Two

I stood frozen as Justin’s footsteps faded into the noise.

His rejection echoed in my head, piling over Genevieve's earlier taunts.

Was this bond some twisted joke from the Moon Goddess? Or was Justin truly so disgusted by a werewolf mate that he’d pretend I didn’t exist?

A mate bond was supposed to matter, to be undeniable. So why his utter silence? Why didn’t he feel the same heat burning through me?

The questions looped without an answer.

My wolf, who had roared with certainty moments ago, now whimpered inside me, recoiling from our mate's indifference.

He did not see us. He did not want us.

The thought of shouting, of claiming him in front of everyone, died.

The pack rules were clear: females did not claim first. To do so was to be branded desperate. After tonight’s series of humiliations, I couldn’t bear another.

I couldn't let this go unchallenged.

As the last of the Lycan royal guard passed, bitterness surged through me. I couldn’t stop the words, spoken clearly enough for those nearby, including my father, to hear:

"Impressive entrance, as always. Maybe one day their manners will arrive as promptly as their egos.”

Guests around me gasped. My father’s head whipped around, his face drained of color, and his lips parted in horror.

He stumbled towards where the Lycan King and Queen had been moments before, bowing deeply to their retreating backs.

“Your Majesties! My deepest apologies,” he exclaimed, his voice shaking. “Please forgive my daughter's unfortunate outburst. She meant no disrespect. Our pack holds the Lycan royalty in the highest esteem, always.”

If any Lycan heard him, they gave no sign, which only deepened the panic in his eyes.

He spun back to me, furious. He grabbed my arm.

“You fool,” he hissed. “Are you trying to get us all killed?”

I tried to pull my arm free. “It was just an observation. They were late.”

“An observation that could cost us dearly,” he seethed, his grip tightening as he began to drag me away from the main throng of guests. “Let go of me, Dad, what are you doing?” I demanded, struggling against his hold.

“I’m doing what I should have done the second you turned eighteen,” he snarled, pulling me towards the alcove.

Oh, goddess.

“Finding you a husband who can manage you, since you clearly have no sense of your own. You’re nearly twenty-six. Time is running out to salvage any value from you.”

My wolf growled inside me. “Tell him about the bond! He can't marry you off!”

But the image of Justin’s indifferent dismissal flashed in my mind.

If Justin wouldn’t acknowledge me, what chance would I have? If my father forced the issue with the Lycans, it would only deepen the shame.

He led me to a quieter corner of the hall where a group of Alphas and Beta wolves stood laughing and drinking.

At the center stood Alpha Darius of the Northern Pack. He moved like the world was his and the rest of us were trespassing.

He was older, perhaps late forties, with a thick neck and yellowing teeth. His hands were large and scarred, and rumors in the wider circles whispered he had buried three wives. No one ever asked why.

“Rissa, meet Alpha Darius,” my father said, his voice suddenly bright again, the proud host. “A powerful man, Alpha Darius, with a very serious interest in you.”

Revulsion churned in my gut. His eyes dragged over my body possessively.

“I hear you’re difficult,” he said, a leering smile spreading across his face. “I like that. Makes the chase more entertaining.”

“I will never marry you,” I said loudly enough for everyone nearby to hear.

My father laughed nervously as if I’d made a clever joke.

Darius’s eyes narrowed. “What makes you think you’re in a position to refuse, girl? You’re not exactly prime anymore, are you? Your name’s already mud. Didn’t your best friend take your man and your place?”

I wrenched my arm free from my father’s slackened grip and stepped back from Darius. “I’d rather die than wake up to your breath, or be the fourth forgotten name on a tombstone.”

His face darkened. Nearby women, who had been pretending not to listen, sipped their champagne, their eyes wide.

“You’re impossible, Marissa!” my father snapped, his earlier fury returning full force. “Utterly unmanageable. Now I see why Alan left you.”

Conversations halted. I stepped back again, trembling with anger.

Then a new voice cut through the charged silence.

“Why are you humiliating your daughter, Alpha Marcus?”

All heads turned. The Lycan Queen stood tall, her gaze fixed on my father. Justin stood behind her, silent but present.

“Is this how you treat your women?” The Queen's voice rang out. “You line them up and hand them off to the highest bidder?”

My father flinched but maintained a tight smile. “Your Majesty, you misunderstand. I was only—”

“You’re embarrassing yourself,” she said. “And you’re showing everyone in this room why your pack is falling apart.”

The words cut clean through the room. A ripple of gasps moved through the crowd.

My father turned pale. Darius looked ready to explode.

“With respect, Your Majesty,” Darius said, “you’re married with children. You know how these arrangements work.”

The Queen fixed her gaze on my father. “I married because I chose to. No one sold me. Your daughter deserves the same freedom. You should protect her, not bargain with her future.”

I stood still. The Queen, the mother of the man who had ignored me, was defending me.

She folded her arms. “Focus on your weak economy. Stop using your daughter as collateral.”

My father let out a strained laugh. “Our troubles are temporary, Your Majesty.”

The Queen looked at me. Her frown softened. “I heard you’re a lawyer. We need sharp minds in our court.”

I stepped forward. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Good. Would you like to work for me?”

I nodded without hesitation. My father’s hand clamped down again, tighter this time. Other young Betas and Gammas around the room shifted subtly, their eager eyes watching. But this was not their moment. It was mine.

I couldn’t stay with my cruel father. I didn’t want this pack. I refused to suffocate beneath an unanswered bond. I wanted out.

I said yes. The Lycans had power, structure, and freedom. And I needed the Queen’s help.

“This is not a favor. We choose the most qualified. If your father wants economic support, he must allow you and those we select to serve in our House.”

My father’s jaw tightened. “You’re taking our best and calling it aid?”

“No,” the Queen answered. “I’m offering a trade. Or you can let your pride sink your pack.”

Silence stretched across the room. I moved toward him and met his glare. “If I stay, I rot. Let me use my skills. In return, you get the help your pack desperately needs.”

He looked at me like I was a stranger. The Queen’s lips curled in a faint smile. “Smart girl,” she said.

After a long pause, my father gave a sharp nod. “Fine.”

And just like that, I was free.

I didn’t know what came next, only that I was walking straight into the Lycans’ den. And now, I’d finally learn how far Justin would go to deny the bond.