Page 10 of The Possessive Alpha’s Reborn Luna

"Now," the priest looked at me, "Alice, do you accept Cedric Hilphia as your mate? If you do, please place your hands together and swear before the Moon Goddess."

I watched Cedric extend his hand.

I didn't move.

Just said coldly, "I do."

Silence fell. The guests gasped.

"Didn't you hear the priest?" Cedric's voice held suppressed fury.

I looked up at him. He stared at me, eyes flashing dangerously.

"I heard him. That's why I answered I do." My voice stayed calm.

Cedric's brow furrowed. The next second, he grabbed my hand and forced our hands together.

Instantly, electricity shot through my nerves. My wolf rolled inside me, whimpering with excitement.

But my reason screamed: This is a trap! Just the bond reacting! He doesn't love you! I bit down hard, forcing back the urge to move closer to him.

"What's wrong with you today?" He lowered his voice, eyes narrowing. "Alice, isn't this what you always wanted?"

I looked at him coldly. "I'm fine."

He huffed but said nothing more.

The priest continued. "Then... under the witness of the Moon Goddess, I pronounce—"

"Your Majesty!"

A shrill voice cut through, interrupting the priest.

Here it comes, I thought. Right on cue.

Victoria's maid Carol stumbled forward, voice panicked. "Your Majesty! Please! Lady Victoria is gravely ill! Please come see her!"

The crowd erupted. I felt Cedric's body go taut. His hand still held mine, but I knew his heart had already flown to Victoria.

In my past life, this was when I'd desperately clutch him, crying and begging him not to go.

But this life... I released his hand immediately.

"Go ahead." My voice was even. "The ceremony's almost over anyway. You're not needed here."

Cedric froze. His eyes locked on me, voice dangerously low. "Do you know what you're saying?"

"I said go," I repeated. "Victoria needs you. What if she can't make it without you? Why are you still standing here?"

Go. Go to your precious Victoria. In my past life, no matter how I begged, you left anyway. Even called me selfish and heartless. Made me everyone's laughingstock.

This life, I'll let you have her.

"I had no idea," Cedric said through gritted teeth, "you were this generous. Pushing your mate away at your own wedding?"

"Generous?" I laughed bitterly. "No, I'm just realistic. Because I know even if I tried to stop you, you'd go anyway. Right?"

He opened his mouth but didn't argue. Because I was right.