I

ped out from my hiding spot as soon as

e Alpha," Mom announced, her

not getting married to anyone! I'm not even eighteen for another t

e our entire pack, or be banished with me to jail?" M

d from the pack, you committed the crime, so you should face the consequences! Why would you sell me off to an Alpha t

much is that jewelry you have on? Five dollars? Please. Everything I do is for us. Do you think, after being

was wrong, that she didn't know best. But all I coul

to get where you are. You're quite the desperado," I

slap in the face for her. But it was the only thing

ke a step, she grabbed me and shoved me aga

aw

weight of the ivory gown clingin

te not for celebration, but for submission. Around me, members of

utter, their words like veno

he chooses her?" Their words stung, but

s bore into me, some with pity, others with open disdain. I knew what they saw – a

feeling the fabric of the gown bunching beneath my fingers.

ady to exchange vows w

step heavier than the last, the w

someone say, their words cuttin

arrogant Alpha in the first place. Despite my disdain for him, ruining my future was th

an unsettling grace as he strode towards the altar. His hair, curled back and flowing, framed a face that was irritat

ting through the noise. "You didn't need to make such a f

ced with indifference. If he wanted a marria

d over to the lawyer, muttered something, and signed the papers. When

eyes, dark and menacing, locked onto mine. "You'll start paying your dues. I'll make sure you wo

fluttered, a swarm of butterflies erupting in m

red, just loud enou

My heartbeat quickened as he stepped forward, his turquo

g me close. His cold eyes bore into mine, and for a moment, my heart froze. Anger, hate, and disgu

spoke for the firs

s lips crashed onto mine, claiming

eclaration of ownership. His lips pressed hard a