Chapter 2 2

The warm glow of lanterns cast flickering shadows on the stone walls, illuminating the sea of faces gathered for the annual feast. Voices mingled in laughter and conversation, but to her, the sounds felt distant, like she was trapped behind an invisible wall.

Her father stood at the head of the long banquet table, his imposing presence commanding the attention of every wolf in the room. Dressed in a dark suit, Alpha Derek radiated authority, his gaze scanning the crowd with sharp calculation. He didn't need to speak to remind everyone of the power he held- it was in the way he carried himself, the silent strength that sent an unspoken message.

Alina took her place beside him, her movements measured, controlled. Every step she took had been rehearsed since childhood, every glance and smile a reflection of the perfect heir her father expected her to be. Yet, deep inside, a storm raged, a conflict she couldn't quiet no matter how much she tried.

A firm hand settled on her shoulder, grounding her in the moment. "You kept me waiting." Her father's voice was low but firm, carrying the quiet authority that had ruled their pack for decades.

"I was getting fresh air," she replied, her voice even.

His sharp eyes flicked to hers, searching, questioning. "Fresh air," he echoed, his tone laced with skepticism. "Or were you entertaining company?"

Her spine stiffened, but she refused to let her expression betray her thoughts. "Does it matter?"

"It does when it concerns a rogue."

Her father's words cut through the noise like a blade. The conversations around them continued, but the tension between them crackled like fire.

"You've warned me already," she said, keeping her voice steady. "I know where my loyalties lie."

Alpha Derek studied her for a long moment before nodding. "Good. Because soon, you'll have more than just loyalty to uphold."

A chill ran through her veins. "What do you mean?"

He lifted his goblet, letting the pause stretch between them. "You'll know soon enough."

Something inside her twisted at his cryptic response, but before she could press further, a voice cut through the hall, drawing everyone's attention.

"Alpha Derek," a deep, commanding voice called out. "I believe congratulations are in order."

Alina turned her head just as another Alpha stepped forward. Tall and broad-shouldered, with piercing green eyes, Alpha Cedric of the Ironclaw Pack exuded the same kind of power her father did- calculated, cold, and ruthless. His presence sent a ripple of unease through the room.

Her father's lips curled into something that resembled a smile. "Cedric," he greeted, lifting his goblet in acknowledgment. "A pleasure, as always."

Cedric's gaze slid to Alina, and a knowing smirk tugged at his lips. "And to the future Alpha of Blackwood. You've grown into quite the leader."

Something in his tone made her stomach tighten, but she forced a polite nod. "Thank you."

Her father gestured for Cedric to take a seat nearby, and the conversation around the room gradually resumed. But Alina's mind remained restless. There was something unspoken between the two Alphas, something she couldn't quite place.

The night dragged on, filled with formalities, empty pleasantries, and carefully constructed alliances. Alina played her part, but her mind wandered to the rogue who had disrupted her thoughts earlier. Cole.

The way he looked at her, the way his presence made her feel like she was standing on the edge of a cliff, one step away from something dangerous yet exhilarating.

A gentle nudge pulled her from her thoughts. Her father had leaned closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "Meet me in my study when the feast ends."

The unease in her stomach deepened, but she nodded, knowing she had no choice.

The feast had ended, but the anticipation in the air remained thick. Alina stood outside her father's study, her fingers curled into fists at her sides before she finally pushed the heavy wooden door open.

Her father was already there, standing near the fireplace, his back turned to her. The flames cast flickering shadows across the room, elongating his silhouette.

"You wanted to see me," she said, shutting the door behind her.

He turned slowly, his expression unreadable. "I assume you noticed Alpha Cedric's presence tonight."

Alina crossed her arms. "Hard to miss."

A small smirk flickered across his lips before fading. "He's here for more than just pleasantries."

A cold sensation crept down her spine. "What do you mean?"

Her father stepped closer, the weight of his words heavy before they were even spoken. "You're going to marry him."

The world around her seemed to tilt.

For a moment, she could only stare, unable to form a response. "What?"

"It's been decided," he said smoothly, as if he were discussing a simple business transaction. "The Blackwood and Ironclaw packs will unite through your bond."

A sharp breath left her lungs, her hands shaking before she clenched them into fists. "You can't be serious."

"This is what's best for the pack."

The finality in his voice sent a wave of anger through her. "You're sacrificing my future for politics?"

"You're securing our legacy." His tone remained calm, but there was steel beneath it. "Do you think I would entrust this pack to anyone unworthy?"

Alina's heart pounded. "I don't love him."

"That doesn't matter."

Her throat tightened. "It matters to me."

For the first time that night, a flicker of something unreadable crossed her father's face. "You don't have a choice."

A rush of defiance surged through her veins, but she knew arguing was pointless. Her father had made his decision. The room felt smaller, suffocating, and suddenly, all she wanted was to be anywhere but here. Without another word, she turned on her heel and stormed out, her breath ragged as she pushed through the empty hallways.

The night air was cool against her heated skin when she finally stepped outside. Stars stretched endlessly above her, but their beauty did nothing to soothe the storm raging inside.

A familiar presence stirred nearby. Cole emerged from the shadows once again, his expression unreadable. "You look like you're about to murder someone."

She let out a humorless laugh, shaking her head. "I might."

His gaze sharpened. "What happened?"

"An arranged marriage," she bit out. "To Alpha Cedric."

Something dark flashed in Cole's eyes, his jaw clenching. "You don't want this."

"No."

His silence stretched between them before he exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Then don't go through with it."

Frustration clawed at her chest. "What choice do I have?"

Cole took a step closer, the intensity in his gaze pinning her in place. "You always have a choice, Alina."

The way he said her name sent a shiver down her spine. A dangerous promise lingered in his voice, an invitation to something reckless, something forbidden.

She searched his face, looking for the warning signs that should have told her to stay away. Instead, she found only certainty- the path ahead wasn't clear. It wasn't safe. But standing there, in the quiet of the night, she realized she had never wanted safety. She wanted freedom. She wanted more. Somehow, she had the feeling that Cole was the only one who could give it to her.