chapter fifteen

Lexa's parents were thrilled. Ridiculously pleased in fact . Within days, a bonding ceremony had been held, the entire pack , allies and Carter's friends and family were invited, and the party was in full swing waiting for the full moon to begin the ritual. Lexa looked stunning in her silver dress, which made her look like a star, and Carter couldn't have asked for a more incredible mate . He spun her around, and she laughed out loud. His mother pulled them aside and took Lexa's hands, which were sparkling under the lanterns.

- Even if I still find you young , know that I am really happy for you, children. And I wouldn't want another beautiful step-daughter , Lexita. So you have my blessing, and Jaime's, but he's still crying.

They chuckled, and Carter took his mother dancing, twirling her to the frenzied beat of the drums. Lexa smiled watching them: they were adorable. Suddenly a hand grabbed her and pulled her onto the dance floor. Turning around, she saw her mysterious partner, who had no business being there.

- What are you doing here, Jake?

He smiled, and there was something odd about that smile on his beautiful face.

- The whole pack was invited, Lexa. And then... We were friends, right?

She nodded, relieved.

- Yes, you're right . Jakey... I'm sorry it got so complicated. Really . But I hope you can be happy for me anyway.

She gave him a hopeful smile, and he answered her with a smaller one.

- I'll try, Lex, but it's hard.

They continued their dance in silence, and the next, she found herself back in Carter's arms. This one was waiting for her , frowning:

- What is he doing here? How are you ? What did he tell you ?

She reassured him with a caress:

- Everything is fine . He had just come to tell me that he accepted my point of view. and that he was going to try to understand. He will try.

He spun her around.

- Good, I know you hate to argue. But I still don't like seeing other males laying good hands on you.

She rolled her eyes and kissed him on the cheek . but he remained serious, his eyes fixed on hers.

- I'm not kidding , Lexa. Now it's just me.

She widened her eyes:

- Of course, Carter ! (she hangs on to his neck) There's only you, and there will never be more than you. I swear to you.

He kissed her possessively, his hands pressing her closer to him. They danced like this until the moon rose above their heads. John silenced everyone and invited the two lovers to approach. They stood facing each other, and the alpha took out the case that contained the chalices , essential to the ceremony and opened it. Suddenly, he froze. Lexa sighed, uncomfortably:

- what is it? Father ?

He slowly turned the suitcase around, and everyone could admire what was inside. Or rather, what was not there. Since the red velvet interior was completely empty. At the same time, screams rang out and the whole pack felt something. Lexa didn't even think and ran in the direction of the screams, praying she wouldn't be too late. But when she arrived there, she found only the shredded corpse of Niella, next to which was one of the chalices, filled with the dead woman's blood. She suppressed a scream of terror and concentrated to smell the scent . But she immediately identified the smell of Dahlia and wood fire that wafted through the air: Jake.