CHAPTER 2

Selina~

I stood frozen in the middle of my room, clutching the old letter so tightly the edges were starting to tear. My heart wouldn't slow down. Everything Elian had said swirled in my head like a bad dream I couldn't wake up from.

Carolina didn't die the way they told me. My father had her killed. Somehow, I was half Fae, and now a vampire was bound to protect me?!

I must be in a nightmare, but before I could pinch myself, the knocking on my door came again. Harder this time.

"Selina, open this door immediately!" my father's voice boomed. He sounded impatient, and I knew if I didn't answer, he would break down the door.

I quickly hid the letter under my pillow and wiped my face. My eyes were still swollen from crying earlier, but I knew with Father, he didn't care. I went to the door and opened it.

 My father stood there in his usual expensive suit, looking at me as if I were something he had to take care of. My mother stood slightly behind him, her face still.

No one played the role of a nonexistent housewife quite like my dearest mother.

"We need to talk," he said without even asking how I was. He never did. I stepped aside and let her in. My hands were still trembling slightly. I sat on the edge of my bed while they stood in the middle of the room as if the air I breathed belonged to them.

My father wasted no time.

"The protective ley lines around Belton are breaking down. We have a chance to repair them. You will go to the Runeblood Academy tomorrow morning."

I blinked. Once. Twice.

"Runeblood Academy?" I repeated slowly. "The Werewolf Academy?"

"Yes," he replied, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "You will form a Soulbind Alliance with the Alpha Heir, Raymond Viel."  That's not up for discussion.

My stomach sank.

You want me to marry a werewolf? My voice broke as I stared at him in horror. The same creatures that killed Carolina? Have you all gone mad?

My mother looked away. She said nothing. She never did when my father spoke. My father's eyes narrowed. "Watch your tone, young lady. This is for the kingdom. The werewolves control the Source Crystals we need. In return, they need this pact. You will fulfill your duty."

Duty.

That word tasted bitter in my mouth. I stood up, my legs feeling weak. "And what about me? What about what I want? I just caught Brad cheating on me with Iris, and now you want to send me to the werewolves? The same monsters who—"

"Enough!" My father cut me off sharply. Carolina had always been the better daughter. She understood sacrifice. She was beautiful, graceful, and willing to do anything for this family. "You, you're standing here complaining about your petty heartache while the entire kingdom is in danger."

His words hit me harder than Brad's disgusting glare had earlier.

I felt my chest tighten.  So, am I just the useless, chubby daughter you can sell? I blurted out angrily, but my father didn't even flinch. "If that's what it takes, then yes. Pack your things. You're leaving at daybreak. A car will take you to the academy. Don't try to embarrass us when you get there."

He turned and left without another word. My mother gave me a sad look before following him and quietly closing the door behind her.

I sank back onto my bed.

The tears came again, and I cried until my head ached. This must have been a terrible dream. Brad and Iris, and now this? Being sent to those disgusting creatures, and a dead woman's letter told me I was one of them?

No way. That simply wasn't me.

***

The next morning, I dragged my suitcase down the stairs like a prisoner returning to her cell. The driver didn't speak to me, and Mother didn't even come to say goodbye.  The staff simply loaded my bags and we began the long drive to the Rocky Mountains.

The closer we got to Runeblood Academy, the more nervous I became. What was it like there? Were the people or beings there mean? Would I be mistreated?

When the car finally stopped, I looked out the window and my breath caught in my throat. Runeblood Academy was enormous. Tall stone buildings mixed with modern glass, surrounded by enchanted walls that glowed dimly. Students milled about. Some with wolf eyes, some with pointed ears, others with scales or pale vampire skin. Everyone looked so different. I got out of the car and felt completely out of place. My curvy body suddenly felt even larger under all the stares. Some students whispered as I walked past.

Human

What's she doing here?

I lowered my head and followed the driver to the main hall where the Binding Ceremony would take place. My hands were sweating.

Then I felt it.

Someone was watching me.  I looked up and my eyes met those of a tall man standing near the entrance. He was easily 6 feet 2 inches tall, muscular, with icy blue eyes and black mullet hair. A snake tattoo peeped out from under his sleeve. He was handsome in a cold, terrifying way.

But the look he gave me was pure disgust, and my face instantly clicked. He was Raymond Viel.

My future husband. I had spent all night searching for him, trying to see what kind of monstrosity he was. He stared at me like I was some filthy creature that had just crawled onto his pristine campus. His jaw tightened and his eyes narrowed, but I stared back just as fiercely, my heart racing.

This was the monster I was destined to be bonded to, and from the look on his face, he hated me as much as I hated him.

The driver left my bags beside me and drove off without a word. I was alone now. Truly alone.  Raymond took a step toward me, his voice deep and cold as he finally spoke.

"So you're the human they sent."

I lifted my chin, trying to appear braver than I felt.

"And you're the animal I'm meant to spend the rest of my life with.”