What Happened

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Bride

By Ali Hazelwood

Summary of Bride

The story revolves around Misery, a Vampyre, and her forced marriage to Lowe, a Were, as a symbol of peace between their species. Despite initial hostility and tension, they begin to develop feelings for each other as they navigate their complicated relationship and work together to uncover the truth about Misery's missing friend Serena and the secrets surrounding Lowe's sister Ana. As they face various challenges and obstacles, including threats from within their own species and external forces, Misery and Lowe must confront their own desires and feelings for each other. Along the way, they discover hidden strengths and vulnerabilities in themselves and each other, and ultimately decide to commit to their relationship despite the risks and uncertainties. Through their journey, the story explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the power of love to overcome even the most deeply ingrained differences. Ultimately, Misery and Lowe emerge as a strong and devoted couple, determined to build a life together and forge a new path for their respective species.

Chapter Summary of Bride

Prologue

The story begins with a marriage between two individuals from different species, a Vampyre and a Were, as a symbol of peace between their kinds. The bride, Misery, has never met her groom before the wedding and is being forced into the union for political reasons. As she walks down the aisle, she is met with hostility from the Weres and disdain from her own family. When she finally meets her groom, she is struck by his intense gaze and contemptuous expression. The ceremony is marked by tension and chaos, with both sides threatening violence. Despite the animosity, the groom is drawn to Misery's scent, which seems to have a profound effect on him. As they exchange their vows, it becomes clear that their marriage will be far from peaceful, and that their differences may be more than just a matter of species.

Chapter 1

The protagonist, Misery, is summoned by her father, a high-ranking Vampyre, to his office in the Nest, the Vampyre headquarters. He reveals that the Humans have decided to end the Collateral program, a centuries-old practice where a Vampyre and a Human child are exchanged as hostages to ensure peace between the species. Misery's father is concerned about the potential consequences of this decision and the rising threat of the Weres, a species that has been at odds with the Vampyres for centuries. He proposes a solution: an interspecies marriage between a Vampyre and a Were, which would send a message of peace and cooperation. To Misery's surprise, he asks her to be the Vampyre bride, offering her a substantial compensation package and the opportunity to rehabilitate her reputation among her people. Initially, Misery refuses, but when she learns that the Were groom is named Lowe Moreland, she suddenly changes her mind and agrees to the marriage. The reason for her change of heart is not explicitly stated, but it is implied that Misery has a personal connection to Lowe Moreland that motivates her decision.

Chapter 2

The story continues with Misery, the Vampyre bride, navigating the aftermath of her wedding to Lowe Moreland, a Were. She engages in a conversation with Governor Davenport, who reveals that Lowe may have had a previous mate, sparking Misery's curiosity and concern. As she observes her husband from afar, she witnesses him defuse a tense situation between Vampyre and Were children, showcasing his calm and authoritative demeanor. When they finally interact, Misery and Lowe exchange awkward and tense words, with Lowe probing into Misery's past and her reasons for agreeing to the marriage. Their conversation is interrupted by an assassination attempt on Misery's life, which Lowe thwarts by grabbing the attacker's knife. In the aftermath, Lowe saves Misery's life and then abruptly leaves her on the dance floor, suggesting they stay out of each other's way for the next year. The chapter ends with Misery left alone, processing the events and her complicated feelings towards her new husband.

Chapter 3

Misery, the Vampyre bride, wakes up in her new room at the Were's residence, feeling exhausted and disoriented due to the daytime hour. She is surprised by a young Were girl, Ana, who claims the room used to be hers and is now being forced to sleep across the hall. Misery learns that Ana is Lowe's sister and that their mother is no longer present. Juno, a red-haired woman who seems to be a part of the pack, warns Misery to stay away from Ana and the pack, citing rules that will keep everyone safe. Misery reflects on her past and her friendship with Serena, who disappeared a few weeks ago. She recalls how she tried to report Serena missing, but the authorities were unhelpful. Misery's search for Serena led her to discover a cryptic message in Serena's planner, which she decoded using a childhood cipher. The message reads "L. E. MORELAND", revealing a potential connection between Serena's disappearance and Misery's new husband, Lowe Moreland.

Chapter 4

Misery settles into her new life in the Were's territory, navigating the complexities of her marriage to Lowe and the tensions between their species. She meets Alex, a young Were who shows her around the house and provides information about the pack's dynamics. Misery also discovers that Lowe is a powerful Alpha with the ability to shift at will, and that he has a complex past. As she explores the house, she encounters Max, a troubled and aggressive Were who confronts her about the historical conflicts between their species. The situation escalates, but Misery is able to defend herself until Lowe intervenes, displaying his superior strength and authority. The chapter ends with Misery pinned against the wall, face to face with Lowe, who is staring intently at her.

Chapter 5

Misery's confrontation with Max, a Were, leads to a tense interaction with her husband Lowe, who intervenes and takes her to his office for a private conversation. Juno, a member of the pack, accuses Misery of attacking Max, but Lowe sends her away, choosing to hear Misery's side of the story. As they talk, Misery and Lowe's conversation is laced with tension and sarcasm, revealing their complicated and antagonistic relationship. Lowe warns Misery to behave and follow his rules while living in Were territory, and she must struggle to suppress her instinct to obey him due to his Alpha status. The conversation also touches on Misery's past and her ability to fight, as well as her request to have her cat stay with her in the house. Throughout the conversation, Misery and Lowe's mutual distrust and animosity are palpable, and their interactions are fraught with underlying power struggles and unspoken threats.

Chapter 6

Misery is struggling to adjust to her new life in the Were's territory, feeling like a prisoner with her every move being watched and escorted. She reflects on her past and her friendship with Serena, who has gone missing. Misery's twin brother Owen video calls her, and they exchange coded messages, hinting at a deeper connection and understanding between them. Later, Ana, Lowe's young sister, sneaks into Misery's room, and they bond over a game on Misery's laptop. Ana reveals that she has been playing with Misery's cat, which was originally Serena's, and that Lowe is away dealing with a threat called the "Loyals". As Ana climbs out of the window and onto the roof, Misery is left feeling invested in the child's safety and curious about Lowe's activities. She decides to take matters into her own hands, using a hairpin to pick the lock on her door and potentially escape her confines.

Chapter 7

Misery breaks into Lowe's room, searching for clues about her missing friend Serena, but instead discovers a sketchbook containing detailed drawings of various buildings and a portrait of herself. The portrait reveals a deeper level of observation and intensity from Lowe, leaving Misery feeling unsettled. The next day, Misery observes a gathering of Weres at the lakeshore, including Lowe, who appears to be beloved by his pack. However, her attention is drawn to Max, who is interacting with Ana, Lowe's young sister, in a way that makes Misery feel uneasy. As Max tries to take Ana into the woods, Misery intervenes, and a confrontation ensues, with several Weres emerging from the trees to surround them.

Chapter 8

Misery finds herself in the midst of a tense situation as she intervenes in Max's attempt to take Ana, Lowe's younger sister, and is subsequently drawn into a confrontation with the Weres. As the scene unfolds, Misery uses her Vampyre ability to induce a hypnotic state, known as a thrall, on Max to extract information about his intentions and the identity of those who sent him. The Weres are shocked and intimidated by her ability, and Lowe appears to be both impressed and cautious. After the incident, Misery is escorted back to her room by Mick, who reveals that Lowe was aware of Max's guilt and was attempting to gather information without resorting to torture. Misery later sneaks out of her room and breaks into Lowe's office, where she hacks into the Weres' database to search for information about her missing friend Serena. As she searches, she is surprised by a gray wolf, whose eyes seem to be staring angrily at her, leaving her scrambling to get away.

Chapter 9

Misery is caught by her husband Lowe while snooping around his office, where she was attempting to hack into the Weres' database to search for information about her missing friend Serena. Lowe is angry and feels betrayed, and he accuses Misery of being a spy sent by her father to gather intel on the Weres. Misery confesses that she was searching for information about Serena, who was her friend and surrogate sister, and that she believes a Were may have taken her. She reveals that Serena's planner contained a cryptic message with Lowe's name, which led her to suspect his involvement in Serena's disappearance. However, when Ana, Lowe's younger sister, interrupts their conversation, Misery discovers a shocking truth: Ana's full name is Liliana Esther Moreland, which matches the initials in Serena's planner. This revelation leaves Misery stunned and raises more questions about the connection between Serena's disappearance and the Moreland family.

Chapter 10

Misery and Lowe have a conversation in the kitchen, where they discuss their mutual interest in finding Serena, Misery's missing friend. Lowe reveals that he believes Serena may have been investigating Ana, his sister, who is a unique case as she is a half-Human, half-Were. He shares his own backstory and the complexities of Ana's existence, including the fact that she doesn't shift like other Weres. Misery and Lowe form a tentative alliance, with Lowe offering to provide Misery with access to technology and information to help find Serena. As they talk, Misery's Vampyre nature is revealed, including her ability to eat certain foods like peanut butter, which she indulges in despite feeling embarrassed. The conversation is interspersed with moments of tension and awkwardness, but ultimately, they agree to work together to uncover the truth about Serena's disappearance and the secrets surrounding Ana's existence.

Chapter 11

Misery continues to navigate her life in the Were's territory, working with Alex to investigate her missing friend Serena's disappearance. She has a surprising encounter with Juno, a member of the pack, who apologizes for her previous behavior and opens up about Lowe's past and his role as an Alpha. Juno reveals that Lowe has always put the pack's needs before his own and has made sacrifices for their sake. Meanwhile, Misery forms a bond with Ana, Lowe's younger sister, who is unable to shift like other Weres. As the full moon approaches, Misery is warned to stay indoors, but Ana sneaks into her room and they spend time together. When Lowe returns, he is furious that he couldn't find Ana, but his anger dissipates when he sees her safe with Misery. The chapter ends with Lowe taking Ana from Misery's lap and Misery reflecting on the potential implications of Ana's existence as a half-Human, half-Were.

Chapter 12

Misery observes Lowe struggling to learn coding from Alex, and she intervenes to help. The scene shifts to a family dinner, where Misery is invited to join Lowe, Mick, Alex, and Ana. Despite initial awkwardness, Misery starts to feel a sense of belonging and connection with the group. However, the conversation turns tense when Mick expresses concerns about Lowe's plans to meet with Emery, a former ally turned adversary, in California. Lowe is determined to gather evidence of Emery's involvement in the recent threats against the pack, but Mick and others are worried about the risks. As the dinner conversation continues, Misery learns more about the pack's dynamics and Lowe's role as Alpha, and she begins to see a more relaxed and humorous side of him. Meanwhile, Ana plans a birthday party for Misery, despite her initial reluctance, and the group discusses the potential dangers of Lowe's upcoming meeting with Emery.

Chapter 13

Misery and Lowe have a heartfelt conversation on the roof, where they open up to each other about their pasts and their feelings. Misery shares her struggles with her Vampyre identity and her complicated relationship with her friend Serena, who has gone missing. Lowe reveals his experiences as a Were, including his role as an Alpha and his struggles with dominance and pack dynamics. He also shares his backstory, including his time in Zurich and his relationship with his mother and sister. The conversation takes a deeper turn when Misery asks Lowe about the concept of a "mate" in Were culture, and he explains that it's a unique bond between two individuals that is rooted in biology and chemistry. However, he also reveals that he has a mate, but it's not reciprocated, leaving him with a sense of longing and incompleteness. The conversation ends with Misery asking to accompany Lowe on his mission to meet with Emery, and he agrees, but only if she agrees to be "marked" by him, which implies a deeper level of commitment and vulnerability.

Chapter 14

Misery and Lowe travel to meet with Emery, a former ally turned adversary, in an attempt to gather evidence of her involvement in threats against the pack. To ensure Misery's safety, Lowe decides to "mark" her by transferring his scent to her, making it clear to Emery and her people that Misery is under his protection. The process of marking involves physical contact, including rubbing his skin and tongue against hers, which unexpectedly arouses strong feelings of pleasure and desire in Misery. Despite the initial awkwardness, they complete the marking, and Misery now carries Lowe's scent. As they prepare to meet with Emery, the tension between them is palpable, and it becomes clear that their relationship has crossed a threshold into something more intimate and complex.

Chapter 15

Misery and Lowe visit Emery, a former ally turned adversary, in an attempt to gather evidence of her involvement in threats against the pack. Emery appears to be kind and friendly, but Misery is wary of her intentions. During dinner, Misery struggles to follow the conversation about Were affairs, but is impressed by Lowe's navigation of the complex dynamics. Later, in their room, Misery and Lowe discuss their experiences and feelings, including Lowe's revelation that he has a mate, but it's not reciprocated. Misery tries to convince Lowe to tell his mate about his feelings, but he refuses, citing his desire not to burden her with the knowledge. The conversation turns intense, with Lowe expressing his willingness to take anything his mate would give him, but also his determination not to take away her freedom. Misery is drawn to Lowe's handsome and principled nature, and finds herself attracted to him, despite being a different species. As they prepare for bed, Misery shares a story about her friend Serena's insomnia and how she used to help her by scratching her scalp. Lowe asks her to do the same for him, and Misery is surprised by the intimacy of the moment. As she continues to scratch his scalp, Lowe falls asleep, and Misery is left to ponder her feelings and the complexities of their situation.

Chapter 16

Misery and Lowe are at Emery's residence, trying to gather evidence of her involvement in threats against the pack. They share a moment of intimacy when Lowe marks Misery with his scent, and later, they have a conversation in the bathroom where Lowe is shirtless and sweaty from shifting. Misery asks to see Lowe in his wolf form, but he refuses. At dinner, Koen, Emery's nephew, is introduced, and he seems to have a complicated relationship with Emery. Lowe and Misery sneak away to plant devices in Emery's office, and Lowe compliments Misery on her intelligence, skills, and beauty. Just as they are about to finish, Emery's guards arrive, and Misery comes up with a plan to pretend they are feeding, with her biting Lowe's neck to make it believable.

Chapter 17

Misery and Lowe's plan to gather evidence of Emery's involvement in threats against the pack leads to a intimate and unexpected moment between them. Misery, pretending to feed from Lowe, ends up actually drinking his blood, which sparks a strong physical and emotional reaction in both of them. As they struggle to process what happened, they realize they need to come up with a plan to deal with the consequences of their actions. Emery and Koen arrive, and Lowe becomes protective of Misery, while Koen seems to know more about the situation than he's letting on. The chapter ends with Koen delivering an urgent message from Cal, suggesting that Lowe may need to return home sooner than expected due to an issue with Ana.

Chapter 18

Misery and Lowe return home to find Ana, Lowe's sister, severely ill. Misery uses her knowledge of human medicine to help Ana, and they eventually manage to break her fever and get her to keep liquids down. As Ana recovers, Misery and Lowe grow closer, and their mutual trust and respect for each other deepen. Lowe confides in Misery about his fears for Ana's health and safety, given her unique physiology as a half-Human, half-Were. Misery reassures him, but also acknowledges the uncertainty and risks that come with Ana's condition. The chapter ends with Lowe seeking comfort in Misery's presence, and Misery feeling a sense of connection and solidarity with him. Meanwhile, Alex discovers that Misery smells like Lowe has marked her, implying a deeper level of intimacy and commitment between the two. Misery also tasks Alex with finding a list of human men who worked for the Human-Were Bureau, potentially related to Serena's disappearance and Ana's existence.

Chapter 19

Misery has a conversation with her twin brother Owen, discussing her recent feeding from Lowe, her Were husband. Owen warns her of the potential consequences of feeding from a live source, particularly a Were, and advises her not to do it again due to the hormonal and biological effects it can have. Misery later talks to Lowe in the kitchen, where they discuss their investigation into Ana's father and Serena's disappearance. The conversation turns intimate, and Misery finds herself drawn to Lowe, despite their species differences. As they lean in to kiss, Misery suddenly feels a searing pain and everything goes dark.

Chapter 20

Misery wakes up from a healing trance after being poisoned, finding herself in a weakened state but eventually regaining her strength. She learns that Dr. Averill, the Collateral's official physician, treated her and that Lowe has been taking care of her. As she recovers, she discovers that Lowe has been guarding her door in his wolf form, a massive white wolf. Despite initial fear, she warms up to him and they share a tender moment, with Lowe nudging her back to the closet where she likes to sleep. Misery scratches behind his ears and invites him to stay and sleep with her, to which he agrees. As they fall asleep together, Misery feels a sense of safety and comfort, surrounded by Lowe's presence and scent.

Chapter 21

Misery wakes up from a five-day slumber after being poisoned, and Lowe is by her side, taking care of her. As she recovers, they share a moment of intimacy, and Misery asks Lowe to help her shower. The encounter leads to a passionate and tender moment between them, where Lowe takes care of Misery's physical and emotional needs. Afterward, Owen, Misery's twin brother, calls to check in on her and inform her that Serena's apartment was broken into. Owen hints that there's more to the story and asks to meet in person to discuss further. Lowe agrees to arrange the meeting, and as they part ways, Misery and Lowe share a lingering glance, hinting at a deepening connection between them.

Chapter 22

Misery and Lowe grow closer as they investigate Serena's disappearance and Ana's unique situation. They discover a connection between Ana's father, Thomas Jalakas, and Serena, which leads them to Governor Davenport. Lowe invites Misery to accompany him to a dinner at the Governor's residence, where they plan to gather more information. Meanwhile, Misery's hunger for blood becomes unbearable, and she considers feeding from a bag, but Lowe offers himself instead. As they engage in intimate and passionate moments, Lowe reveals that he cannot have penetrative sex with Misery due to their species differences, but they find alternative ways to pleasure each other. Through their physical and emotional connection, Misery begins to feel a deep sense of belonging and attachment to Lowe, despite the risks and uncertainties of their relationship.

Chapter 23

Misery and Lowe visit Governor Davenport, bringing a gift and attempting to gather information about Thomas Jalakas, Ana's father. The governor reveals that Thomas was killed in a car accident, but Lowe discovers that he was actually murdered because he was talking to journalists about embezzlement. The governor confesses to being involved in Thomas's death. After leaving the governor's residence, Misery and Lowe discuss the possibility that Serena may have found out about Ana and used the information to blackmail Thomas, leading to her disappearance. Misery is hesitant to accept this theory, as it would mean Serena is safe but not the person Misery thought she was. The chapter ends with Misery and Lowe meeting Owen, Misery's twin brother, at the Vampyre-Human border, where Owen reveals that he has brought Lowe's mate, a woman with Were-like blood, to the meeting.

Chapter 24

Misery and Lowe meet with Owen and Gabi, who is revealed to be Lowe's mate, at the Vampyre-Human border. However, instead of the expected intimate or passionate reunion between Lowe and Gabi, their interaction is surprisingly neutral and friendly. Owen reveals his plan to overthrow their father and take his seat on the council, which Misery is opposed to due to the risk of punishment and death. Despite this, Lowe seems to support Owen's plan and offers his advice. As they part ways, Misery can't help but notice that Lowe doesn't seem to be drawn to Gabi, and instead appears to be focused on her. She begins to wonder if Gabi is truly Lowe's mate, or if she has misinterpreted their relationship. The chapter ends with Misery feeling a sense of hope and possibility, as she realizes that her connection with Lowe may be stronger than she thought.

Chapter 25

Misery and Lowe's relationship reaches a boiling point as they navigate their feelings for each other. They share a passionate and intimate moment, and Misery confronts Lowe about his true feelings, convinced that she is his mate. However, Lowe rejects her, claiming that he was mistaken in his attraction to her and that she deserves to be free. He offers to find her a new place to live and suggests they be apart, leaving Misery heartbroken and confused. Despite his harsh words, Lowe's actions and tone suggest that he may still have feelings for Misery, but he is determined to push her away. The chapter ends with Lowe leaving and Misery retreating to her room, unsure of what the future holds for their complicated and tumultuous relationship.

Chapter 26

Misery is struggling to cope with the rejection and heartbreak caused by Lowe's decision to push her away. She is picked up by Mick, who is tasked by Lowe to take her somewhere, but instead, Mick injects her with a mysterious substance, apologizing as he does so. Misery is left feeling confused, betrayed, and helpless as she succumbs to the effects of the injection, her world going dark. The chapter ends with Misery's fate uncertain, leaving the reader wondering what will happen to her next.

Chapter 27

Misery wakes up in a wooden attic, disoriented and unsure of how she got there. She soon discovers that she is with her friend Serena, who has been missing for three months. Serena reveals that she was kidnapped and has been held in the attic, with no windows and no way to escape. Misery explains that she was looking for Serena and ended up getting married to a Were Alpha, Lowe, in the process. The two friends reunite and start brainstorming ways to escape. They come up with a plan to trick the guard, Bob, into opening the door, and Serena uses her self-defense skills to subdue him. Once they escape the attic, they find themselves in a high-rise building that looks familiar - it's the Nest, the Vampyre headquarters where Misery grew up. They are confused as to why they are being held in Vampyre territory with Were guards. As they try to make their way out of the building, they are stopped by Vania, a familiar and ominous figure, who orders them to come with her.

Chapter 28

Misery and Serena are taken to the Vampyre headquarters, where they confront Misery's father, who reveals his involvement in Serena's disappearance and his motives for keeping her captive. He explains that he has been monitoring Serena, a human-Were hybrid, and believes she and others like her could pose a threat to Vampyre power. Misery's father demands that Lowe, who has been brought to the scene in handcuffs, hand over his sister Ana, a half-Were, half-Human child. Lowe is unwilling to comply, and Misery's father threatens to kill Misery unless Lowe cooperates. Just as the situation seems hopeless, Serena reveals that she can shift into a wolf, and she and Lowe transform, attacking Misery's father and his guards. The chapter ends with the two wolves, Lowe and Serena, fighting to protect Misery and themselves from her father's forces.

Chapter 29

The story continues with Misery recovering from the events of the previous night, still reeling from the revelation about her father's involvement in Serena's disappearance and the truth about Serena's identity as a human-Were hybrid. Misery's twin brother Owen reveals his plan to overthrow their father and take his seat on the council, with the goal of brokering peace between the Vampyres, Weres, and Humans. Misery is given the option to take her father's seat on the council, but she declines, indicating that she has no interest in being part of the Vampyre leadership. Meanwhile, Lowe is dealing with the aftermath of the previous night's events, including the capture of Misery's father and the revelation about Mick's betrayal. Misery and Lowe share a moment of intimacy, but the extent of their feelings for each other remains unclear. The chapter ends with Misery waking up in her childhood bedroom, where she reunites with Serena, who explains why she kept her true nature a secret. The two friends reconcile, and Misery assures Serena that she accepts her for who she is, regardless of her species.

Chapter 30

Misery and Lowe's relationship reaches a turning point as they confront their feelings and desires for each other. Despite their differences as a Vampyre and a Were, they decide to make their relationship work and commit to each other. They share intimate moments, including a passionate and tender encounter where Lowe's werewolf physiology allows him to "knot" with Misery, creating a deep physical and emotional connection between them. As they navigate their newfound love, they also address the challenges and limitations that come with being from different species. Lowe reassures Misery that he doesn't mind their differences and is willing to adapt to make their relationship work. The chapter ends with a sense of hope and possibility for the couple as they look forward to building a life together.