The story begins with every maiden in the East Side pack getting ready and looking forward to a concubine selection that was to be held in the Alpha Quarters. Skylar and her Alessia arrive at the mall to pick up Alessia’s dress and on getting there, a girl has already selected the dress that Alessia wants. This infuriates Alessia and she forcibly retrieves the dress from the girl. All the while, Skylar’s nose is snuck in her book and she is uninterested in the concubines selection. On getting home, Skylar’s parents are all over Alessia and assure her that she will win the selection since she is one of the most beautiful girls in the pack. The next day however, Alessia mistakingly twists her ankle and is unable to participate in the selection. Left with no other option, their parents substitute Alessia for Skylar since they look exactly alike. Skylar, clumsy as always, attends the selection, dressed in her finest. Her clumsy, innocent personality catches the Alpha’s interest and he picks Skylar, much to the shock of his mother and everyone present. He invites her to his chamber the next day.
 
On getting home, Skylar’s parents and Alessia are ecstatic about Skylar’s victory. They however, warn Skylar not to let the Alpha lay her since the spot is originally for Alessia. They give her a sleeping potion that would make the Alpha sleep off and not sleep with her. The next day, Skylar visits the Alpha’s chamber and while she is waiting for him to come in, she follows her parents order and pours the sleeping potion inside the Alpha’s drink. However, when the Alpha comes in, he doesn't take his drink. Instead, he starts touching Skylar and because she has never been touched that way by anyone before.

The Alpha’s Substitute Bride

The night stretched on, silent except for the rhythmic ticking of the clock on Skylar’s wall. Damon hadn’t realized how exhausted he was until now. The weight of his grief pressed down on him, but for the first time in days, it didn’t feel suffocating.
Skylar sat beside him, their shoulders still t...

Chapter 27