hold me close forever book 2 of Keller series

APRIL’S POV

You ever hear the saying, “Some roads should never be taken”?

Well, tonight I took one of them… and I’m not sure I’ll make it back.

Today was supposed to be perfect. A day I was to be filled with joy like no other.

And why was that? Because It was my wedding day, and my twenty-second birthday. The day I would finally prove I was more than just the wolfless daughter living in my twin sister’s shadow.

Well, spoiler alert: it wasn’t anything close to perfect.

Infact one could say it was just pure tragic and horror.

Now let me take you back for a second.

My hands trembled as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. After years of whispers and sideways glances, after being called weak, cursed, and broken, today I would finally become Luna.

The Luna of the Black Shadow pack!

Excitement filled me!

I would be called Mrs. Blackwood. The rejection, the shame, all of it would finally end.

Damn, It had to.

Before I could stand, my phone buzzed on the nightstand.

“Hello, birthday girl! Or should I say, our latest bride-to-be?” Stephanie’s voice burst through the speaker, filled with warmth and her usual teasing.

“Thanks, Steph.” I couldn’t keep the smile out of my voice.

My mouth was literally tearing apart, unable to contain it.

“You can call me anything you want.” I added.

“Well, someone’s in a good mood.”

“Of course I am. But where are you? You’re supposed to be here helping me get ready..I can’t be late, I don’t want to...”

Before I could finish my sentences my bedroom door flew open.

“Surprise!”

Stephanie swept in like a hurricane, her arms full of makeup bags and hair tools. She had a huge grin on her face, looking far too pleased with herself.

I burst out laughing despite the nervous energy inside me. That was Stephanie, my loud, loyal, and utterly shameless bestie. She was my only real friend in a pack that looked at me like I was a stain on their perfect bloodline.

“Sit down, ugly,” she ordered, shoving me toward the chair.

“Let me turn you into a freaking goddess.”

“Sure, sure. Whatever makes you happy.”

I sank into the chair and watched as Stephanie worked her magic. She lined my eyes with precision, dusted shimmering powder across my cheekbones, and painted my lips a soft rose. With every brushstroke, I looked less like April Quinn, the disappointment, and more like someone who belonged.

Maybe today, I finally would.

“Where’s May?” I asked, trying to keep my tone light. “Isn’t she supposed to be here? She’s my maid of honor.”

Stephanie’s hand paused for just a second.

“I think she said she had to oversee the final preparations at the hall.”

Of course she did. May always had something more important to do. Something that made her look indispensable while I sat waiting in the shadows.

“There.” Stephanie stepped back, her eyes bright with satisfaction. “You look perfect…I deserve some accolades girl”

I turned to the mirror, and my breath caught.

She was right. For once, I looked like I belonged in this world. Like I could stand beside an Alpha without looking like a mistake.

“Now get dressed before your dad sends a search party.”

I stood and reached for the gown hanging on the closet door. It was a vision in white, with lace and silk that shimmered beautifully under the light. I’d spent months choosing it, imagining this exact moment.

As I slipped into the dress, the fabric settled around me. Stephanie zipped it up, then moved behind me, holding a delicate silver chain.

“This is my gift to you,” she said softly, fastening it around my neck.

I looked down. A wolf pendant rested against my collarbone. It was small, intricate, and beautifully carved.

For a moment, I could have sworn my reflection’s eyes flashed blue in the mirror.

I blinked quickly, and they were brown again.

‘Did I just see my eyes glow blue?’

It had to be my imagination, desperate for something I’d never have.

“A wolf pendant for a wolfless girl,” I said with a sad smile, brushing my fingers over the cool silver.

“Hey.” Stephanie grabbed my shoulders and spun me around, her expression suddenly fierce. “Don’t you dare call yourself that. You’re my best friend, not some cursed nobody.”

“Steph—”

“I’m serious, April. Your wolf is in there. I know it. And if you say the word ‘wolfless’ one more time, I’ll personally cut out your tongue, feed it to you and kick your ass.”

Her threat was cute.

Tears pricked my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. Not now. Not when I was so close to everything changing.

Besides, Steph would definitely kick my ass if I ruined her makeup.

“Thank you,” I whispered with a small smile.

She pulled me into a quick hug, then grabbed my hand.

“Come on. You’re late, and your father’s going to lose it. Trust me, if it comes down to it I’m blaming it all on you”

What a betrayal!

We rushed downstairs. At the entrance to the ceremony hall, Stephanie squeezed my hand one last time before slipping inside. I stood alone before the heavy doors, my heart pounding so hard I thought it might crack a rib.

This was it. The moment I had been waiting for. After today, everything will change.

I pushed the doors open.

The scent hit me first: white roses and champagne, elegant and almost suffocating. The hall was decorated exactly how I’d imagined it, with soft lights, trailing ivy, and candles flickering like tiny stars.