chapter Four

Elara POV

He sighed, setting down his fork, "Your father borrowed heavily from our pack seven years ago. Medical expenses for your mother, I believe. The loan was substantial, and the interest accumulated quickly. When he couldn't repay, he offered what Alphas often do in these situations. An alliance through marriage."

"So I'm collateral."

"You're a bridge between two packs. It's not uncommon."

"That doesn't make it right."

"No," he agreed quietly, "It doesn't."

Across the table, Dr. Solis was watching me with an intensity that made me uncomfortable. When our eyes met, she smiled slightly and raised her wine glass in a small toast.

"Don't mind Reyna," Kieran said, "She's always studying people."

"What kind of things does she study?"

"Everything. She's bit of a pain in the ass, but she's brilliant," He leaned closer, lowering his voice, "Word of advice? Stay on her good side. The woman knows more secrets than anyone else in this pack."

A burst of laughter drew my attention back to the head of the table. 

Elena had her hand on Silas's arm, saying something that made the other senior wolves chuckle.

"I need some air," I said, standing abruptly.

"Elara…" Darius started.

"Just for a minute. I'll be right back."

I didn't wait for permission. I walked quickly toward the doors, desperate to escape the suffocating weight of the dining hall.

I found myself on a wide terrace. In the distance, I could see wolves moving through the training yards.

"Running away already?"

I spun around to find a man leaning against the terrace railing. He was tall and lean, with dark hair that fell across his forehead and he had the same ice-blue eyes that reminded me of Silas's but his own was colder and crueler.

"I'm not running," I said, "I'm getting air."

"Of course you are," He pushed off the railing and moved closer, "Let me guess. Little sister, sitting at the table, watching your replacement charm everyone in sight. That must sting."

"Who are you?"

"Kaelen Vane," He sketched a mocking bow, "Silas's younger brother. And according to certain contractual obligations, your future husband."

"That's impossible."

"Really? Did anyone tell you how the contract works? Your father promised Silas his first child. He promised me his second," he said with a sharp smile.

Silas POV

I felt the exact moment Elara left the dining hall.

The bond, which had been a constant ache in my chest all evening suddenly thin. My wolf snarled, demanding I follow her and bring her back.

Instead, I forced myself to nod at whatever Elena was saying. Something about pack logistics and supply chains. She was intelligent and had everything a Luna should be on paper.

She just wasn't her.

"Alpha?" Elena touched my arm lightly, "Are you alright? You seem distracted."

"I'm fine." I reached for my wine glass, only to find it empty.

"Please, continue,” I said. 

But I'd lost interest in the conversation entirely. Through the windows, I could see the terrace. Could see…

"If you'll excuse me a moment," I said, standing.

Darius caught my eye from down the table. His expression was carefully neutral, but I'd known him long enough to read his concern.

Your mate is on the terrace with your brother, his look said. And you're sitting here with her sister.

"I need to check on something, I'll return shortly," I announced to the table. 

I walked with measured steps toward the terrace doors, even though every instinct screamed at me to run. To get to Elara before…

"Congratulations, Elara. You're mine," Kaelen's voice drifted through the open terrace door. I froze just inside the doorway, hidden in shadow.

"That's impossible," Elara said. 

"Is it? Did anyone explain the contract to you? Your father promised his firstborn to Silas. And his second-born to me."

"You're lying."

"Am I? Why don't you ask my dear brother?" Kaelen's smile was vicious, "Oh wait, he's too busy courting your sister to bother with details like who owns you."

I stepped onto the terrace. "Kaelen."

My brother's grin widened. 

"Silas. We were just discussing the contract. I think our new guest deserves to know all the terms."

Elara's eyes met mine, "Is it true?" she asked, "Am I bound to him?"

"The contract is complicated," I said.

"That's not an answer."

"The original agreement did include provisions for both Vance daughters," I admitted, "But the primary marriage was meant to be between myself and the firstborn. Your situation is unclear."

"Unclear?" She laughed, "My entire life is unclear. I'm collateral for a debt I didn't incur, bound to men I've never met, and apparently my own mate can't even fight for me because of a piece of paper."

The word mate hung in the air and Kaelen's eyes sharpened.

"Mate?" He looked between us, "Well, isn't this interesting."

"Go back inside, Kaelen," I ordered.

"Why? This is the most entertainment I've had in months," He moved closer to Elara, and my wolf snarled, "Tell me, little mate, does the bond hurt knowing he can't have you?"

"Back off," The Alpha command rolled through my voice.

Kaelen raised his hands in mock surrender, but his eyes glittered with malice. “I'll leave you two to your moment. But Elara, the contract is binding. Whether my brother fights for you or not, you belong to one of us. It's best you start deciding which fate you prefer."

He disappeared inside, leaving us alone on the terrace.

Elara wrapped her arms around herself, staring out at the training grounds. The moonlight caught her hair turning it silver, and something about her scent…

"You should have told me," she said quietly, "About Kaelen and the full terms."

"I only confirmed the details this afternoon. I was planning to…"

"To what? Break it to me gently?" She turned to face me, "Let me guess. You're going to marry Elena to honor the contract, and I'm supposed to marry your brother to tie up loose ends."

"No," I said. 

"No?"

"I won't let him have you. Kaelen is cruel and sadistic. He'd break you just to spite me."

"And Elena won't break you?"

The question hit harder than it should have, "What I feel doesn't matter. The pack needs this alliance and the debt needs to be settled."

"The debt?" She laughed again, "Tell me, Alpha, what happens if I refuse and walk away from all of this?"

"You can't."

"Watch me."