Chapter6 True love

Aliya POV

My phone suddenly rang, cutting through the tension. I glanced at the screen - Marcus.

"Hey sweetheart," his voice was warm when I answered. "How's your morning going? I was just wondering when you'll be here."

"I'm on my way," I said, meeting Nikolai's eyes. "I'll be there soon."

"Perfect. Take your time, but I'm looking forward to seeing you. We're going to make a great team today."

I hung up and looked at Nikolai apologetically. "I really have to go now. Marcus is waiting."

Nikolai said, "Here's to a successful partnership."

——

The convention center buzzed with activity when I arrived. Campaign staff rushed about, adjusting banners and checking microphones while photographers jostled for prime positions.

I spotted my parents near the entrance, my father in his customary tailored navy suit, my mother elegant in a cream silk dress.

"Aliya, darling," my mother's eyes lit up as she spotted me. "We were beginning to worry."

My father's approving gaze swept over my outfit. I'd chosen it carefully, wanting to project both strength and sophistication. No more childish dresses or casual styles that had made me such an easy target in my previous life.

"You look very professional," he said with approval. "Ready for the spotlight?"

Before I could answer, a familiar voice cut through our reunion.

"Oh my god, Aliya," Sarah exclaimed, sauntering over with Marcus at her side. "What's with that awful outfit? You look like you stole my mom's clothes. Dressing like that will make Marcus lose interest."

My father frowned at Sarah's comment, but several onlookers snickered. And a few of Sarah's closest friends were eyeing my outfit with barely hidden contempt.

"So stuffy and old-fashioned," one of them whispered loud enough for me to hear. "No wonder Marcus is always hanging around Sarah instead."

Another added, "She's not a match for Marcus at all. Maybe she's the side chick trying to seduce him."

'Honestly, it's disgusting when boring women try to seduce me,' a third one chimed in with a sneer.

In my previous life, these comments would have crushed me, sent me running to change into something more appropriate and appealing.

But not now. I gave a careless smile and looked at Sarah calmly. She stared at me like she'd seen a ghost.

"Aliya chose to dress professionally because she takes her responsibilities seriously," my mother interjected smoothly. "Some of us are here for politics, not fashion."

Sarah's smile tightened. "Of course, Mrs. Rowanwood. I was just concerned that the younger voters might find Aliya a bit... unapproachable."

Marcus cleared his throat, giving me a tight smile. "We should take our seats. I'm speaking first."

Sarah's voice dragged my attention back. "Marcus and I were just discussing campaign strategies over breakfast," she said loudly. "We make such a good team! Everyone says so."

"A natural pair," someone from the crowd agreed.

I bit back a laugh.

Enjoy your moment in the spotlight, Sarah. Your time with Marcus is running out faster than you know.

The speeches began promptly at noon. Marcus took the stage first, flashing his practiced smile as he approached the podium. Under normal circumstances, he would've been well-prepared and smooth, every word convincing. But the chaos at our wedding clearly caught him off guard.

"Distinguished pack leaders, respected council members, fellow wolves," he began. "Today we stand at a crossroads in our... in our..."

He faltered, losing his train of thought. A murmur rippled through the audience.

For the rest of his speech, his voice was rigid and mechanical, often stumbling over his words. The audience responded with cold stares or quiet grumbles about his shameful performance, and some agitated voices called loudly for Marcus to step down.

When Marcus finally finished and left the stage, the relief on his face was palpable. As he took his seat beside me, I squeezed his hand in fake solidarity.

"You did great," I lied sweetly.

He replied with a dark look, "Let's see how your new friend Volkov handles the pressure."

As if hearing Marcus, Nikolai strode confidently toward the podium.

Unlike Marcus's nervousness, Nikolai stood on stage full of charm, like a natural leader.

"Fellow wolves," he began, his deep voice carrying effortlessly through the hall, "we don't need more promises. We need action."

For the next fifteen minutes, he delivered his speech perfectly.

"Quite impressive," my father murmured beside me.

Marcus gripped my hand so tight it hurt.

When Nikolai finished, the applause was immediate and enthusiastic. Young female wolves at the back of the hall actually screamed like he was a rock star, not a political candidate.

"The floor is now open for questions," the moderator announced.

Many raised their hands, and the host picked one of the reporters.

"Alpha Volkov," the reporter began, "you are a strong contender in the upcoming Alpha King election, but as far as I know, you have never encountered a fated mate. Have you considered giving up waiting for your fated mate and choosing a suitable female as your mate to serve as Luna of your pack?"

The question hung in the air. It was standard political fare—wolves cared about their leaders' personal lives almost as much as their policies. An Alpha without a mate meant no heir, and a pack without an heir was not conducive to the pack's prosperity and development.

Marcus leaned forward slightly, no doubt hoping for an answer that would highlight Nikolai's notorious bachelor lifestyle.

Nikolai paused, his expression thoughtful. Then, to everyone's shock, his eyes began scanning the audience, moving deliberately until they locked directly with mine.

Those blue eyes watched me quietly, as if making a silent promise.

"Actually," he said, his voice carrying clearly through the now-silent hall, "I have already found the one who holds my heart."

Gasps and whispers erupted around me. My own heart seemed to stop.

In the midst of the clamor, I seemed enveloped by a bubble of quiet.

"I believe in fate and timing," Nikolai continued, his gaze never leaving mine. "When the moment is right, I hope to claim the woman I know is meant to be mine. My true mate."

I sat frozen in my seat as the crowd around me buzzed with excitement and speculation. Nikolai's words and his burning gaze left me breathless.

Marcus looked at Nikolai with confusion, sneering, "What's this clown trying to pull now?"

I took a deep breath and avoided meeting Nikolai's eyes, desperate for Marcus not to notice anything off about me.

Before I could fully compose myself, my father leaned toward me, a hint of seriousness on his face. "Aliya, since Volkov is so arrogant, are you willing to attend the Alpha Council's meeting?"

In my previous life, I'd avoided these meetings, intimidated by the political maneuvering and male-dominated environment.

But things were different now.

"I'll definitely be there," I replied without hesitation.