Setting the date

Stacey.

Alpha's Liam's office was immaculate and cold. Everything was perfectly clean and polished and in the right place. It was so organized that I wondered how one could function normally in such a place. Could we even be a happy couple, given that I was accustomed to messy places?

I figured he was definitely going to hate me when he found out I couldn't keep things organized for long.

Liam watched me from behind the desk. His gaze was sharp, making me feel like I was being examined, like he was about to interrogate me. Did he know my secret?

Craving one brother while engaged to another? This was unheard of. To worsen it, they were twins.

I watched as he stood slowly, circling the desk.

“You’ve been avoiding me,” he said, standing in front of me.

“I’ve been training,” I replied quickly. “And working on the trackers. Everything’s been moving fast.”

He came closer and brushed a strand of hair behind my ear. I flinched involuntarily . His eyes narrowed for a second before returning to normal again.

“We’re mates, Stacey. It’s natural for me to want to be close to you. We need to share more than just time and words.” His hand slid from my hair to my jaw, his thumb brushing across my cheekbone.

I forced a smile. “Of course. I… I just think we should take things slow.”

“Slow?” he asked, one brow rising. “You didn’t say that the night I marked you. You said you were honored to be my future Luna.”

I swallowed. “I was. I am. I just… Let's wait. For some things.”

“Stand,” he said, and I rose.

His hand went to my waist, holding it firmly. “You don’t want me to kiss you?”

I panicked for a second. My silence did not faze him. He leaned forward, and his lips brushed mine softly. I stood frozen, body stiff. My body didn’t move toward him, wanting more. Instead, it recoiled.

I felt my wolf whimper in my chest and could tell it was feeling restless and agitated.

I turned my head slightly, breaking the gentle kiss. Liam pulled back, his brow furrowed confused.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered, trying to think of a good excuse. “I… I made a vow. To myself. That I wouldn’t… do anything intimate until marriage.”

He started at me for a few seconds before speaking. “You never said that before.”

“I didn’t think I had to,” I said softly. “It’s just something I’ve always believed. I want our first time to be after we’re truly bound as husband and wife.”

His eyes searched mine. I prayed he couldn’t see the fear in them. Or worse, the truth.

“Fine,” he said, looking directly into my eyes as if he could read my thoughts. “Then we’ll be married next week.”

My mouth fell open. “Next week?”

He turned away, already walking back toward his desk. “There’s no reason to delay. The pack expects it. You’ll be Luna. The ceremony will be held on the seventh night of the moon cycle. My mother’s seamstress will be informed today.”

“Liam, we can't.”

“It’s settled,” he said without looking at me. “You may go.”

And just like that, the conversation was over. It felt so formal, so business-like. I wanted to protest, but he grabbed a folder and opened it, transferring all his attention.

I left the office in confusion, my legs barely carrying me down the hall. When I reached my room, I leaned against the closed door and tried to breathe.

I would be married next week. I was going to be his wife, trapped forever with a man who didn't act like he loved me. Were all marriages like this?

I sank onto the bed, my hands trembling. Every part of me screamed that something was wrong. Not just with Liam’s rushed decision but with the bond itself. It felt more like a chain around my neck than a connection between two souls.

I didn’t know how long I sat there, staring at nothing, until a knock came at the door.

I wiping my face as I stood up. “Yes?”

The door opened, and a woman entered. I’d seen her before around the pack house, usually near Liam’s quarters. She was tall, slim, and elegant. Her dark brown hair was pulled into a tight bun, and her lips painted a sharp red.

She didn’t smile.

“Miss Miller,” she said crisply. “I’m May. I’ve been instructed to take your measurements for your wedding gown.”

My stomach dropped.

“It’s… happening this fast?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. This was not how I pictured getting married.

She blinked, as if surprised I didn’t already know. “The Alpha said it was to be a formal ceremony, but discreet. Only pack members, no external dignitaries. The seamstress is waiting in the tailor’s room.”

I hesitated. “I wasn’t told about this.”

Her gaze flicked over me. “You are to be the Luna. Everything must be ready in time.”

I nodded numbly, walking past her out the door and into the hall. She led me through the house, her heels clicking on the polished floor.

We went down one corridor and up a set of stairs, before entering a room lined with fabric, lace, and mirrors. It looked like a boutique. I didn't know the pack house had such a room.

The seamstress was an older woman with a friendly face. She smiled warmly at me. “Come in, child. Let’s get you ready for your big day.”

I stepped into the center of the room. May stood by the wall, watching silently as the woman began to circle me with a measuring tape.

She spoke kindly and asked many questions. Did I prefer sleeves? Did I want a train? Pearls or crystals?

I answered mechanically, my eyes fixed on my reflection in the mirror. The girl in the mirror didn’t look like a bride, but like a prisoner wearing silk.

As the measuring tape brushed my neck, I flinched. The seamstress gave me a puzzled look.

“Sorry,” I muttered. “I’m just tired.”

She nodded, moving to my waist. As she worked, I kept my eyes locked on the mirror.

And then I thought of Caleb; the way his gaze made my heart race and filled me with longing.

I thought of Liam’s kiss and how empty it had felt. It felt wrong. But in a week's time, I was going to marry him, unless I found a way to stop it.

But how was I going to do that? What would happen to me?

Alpha Liam was a kind man, but alphas do not take rejection easily. What would happen to me if I rejected him?

No, I couldn't. I had to stop thinking about Caleb and everything I felt when he was close.

There was a knock on the door. Mara went to open it.

The door swung open, and to my surprise, Caleb strode in. He was accompanied by a beautiful redhead. I had seen her before but had no idea what her name was.

“I've been looking for you,” Caleb said, his eyes meeting mine. The woman smiled as she linked her hand with his. My hands followed where their hands met, and I felt a pang of jealousy.

“Why?” I asked quietly, trying to avoid looking at his large arm with bulging veins.

“I’ll not be around tomorrow, so we have to train today,” he said. “What’s going on?”

“I can't train with you anymore,” I said, trying not to look at her hand on his. I couldn't bear it. She was touching him like he was hers.

“I didn't come to ask for permission,” he said. He shook her hand off and moved closer. Leaning over, he whispered. “I'll be waiting for you at the clearing.”

When he stepped back, I released a breath I had not realized I was holding. My core was throbbing at the thought of being alone with him. My heart was beating fast. I looked up and met his eyes. They were so intense I couldn't stare at them for long.

“Okay,” I said finally.

He kissed my forehead before leaving with the redhead. As they walked away, I stumbled back and sat down.

“Is everything okay?” May asked.

Nothing was okay. I didn't want to marry Alpha Liam, and yet I wasn't allowed to reject him.

I was royally screwed.