Chapter 10

Layla POV

As I followed Alpha Ryder- my supposed father back into the sitting room, my heart raced.

This world was unfamiliar to me as the life I seemed to be living in, it felt like at any moment I could be pushed out of this body and if I was what would I do.

I pushed my anxiety aside and reminded myself to stay composed. I couldn't afford to let myself became irrational whoever Lady Melody was, her father clearly had expectations for her, and I couldn’t risk revealing that I wasn’t her.

Not yet. 

The room was warm and inviting, with sunlight finally streaming through large windows and casting a golden glow over the plush furniture.

I heard crackling and I looked to the fireplace where a fire was dying off. My father gestured to a cushioned chair and I sat, folding my hands in my lap to hide their trembling. 

He took a seat across from me, his sharp features illuminated by the light filtering thought the windows, now that I was able to look at him, and watch his face , I realized how much like me he looked, the same blue eyes, the same brown hair running to his neck fuller than I had seen in any male, his lips and nose were just like mine but they didn't look feminine, it made my heart skip a beat. I had never been in this close proximity with my father before, of course this man was not my actual father. But still he was Lady Melody's and I was her for now.

There was a heaviness in his expression, a mix of concern and power that left me uneasy. 

“How are you feeling, Melody?” he asked, his voice deep and gravely.

There was genuine concern there, although it was hidden beneath layer of formality. 

“I’m... better,” I said, choosing my words carefully.

“Though I must admit, I’m still a bit weak " I replied. He nodded his eyes running over me.

“That was to be expected,” he said after a pause. “You have been through quite the ordeal. You gave us quite a scare, Melody " he said, it seemed like he was choked up but I didn't ask and he didn't say anything either.

“When your maid found you, we feared the worst.” he continued breaking the silence. I swallowed hard, unsure how to respond.

“How did I... get sick?” I asked carefully, my voice lowered but steady despite the confusion swirling inside me. 

Before he could answer, the door opened, and a maid entered carrying a silver tray laden with tea and cookies. The rich aroma of chocolate and the freshly baked treats filled the room, making my stomach growl loudly, I winced when my father glanced up at me, my cheeks filling with heat. 

The maid set the tray on the table between us, pouring tea into small delicate cups and arranging the cookies neatly on a plate. It looked very pretty, but that really wasn't the selling point for me.My father picked up his cup, watching me over the rim.

I waited until she left the room before reaching for one, unable to resist the pull of hunger. The cookie melted in my mouth, the buttery sweetness almost overwhelming.

I groaned lowly,and my father chuckled a deep, rumbling sound that startled me.

“Always so eager when it comes to sweets,” he said, shaking his head with a hint of amusement.

“You haven’t changed a bit.” 

“Though I suppose I can’t fault you for that—not after everything.” he muttered and I forced a small smile, hoping it would mask embarrassment, I hadn’t realized how famished I was until now. 

“I guess some things never change,” I murmured, taking another bite to buy myself time to think. 

As I sipped the tea, the warmth spread through me, calming my nerves. I set the cup down and leaned forward slightly, determined to get answers.

“You didn’t answer my question,” I said, meeting his gaze.

“How did I get sick?” His expression shifted, the amusement fading into something guarded.

“It’s not important,” he said, his tone dismissive. What matters is that you’re recovering now. But— Melody,” he interrupted, his voice firm.

“I... don’t remember much of what happened before I got sick.” He studied me for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly.

“The fever,” he said finally, his tone softening. “It must have affected your memory.” 

I nodded, seizing the opportunity.

“Yes, that must be it. Everything feels... hazy.” 

His expression shifted, a flicker of concern breaking through the stern facade.

“Perhaps it’s for the best,” he said quietly. “You don’t need to remember the unpleasantness. Focus on the future, on your duty to this family.” “There’s no need to dwell on the past. You’re here, alive and well. That’s all that matters.” 

Frustration bubbled inside me, but I bit my tongue. It was clear he wasn’t going to give me a straight answer. 

I didn’t know if it was to protect me or to hide something, but either way, pressing him further would only raise suspicion as to why I didn't know.

He was already suspicious.

“Fine,” I said softly, leaning back in my chair. 

He nodded, as if satisfied with my compliance, and took a sip of his tea. Then, changing the subject entirely, he said,

“There’s another matter we need to discuss.” 

I tensed, leaning back against the chair so it didn't show that the calmness I’d managed to building was slipping away like quick sand.

“What matter?” 

“The mating ceremony,” he said, his tone casual, like he was discussing the weather. 

I froze, my mind reeling, the words hit me like a blow, and for a moment, I could only stare at him, stunned.

Mating ceremony? 

“I’m sorry, what?”

“Did you say mating ceremony?” I echoed, my voice barely above a whisper. 

He raised an eyebrow at my reaction.

“Yes. Your union with Alpha Damon. It’s already been arranged, as you well know.” My stomach churned, and I fought to keep my expression as blank as possible.

Alpha Damon.

The name had sent shivers down my spine, but I couldn’t say why. 

“I...” I stammered, searching for the right words. “I don’t think I’m ready for something like that.” 

"You've know about this engagement for as long as you have been a full shifter, Melody" he hissed and I shrank into my seat a little flustered. “Your refusal to honor the agreement was not just shameful, it was thoughtless and I won’t have you embarrassing this family again.” 

"I love you Melody but I love this pack to, they are my responsibility and I hope you understand that they are yours too.” he whispered and I bowed my head not sure what to say, he was being nice about it, he wanted me to marry for the sake of my pack but he had not treated me cruelly for his dreams either not like my own father. It made it difficult to say no to him.

“This is not up for debate,” he continued, his voice leaving no room for doubt.

“You will do as you’re told, for the good of this family.” 

“I’m sorry,” I said carefully, because in a way I wasn't at fault, if I hadn't entered this body then everything would have remained normal and nice but now I was here in the life of someone else.

I wasn't sure why I had been given this second chance but I wasn't going to waste.

Not now and not ever. His gaze softened and he smiled.

"I know.” I swallowed hard. “Alpha Damon,” I said hesitantly. “What can you tell me about him?” 

A small smile tugged at his lips, though it didn’t reach his eyes.

“He’s a strong and capable leader,” he said. “ A man who will ensure our family’s legacy continues.” 

Strong and capable. Those words told me nothing about the man I was apparently meant to marry. 

“I see,” I said, my voice barely audible. As if he sensed my disappointment my father huffed.

"He will treat you with respect." He mumbled. “He may not show that he loves you but he will treat you with enough respect.” he nodded and I smiled.

"Thank you father.”

As my father rose to his feet, signaling the end of the conversation, I rose as well. He pulled me into a hug and I let out a surprised sound holding him too.

"Go get some rest" he urged sending me away. I nodded and walked to the door.

"Melody" he called and I flinched turning to face him, his gaze had hardened,

“Your previous response to the mating will not be tolerated,” he said, his voice cold and unyielding. 

“Earlier response?” I asked, my heart pounding. 

“You know exactly what I mean, Melody,” he said, his tone sharp. I nodded leaving and closing the door behind me, my mind running a mile a minute..

Whoever Lady Melody had been before, she clearly hadn’t been on board with this arrangement.

But why? 

And just who the hell was Alpha Damon.