chapter two

**Vanessa's POV**

I hurried home, clutching the basket filled with requested items. The knot of pain in my chest tightened; the rejection still haunted my mind, and soon, the news would spread.

Entering the house, I placed the basket by the door. I knew what was expected of me the moment I stepped through that front door. My family's demands weighed heavily, and I couldn't face them just yet. I fled into my room, locking the door behind me, finding solace in my once sanctuary turned emotional prison.

Tears welled up, and I cried, feeling shattered and overwhelmed. The inevitable arguments with my mother started when she knocked.

"Vanessa," she tried the door knob, "Are you in there?"

I sniffed, wiping my tears, peeking my head outside, holding onto the door.

"What are you doing? Let me in," she attempted to push the door, but I resisted. I didn't want her to see the used tissues on the floor.

"What do you want?" I sighed; the day had already taken a toll on me.

She gave up on opening the door. "I need you to pick out a dress for your sister."

Couldn't she see my red eyes? She didn't even ask what was wrong.

"No, I can not, I am tired." I tried to shut the door, but she persisted.

"Don't tell me you're jealous of your sister because of this marriage," she scoffed in disbelief.

I glanced at her. It wasn't her fault she couldn't see the turmoil within me. But she should try to be considerate. besides it was hard not to be with the way she has always been the favorite child and everyone was mocking me.

"Bye, mum," and I finally shut the door.

Lying on my bed, wide awake, I stared at the ceiling, knowing everyone was likely asleep. But sleep eluded me.

The creak of the window caught my attention; a figure, surely my sister, jumped outside. Curiosity led me to follow, cautiously navigating the dimly lit hallway.

Approaching the tree, I witnessed something shocking. There, bathed in moonlight, was my sister locked in an embrace with the Alpha prince. I gasped in surprise, drawing their attention.

"What do you think you're doing?" I looked from my sister to the Alpha prince.

"What does it look like?" He asked cockily.

My sister rushed to me, taking my hands, pleading, "I swear, it isn't what it looks like." She glanced at him before fleeing into the house, leaving me alone with Alpha Kilan, who wore a sly grin.

"You definitely wish you were her."

My face grew hot at his proximity. "No way."

"Really?" He leaned down, his face close to mine. "But it's written all over your face." He laughed.

"Looks like you cried a lot today," he commented, leaving me alone, my heart racing, trying to process what I'd witnessed.

Later, my sister paced, standing still as she saw me.

"Please don't tell our parents what you saw," her voice trembled as she begged. It was a confusing situation, and my initial shock gave way to concern for her.

"Why were you with him?" I folded my arms, restraining myself from yelling about her involvement with my potential mate. But I kept that information to myself.

She hesitated before finally speaking. "He was... is my boyfriend. I'm breaking up with him." Her words left me stunned, struggling to comprehend their relationship.

I nodded slowly, still bewildered, as she left, asking me to promise not to say a word.

The room felt heavy with unspoken words and unresolved emotions, leaving me wondering how I ended up so unlucky.

The door to my room burst open, jolting me awake from the little sleep I managed to get.

"What's happening now?" I sat up, groggy, staring at my worried mother.

"We can't find your sister," she began to cry. My mother stood at an average height, her presence commanding attention without demanding it. Auburn hair, once vibrant, now carried strands of silver that added a distinguished elegance to her appearance. Her hazel eyes, framed by gentle lines that spoke of laughter and wisdom, held a warmth that welcomed everyone into her world. Delicate freckles sprinkled across her nose and cheeks, reminiscent of stars scattered across a twilight sky. She possessed an air of quiet confidence, her smile radiant and comforting, like a beacon in times of uncertainty. Her slender frame carried a grace that spoke volumes of her inner strength and resilience, but now I saw her shaken.

"What?" The realization sank in; panic started to take over. My sister was missing, and fear began to grip us.

"Have you searched everywhere?" I hurried outside, ignoring the bedhead I had.

We scoured every corner of the house, calling out her name in escalating desperation. It seemed as if she had vanished, leaving us frantic and anxious.

As the day progressed, my father spoke on the phone, pleading with the Lycan prince for more time.

He slammed the phone against the wall, running his fingers through his disheveled hair.

"Can you see what you have caused?" He spat angrily at me making me wonder how he possibly thought it was my fault 

"What did he say?" My mother asked with concern.

"He threatened to tear this village apart if shame is brought upon him. He said he would stand alone at the altar without a bride," he muttered, frustrated.

The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. My sister had run away. I pondered the reason—could it be because of Alpha Kilan?

"This won't do," my father declared after a heavy silence, his eyes fixed on me. "You will have to stand in for her."

At that moment, I froze. What would become of me if I were forced into the role of a substitute bride for my sister?

The uncertainty and fear of the unknown loomed over me as I contemplated the direction my life might take if I had to step into this unexpected and unwanted role.