Chapter 3

2.

The wedding happened faster than I expected.

During the ceremony, Kaelen was the perfect gentleman. He held Celine's train and adjusted her hair with a smile.

Maddox, on the other hand, looked like he wanted to be anywhere else. He didn't even look at me, acting like this was a chore he needed to finish.

Celine saw how I was being ignored and looked even more satisfied.

She dragged Kaelen over to gloat.

"Sister, if you can't even handle your husband's heart, you won't survive long in the Sterling Pack," she sneered.

I glanced at Kaelen.

He was looking at her with deep affection, but I caught the glint of a silver ring on his thumb.

I instinctively took a step back, my skin crawling.

I forced a smile and took a breath.

"Don't worry about me, Celine. I know exactly what I'm doing."

I turned and walked away immediately.

Even though it was a past life, my body still trembled.

Celine thought she found a savior. She had no idea.

Compared to the "gentle" Kaelen, I'd take Maddox any day.

That night, I changed into a red silk robe early.

Maddox was leaning back on the bed with his eyes closed. His massive black tail was flicking irritably beside him.

A werewolf's tail is their most sensitive spot.

They don't let anyone touch it unless they trust them completely.

I walked over boldly.

Just as I reached for his tail, he shoved me hard, sending me hitting the floor.

"What the hell are you doing?" he growled.

His voice was thick with rage.

"Maddox, it's our wedding night," I whispered, acting shy.

In my head, I was cursing him out. I'm being this proactive and you're giving me attitude?

"So what?" he barked.

He lunged forward, his massive hand tightening around my throat. His brown eyes were wild.

"Let me tell you something. I have zero interest in this. If you want to stay alive, stay out of my way!"

My face turned red from the pressure.

I knew about his temper. Even the pack's guard dogs knew he was a ticking time bomb.

In the last life, if Celine hadn't been his legal wife, he probably would have eaten her.

I swallowed hard, fear prickling my skin.

No, I couldn't give up. I had suffered enough in my last life.

"Fine... I'll stay back," I managed to choke out.

He let go, throwing me back to the floor.

I gasped for air, coughing violently.

Seeing him get annoyed by the sound, I scrambled into the bathroom to hide my coughing fit.