Chapter 5 A Marriage Without A Place

The vehicle jolted along the uneven road, the engine's vibration running through the floor beneath me. No one had bothered to see me off. No farewell, no acknowledgment. They placed me in the car without hesitation, like something they were eager to discard.

I glanced back through the rear window, and a tight feeling settled in my chest as it sank in that I wouldn't be coming back. Even if I did, there wouldn't be anyone waiting for me. Tears threatened to fall, but I forced them away. I had already given enough of them to people who never cared.

Hours passed before the surroundings began to shift. The territory of the Shadowfang pack stretched out ahead, wide and seemingly endless.

When their grounds finally appeared, my heartbeat picked up. Dark stone buildings stood tall, surrounded by strong fences that marked their domain. Everything about the place spoke of control and power. It felt nothing like where I came from.

The scale here was overwhelming, the structure rigid. The car kept moving for what felt like forever, yet we still hadn't reached the Alpha's residence.

Beside me, Davis remained silent. His attention stayed fixed outside, his expression unreadable. He hadn't spoken since we left Crimson Howl. The quiet around him pressed down on me, making it hard to breathe. I pulled myself closer to the side, careful not to make a sound. The small bag in my hands held everything I owned, and I clung to it as if it could keep me steady.

The car finally stopped. Davis stepped out first, his movement sudden enough to make me flinch. I stayed where I was until Brandon, his Beta, opened the door and gave a brief nod.

"Move," he instructed, his eyes lingering on me as if weighing something.

I stepped inside the main building, and the atmosphere hit me immediately. The ceilings rose high above, the floors gleamed, and the air felt cold in a way that settled deep. Davis walked ahead without slowing, leading me into a large room centered around a grand fireplace.

He came to a stop near it and spoke without looking back. "Leave us, Brandon. I need to talk to her."

Without saying anything, the Beta gave a small bow and stepped out, leaving me alone with him. A chill ran through me.

"Sit," Davis said, his voice flat as his eyes finally settled on me.

I moved toward a leather chair and lowered myself onto the edge, my fingers tightening together in my lap. The quiet dragged on, pressing down until he turned fully in my direction, his face giving nothing away.

"I never wanted this," he said, his tone rough and steady. "Whatever Caleb is planning, I don't care. Just understand this. I have no intention of having a Luna. And I don't want you."

The words struck hard, but I stayed silent.

He folded his arms and went on. "The Elders want an heir. That's the only reason this is happening. Here's how it works. We'll marry for show, and I'll place my mark on you. To everyone else, we'll act like an Alpha and his Luna. But when it's just us, you keep your distance."

A quiet response left me. "I understand."

His gaze sharpened. "That's all you have to say?"

I gave a slight nod. "Yes." There was nothing else to add.

Something in my answer seemed to irritate him, but he continued anyway.

"You won't be involved in anything related to the pack. You'll stay in the west wing, away from my quarters. You won't sit with me or share my table. And most importantly, you won't expect anything from me. Do you get it?"

My throat felt tight, but I gave a small nod. "I understand."

His eyes stayed on me, a hint of surprise showing. "You're fine with all of that?"

I lifted my head, confused by the question. "Yes... isn't that what you want?" I replied quietly. At least here, I wouldn't be punished over something small like ruining breakfast.

His brow lifted slightly. "Ruining breakfast?"

Warmth crept up my face. I hadn't meant to say that aloud. "Yes," I admitted, lowering my gaze. "Or... for something like not fixing a pillow the right way."

His jaw tightened, and for a brief second, something unreadable crossed his eyes before it disappeared.

"This isn't something to take lightly," he said, his tone firm.

"I know," I answered right away. "I mean it. Your conditions are acceptable. Following rules is simpler than dealing with people."

He studied me closely, his expression hard to read. "Do you even realize what this arrangement means?"

I sat up a little straighter. "Yes. You said the ceremony is tomorrow. I'll stay out of your way unless... unless you need an heir." My face heated again, and I looked down as soon as the words left me.

A frustrated breath left him as he pressed his fingers against his brow. "Fine. We'll leave it at that. Brandon will take you to your room. Tomorrow, someone will get you ready."

I paused before speaking again, my voice soft. "Alpha Davis... thank you."

His body tensed, surprise showing. "Thank you?"

I gave a small nod. "Yes... but I need to ask something. If I feel hungry, can I go to the kitchen myself, or do I wait for someone to bring food?"

His eyes widened slightly. "That's what's on your mind right now?"

Embarrassment crept in, and I looked down. "You didn't say anything about food. I don't want to break a rule without knowing." Back in my old pack, meals weren't guaranteed. Sometimes I only got two in a day. Maybe things were different here.

He stared at me as if he couldn't believe it. "You're actually serious?"

"Yes," I said, meeting his gaze briefly. "You're strict about rules, so I thought it was better to ask."

For a moment, he looked caught between reacting harshly or letting it go. In the end, he spoke. "No, you don't have to wait. Eat whenever you want. Just don't get in my way."

Relief settled in me. "That makes things easier. It's not like I could miss you anyway," I said, a faint smile forming.

He went still. "What does that mean?"

I pressed my lips together, realizing I had gone too far. "You're like... something you can't ignore. Strong. Intense."

His eyes narrowed slightly. "Is that supposed to be praise?"

Heat rushed to my face. "Yes. It is. It means you stand out." I wished I could take it back.

He let out a short breath, irritation clear. "You're impossible," he said, his hands tightening before he let them fall. "Forget it. Just remember what I told you. Don't expect anything beyond that."

I nodded right away. "I won't."

Without another word, he turned and walked out.

I stayed where I was, watching the door after he left, my heart still racing. He was harsh, and being near him felt overwhelming, but he hadn't treated me the way I was used to. That alone set this place apart.

When the door shut, I finally let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. My face still felt warm. I had gotten through this first meeting, but it was clear things wouldn't be simple here.

Right on cue, my stomach made a low sound.