The Alpha's Forsaken Feisty Mate-Chapter 157: Defying an Alpha

Gregor buttoned the cuffs of his sleeves as Eric informed him of the guests’ arrival.

"They’re with your parents in the living room. Miss Aster has also been informed," Eric said politely.

Lowering his arms, Gregor reached for a blue cardigan that fell just past his mid-thighs, slipping it on over his crisp white shirt and tailored trousers. Without another word, he left his room, making his way toward the living room.

As soon as he stepped inside, Isaac Westwood and Cassius Westwood rose from their seats, greeting him with firm handshakes. The exchange was warm and formal before Gregor gestured for them to sit back down.

"Aster must be on her way," Annette assured them with a composed smile. "Please, have some water. I hope the journey wasn’t too difficult for either of you."

"Thank you, Lady Annette. The journey was fine," Isaac replied, taking a glass of water from the tray offered by a servant. Cassius gave a similar response as he sipped his drink.

Gregor’s gaze shifted the moment Aster entered the room, and his eyes lit up. Isaac and Cassius immediately set their glasses down, standing up to embrace their younger sister.

"It’s a relief to see you safe, Aster," Isaac murmured, wrapping his arms around her.

Aster returned the hug, but the warmth in her expression didn’t quite reach her eyes. Instead, she forced a small smile on her lips.

Deep down, she was upset. Not just upset, but disappointed. While they had been happily occupied with their own families, she had been left alone, ignored. And now, they were here, acting as though nothing had changed.

They didn’t approach her when she had nothing and was a shame to the Westwood family just because she stopped the wrongful advances of the Alpha of their pack.

Isaac caught the flicker of unease in his sister’s gaze, and though he didn’t address it immediately, he made a mental note to ask her about it later.

Once everyone had settled back into their seats, Alpha Jasper spoke.

"My son and your sister have turned out to be mates. We are considering their marriage. Both of them have agreed to it and are looking forward to the union. If there are no objections, I believe we should proceed with the arrangements."

Isaac and Cassius exchanged glances before shifting their focus to Aster.

"We have no objections," Isaac stated. "However, I assume you are aware of what happened to Aster in the past?" He turned his gaze toward Jasper.

"Yes," Jasper responded without hesitation. "Aster has told us everything. As long as they are happy, we have no reason to object." A faint smile touched his lips, a clear indication of his approval.

"Then we should begin the wedding preparations without delay," Cassius said firmly.

Isaac exhaled lightly before turning back to Jasper.

"Thank you for not judging Aster based on the past, Alpha Jasper. What happened was unfortunate, but it does not define who she is. We are relieved to finally reunite with our sister after so long."

He then glanced at Gregor.

"And we extend our gratitude to you as well, Gregor, for accepting Aster as your mate, despite..." He hesitated for a moment before continuing, "Despite the fact that she was banished from the pack."

"I think the Alpha of your pack was in the wrong," Gregor stated firmly as he addressed Isaac and Cassius. "It would have been better if both of you had stood by your sister."

He had seen the disappointment in Aster’s expression, the unspoken resentment she masked behind a forced smile. And Gregor had never been one to ignore what was right.

"Gregor," Jasper interjected, "In a world where Alphas hold absolute authority, making the right decision isn’t always simple." He exhaled lightly, meeting Gregor’s gaze before shifting his attention to Isaac and Cassius. "For Betas, defying an Alpha is no small feat. However, I do agree that Aster’s brothers should have taken care of her after she was banished."

A heavy silence settled over the room.

Isaac and Cassius remained quiet as the weight of guilt crushed them. They had their reasons, but none of them felt adequate. No words could justify their absence from Aster’s life when she needed them most.

Sensing the tension thickening, Annette intervened. "There’s no use dwelling on the past now," she said, hoping to shift the atmosphere. "You both must be exhausted from your journey. The guest rooms are ready, and the servants will show you the way."

"Thank you for your hospitality, Lady Annette," Isaac said with a warm smile. "We didn’t bring much, but there are some gifts we’ve prepared for all of you. We’d like to present them before we head to the rooms."

At his signal, his loyal assistant, who had been waiting nearby, stepped forward to bring in the presents.

"You didn’t have to go through the trouble," Annette said.

"Please, Lady Annette," Isaac insisted. "It’s our first time visiting our sister’s in-laws. And now that our families will be bound together through this marriage, it’s only fitting that the bride’s side brings gifts as a gesture of goodwill."

Once the gifts were presented, which almost filled the entire living room, all of them looked quite surprised. Aster didn’t expect her brothers to bring so many presents.

"Isaac, Cassius, the entire room is filled with the presents," Jasper said, smiling. "Aster, go through them with Gregor’s mother later."

"Yes, Father." Aster responded with a smile.

Annette instructed the servants to show the first rooms to Aster’s brothers. Once Isaac and Cassius left, Annette said, "Aster, clear out your doubts with your brothers later. Let’s forget the past and move on. They do care for you but maybe their hands were tied in front of their pack’s alpha. You know them better than us. It’s just a mother’s advice to her daughter."

Aster nodded her head. She gazed at Gregor, who soon approached her and held her hand. "Father, Mother, we are going to see Zenna and Radulf. I promised Zenna last time that I’d bring my mate with me to introduce her to them."

"Of course, go there. Tell Zenna to visit us too. That girl hasn’t visited us in such a long time," Annette asserted.

"Sure, Mother. I’ll deliver your message too," Gregor said and bowed to her before heading out with Aster.