Chapter 2. The Most Feared Alpha King

Isabella couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

They were discussing her marriage—without even asking her.

Panic surged through her as she pushed the door open and blurted out, “I won’t marry Killian Nightbane!”

Her father's head snapped toward her, eyes darkening. “What did you just say?” he growled, his voice laced with the full force of his Alpha command. 

It was the voice that made warriors tremble, made pack members drop to their knees in submission. But for some reason, it never worked on Isabella. Not when she was a child. Not now.

And today, once again, she stood tall—unaffected.

“Please, Father,” she said, her voice cracking as she stepped forward, eyes glistening with tears. “Don’t do this to me. I’ve waited my whole life for my mate. I’m going to be eighteen next month… I’m so close. I just need time. I can’t marry someone who’s not my mate.”

Her father’s expression didn’t change. Cold. Distant.

But it was her mother who scoffed, venom dripping from her words.

“You really think a cursed she-wolf like you has a mate? Your wolf didn’t even bother to show up—because no one would ever accept something as weak and pathetic as you.”

Her wolf stirred within her then—not with rage, but sorrow. She rarely surfaced when others were around, choosing silence and stillness over presence. Isabella didn’t understand why. It made people talk. Made them think her wolf was broken. Cursed.

But no matter what they said, Isabella never blamed her. Her wolf was a part of her. And if protecting her meant taking all the blame alone—so be it.

“Then why would a powerful Alpha like Killian Nightbane accept me?” Isabella asked softly, her voice low but steady.

She had heard the stories. Everyone had. Killian Nightbane was feared across every pack. The most powerful of all werewolves. Ruthless in battle, cold in leadership. The future Alpha King of the entire werewolf community, and soon to take a seat on the High Council.

But despite his rank and strength, his morals were anything but noble.

He was a heartless monster—a known playboy who lured she-wolves with his looks and charm, used them to warm his bed, and discarded them if they dared to ask for more than a night.

Isabella didn’t want to be with a beast who hadn’t even respected the bond of a mate enough to wait.

“Listen, you little brat,” her father growled in irritation. “I need protection for my pack, and they need a bride for the future Alpha King. The council demanded he settle down before the crowning ceremony. It’s a simple deal.”

Isabella’s heart sank. “And you… sold me off?” she gasped, her voice trembling. “But… shouldn’t it be Jessica marrying him? She’s your firstborn.”

“Come on, sis,” Jessica chuckled, her tone laced with mock offense. “Do I look like someone who would marry a mad, murderous playboy Alpha? No way. I already have my mate—and I’ll only ever marry someone charming, like Alpha Hunter Knight of the Blood Moon pack. No one could ever compare to my mate.”

Her smug tone dripped with superiority, each word meant to make Isabella feel small, pathetic, and unlucky.

“Don’t be so selfish, Isabella,” her father snapped. “You can at least do this much for your pack and your Alpha. It’s time you repaid the favor of them keeping you all these years.”

Isabella stared at him, stunned.

Favor?

Wasn’t it a parent’s responsibility to care for their child? To protect them? When did that become a debt she had to repay?

Her mother’s voice followed, calm but laced with pressure.

“Our pack needs this pact to secure his protection. If you back out now, we won’t survive the next attack. And maybe… maybe the Alpha King himself will kill us for defying him. So think carefully, Isabella.”

Isabella lowered her gaze, heart heavy. She didn’t want this. But she also couldn’t bear to see her people die, not when she could stop it. No matter how much it cost her.

With a deep breath, she swallowed the lump in her throat and whispered,

“All right. I’ll marry Alpha Killian Nightbane.”