CHAPTER 1

Chapter 1

Lunette POV

"Are you threatening me dad?" I threw my hands in the air and looked at my father with my jaw dropped.

"It's not a threat but don't you get it?" He groaned. "You think we want this for you? If there was another way, we would have taken it."

I laughed sarcastically. Is this man kidding me?

"Really? Forcing me into a marriage with a stranger. A man I barely know?" I snapped my head toward my mother.

She looks stressed out but not as much as I am. I'm literally going crazy.

"Mum, say something. I know you're not in support of this idea," I heaved.

She stood up and walked towards me. Holding my hands. She had a pitiful look on her face.

"I'm sorry baby, but my hands are tied. There's nothing I can do. I also want you to marry for love but realistically, it's clearly impossible for now," her voice is laced with guilt and defeat.

I snatched my hands away from her. My eyes blazed and my nose flared. I dug my hands into my scalp, ruffling my hair aggressively.

I paced back and forth and I bit my lower lip. My hands are folded against my chest.

They don't get it. It's impossible for me to spend my life with a man that I don't love.

No matter what it is, there was no way I would let people decide my future. My heartbeat quickened, as I fought myself in my head.

This was supposed to be a secret but hell, anything to get out of this trap.

"I have a boyfriend and I love him. We plan to get married after graduation." I announced.

My parents froze, as they looked at me. However, my dad didn't look impressed nor convinced.

I raised my eyebrows at both of them. "Hello, say something because I'm literally going crazy," I groaned as tears stung my eyes.

"You never mentioned this to us, never introduced him to us and because we're discussing your engagement, suddenly you inform us about this?" Dad frowned.

I shook my head. "You raised me better. For Pete's sake, I'm not lying. Don't you think it would be better for me to be with a man that I know to an extent?"

"He is probably your course mate and..." Dad's voice trailed off.

"Say it, dad. You've literally said a lot of hurtful words to me this evening. One more wouldn't hurt more," I chuckled.

He sighed heavily and walked away.

Great!

"I guess the conversation is over," I yelled.

"No. Not especially when we haven't come to a meaningful conclusion." My mother said,

I rolled my eyes. "I don't think we'll ever have that ending, if you are not transparent with me."

"Stop being stubborn. You keep insisting when you know he's human. Does he even know what you are?" He shouted from the stairs.

A lone tear escaped my eyes but I wiped it off angrily.

It hurts because he's right. Would Dorian still want me after discovering that I'm different? Like.... abnormal.

"So what? Am I supposed to remain single for the rest of my life because according to you, we are the only werewolves in this world." I clenched my hands, digging my nails into my skin.

Both of them went silent and shared a glance.

It was suspicious but I didn't dwell on it.

"Am I suddenly talking to myself?" I paused. "The man you want me to marry, is he not human too?"

"At least he can protect you," my mother said in a pleading voice.

I staggered and palmed my face.

Protection.

Exactly the reason I've been waiting for. They are finally opening up.

I sat down and nodded my head. "From what?" My eyes pierced theirs. Daring them to let out the stuff they scared off.

For the first time in my life, I saw Dad scared. It wasn't him pretending to trick me so I could do his bidding.

He was truly frightened.

What are they protecting me from?

If it's a person, then who?

"Is the company filing for bankruptcy?" I asked and mother breathed out. Dad helped her to take her seat.

"That's not it... Some things can't be explained easily but I know you'll understand later," my mother's voice was shaky and a bit hoarse.

And here I thought we were making progress. That they were willing to let me in and not make me feel like an idiot but I was mistaken.

That's it. I think we're done here. I stood up and walked upstairs to my room. Soon I returned with a small luggage.

"Where are you going? We're still talking," my dad frowned as I walked past him.

"No. We're done. I have to get back to school now."

Dad was getting pretty mad. "Don't you dare walk out on us. Have some respect. Will you?"

I sighed and stopped in my tracks.

They were making this difficult and if I don't leave here, I feel like I might crash out and it's not going to be good.

"What exactly do you guys want from me? I'm not the one keeping secrets. If you want me to agree to your arrangement, then give me a decent reason. For fuck's sake, I'm not a child."

"But you're a child to us. Our baby. How can we not be worried about your safety?" Mother cried.

A lot was going on and I hate that they don't trust me enough to tell me. I shifted my gaze and blinked back the tears that threatened to fall.

I hate this. Without another word, I left. Ignoring their calling.

I got into my car and drove off. My school is close to my house and that made it easier.

My heart was breaking. My lips quivered but I tried to get a grip on myself. I need fresh air and only one person can help.

So instead of going to my apartment, I needed to cool off. After driving for thirty minutes, I arrived and parked in the garage.

He should be in class but it's cool, I'll wait for him. Thankfully, he gave me a spare key.

I stood before his door and inserted the key. His television was on.

I walked in

o the bedroom and I felt my world crumbling before my eyes. My jaw dropped.

My entire world shattered in a single breath.