As I got ready that evening I put on one of the suits that Sasha made me purchase, I had to admit, she knew what she was talking about when it came to this whole "impressing" thing. Who would've known that I would have to impress my mates father?
When I originally agreed to come to Texas I knew I was also coming to get Chanel...never did I actually think I would have to get into her families good graces as well.
But for Chanel I would do whatever I had to do in order to be with her.
The sooner I was dressed, out of that house, and away from that fucking ranch, the better.
You see, this morning I found myself back at the library.
Last time I searched articles blindly, only looking for Vincent's name. After last nights talk with Earl I now had a new name...Alison.
And what I found was horrible.
You see there was an article that involve a young girl named Alison, and all the pieces fit together...but of course the newspaper article left out a LOT of details.
NEWS ARTICLE June 15, 2007
Today our small town was rocked when in the late hours shots were fired.
A Victim, believed o be female was found on the property of one Honorable Judge Victor Romero. Details are still sparse at this time.
Update: The body of the victim has been identified as local teen Alison Monroe (19) who was visiting family and friends. The person who discovered the body was Martin Soto, who has been taken in for questioning in the girl's death. Soto is the only suspect in the shooting right now.
OBITUARY June 17, 2007
Today Heaven gained another angel as Alison Monroe was taken from life too soon. Alison leaves behind her loving father and mother, Earl & Dorothy Monroe. Aug. 3, 1988- June 17, 2007. Services to be held at St Dominic's funeral home.
From the article I found out that Vincent's father was a judge, so of course he would do everything in his power to keep his son's name from being dragged through the mud. But I know in my bones that Vincent killed Alison, but why would he kill his own mate?
As an alpha I know all too well how jealous I can get, so perhaps he thought she was cheating on him.
I also tried to imagine Martin actually killing her, but that didn't fit together. Why would Martin kill her and then stay with her as she died only to be caught by the cops later on? ALSO if he really did kill her, why would ANY sane woman want to marry him afterward?
No Martin didn't kill her, he could've simply been at the wrong place at the wrong time, but Martin didn't do it...Vincent did, the question is why?
Why would Vincent kill his own mate?
I shook the mystery from my head, to think about it too long only upset me knowing that Chanel has to be close to him so long as we're here. If Vincent could do that to his own mate, I hate to image what he'd do to just some girl he dated.
As Chanel was on my mind I decided to text her.
She text me back playfully and soon I decided to head to the venue and take her up on her suggestion by "being useful."
I wasn't at all surprised to arrive and see my nephew already there.
"Cesare." I greeted him.
He turned and sighed, "you don't know how ready I am to get this done with."
A pang of guilt coursed through me.
Instead of Cesare enjoying the build up to his wedding he was now seeing his wedding as a chore, something he needed to get done quickly and forget about it afterward...all because of me.
"Hey kid, try and remember that you love Evalina and you're going to marry your mate TOMORROW." I smirked.
His own smile filled his face.
"Yeah," he sighed. "I am glad I'll get to marry Evalina tomorrow, I'll just be relieved once we're away from here."
"Don't worry about that." I instructed him. "The only thing on your mind should be your mate, tomorrow night, you will finally get to mate, with your mate."
His ears heated up and I knew he was struggling with his wolf, I couldn't help but laugh and I was grateful for my nephews presence as an open distraction from the bullshit of being here.
"W-we should see if they need any help." Cesare offered.
Soon I lost track of time while helping my pack members get small things done here and there.
Who would've ever thought that a rehearsal wedding would take as much staging as the ACTUAL wedding.
But as the last touches were added and odd and ends were placed here and there I finally put my suit jacket back on just as Evalina, Chanel, and Kammie arrived, Chanel and Evalina's families in tow.
Cesare and I greeted all of them with either hugs or handshakes.
"It's a pleasure to see you again Alpha Addams." I sounded as I shook Chanel's father's hand.
He chuckled and pulled me into a friendly sort of one armed hug, "Luca I though we were passed all of the formalities, you know you can call me Garland."
I let out a nervous sort of chuckle before Chanel joined us.
"Good evening Chanel" I sounded as I lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles, to an outsider it shouldn't seem too weird as that's how I normally greet women, but to Chanel, it was a silent 'I miss you.'
That is until I noticed the damned ring on her finger.
I locked my eyes with her as I righted myself, her eyes were full of sorrow, I knew she didn't want to wear that thing and yet here she was, ring on full display for everyone to see.
"So how was the flight?" I asked.
This time it was Chanel's grandfather who answered. "Long, cramped, and boring...I'll be glad to be back home."
I nodded, "I know the feeling."
"Where is Vincent?" Garland asked.
"He should be on his way." Chanel sounded softly.
Her grandfather shook his head, "he should've been at the airport, he's insulted us once tonight by not showing up, now he's more than late for the rehearsal."
"Kingsley cut the guy some slack." Garland sighed toward his father in laws rant. "He IS a doctor."
"He's also and alpha, which is more important to him, and look at Chanel, she's all alone tonight."
I stepped forward, "well Mr Richmond, if it is alright with you I would be honored to be more than Chanel's escort for the night."
"Well" Kingsley Richmond nodded in approval, "I'm glad to see some chivalry isn't lost on all young men these days."
I smiled, I knew I had just made a new ally in Chanel's grandfather.
Chanel also smiled up at me before turning to face her father, "Daddy, when you get the chance, I would love a word with you sometime tonight."
He nodded, "yes, it seems I have something to give you tonight."
Chanel looked confused but didn't question it.
Just then Vincent strolled in, he apologized over and over but his words were lost on me as luckily Evalina came over and informed us that it was time to start the rehearsal.
Chanel took my arm and we joined Evalina and Cesare.
"You look beautiful tonight." I whispered.
She blushed, "thank you."
This was a new side of Chanel I had yet to see, she was still my fiery spitfire redhead, but right at this moment she was sweet and demure.
I couldn't keep my eyes off over her as she held onto my arm but talked with Evalina.
Kammie was playing the part of instructor and told us when to go and where to stand.
"Evalina doesn't want that whole prolonged stepping so just casually make your way down the aisle to Cesare, your mark is the music, you hear it, you go."
Chanel and I nodded and almost instantly music filled the venue, we took out steps and soon we were placed up at the alter as we watched Evalina make her way to my nephew.
I couldn't help but imagine the same scenario, only in my version it was Chanel walking toward me.