Marked By the Pureblood Alpha (Deanna and Luis) novel Chapter 12

Chapter 12 Peggie Takes the Plunge

Deanna’s POV:

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Look at you, Jake. That tone, that face–like you’re some kind of savior swooping in to fix everything.

It’s almost funny, really.

I’ve stood by you for five long years, and you still don’t have the faintest clue who I am.

You actually believe I faked a kidnapping just to get your attention? What a joke.

It struck me hard–five years with this man were completely wasted.

I backed away, my heels edging dangerously close to the pool. Being near him felt unbearable right now.

“Jake,” I shot back, my voice sharp enough to cut, “do you really think tossing me a fancier ceremony is going to fix this? You think I’ll just sit around and wait like before?”

I let out a bitter laugh. “I’m done. Honestly, I hope you and Peggie get stuck together for life. Forget your fake little ceremonies–why not just make it official?”

His jaw tightened, his tone low and rough. “Deanna, enough. I’m done playing games. Say what you want, and it’s yours. Just this once.”

Before I could fire back again, something flickered in the corner of my eye.

Oh, look at that. Peggie. Perfect timing.

Draped in white like some delicate little dove, she glided into the place. That faint trace of her Dualborn scent–human tangled with wolf–was so subtle you’d miss it if you weren’t paying

attention.

I almost smiled.

“Jake,” I told him quietly, “I’m not asking for anything. Just one thing–choose me. Right here. Right now. No hesitation. Do that, and maybe we can start over.”

Then, Peggie was there, closing the distance between us.

She looked pale, though the breeze still played with her flawless hair. Not a single strand out of place, her makeup picture–perfect.

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Chapter 12 Peggie Takes the Plunge

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“Jake.” Her voice came out soft, trembling. Then her gaze slid to me, and she let out a strained, “Deanna.”

Jake’s brows knitted. “What are you doing here?”

Peggie bit her lip, lowering her gaze just enough to look helpless. “I… I came to apologize to Deanna about the ceremony. I didn’t know the Mistbane Pack is hosting a celebration tonight.”

I nearly snorted. Say sorry? Please. I hardly ever set foot in this pack, and now you just magically show up?

Nice try, Peggie. You flashed that invitation on purpose. Don’t pretend this isn’t exactly what you planned.

Kathryn arrived then, two maids trailing her like shadows.

“Ms. Pearson,” she spoke briskly, “tonight is an important night for the Mistbane Pack. If this isn’t urgent, I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”

Peggie didn’t even flinch.

Instead, she turned those wide, tear–glossed eyes up at Jake. “Jake, am I in the way? I swear I had no idea it was Mistbane Pack’s founding anniversary. I wouldn’t have come if I’d known. I’m so sorry.”

I folded my arms, smirking. Showtime. Let’s see how far she takes this.

Kathryn’s patience snapped. “Guards! Show Ms. Pearson out!”

The guards stepped forward, but one sharp glare from Jake froze them in place. That Alpha presence slammed down like a storm, thick enough to choke the air. None of them dared move. They backed off in an instant.

He turned to Peggie. “You don’t look well. I’ll ask the driver to take you back to the hospital, okay?”

Peggie’s eyes went wide, glistening with perfectly timed tears. Not a single word of protest. Instead, she turned those fragile little eyes on me, voice trembling.

“Deanna, please don’t be mad at Jake. My heart’s failing… I don’t know how much time I’ve got. That ceremony was the only thing I wanted. I can’t stand seeing you two at odds because of me. Please, tell me what I can do to make you forgive me.”

God, she was good. That act could melt stone, but too bad I’m immune.

Even though I was over Jake, I could never forget the crap Peggie had dragged me through.

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Chapter 12 Peggie Takes the Plunge

She had sent me 999 texts. I could still picture each of them as if it were yesterday.

‘Deanna, Jake loves me. You’ll always be second best.‘

Jake stayed with me again. Guess that says it all.‘

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The memory burned hotter than the sun.

I smiled, slow and sharp.

“Alright, take a dive into the pool. Do that, and we’re good,” I replied, my tone sugar–sweet.

Gasps erupted around us. Guests were starting to gather, whispers spreading like wildfire.

Jake’s face darkened, his voice low and sharp. “Deanna! I’m the one who agreed to the ceremony. If you’re mad, aim it at me! Why drag her into this?”

I looked straight at him, calm and steady. “Oh? Now you’re worried about her? Then stop feeding me lies that make me think you still care.”

Peggie’s POV:

The pool shimmered under the lights, and I didn’t hesitate.

Weak? Sure. Dualborn heart, not exactly perfect, but I’ve been fine lately. It doesn’t matter. It’s summer, the water’s warm, and I can swim.

This is nothing to me.

A slow, confident thought slipped in. And Deanna? She has no idea she’s handing me the perfect chance. Jake’s going to hate her for this.

I murmured, “I’ll do it, Jake. If this will stop Deanna from being angry at you, I’ll jump.”

Then I drew a breath and launched myself forward.

Splash.

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