Chapter 177

Chapter 177
Sophia’s POV:
"Sophia..." Chloe's blush deepened as she avoided my knowing gaze.
"Oh my," I said, unable to suppress my grin. "I'm happy for you."
Before Chloe could respond, she suddenly straightened, her expression shifting. "That reminds me—I saw Michael when I was at the royal courtyard earlier today."
My heart skipped a beat. "Michael?" Amy stirred within me, excitement radiating through our bond before she forced herself to calm down. "He's here? But he said—"
"Stay calm," I warned my wolf, though my pulse had quickened. "Michael is here?" I asked Chloe, trying to keep my voice steady.
"Just briefly," Chloe said, watching my reaction carefully. "He looked like he was heading to the guest quarters."
The memory hit me like a physical blow—that night with Lucas, when passion had overwhelmed us and somehow, in that moment of climax, I had seen Michael's face instead of Lucas's.
The guilt crashed over me again, as fresh and overwhelming as it had been then.
I instinctively placed my hand over my abdomen, where Lucas's child was growing.
This was what mattered. Lucas's baby. Our future together. Whatever strange pull I might feel toward Michael was irrelevant now.
"But he told me he wouldn't be attending tonight's celebration," I said, more to myself than to Chloe.
Chloe moved closer, her warm Beta aura enveloping me in comfort. "Sophia, breathe. Whatever you're thinking right now—stop it."
"Now," Chloe said, her tone brightening, "let's get you ready to dazzle that Alpha of yours."
The next few hours passed in a whirlwind of preparation.
Chloe helped me into Lucas's moonlight gown, and I had to admit, it was breathtaking. The fabric flowed over my body like liquid silver, and the subtle changes to my figure from pregnancy were barely noticeable, hidden by the dress's elegant design.
"You look radiant," Chloe said, adjusting the final touches of my hair. "Lucas is going to lose his mind when he sees you."
I smiled, warmth spreading through my chest as I imagined Lucas's reaction when he saw me in the gown he'd chosen.
"I hope so," I said softly, touching the delicate fabric. "I can't wait to see his face when he realizes what tonight means."
---
Standing at the entrance to the grand ballroom, I checked my phone for the third time.
Ten minutes until the celebration was scheduled to begin, and I still couldn't sense Lucas's presence anywhere in the castle.
The ballroom beyond was already filling with distinguished guests—Alphas from various packs, royal court members, and dignitaries from across the kingdom.
The celebration of the Moonlight Project's success was clearly a major event.
But where was Lucas?
I pulled out my phone and dialed his number. It went straight to voicemail.
"Don't panic," Amy advised, though I could sense her own unease. "Maybe he's just running late from his pack duties."
I tried calling Marcus next.
"Sophia," Marcus answered on the second ring, but his voice sounded strained.
"Marcus, where is Lucas? The celebration is about to begin."
"Alpha is... handling some pack business," Marcus said carefully. "Tribal affairs that required his immediate attention."
"What kind of tribal affairs?" My stomach dropped. "Marcus, what's happening?"
"I... I'm sorry, Sophia. I'm sure Alpha will be along shortly."
The line went dead, leaving me staring at my phone in growing nervous.
What if Ryder did something? The thought hit me like ice water.
What if this was all part of some elaborate scheme to prove Lucas would fail?
"Sophia."
I turned to find Ryder approaching, resplendent in his formal royal attire. His golden eyes held an unreadable expression.
"Ryder," I said, relief and suspicion warring in my voice. "Have you seen Lucas? He should be here by now."
"I've announced that the ceremony will be delayed by thirty minutes," Ryder said calmly, his gaze studying my face.
"The question is—will your Alpha do what he promised? Will he show up for you when it matters most?"
"Of course he will."
Ryder's voice was deceptively casual, but his eyes focused on me. "Care to make a wager on that, Sophia?"
"What kind of wager?"
"If Lucas doesn't arrive on time—even with the thirty-minute extension I've graciously provided—then you agree to stop wasting your heart on an Alpha who clearly doesn't deserve it."
My blood chilled. "And if he does show up?"
"Then I'll support your choice, completely and without reservation," Ryder replied.
"He will show up," I said firmly, my chin lifting with conviction. "Lucas promised me, Ryder. He won't break that promise again."
Ryder studied my face for a long moment, then released a heavy sigh, his shoulders sagging slightly. "Sophia... honestly? I hope you're right. I hope he proves me wrong and arrives here with time to spare."
The admission surprised me. "You... do?"
"Of course I do," he said quietly, his golden eyes softening.
"Do you think I enjoy being the bad guy in your story? " He ran a hand through his hair. "I would be thrilled to welcome Lucas Stone as family—if he could just once prove that he values you as much as you deserve. I don't want to tear you apart, Sophia. I just want you to be happy."
The sincerity in his voice made my throat tighten with emotion.
Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I thought of everything Ryder had done for me—the countless times he'd protected me, supported me, picked up the pieces when I was broken.
How much worry and heartache had I caused him with my stubborn choices? How many sleepless nights had he spent concerned about his foolish little sister who kept making the same mistakes?
"I'm sorry," I whispered, my voice thick with unshed tears. "I've been such a troublesome sister. You've done so much for me, and I've just... I've made you worry constantly."
Ryder's expression softened completely, and he reached out to gently squeeze my hand. "You're not troublesome, Sophia. You're my sister, and I love you. That's what family does."
He paused, his golden eyes growing distant for a moment.
"Besides, our mother died when you were so young. Understandably, you've needed more time to grow up, to be mature."
His voice was gentle, without any trace of condescension. "You can take all the time you need, little sister. I'm strong enough to protect you while you figure things out."
"And I always will," he replied simply. "Whether you're eight years old and crying over a scraped knee, or grown up and making complicated choices about love—I'll always be here."
I nodded, blinking back the tears, and took a deep breath.
There was nothing left to say, nothing left to argue about. We both knew what this moment meant, what hung in the balance.
Quietly, I moved to stand beside my brother, my hands folded calmly in front of me.
Together, we faced the ballroom entrance, waiting as the minutes ticked by. Whatever happened next, whatever the outcome of this test, I will face it calmly..