Page 82 of The Wolf

One by one, all the beings of the Veil lower themselves with much dignity. Only Satan remains standing because that prideful jerk bows to no one—obviously. But he nods in Julia’s direction—a sign of respect, rare and significant.

She then takes her place on the throne, and I rest in my seat next to her. Shoulder to shoulder, our hands never separating. I hold hers firmly, my thumb brushing its back, silently telling her she’s not alone. She’s never been alone.

Her grip tightens in mine, and she glances up to smile at me. “That was… a lot,” she whispers.

“Get used to it, little Red.”

I can feel every eye on us, but it’s her I’m watching. It’s always her. It’s always been her. She’s probably the only one in this room who doesn’t understand just how much she’s taken me over. I’ve seen her a thousand times before, but this moment—it’s different.

Now, as I see her in her gown, wearing her crown, and sitting on her throne, I’m falling for her all over again.

So perfect.

And somine.

26.

Queen

Iam the Queen.

It doesn’t even sound real. Yet, the crown on my head says otherwise.

But it really doesn’t matter all that much, not to me. What is truly important is Alex. Our union. Yes, I’m already wearing his mark on my neck—I’vebeenwearing it. And I know he thinks this marriage thing is ridiculous, but that verbal public declaration of our lovemeantsomething to me. He’s allmine—officially.

I’ve never been happier. I mean it. After everything… it’s hard to believe.

Except, I still have night terrors about Lilith. But a few bad dreams seem like a small price to pay. And panic attacks… though, Alex is exceptional at comforting me. It’s not that big of a deal.

Both my parents are safe—surprisingly, Lilith was telling the truth about not harming my mother. They just left for Europe a few days ago, and I feel so much better with them starting over in a new place. They deserve to be happy, too. Farah and Penny putan even stronger protection on them, knowing that the demons also pose a danger to them. I suppose as long as they are in the real world, they will always be vulnerable, but that’s all we can do.

I have a new family. A family that chooses me every day. And I even made some new friends recently. Not only were many creatures rescued from Area 51, but also women—young human women, some of whom are pregnant, carrying genetic experiments nobody can predict. Despite all the trauma and craziness, it makes this place feel a little more normal, a bit warmer with them around.

I finally feel like I belong—everything sorta fell into place. But it’s not the end by any means—it’s only the beginning for us. And with Alex literally beinggroundedin the Veil, the future has never seemed brighter.

Yet, it’s also bittersweet. He’s Lilith’s main target…

No, not tonight. Tonight we celebrate.

We move from the Throne Hall into the Grand Ballroom for the reception, where everyone starts offering their best wishes. The entire space is a vision of pure opulence, bathed in the flickering lights of crystal chandeliers above, shimmering like stars and casting a dazzling glow across the polished black-and-white checkered marble floor. A light breeze rushes in from the open balcony, with the stunning backdrop of the aurora’s colorful display. Tables draped in fine silk line the walls, each one adorned with lavish gold and crystal centerpieces. The rich scent of blooming roses and sweet treats fills the air, mingling with the haunting sound of string instruments echoing through the high-vaulted cathedral ceiling.

It’s not conventional in any sense, but hey, there’s food, there’s wine, there’s music… and most importantly, there’s my Alex.

Currently, he’s talking with Satan, leaning casually against a pillar, his amber eyes locked on me, full of promise—dark, filthy promise. I don’t need to read his mind to know exactly what he’s thinking. And I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t thinking the same—how to get the hell out of here and jump his bones already.

Oh, come on! I didn’t expect him to shift for the ceremony, and it was a total surprise to see this gorgeous man waiting for me. He’s dressed to kill, wearing that damn black velvet, high-collared Victorian tailcoat with gold embroidery. The fabric clings to his broad shoulders and the powerful lines of his body. He looks so sharp. He always does—as a man, just as much as the beast. I mean, even that first night I saw him, there was this undeniable attraction, an almost magnetic pull. But when I look at him now? He’s simply dreamy—in a gothic, nightmarish kind of way. And sure, I might be biased. But I’m sorry—not even Satan looks this good in all his perfect beauty. Alex has this dark edge, something dangerous yet provocative, that’s so fucking sexy it takes my breath away… and makes wetness pool between my legs.

By the way, I’m not the only one who thinks so. I can hear excited whispers all around. Everyone is talking. Mostly about me—or rather that insanely showstopping, heavy as hell, gown that Clara made—but about Alextoo.

I’m aware that, except for his family, no one in the kingdom has seen his human form before, and… well, ladies have pretty strong reactions to this debut—which, let’s be real, I can’t blame them for. But it still pisses me off.

“I get it now,” Meg leans in conspiratory, as if Alex couldn’t hear every single word together with each intake of air she takes, the beating of her heart, or the blood rushing in her veins. Even in his human form, his senses are as heightened as ever.

I see that stupid sexy smirk playing at the corner of his mouth that confirms all of it.

Uh, try not to gloat.I tell him telepathically, pouting in his direction, which only makes him laugh. God, the butterflies in my stomach…

Then, my brows furrow as my attention snaps back to Meg. “Really? Are youreallygoing to tell me how hot myhusbandis on our wedding night?”

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