Chosen By My Mate's Father-in-law novel Chapter 14

Chapter 14: Chapter 14: Slipping Through His Fingers

There was a long awkward pause. I almost smiled at how Elliot seemed to be dumbfounded by Michelle’s innocent question. She was still a child, so she missed the way her father’s sharp eyes darted between Elliot and I.

Michelle shrugged and added with a grin, “Well, when I become Lycan King, I’ll remember everybody.”

The tension cracked slightly as a few chuckles broke out around the room. Even I couldn’t help the small laugh that slipped out as I saw Michelle’s proud look. Isabella went to ruffle her sister’s hair. “Of course you will! In future, I’ll be running Ashborne with Elliot, you’ll have to help Dad run Frostfang.”

I felt a pang in my heart at the reminder that Isabella would be my Luna.

Elliot laughed too, but it sounded forced to me. “That’s why I need your sister with me - she will make me a better Alpha. Sorry Michelle, and Jasmine. I hope you’re not upset because of this.”

I smiled back politely, meeting his eyes evenly. “It’s alright. I’m used to being forgotten.”

Gareth’s gaze snapped to me again, sharp as a blade.

He didn’t say anything for a second. Just studied me like he was trying to figure out what I would do.

Then he turned to Elliot and Isabella with a tight smile. “So, how’s the wedding planning going? I imagine things are moving smoothly—since you’re both clearly in love and have no secrets with each other.”

I swear the temperature in the room dropped several degrees.

Isabella laughed softly, her face pinking in delight. She didn’t catch the edge in her father’s words. “We’ve started shortlisting venues. I want something open and natural. Maybe near the riverbank. And Elliot wants what I want. Isn’t that right, darling?”

Everyone turned to Elliot, but he didn’t respond right away. His jaw ticked, and his fingers curled into his slacks like he was holding back from snapping.

“Elliot?” Isabella prompted.

“Of course,” Elliot finally said, his voice a little tight. “Isabella is my priority. Everything’s going perfectly.”

“Good,” Gareth replied. “Because I wouldn’t want anything or anyone interfering with this wedding.”

I swallowed, keeping my head down even though every nerve in my body buzzed. Gareth had just thrown the sharpest warning possible, and he did it with a calm, icy tone that didn’t leave room for argument.

There was another long silence as Elliot nodded at the implicit warning in Gareth’s words, his smile splintering at the sides.

I wasn’t sure if I should be thankful or scared. Technically, his warning also applied to me.

The air became lighter as Isabella reached for Elliot’s hand and smiled sweetly.

“I found the perfect designer for my dress. We’re getting it customized with Frostfang embroidery—traditional, but a little modern too.”

“That sounds lovely,” I murmured, trying to keep my voice steady.

“And look at this,” she added, holding out her wrist like an excited little girl. “Elliot got me this last week.”

I looked. And for a second, I couldn’t breathe.

It was that bracelet.

The one I had stared at through the boutique window so many times. Delicate silver threads were woven like vines, with tiny crystal leaves that shimmered under the light. Elegant. Classy. Expensive. I’d never said I wanted it out loud, but Elliot knew. He’d caught me looking at it once, and I remember what he said.

“Maybe one day. When the time is right.”

Back then, I thought he meant when we got engaged. I thought I would be the one wearing that bracelet.

But here it was—on another woman’s wrist. Given freely and openly.

Isabella held it out toward me. “Isn’t it beautiful?”

“It is,” I said, forcing a smile. “He has good taste.”

Elliot met my eyes. And for a second, he smirked. He knew what that bracelet meant to me. This was just another way to twist the knife.

My stomach twisted.

Gareth gave a firm nod. “I’m glad to see you’ve got your priorities straight, Elliot. That’s what Ashborne needs as an Alpha.”

Elliot didn’t miss a beat. “I love Isabella more than life itself.”

He leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to her cheek. She blushed, smiling shyly as I looked away.

I clenched my jaw, holding the smile on my face like a mask. My wolf growled quietly, her pain mirroring mine.

Elliot’s POV

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