I felt a blush roll over my face. I glanced past her and Sam towards where the guys were walking. We left the altar and went into the event room, where food and drinks were being served. There was soft music playing, and everything was decorated beautifully. But I couldn't shake the feeling that Frank wasn't happy about this.
“Where did you find this anyway?” Sam asked, reaching out and placing her hand on my sleeve. “It's beautiful.”
“A shop in town,” I said, offering a smile. “Last one.”
“You really shocked him,” Katie said as she softly elbowed me in the ribs. “He was stunned.”
“Did I?” I asked because that wasn't the vibe I was feeling when he looked at me. He looked almost ill.
Katie nodded. “Oh yeah. It's also Frank. He's very…” She paused and seemed to think of a word. “Detached.”
“That's terrible,” Sam said, giving Katie a look. “You're making him sound emotionless. He's just...”
“He's what?” Katie pressed. “Because that's a good word. He's just… reserved.”
“He opens up once you get to know him,” Sam quickly added.
I tried to take their words in, knowing they both came to love their husbands, but this wasn't the case with them. I somehow knew this wouldn't be the same.
The girls and I ate some fruit at one of the tables. Instead of trying to figure it out, I'd just eat my problems away for the night.
“Do you mind if I steal them away?” Jay walked up and offered a hand to Sam. She beamed, glancing at me, but I could see the reserve in her eyes. She wouldn't go unless I was okay with it.
“Don't let me stop you,” I said, waving a hand at Sam and Jay. I watched Jay spin Sam, and Sam laughed as she fell into his arms. Katie hugged Henry and kissed his head. “Someone needs a diaper change. I'll be right back.”
I watched Katie walk away and scanned the room. I spotted Frank. He was standing with Maddox and Aaron. I couldn't read his face, but I found myself staring. He was handsome, and he had that muscular, far-away look.
I had looked him up the other night, wanting to know more about him. Frank had always put his pack first and fought for everything they needed. He had a long dating history with women who held high positions. Frank took his Alpha role seriously. The guys all did, but Frank went above and beyond.
“Hey.”
I turned as Nessa and Kirk walked over towards me. I gave them a smile, always enjoying seeing my cousin. “Hey.”
“You're married to Frank.” Nessa pulled me into a hug. “Talk about a political marriage right there.”
I knew her point. Frank held the biggest pack out of all the guys, which meant he had higher numbers. It was a smart move when you looked at it that way.
“I'm glad you guys could make it.”
“We wouldn't have missed it,” Kirk said, giving me a tight hug. “You looked beautiful.”
I blushed as they sat down. “Thank you.”
“He's an amazing one,” Kirk said as we all looked over at Frank. But my heart didn't flip with excitement. Frank hadn't bothered to look at me since the ceremony, and I didn't think he was going to. A part of me was hopeful, but the other part knew better.
The party continued until ten, when everyone started to clear out, and I realized I had to go home with Frank. I tried to play it calmly as Sam and Katie gave me hugs before slipping away with their husbands, leaving me with Frank.
The drive home was quiet, and I was nervous. I chewed on my cheek, thinking of what was expected of me. I'd heard stories, and I knew the entire point of this was for children. The quicker I got pregnant, the quicker Frank and I could part ways.
I frowned, hating that I was thinking of separation on my wedding day. But it was logical. Frank married me out of obligation, and he would likely want to make this a short and quick marriage.
We parked, and I took in an old-looking house. Frank lived on a large plot of land filled with trees and shrubs. His house stood firm in the center with large windows that reached from floor to ceiling. The house was a light orangey cream color with a money taste.
I had seen both Henrik and Jay's houses, and while they were both wonderful, you could tell Frank's house was built from old money. It wasn't what I expected, if I was being honest.
“It's a family home,” Frank said as he got out. “It's been in my family for centuries.”
I nodded as I followed him inside. There were steps that led up to the front where Frank scanned his thumb to unlock the door.
