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.

to pick up on what they

union without him here." He bit out lowly. "Do you understand what it took to get us

head, "I'm sorry sir. There seems to have been some kind of landslide

begin the announcement and when he arrives, he will join Ciana on stage. Then I will perform the

man bowed his head and

a seat among the rest of my pack members. I made sure to

second felt like an hour as I waited for the

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

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 opportunities

the crowd cheered

they

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 representative, our beloved Miss Ciana Black!"

roared again and chanted my

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

through the doors dressed

be heard from all over the area. Guests stood from their seats to get a closer look at the young prince who had just walked

show their respect. After all, Warren was a royal prince. He was born with Alphaness, just like his brother.

Black is not going through with this alliance today," he finished his words,

what

address the pack members. "The meaning of this is that I

grew silent and every single pair of eyes were on

in love with Ciana Black. She doesn't

not a gift

few hums of

selling this well.

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

the ceremony is over, we'd be happy to celebrate your union with Miss Ciana, but we need her for

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

gasps filled the meeting

Warren reached out 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

this from a royal prince? I gave

a bright red from the rage that

Ciana

sides and went to capture the young prince. They bound him in chains and

for show. I

world. Taking down normal pack guards should be just a piece of cake for him. He caught my eye in the crowd and he gave

turn. His look read.

on our word? No. We do not conform to the pressures of those sitting

been waiting for this day. You have to make a choice, me,

Ciana had her eyes trained on Warren. Tears brimmed her eyes as she watched the