Page 48 of Ruthless Alpha Beast
“Well,” Tara murmurs. “Yes, I suppose it was.”
What did she think when she first saw me?
Not important.
“We wish you both a lifetime of happiness!”
I smile. “Thank you both.”
The rest of the night runs smoothly, but I can’t enjoy it because I’m constantly thinking about logistics.
What will be too much PDA? What isn’t enough?
How many times does a normal newly couple hold one another? How many times do they dance alone?
I try to think back to other weddings I’ve been to, and mimic accordingly.
It seems to be going well.
“You think they believe us?” Tara whispers in my ear.
“I think they’re more concerned with the party than us.”
We gaze out at the mixture of sweaty bodies, gyrating to music that has become more upbeat now that the sun has gone down.
Ellis has his arms wrapped over Danielle, and Sawyer is kissing Lacey’s neck.
I turn to Tara, who looks down and smooths out her dress.
“Maybe let’s get some cake,” she says.
“Good idea.”
“Yeah,” she nods, walking ahead. “Okay.”
As the party ends, Penelope, whom I’ve been successfully avoiding all night, catches me alone.
“Penelope,” I smile, raising my glass of champagne. “Good to finally see you.”
She nods.
At first, it feels like she’s about to catch me out. Like, somehow, she knows.
But then she smiles too.
“I’m really happy for you both. You seem like such a wonderful couple.”
“Thank you. I couldn’t be happier with Tara,” I respond, watching her move gracefully through the party with her friends. “She’s my world.”
Penelope surprises me with a hug before heading off.
I’m happy that all this has worked. But why do I feel so guilty, then?
Chapter 11 - Tara
I can’t stop thinking about the curse. Yes, technically, I’m married, at least in this world, but all I will allow myself to think about is this stupid curse.
I’m worried about the blackening forest, about the shadow monsters. If nothing is done, then what will happen?
