Chapter 3 DAPHNE

DAPHNE

Back to the Wedding

I stand face to face with the Alpha, my soon-to-be husband and I feel so small.

Ezekiel Hawthorne towers over me. Damien wasn't lying. He's annoyingly good-looking, the kind of man who doesn't have to try to turn heads. Still, I'm not here to be charmed.

His raven-black hair is neatly styled, like everything about him is planned and perfect. His piercing grey eyes lock onto mine, and it feels like he's looking straight through me. His lips shaped like a heart, unsmiling twitch slightly, like he's holding back a thought.

Then, slowly, his gaze sweeps over me from head to toe... and back up again.

He snorts.

Like he's found something amusing.

What is that for? I narrow my eyes at him. Go ahead and laugh now, Alpha. Let's see if you're still smiling when I'm the one holding the knife.

The ceremony begins.

The officiant, a human dressed in deep blue robes steps forward and speaks about unity. About how this marriage is meant to be a symbol of peace between witches and werewolves.

I barely pay any attention.

Then comes the alliance contract. Ezekiel and I take turns pressing our thumbs onto the parchment, sealing it with magic and blood.

After that, it's time for the vows.

I take a breath and read the words I was told to say. Words about loyalty, trust, and a future together.

But deep down, I know the truth.

I don't mean a single word.

And I never will.

[At Grey City]

Tucked deep inside the forest, we finally arrive at Grey City, the werewolf territory.

And it's nothing like I expected.

Growing up, I was told werewolves lived in the wild because they were animals. I believed it. But standing here now, I see how wrong that was.

Grey City looks just like any human town. There are houses, schools, factories... even tall streetlights and paved roads. High-tech security cameras sit on every corner, mixed with old carved stones.

Werewolves walk around in jeans, hoodies, and sneakers. Kids chase each other, laughing, just like human children. If I didn't know better, I'd think this was a normal city full of normal people.

Except it's freezing cold. The kind of cold that sinks into your bones.

A young boy probably no older than eighteen meets me at the edge of the city. He introduces himself as Caelum and tells me he's been asked to take me to the Alpha's house.

He talks a little too much and smiles a little too easily for my liking, especially when every other werewolf we pass stares at me like I don't belong.

Their glares are sharp, full of anger and suspicion. Like I broke into their world. Like I forced their Alpha to marry me.

But I didn't choose this.

And if they think I'm here to play happy wife, they're in for a surprise.

Caelum takes me around the Alpha's massive house, pointing out rooms and hallways like a cheerful tour guide. He shows me my bedroom, the kitchen, the training wing, on and on he goes. But I barely listen.

My mind is somewhere else.

While he talks, I'm already planning. I need to find out what the Alpha knows, what he did to Natalie. And if he hurt her, I'll make sure he regrets it.

"This is the Alpha's study," Caelum mentions, his voice breaking through my thoughts.

I snap to attention. The Alpha's study. Now that sounds like a place full of answers.

"Can I take a look inside?" I ask, keeping my tone light.

He shakes his head. "Sorry. Only the Alpha's allowed in there."

"Ah." I glance at the door, noting the simple lock. Easy. Child's play.

"Okay," I say with a smile, already making a note to return later, alone.

We walk further down the hallway when Caelum breaks the silence.

"Can I ask you something?" His tone is full of curiosity.

"Go ahead."

"Can witches really erase people's memories? Like, completely?"

"Yes," I reply with a nod. It's one of the natural gifts witches are born with.

Caelum lets out a gasp, like I've just told him magic is real for the first time.

"Do you want me to try it on you?" I tease, raising an eyebrow.

"No!" he blurts, quickly covering his eyes with both hands.

I laugh under my breath. He's too easy and a little too cute to mess with.

We keep walking, and he hurries to keep pace with me.

"Honestly, there's a lot I want to know about witches," he adds, glancing sideways at me.

"You're the first werewolf I've met who actually cares to know," I respond, still walking.

"I've always thought witches were kind of... special."

I stop and turn toward him, just about to ask what he means by that when a guard suddenly appears from around the corner.

"The Alpha is waiting for you in the dining hall," he announces, his tone firm.

"We'll talk later," Caelum murmurs before stepping back.

I nod and follow the guard down the hall, trying to steady my thoughts.

The guard opens the door to the dining hall, and I step inside.

Ezekiel is already there, sitting on the side of the long table. He's changed out of his formal clothes and now wears a plain black shirt, but even in something that simple, he still looks sharp, too sharp. The kind of man who doesn't need to try to be intimidating.

The door clicks shut behind me, leaving just the two of us in the room. My heart starts to beat faster for no good reason. I quickly remind myself that my knives are still hidden on me. I'm safe. There's nothing to be afraid of.

I walk to the table and take the seat directly opposite him, facing him. As I settle in, my eyes fall on the meal spread between us, a full feast, like this is a real marriage and not just a peace treaty dressed in pretty clothes.

I keep my face blank, but my mind stays alert. This is enemy territory. I shouldn't forget that.

"Why did you stay with the humans even after your term as a collateral ended?"

It's the first time I hear his voice, low, smooth, and annoyingly deep. I glance up at him. Seriously? That's the first thing he says to his new bride?

"You did a background check on me," I mutter, arching a brow.

"I had to know the woman I was marrying," he replies evenly.

"Oh? Yet you never bothered to show up to any of the meetings I arranged."

"I'm sure my aide explained-"

"That you were too busy?" I cut in sharply.

He gives a small nod. "Yes."

"Busy with what, if I may ask?"

"Busy with my pack," he answers, his tone calm, like we're chatting about the weather. As he speaks, he slowly undoes the cufflinks on his sleeves, like I'm not even worth his full attention. "Some of us have responsibilities. Not everyone has time to play human."

My mouth falls open.

Did he just insult me to my face?

"Play human?" I echo, leaning slightly forward. "Is that what you think I was doing?"

Ezekiel looks up, his grey eyes unreadable. "I don't assume. I speak from what I see."

"And what exactly did you see?" I challenge, crossing my arms.

"A witch pretending to be human. Playing house in a world that isn't hers."

I laugh, but there's no humor in it. "At least I wasn't hiding behind politics to avoid a meeting."

His lips twitch again, that almost-smile that's more mockery than mirth. "You're feisty. No wonder my father hated your kind."

"Good thing he's dead then," I reply, sweetly.

A flicker of amusement crosses his face, like my words somehow entertained him. "You've got claws, princess."

"And I'm not afraid to use them."

His gaze lingers on me, slow and assessing. "Good. You'll need them where you are."

I raise an eyebrow. "Is that a threat, Alpha?"

"No," he says, reaching for his glass. "Just a promise."

I scowl at him as he takes a slow sip of his wine.

"Let's eat," he murmurs, rolling up his sleeves to his elbows. My eyes drift just for a second to the thick veins running down his forearms, and I hate that I'm staring. Shameless.

"Eat," he repeats, this time more like an order.

My mind kicks into gear. Why is he so eager for me to eat when he hasn't even touched his food? That can only mean one thing: he's trying to poison me. The Alpha must really want me dead. Too bad for him, I want the same.

"I'll wait," I reply calmly, tilting my head a little. "You have to eat first."

His brow lifts, a quiet challenge flickering in his eyes. "Why?"

"It's witch custom," I lie smoothly. "The bride must watch her husband eat before she takes a bite. A sign of trust."

"This is Grey City," he points out, setting his glass down. "Your customs don't apply here."

I shrug, folding my arms. "Still, I'm a witch. I can't just throw away my traditions overnight, can I?"

He stares at me for a long second, like he's trying to figure me out, before finally picking up a spoon.

I smirk and slide my plate over to him, switching it with his. "Eat," I command, savoring the chance to flip the power.

For a moment, I think he's going to put the spoon down and refuse. But then, without a word, he scoops up a bite of food and starts eating.

I narrow my eyes, watching him chew. Nothing happens. No choking, no collapsing. So... maybe the food isn't poisoned.

Then it hits me-the wine. That must be it.

Just as he reaches for his glass, I snatch it out of his hand and switch it with mine. "Drink this instead," I say coolly.

Ezekiel looks at the wine, then back at me. His lips part slightly, as if to speak, but no words come. The hesitation in his eyes tells me everything I need to know. I was right. The wine-

He lifts the glass and drinks it.

What?

I glance down at the food, confused. What did I miss?

Suddenly, a strong hand grips the back of my neck and yanks me forward. "What the-"

Before I can finish, his face is inches from mine and then his mouth crashes onto mine in a kiss that's anything but gentle. His lips part mine with shocking ease, and the next thing I know, he's forcing the wine from his mouth into mine.

I try to pull away, but his grip is too strong. I struggle, pushing at his chest, but he doesn't let go, not until every last drop of wine in his mouth is in mine.

Then, just before he pulls back, he bites gently on my lower lip, sending a shiver down my spine.

"Now we can both die together," he murmurs, wearing that same devilish smirk that makes my whole body go rigid.