Chapter 3

Rory

“What?” I whispered, tears pricking my eyes. There was a long pause, the air thickening as I gasped.

Goddess, no. Not this man.

“Alpha Orion, forgive me, but we have already chosen a bride for you.” My father chuckled nervously. “If we could—”

The alpha cut off his voice cold and final. “No.”

My heart raced as I shook my head, the warm tears rolling down my cheeks, taking a step back.

“Perhaps we can address this in private?” My father asked, his eyes looking around us after he noticed a lot of people were gathering to watch the spectacle.

His eyes narrowed, then turned to one of his men. “Darius, keep an eye on her.”

“This is not necessary. I can—”

“Alpha Adrian, do you want this deal or not?” His voice was low and calm, but I could hear the threat in it. He wasn’t playing.

For a moment, the place was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. I lifted my gaze to my father, and he swallowed hard, sweat beading on his forehead.

There’s nothing my father hates more than being undermined. I saw the way his jaw ticked, and Adam’s apple went up and down.

He was furious.

“I’ll lead the way.” My father turned, glaring at me one last time as everyone walked away, leaving me with Darius and Jared.

“I’ll take it from here, pup,” Darius said to Jared, his voice soft yet firm. I lifted my gaze to him; he was about a foot taller than me, with blue eyes and tattoos covering his arms.

“She is part of this pack. It is—”

But Darius cut him off. “It’s not. She’s now the chosen bride of our alpha, hence no longer your job. So, scurrying along,” He gestured with his fingers, like chasing a little kid.

Chosen bride? Alpha?

My heart was racing so fast, making me lightheaded. I gasped for air, stumbling back.

“Whoa, easy there.” Darius reached for me, but I recoiled immediately, my heart drumming so loud I could hear it in my ears.

This was too much.

“I won’t hurt you,” he assured, his voice low and soft, eyes roaming around my face as tears pricked my eyes. I don’t know what it was about him, but there was something in me screaming to trust him.

I nodded, letting him help me, his brawny arm wrapped around my shoulder while another one held me up.

“Show us to the guest room,” he told Jared, who let out a low growl. But then he started leading us into the house.

I couldn’t help but notice how he kept scanning around the pack, like he was looking for any threats.

I kept my head low and eyes on my hands, without uttering a word, and he kept guiding me until we got to the suite.

“If you don’t mind. Please sit here while I just check the room,” he said, helping me to the couch. I nervously sat down, my hands tucked between my legs, and he took out his phone from the back pocket of his jeans, pressing it and then started scanning the room.

“Perfect,” he said five minutes later, then went to stand by the window, looking out. My heart pounded so hard against my chest. I needed to get out of here, but I wondered how far I could get before he got to me.

I nervously tapped my foot, glancing at the mountain of a man who was standing guard. I glanced around the room, my eyes on the watch; thirty minutes had already passed. He shifted his attention to me briefly, regarding me, his eyes trailing down my body every once in a while, then shifted his attention back to the window.

“What’s your name?” He asked,

“Rory,” I whispered. He smiled at me, turning away, his shoulder leaning against the wall, but his eyes were out then when a knock came on the door.

“Come on! We need to go,” he said, coming closer to me, but I shook my head, about to get up, but he swiftly moved, grabbing my elbow.

“No. Please. Please, just let me go,” I pleaded, but my pleas fell on deaf ears.

“Listen, you can either walk, or I’ll drag you out there. So, spare us both the trouble and just walk on your own,” he said, his voice low and final.

“Please. I don’t want any trouble, I promise…” I pause, my voice shaking and tears rolling down my face.

“Crying won’t help you, little one. Orion is a very impatient man. Now move it,” he growled, nudging me forward as tears streamed down my cheeks, my blood pumped so fast I could hear it in my ears, and my feet suddenly felt heavy.

I glance at the man. He holds me by my elbow, and I can’t read his face. Taking a deep breath. I followed him quietly down the stairs. Instead of going to my father’s room, we were heading outside.

“Where are you taking me? You said…” I struggled against his hold, but he didn’t stop as he dragged me towards the stairs.

“Mom? Dad?” I called out to them, but my father just stood straight with his head held high.

Orion stood by the car, hands in the pockets of his trousers.

“Move it!” Darius ordered, dragging me away, but I pulled against his hold. When I finally got free, I ran to my father and fell to my knees, grabbing his leg. “Dad, please… I promise to be a better daughter. I will try my best. I promise I will do better,” I pleaded, gripping his leg, my eyes fixed on him, but he didn’t move or even flinch.

“Will you stop embarrassing yourself? Why are you so selfish?” my mother said through gritted teeth, her eyes filled with so much hatred for me.

“Dad, please,” I pleaded with him. I knew there was a chance for me with Dad than with Mum.

“Why are you so selfish? Why can’t you, for once in your life, do something useful for this pack?” My mother leaned even more, looking at me at eye level.

“Get up now, enough of your drama!” She growled, grabbing me by my arm.

My voice broke, loud, and ugly sobs came out.

“Please, Father,” I pleaded, but Jared came closer, grabbing me by my arm.

“Let go of her,” the deep voice of Orion came. I lifted my gaze to him, my eyes lingering on his face for a few minutes.

He moved with confidence towards me, my heart pounding so hard. I had to tilt my head back so I could look at his imposing masked face.

“You have two minutes to get in the car, or I’ll walk. And trust me, when I walk, I’ll be coming back with an army. And when I do, I’ll kill everyone you love while you watch.” He whispered, barely audible, but I heard all the words he said.

“Please. You don’t want me. I’m wolfless and I am broken,” I whimpered, my voice cracking, and he leaned in.

“You’re right. I don’t want you. But I have no choice, right?” he asked, a glint of hatred in his eyes for me. So raw, so strong.

My lips trembled, my legs shook as I glanced at my father and mother, who were standing at the top of the stairs, and the man who was standing before me. A whimper left my lips, tears pricking my eyes.

I gave a nod.

With every step I took towards the car, I couldn’t help but feel I was getting away from one monster to another monster.

I turned, glancing at my family for the last time.

How did my life become this in less than forty-eight hours? From being a slave to my sister, to finding out she eloped with the man I love, to being flogged to death, to now being this man’s property.

I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. I let the warm tears stream down my cheeks before getting into the car.

The doors slammed shut, and I heard the other side of the passenger seat dip. I covered my mouth, choking back my sobs.

“Save your tears. You’ll need them.” His deep, gravelly, masculine voice came, low and calm. Sending a chill down my spine, I felt goose bumps all over my body.

Not a threat. Not a command. A promise.