Sold as the Alpha King’s Breeder

Chapter 76: Show Time

*Ciana*

The following day I didn't see Tallis at all. I'd woken up in his empty room and figured he'd gone to work. I went to find him, but it seemed as if he'd vanished. He didn't even return at night.

I sent word to let Warren know where I was and we met up somewhere in the woods to plan what to do about the alliance ceremony.

When the morning of the ceremony arrived, I steadily made my way to the location, cloaked in a ceremonial robe with an oversized hood like most pack members. My face was shielded. but otherwise undisguised.

Only a few hours remained until the contract was to be signed. After those signatures were marked in ink and blood it would be too late to go back.

I mingled among the shadows, away from people that moved around the pack square, getting ready for the big alliance ceremony. I could feel their excitement. They saw this as a step forward to greatness as Raymond had said in his speech to the pack a few days ago.

The man made my skin crawl.

Some people brushed past me, nearly knocking me off balance.

"Sorry," they muttered, continuing on their way.

I hadn't seen Warren since the morning, but he knew the plan.

The crowd would be gathering in the great hall for the ceremony, and I was nervous to say the least. I knew my people would come to my aid once they learnt the truth. But there was a part of me that still believed that Raymond could manipulate them in some way. He had done it before, what was stopping him from doing it again?

I made sure to keep to the shadows.

Fake Ciana walked onto the stage. She dressed in the pack colors of white and deep purple. The dress had a whimsical touch to it. The skirt flowed all the way to the floor, concealing her feet. The bodice was tight and cinched at her waist perfectly. It had a sweetheart neckline that gave her just the right amount of cleavage to remain tasteful.

Her hair had been pinned up and her face was kept natural.

I had to say she looked beautiful. If she hadn't had a nervous look etched on her face I would have thought she almost looked like a princess.

"She is stunning, isn't she?" a woman beside me whispered.

I simply nodded my reply.

I followed her every move as she made her way to Raymond who was wearing a ceremonial white gown, something only the Alpha was supposed to. It was then that I noticed the feather in her hand.

It was the same feather that was meant to be in my father's safe, but Raymond had hidden it. Fake Ciana gave a forced smile and went to sit at one of the chairs. She placed the feather on the table and zeroed in on it.

I walked toward the stage seeing Raymond talking to a rather tall looking man. The man's back was turned toward me but I could see Raymond's face clearly.

Raymond's brows were furrowed and his eyes were narrowed at the man before him.

trying to pick up on what they were

begin within the next twenty minutes. We cannot have the union without him here." He bit out lowly. "Do you understand what it took to

seems to have been some kind of landslide

will begin the announcement and when he arrives, he will join Ciana on stage. Then I will perform the ceremony. Go and prepare the contract, wax seal, and

bowed his head and

ground and took a seat among the rest of my pack members.

an hour as I waited for the twenty minutes to tick

passed Raymond walked onto the stage with a smile on his face. Oh, how I wanted to put my fist right in the

"Today is a day of great honor for this pack. Today we unite not only two lands but we make history. We usher in a new age and

crowd cheered

only they knew.

trouble on his journey here, but he will be here shortly." He then turned to look at the side of the stage. "But we have Alpha's

again and chanted

fell silent as everyone looked to Raymond for the proceedings to continue. He opened his mouth but a loud banging sound interrupted

the doors dressed in a suit and tie.

from their seats to

show their respect. After all, Warren

is not going through with this alliance today," he finished his words, staring at Raymond.

what is the

is that I am a man in love. I thought I'd made myself clear the

grew silent and every single pair of

have fallen in love with Ciana

with me. Why should we deny true love? Is it not a gift from the Moon Goddess herself?

a few hums of agreement.

this well.

is the one I have chosen. She is the one I want and she wants me. You denying us this right to be together will go against the royal court. And I don't think you want to take on the royal

could see the bulging vein on the side of Raymond's forehead. "I'm sorry Prince Warren, but once the ceremony is over, we'd be happy to celebrate your union with Miss Ciana, but we

soft chuckle, and interrupted Raymond who wanted to explain. "I don't care. Whoever he is, my father and brother probably would know, but it's none of my business. What I do know is that Ciana cannot be a part of this alliance because she

the

to the fake Ciana with a warm smile on his face, and she stared at him in disbelief, but her shyness and the pink on her face told me that

like this from a royal prince? I gave Warren

face turned a bright red from the rage that filtered

Fake Ciana

moved from the sides and went to capture the young prince. They

I knew that was only for show. I knew he could take on Raymond's

still well trained by the best warriors in the world. Taking down normal pack guards should be just a piece of cake for him.

turn. His look read.

that go back on our word? No. We do not conform to

for this day. You have to make a choice,

Tears brimmed her