a's

inked at Alpha Kael in disbelief, trying to process the audacity of his proposition. Surely, he was jo

voice sharp and cutting as I r

rcing gaze locking onto mine. "As far as I know," he said cool

It was every wolf's worst fear. My entire life, I had been told that my mate was out there somewhere, waiting for me. The bond was supposed to be sacred, unbreakabl

tact between us. My father, who had been watching from a distance, noticed the exchange. His eyes followed me as I stormed out of the ballroom, my heels cli

pping the stone railing as I tried to calm the storm of emotions raging inside me. Anger, embarrassment, and an unfamiliar sense

g no room for argument. His presence was commanding, as always, bu

is Kael is humiliating me!" I spat. "He asked me to be his wi

ng, his gaze grew heavier, more serious. And th

he said, his tone calm but unyielding. "And as for his offer... i

my mouth dry. "And you said what?" I whisp

aged to Alpha Kael, even if you don't shift or find your mate, you'll be safe. Kael is next in line t

lt as though the ground beneath me had been pulled away. **He ag

ising in disbelief. "So, you'r

ssion darkened, and without warning, his hand came down hard across my cheek. Th

l you? Do you think I'm doing this for myself? I'm already the Alpha of our pack. We're wealthy. We're powerful.

them fall. My father took a step closer, his anger giving way to something deeper-worry, f

the pack and the ministers of the council could strip you of everything-our lands, our castle, our title. You'd be le

father like this before. He was always so strong, so sure of himself. But now,

ut it. It's a good offer. And besides..." He gave me a faint sm

rupted us. My heart sank as I turned to see Kael and his father, Alpha Ashford, stepping onto the ter

e stepped forward, his presence commanding the attention of everyone aroun

lphas. "Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice smooth a

ounding in my chest

g almost... tender. "I, Alpha Kael Ashford, am pleased to

t from beneath me. Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd, but all I could focus on w

me, his smirk returning. "Ar

at I had no idea this was happening? That I felt like a pawn in a game I didn't

ay any of that.

ed my hand in his. The crowd erupted into polite applause, and Kael's smir

eaned in close, his lips brushing against my ear. "You'll thank

eyes narrowing. "Don't coun

e on, I couldn't help but wonder if I had just made the biggest mi