walk away, a dark smirk playing on his lips. Don't worry... soon enough, you'll be the guest of my heart.
Deep inside The Midnight Forest, Darius and Rommel reach the secluded meeting ground. A group of figures dressed in dark hooded robes stands waiting in the shadows.
Darius steps forward, his voice hard. “What do you want?”
An elderly man steps out from the group. “We want you to confess to the sins of your past and pour your blood into this jar. Do this, and we can resolve this matter peacefully. Otherwise, you know what we are capable of.”
A light rain begins to fall, slicking the forest floor.
Darius laughs coldly. “I will never yield to you. Did you really think I came here unprepared? The work left unfinished years ago ends tonight. Rommel, strike!”
Darius and Rommel draw their weapons, charging the robed figures. Steel clashes in the dim forest as both sides exchange brutal blows.
Suddenly, a second group of rogue wolves bursts from the tree line, ambushing Darius from behind. The sudden onslaught overpowers him, and a fatal strike takes his life in seconds.
Seeing Darius fall, the robed elder gestures sharply to his remaining men. “Retreat!” They vanish into the dark woods as quickly as they appeared.
Back at the Blackwood Residence, anxiety fills the grand hall as guests whisper about Darius and Rommel’s absence.
Serina stands near the display, looking radiant in her bridal gown but noticeably pale and restless. Derek approaches her with a sly smile.
“Such sadness doesn't belong on a face like yours,” Derek says smoothly. “If you wish, I can help make it disappear.”
Serina ignores him completely. Right then, Nick hurries into the hall toward her.
As Nick steps up to report, Derek suddenly lunges forward, driving a heavy fist straight into Nick’s face.
The impact cracks through the room, sending Nick crashing onto the marble floor.
“Learn your place, Omega!” Derek snarls, flexing his fist. “When your betters are speaking, you do not interrupt.”
Serina’s eyes flash with fury. “Who gave you the authority to lay a hand on anyone in my pack?!”
The room falls deathly silent as guests turn to watch. Seeing the rising tension, Rowan quickly steps between them, pulling his son back.
“Derek acted out of line,” Rowan says placatingly. “I apologize on his behalf. Please, let us keep the peace.”
Ignoring Rowan, Serina kneels beside Nick, who is bleeding heavily from his lip and nose. Focusing her power, a soft warm glow emanates from her hands as she begins to heal his wounds.
Lying in her arms, Nick stares up at her in stunned silence, his heart racing. I wish this moment could last forever... I wish the sky would fall and leave me right here in Serina’s arms, even if the whole world turns against me.
As the bleeding stops, Nick sits up quickly, lowering his voice. “Madam, I came to give you an update. Master Darius and Rommel left the office together hours ago, but no one has been able to reach them since.”
Before Serina can process his words, a commotion erupts near the main entrance.
A group of Silver Moon warriors enters the hall, carrying a heavy, blood-stained stretcher. As they set it down near Serina, the room gasps in collective horror.
It is the lifeless body of Darius Rucker.
Serina stares at her father’s corpse, her vision blurring as her strength gives out. Falling to her knees beside him, a soul-shattering cry breaks from her chest, echoing through the silent, horrified hall.
