Free Web NovelChapter 182: Death to the Fated Mate
"But that would be your fated mate," I said pointedly. Plucking my courage, I dared to ask. "What if Damon’s fated mate shows up? He seemed pretty insistent on having his fated mate as his luna."
Under my clothes, the web necklace Damon had given me felt as though it was tingling. I dare not move too much, afraid that the silvery material would catch Dahlia’s eye. There was no way she would know what it was nor the necklace’s significance, but I didn’t wish to risk the off-chance that she did.
If Dahlia found out that I was the said fated mate who could threaten her position as the future luna of Fangborne, she might just tear into me right now and rip me to shreds. The imagery was enough to have me shudder in fear.
Aubrey never had anything personal against me — she was just a bitch to everyone in general — but Dahlia, on the other hand, would get everything if I was out of her way. Compared to the tormentor for the most part of my life, I feared Dahlia a lot more. Not to mention, she was also much more athletic than Aubrey had ever been.
True enough, at the mention of Damon’s fated mate potentially showing up in the future, there was a manic glee that appeared in Dahlia’s eyes. Hatred was mixed into her fervent expression, and when she smiled, it seemed like the devil himself was beaming at me.
"She will not be an issue," Dahlia confidently said. "A dead wolf will not pose as a hindrance to me in any way. Damon can never miss what he never had. I simply have to get rid of his fated mate before he meets her, that’s all."
"B-But how?" I spluttered. "He’s the only one who can find his fated mate. How will you know who the Moon Goddess chose for him?"
That sealed the deal. There was no way I could let Dahlia find out I was Damon’s mate― and not only were we fated, we had already completed the marking! It was a miracle Dahlia hadn’t noticed the mark on Damon’s shoulder, especially given how she clung onto him like a koala to a tree all hours of the day.
Perhaps I could try convincing Damon to opt for turtleneck sweaters before the day of his wedding, or at least, a high-collared shirt.
"Daddy has the connections," Dahlia nonchalantly — and unfortunately, vaguely — said. "If there is any woman who shows up near Damon, we will have them removed immediately. I am not up to taking any risks."
She then smiled down upon me, grinning from ear to ear. I found no sincerity in her smile, only malice. Dahlia looked as though she was a starved lunatic who chanced upon a fancy slab of fresh meat.
"I would’ve thought you were his fated mate if it weren’t for the fact that you’re already mated to his brother," Dahlia said.
I nearly choked on my own spit at her words, but thankfully kept my calm.
"That’s ridiculous," I said, laughing awkwardly. Or at least, I hoped I was the only one who could sense how forced that chuckle was.
"I know, right? A human? As Fangborne’s luna?" Dahlia barked in laughter as she waved her hand. "The Moon Goddess surely wouldn’t make such a fatal mistake."
"Yes... fatal mistake, that..." I repeated hollowly, my fingers tangled in the ribbons. "Anyways Dahlia, I think I’ve got things handled here. You can go off and handle other matters."
I smiled weakly. "I’m sure there’s a lot of things that need your attention, since you’re the bride and all. It’s a big day."
Dahlia let out a pleased sound as she stood up, stretching her body. Her long limbs cast longer shadows all around the room. I could almost imagine her wrapping her fingers around my neck if the truth about me and Damon came out.
"Fair enough. I must say, you aren’t too bad for a human at all. At least you’re helpful and you know your place," Dahlia praised as she left the room. "The Moon Goddess was correct in choosing you for Blaise. I think I can accept you as my sister-in-law, weakling you might be." ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com
"Thanks," I said to her retreating back, barely restraining the urge to roll my eyes.
Her acceptance didn’t mean jackshit when it came to my situation with Blaise. Only when I was sure that she was gone did I let my shoulders slump in exhaustion, holding my head in my hands, restraining the urge to let out an unholy scream.
God. That woman was incredibly infuriating. Yet, there was no way I could go against her now, with the difference in our status and abilities. The only course of action was to endure whatever nonsense that spewed out of her mouth― pretend it was nothing more fleeting than the wind.
I looked down at the mountains of ribbons beneath my feet. Three days. I just had to endure this nonsense for three more days.
***
The next day, I finished with the piles of ribbons and moved on to debating flower arrangements with Darach. It would have been a fun and fulfilling experience, if not for the fact that this was a wedding I wholeheartedly disapproved of.
Darach wanted to put carnivorous plants all over the venue to warn people of Dahlia’s true nature, but of course such an idea didn’t bear fruit. It was fun to think about it, while the thought lasted. In the end, we had decided on roses, carnations, and lilies, but of course there was no time to rest.
Dahlia had approached me, with Damon trailing behind her as enthusiastically as a man walking to his death.
"Harper! Just the woman I wanted to see!"
"What is it?" I asked warily, dusting off the last of the flora from my body. "Is this about the table arrangements?"
"Harper, that task is beneath you," Dahlia said imperiously, waving a casual hand. "You have something more important to do as my maid of honor."
Damon’s eyes seemed even more pained than before. Whatever it was, it definitely wasn’t anything good.
"You have to help me choose a wedding gown!"
