Chapter 4: A New Melody

"The Alpha is in a meeting right now."

My father's secretary, Mr. Hall, visibly shivered in his boots the instant I stepped into the office. His eyes darted nervously as he adjusted his tie, his voice devoid of its usual authority.

"If you have an appointment, perhaps…

"An appointment?" I cut him off, an eyebrow rising. "Does it sound right to you that a daughter should have to schedule an appointment just to see her own father?" My voice was sharp, laced with the irritation bubbling inside me.

Mr. Hall swallowed hard, evidently torn between protocol and the fact that I was the Alpha's daughter. "My lady, the Alpha is an important man. One cannot simply…"

"I shall wait for him," I interrupted, before he could conclude, my tone with no room for argument.

His mouth sagged in surprise, and he knew me well enough to tell that this was well and truly out of character. In the past, I never waited for anything. I would just barge in without any second thought, no matter how important my father's meetings were. But today was different. Today, I was ready to wait.

Mr. Hall's eyes widened in incredulity. "You can wait for him?" His voice shook as he spoke the words.

"Yes. I would like a cup of tea while I wait." My voice came out sure and steady. Saying nothing more, I headed for the waiting room and paid no attention to the murmurs that became hushed around me.

"Is that really Miss Melody?"

"She will wait rather than barge in on the Alpha?"

"It would appear she realizes how serious this meeting is."

I let their whispers fade to the background. Wolves had excellent senses, after all: some could detect a scent while it was miles away, and others had perfect night vision. The Madison bloodline was known, above all, for having great hearing. And I wasn't an exception.

But just then, I was beyond caring what any of those people were saying. My mind was elsewhere, lost in the wrong things I'd done during my last life. I hadn't lost everything due to an inability to manipulate Jay or sabotage Samantha; rather, my downfall had been my own foolishness, my blindness to my own flaws. I had known it all, but I never sought out self-improvement. My stepmother had called me weak, and she had been right. Meanwhile, Samantha, in her meek and humble manner, had won everyone to her side.

"Miss Melody!" A shrill voice cut through my reverie. Before me stood the Alpha's secretary, her expression expectant.

"What is it?" I asked, my voice weary.

"The Alpha is ready to see you," said Mr. Hall.

I stood and followed him down the familiar hallway. I had been here many times before, though every past visit had ended the same way—with me throwing a tantrum and my father throwing me out. But today would be different.

Mr. Hall opened the heavy office doors and gestured for me to enter. "Go on in."

I stepped inside, my eyes locking onto the man sitting behind the grand wooden desk: my father, Alpha Andrew Madison. The moment I saw him, something inside me broke. It was as if suddenly everything I had ever regretted crashed down on me at once.

"Dad!" I exclaimed, running to him. I flung myself in his arms, my body shaking, and I sobbed uncontrollably.

He startled, holding me tightly. "Sweetheart? What happened? Did Jay hurt you?" His voice held so much worry, with barely contained fury.

I shook my head, stepping back to look at him. My father had always warned me about Jay, his stepson. I had dismissed his concerns, believing him overprotective. But he had been right all along. Only if I had listened.

"Then why are you crying? Who offended you?" he pressed.

"No one," I gasped, wiping off the hot tears streaming down my cheeks. "I—I’m just glad to see you, Father."

I grasped his coat as he handed me his handkerchief. "I missed you so much." My voice shook as I wrapped my arms around his neck again, burying my face in his chest. I wished I could stay there forever, safe in his embrace.

I had taken this man for granted my whole life. Never once had I ever told him how much he meant to me. Without Alpha Andrew Madison, Melody Madison was nothing.

"I love you, Father," I whispered. "I love you so much."

He stroked my back tenderly until I had cried myself out. I clung to him, inhaling his scent, savoring the warmth of him, desperate to convince myself that this was real—that I really had a second chance.

I wanted to tell him everything—how Jay had betrayed me, how Agatha had never loved him, and how Jay killed him and, in the end, me. But even if the shock of my rebirth had worn off, I knew no one would believe such a story.

This time, I would not drag my father into my mess. I had sullied his reputation enough in my past life. It was time to stand on my own.

"What is it?" he asked, his voice firm. "I will pave the way for you, no matter what you choose to do."

I had taken advantage of that promise one too many times before. Not this time.

"It's something I must do myself," I said softly. "But you should know, I will not mate with Jay."

The room was silent.

My father went rigid. "Ha! This child!" A dry, mirthless laugh was followed by his hand slamming against the desktop. "After all I sacrificed to get you that engagement, you come to me with this?"

I raised my head, meeting his gaze. Whatever it was he saw in my eyes made his anger falter.

"Jay is not mine," I said, leaving no hint of doubt in my voice.

He studied me for a long moment. "After all your endless talk of love, you suddenly realize this?

I nodded, preparing myself for his disappointment.

"Your engagement ceremony is in a week, Melody. How do you expect to call it off now?"

I looked away. I had only woken up a few hours ago. I didn’t have a concrete plan yet. But one thing was for sure: all ties with Jay needed to be cut.

"You are an adult now," he said, softening his tone. "If you had a quarrel with Jay—"

"No, we didn’t quarrel." I swallowed hard. He murdered me. But I couldn’t say that. Not without sounding insane.

"Melody." My father exhaled, rubbing his temples. "Let's assume I support this sudden decision of yours. What reason do you have to call off the engagement?"

I met his gaze head-on. "My life is at stake."