The Predator

Chapter 17

Ivy's POV

"I, Cassian Ansaldo, Alpha of the Dark wood pack, take you Ivy Elsher as my mate and Luna," The words fell from his lips simply. Cold. Nonchalant. Emotionless.

My teeth sank into my lips so I could stop them from trembling.

God, it hurts like hell.

Everyone said this was going to be the most beautiful day of my life but why don't I feel like it? Why do I feel suffocating while standing opposite to my mate on the stage?

I want the ground to swallow me up. I want to cease my existence.

Knowing that the person who's marrying me doesn't love me makes my head spin. This is a nightmare. A terrible nightmare.

I took a deep breath, the chill night air filling my lungs as I did so. His scent wafted into my nostrils, making me shudder.

It was a full moon and the night was beautiful. The place was decorated with red roses and curtains. Colorful lamps spread their beautiful light everywhere. I've never seen such a beautiful setting before.

It must be mesmerizing for everyone else here. Not me though.

I couldn't focus. I felt helpless. This is supposed to be the most important day of my life… I'm getting married to my mate.

But I felt like crying.

My eyes met his cold ones. He was glaring at me in irritation. "Are you going to say it or not?" He mumbled in annoyance.

Oh, I forgot I had to say it too. I took a deep breath again.

"I-I, Ivy Elsher, accept you, Cassian Ansaldo, as my mate and Alpha," I cursed myself in my mind for stuttering. I didn't want to look even more pathetic than I already was.

I looked down, my eyes falling on the beautiful dress I was wearing. It was fluffy and gorgeous. It looked like something a princess would wear. I felt beautiful in it.

But no matter how beautiful I felt, nothing could make Cassian look at me like I wanted him to.

Cassian didn't care. I'm pretty sure he wouldn't even bat an eye if I stood here in a bunch of ragged clothes. He just wants to get this over with.

I saw him take a knife from the priest's hands. He pierced his thumb with it and gave it to me. I figured he wanted me to do the same so I imitated him.

The priest took the knife from me and took my hand. He then gave it to Cassian who pressed his pierced thumb on mine.

I don't know how to describe it but a wave of euphoria washed over me like a tsunami. I gasped and my legs grew weak from the suddenness of it. Something similar to electricity passed through my whole body. Cassian wrapped his arms around me and pulled me closer to him. I gripped on to his shoulder like my life depended on it.

I felt dizzy. There was a tugging feeling on my thumb that soon spread to my heart. My eyes grew wide. It felt like we were being connected by a red string.

I felt my wolf push forward as I saw my mate's eyes glow. I had this uncontrollable urge to nuzzle into his warm neck and scent mark him. I wanted the world to know he is mine and I'm his.

But Cassian stepped back just as I was about to lean closer to him. I looked at him confused and dazed as he pushed back his own wolf and brought back the cold expression on his face.

I felt my wolf whimper and retreat.

The priest cleared his throat and extended the rings towards us. I took the big one which had a yellow stone on it while Cassian took the smaller one which had a ruby on it.

He took my left hand and slipped the ring on it without waiting for anything. He showed me his hand urging me to do the same and I did it without any complaint.

The priest took both of our hands in his and he said some prayers. "On this night of fullmoon, the moon goddess being the witness, I now pronounce you Cassian Ansaldo and Ivy Elsher Ansaldo as the Alpha and Luna of the Dark wood pack," He said and I heard cheers and claps erupt in the crowd.

"You may kiss your Luna,"

My eyes widened. I forgot about that bit of the ritual. My eyes fell on my mate who clenched his jaw. "That's not necessary," He mumbled before turning towards the people who were watching our wedding.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming to the wedding and giving us your blessings. The ritual is over. There is food and wine being served in the grand hall of the pack house. You're welcome to join us there. Thank you," Cassian announced.

I heard people murmurs and snicker. My eyes looked at the crowd anxiously. Cassian's parents were frowning. My mother looked like she was on the verge of crying.

My eyes found Luna Evelyn and her mate. Luna Evelyn had a sad look on her face while her mate looked disappointed.

People were talking in hushed whispers, throwing me pity glances as they shook their heads.

I nervously fiddled with my fingers. I wanted to curl up in a cave and die.

The girls and guys my age were snickering while looking at me. They weren't even trying the slightest bit to hide the fact they were making fun of me.

I felt humiliated. My mate flat out refused to kiss me at my wedding. What's more pitiful than that?

Why couldn't he just put up an act and give me a peck on the cheek at least? Is it so hard to do that? Am I that repelling?

I bit my lips as tears blurred my vision. I didn't even have the time to take this all in. It feels so unfair. Why can't he be a little nice?

I looked over at Cassian who looked totally unaffected as he fixed his suit before getting off the stage, leaving me standing there alone.

I blinked away the tears before following him. He was walking away from the crowd. I tried my best to catch up with him.

"Stop," I said when I saw that we were a little away from the others. Cassian stopped and turned around with an irritated expression.

"What now?" He let out a heavy breath.

"Wh-Why did you do that?"

"Do what?"

"You refused to kiss me…Why-Why did you have to humiliate me like that?"

"I didn't kiss you because I didn't want to kiss you. That's my personal choice. I don't care what others think of it," He snapped.

"I know…but we could've put up an act…I-I…then it would've been—"

"I'm not going to put up an act to please anyone. I don't do things that I don't like,"

I clenched my fists. "You don't care about me at all…do you?" My voice almost cracked as I said that out loud.

"Look, I have a lot of things to attend to today…I don't have time for your emotional dramas. I'll meet you at dinner. Go change out of your dress if you want to," He said before walking away without answering my question.

I stood there and glared at the ground. He didn't care. He didn't care at all.

That's obvious. Even a blind person could see that.