Chapter 116 Chapter 116 - I object!

Chapter 116 Chapter 116 - I object!
Lex’s POV

The ancient stone walls of the temple loomed around me, solemn and cold. Candles flickered on every pillar, their orange glow struggling to chase away the shadows pressing in from every side. My heart thundered—not with excitement, but with a growing sense of dread.

A faint, unfamiliar scent lingered in the air. Something about it made the hair on my neck stand up. For a split second, I wondered if someone—or something—was watching us from just beyond the shadows.

My gaze snapped toward the bridal room. I could make out a figure in a white dress, a thick veil covering her face.

I nodded to the servant. "We can begin."

The servant hurried off.

"What are you doing, son?" My father grabbed my shoulder, worry etched in his eyes. "You don't even know if it's Lilly in there."

My eyes flickered back to the bridal room, then back to him.

"I know," I replied calmly.

For a moment, my father just stared at me, searching for answers. When he was satisfied, he pulled his hand back and gave me a quick nod.

"Good luck," he said, turning to my mother. "Let's take our seats."

My mother was about to protest, but my father gave her a look and gestured for her to stay quiet. She nodded, reading the answer in his eyes.

Zack appeared by my side a moment later, looking confused as hell.

"Where did you find her?" I asked. "I thought she was missing."

Zack narrowed his eyes at me. "I thought you were the one who found her."

I shook my head and was about to reply when the music started.

A figure in white appeared at the door next to Jax. She looked perfect in white. The dress hugged her body, her curves moving with the fabric in perfect harmony. She held a beautiful bouquet, covering most of the front of the dress.

"That is not the dress you ordered," Lotus commented, raising an eyebrow.

What was he talking about?

I focused my attention on the dress, searching for any flaws or differences. It looked similar, but it wasn’t quite my design.

"Maybe Lilly didn't like the dress I made her," I said.

"I doubt that," he huffed, rolling his eyes. "Lilly would have worn it even if she didn't like it. She wouldn't hurt you like that."

Jax moved closer, his face twisted in confusion. Even he sensed a shift in the air.

"I don't like this," Lotus murmured as they came closer. "I can't smell her scent."

Jax stopped a couple feet from the altar, handed my bride over, and placed her hand in mine. No sparks—she wore satin, elbow-length bridal gloves.

She didn't let Jax lift the thick veil, nor did she allow him to kiss her cheek. Jax stepped away, looking a little hurt, but said nothing.

My heart pounded—something was definitely wrong. Too many red flags. The silence in the room felt unnatural, as though the temple itself were holding its breath.

"Dearly beloved," the priest began, but I didn’t listen. I was too distracted by the she-wolf standing beside me.

My mind raced, every instinct screaming that something was off.

I glanced at the veiled woman—her posture was rigid, tense. This was all wrong.

“Should I be worried my bride doesn’t smell like anything?” I teased, though my voice sounded hollow even to myself.

The gathered guests chuckled nervously, but the woman beside me didn’t react.

Was I making a fool of myself? Anxiety and dread quickly gave way to frustration and anger. I already knew—this wasn't my bride. Lilly would never ignore me like this.

"Ask her where she was earlier," Lotus said. "Let's see if we can get a reaction out of her."

I agreed.

"Where were you earlier?" I whispered, keeping my tone light but urgent. "Everyone’s been looking for you. We were worried."

She ignored me again, keeping her focus on the priest.

The vows approached. My stomach tightened, a cold weight settling under my ribs. I’d had enough of this she-wolf's games. I was ready to end it.

I leaned in and whispered, "I know you are not my mate, but an imposter."

I raised my head and watched her. She visibly stiffened.

"I'm not sure what game you're playing," I said, "but I am not going to continue the ceremony."

I stepped away, and the priest suddenly stopped. "Alpha, is there a problem?"

Before I could reply, the veil came off, the bouquet dropped to the floor, and she drew a silver dagger on me, pressing it against my side.

Gasps erupted from the crowd.

“If I were you,” Sade whispered, her voice low and malicious, “I would continue the ceremony, or Lilly and your pup die. You don't want that, do you?"

Zack urgently came closer, but I stopped him with a look. My parents jumped to their feet, and I gestured for them to stay back. My personal guards were already moving to de-escalate.

"Back down," I ordered.

"What the hell are you doing, Lex?" my father hissed over the mind link.

"She has Lilly," I replied.

My father's face turned pale.

"Fine!" I said, keeping my composure and turning to the priest. "Continue with the ceremony."

The guests gasped.

I listened half-heartedly to the priest, the dagger pressed against my side.

I began to recite the vows, voice steady but hollow, buying time with every word. The silver dagger pressed cold and lethal against me. Lotus snarled inside me—helpless, caged.

"Luke is on his way," my father said over the mind link.

"Did he find Lilly?" I asked.

Suddenly, the temple doors slammed open, a boom echoing through the chamber. A gust of night air swept in, scattering petals and candles. Every head turned in shock.

And there, framed in the doorway, stood Lilly—disheveled but unbroken, her eyes blazing with defiance.

She strode forward, her voice ringing out, strong and clear: “I object!”