Chapter 286 A Family Dinner

Chapter 286 A Family Dinner

YELENA

The wedding had ended perfectly, a beautiful success that still made my heart swell.

As night fell over the city, we organized a private dinner in the garden behind Tristan’s house. It was just us, our closest friends and family... the people who had stood by us through every bit of the chaos.

I was in the bedroom, winding down. Tyla was finally calm after I fed her. I played with her for a moment, pressing her little cheek against mine, and when I kissed her tiny lips, she let out a soft, contented purr.

"Should I carry her now, ma'am?" Aria asked, stepping forward from the corner of the room.

I shook my head with a smile. "No, I’ll take her down to the dining area myself. Just help me with my zipper, please."

She nodded and stepped behind me, smoothing out the back of my gown.

Once she was finished, I stood up straight and shifted Tyla into a comfortable position. I was just about to head out to meet the others, who I knew were waiting for me, when the door creaked open.

Tristan stepped in, with Claire trailing right behind him.

I walked toward them, feeling a surge of warmth. Tristan reached out, pulled me close, and placed a lingering, soft kiss on my cheek. "Let’s go and meet them as one family," he murmured, his eyes glowing with that familiar, protective love.

"Yes," I agreed, beaming at him.

"Let me take her," he said, reaching for Tyla.

As soon as he stepped further into the room, she started squirming and moving in my arms, clearly eager to get to her father.

I handed her over, and he held her with such ease. I reached out to hold Claire’s hand, and together, we walked out toward the back of the house.

The dining table was set up under the open sky, lit by soft, glowing lanterns that made the whole scene feel like something out of a dream.

When we arrived, our friends looked up and broke into smiles.

"Awwn... What a sweet family," Nyra said, her voice genuine and soft. I smiled at her, knowing she had such a big heart; I truly hoped she would be the next one to find this kind of happiness.

We took our seats, and the conversation flowed easily. The table was absolutely covered in delicious food and refreshments, but I found I wasn't hungry for anything heavy.

I was just too happy.

I poured myself a glass of cold juice instead and leaned back, letting the joy of the night wash over me.

Jackson raised his cup of wine high, catching everyone’s attention. "Cheers to a beautiful and long-lasting family," he announced.

We all raised our glasses, the clinking sound echoing in the night air. "Cheers!" we said in unison.

I felt Tristan’s breath on my neck, sending a shiver down my spine. He was leaning in so close that I could feel the warmth radiating from him. I turned my head, locking eyes with him, and felt a giggle bubble up in my throat.

"Behave yourself, Alpha," I whispered, leaning in to press a quick, playful kiss to his lips.

A chorus of murmurs and dramatic groans rose up from the table.

"Please, show some respect for your audience," my mother called out from across the table, causing everyone to burst into laughter.

"Exactly," Nyra chimed in, pointing a finger at me with a smirk. "Especially Lena. She has absolutely no respect for anyone."

I rolled my eyes playfully and stared at her, but before I could defend myself, my dad jumped in. "What are you talking about? My daughter is the most respectful person I know."

"What?" my mother countered, acting shocked, and the whole table erupted in another wave of belly laughs.

The laughter was still ringing in the air when the mood shifted slightly. Two figures emerged from the shadows of the walkway. "I’m sorry for coming late, guys," a voice said.

I looked up to see Vivianne walking toward the table. She took the only available seats, one for herself and one for Alpha Loren, who followed right behind her and took the seat beside her.

My eyes widened slightly. Wow... he actually followed her to our private dinner?

Vivianne offered us a quick, awkward smile, acting as if everything was perfectly fine.

"It’s no problem at all," Jackson said, unable to resist a bit of teasing. "I understand how men can sometimes be the cause of their wives' delays."

Vivianne’s eyes widened, and she stiffened, her face flushing as she began to fan herself, clearly trying to hide her discomfort.

Tristan leaned towards me, he was already watching them with sharp, curious eyes. "Do you think she was forced to be with him or something?" he whispered in my ear.

Tristan, my man.

I knew he couldn't help but poke his nose into other people's business, especially when it involved pack dynamics.

I just shook my head, feeling a little embarrassed on his behalf, but he only shrugged, clearly enjoying the drama unfolding in front of us.

"Well," I murmured back, "it’s a mutual thing. They’re in a contract marriage."

Tristan leaned forward, his interest piqued. "What? Like us? I mean, like us back at the start?"

I shook my head. "No, theirs is different. They have a rule... They aren’t allowed to have feelings for each other."

Tristan smiled, a knowing look crossing his face. "Is that so? Personally, I think this is already starting to look like something more than what they agreed upon."

I watched as Vivianne kept her gaze fixed on her plate, pointedly ignoring Alpha Loren as he tried to speak to her. "I think you’re right," I agreed.

"Their story isn't ending here; it’s really just about to start. I just wish her well and hope she gets exactly what she deserves."

I felt Tristan’s hand find mine under the table. His fingers intertwined with mine, strong and grounding, and he lifted my hand to press a gentle kiss to my knuckles. "She will be alright," he said softly.

I smiled at him, feeling safe and secure, but just as I was about to relax, Marie cleared her throat, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

It was clear she had decided it was the perfect time to embarrass my husband.