Liam.
But when she arrived at Liam’s office, she found him pacing back and forth, his face twisted with worry. “No news,” he muttered to himself. “I’ve been out all day looking for Katie, and I haven‘ gotten any news about her.”
“What’s really going on?” she asked, trying to sound concerned. “Where can she be?”
“I don’t know,” he admitted. “And she’s not picking up her phone. I’m starting to get worried.”
Just then, the TV in the corner of the room caught their attention.
News was spreading like wildfire.
Katie was announcing her divorce from Liam.
And in a shocking twist, a video of Lucian getting down on one knee and giving Katie a ring ir Vegas played on the screen.
Dakota’s jaw dropped as she stared at the TV in shock.
Liam’s face turned white with rage and hurt. “What the hell is this?”
As he was trying to process it, his phone suddenly rang. Startling him.
He answered it just to hear his grandfather’s stern voice on the other end.
You better go and get back your Luna, or be kicked out of the pack,” Grandpa Russell said harshly. “If you don’t, your half–brother will take over as Alpha. He even has a stable family and is nore level–headed than you.”
Liam’s anger flared up. “Grandpa, what the heck?” How would you say something like that? Richard is nothing compared to me!”
You’re a disgrace to the family, Liam. You better fix your mess, or else I cannot guarantee what‘: joing to happen next.”
The call disconnected.
Liam brushed his hands over his face.
What in the goddess name?
He turned to Dakota. “We have to leave for Vegas.”
***
Meanwhile, Katie was exiting the restaurant with Lucian, surrounded by a swarm of reporters and camera crews.
‘Alpha Lucian, can you comment on your relationship with Ms. Katie?” one of them asked, shoving a microphone in his face.
“We heard you were involved with Dakota. Is that true?”
Lucian smiled calmly and said, “No comment, no comment,” before sealing Katie’s lips with a gentle kiss and rushing her over to his car.
As they drove away, Katie gazed at the sparkling diamond ring on her finger.
It all felt surreal.
Lucien noticed her gaze and smiled, holding her shoulders tenderly.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine,” she said, trying to smile. “But why did you have to kiss me?”
He grinned. “Gotta make it believable. Don’t you think?.”
Katie said nothing as tried to hide the blush creeping up her cheeks.
He drove to his mansion, the trees lining the driveway swaying gently in the breeze. He helpec Katie out of the car, her hand touching his as she stepped onto the pavement.
“Thank you for doing this,” Katie said, her voice soft.
“No need to thank me,” he replied, his smile wry. “We’re having a revenge marriage, remember We’re both doing each other a favor. You’re helping me get back at Dakota, and I’m helping you get back at Liam.”
“That’s right, I guess.”
Lucien’s smile grew wider. “Welcome to my humble abode,” he said, ushering her into the house.
As they stepped inside, Liam tried to mindlink Katie, but she swiftly cut him off.
Lucian noticed the brief flash of tension on her face and raised an eyebrow. But said nothing.
Instead, he gestured expansively around the foyer. “Make yourself at home,” he said. “I’ll give yo a tour later. But for now, there’s something I need to tell you.”
“What’s that?”
“There’s an important auction tomorrow evening. Most of the prominent pack members will b attending. I’d like you to come with me.”
“Why?”
‘We can make a statement. Show them that we’re a united front. What do you say?”
Katie gave a nod and smiled slightly. “Okay, I’d be happy to be your date.”
By the next morning, Lucian arranged for a wedding planner to meet with Katie.
When the planner arrived, Katie raised an eyebrow. “Is there really a need for a wedding planner It’s not even a real marriage.”
Lucian’s expression was firm. “You’re my mate, and you deserve the best wedding ever, even i
it’s not a real one.”
Her heart skipped a beat at his words. But she pushed aside the flutter in her chest.
She sat down to discuss the wedding details with the planner, who was bubbling with enthusiasm.
The planner asked Katie about her preferences. What kind of gown she wanted. The colors of the flowers. The theme of the wedding.
Katie hesitated, unsure of what to say.
Lucien intervened, his voice smooth. “Whatever she wants is fine with me. Ask her what she likes, and we’ll go with that.”
The planner beamed and turned to Katie. “Let’s start with the gown. Do you have any ideas in mind?”
Katie shrugged. “I don’t know. Something simple, maybe?”
When it was all over, Lucian took Katie to a luxurious bridal salon for her dress fitting.
The designer presented her with several stunning gowns, and Katie tried on each one, twirling in front of the mirror.
Lucian’s eyes widened as he admired her in each dress.
“You look gorgeous in all of them,”
When she put on the final dress, a strapless mermaid gown, Lucien’s eyes locked onto hers. “You look like a gorgeous bride,” he said, his voice low and husky.
Katie’s cheeks flushed, and she looked away, trying to hide her smile.
After the fitting, Lucien said, “We still need to shop for a few more things for the wedding. Let’s go to the wedding shop.”
As they walked into the shop, they were surrounded by press members, cameras flashing as they took pictures.
The photos were already online, and people were gushing about the “hottest couple in town going wedding shopping.
Meanwhile, on a private jet flying to Vegas, Liam and Dakota saw the news online.
Liam’s face darkened with anger. “A wedding already? Didn’t she just get engaged yesterday?”
Dakota’s eyes narrowed. “What if they get married before we get there?”
Shut up,” he half snapped.
We have to stop them, Liam.”
Liam’s expression turned calculating. “You bet we will.”
