They didn't even look at me when they signed the papers.
Three men. One deal. No soul.
My uncle's voice was steady as he pushed the contract across the table, pretending not to notice the way my hands were trembling. "She's healthy. Obedient. Virgin," he said, like he was selling livestock, not his late sister's only daughter.
I wanted to scream. I wanted to spit in his face. But I didn't.
Because I needed a way out.
I'd spent the last eight months scrubbing floors that never stayed clean and dodging hands that never stayed to themselves. If marrying a monster got me out of that house, then so be it.
Across from me, the Alpha didn't blink. He sat still as stone, watching me like I was some puzzle he'd already solved. His name was Karl, the Northern Pack's infamous ruler. Cold. Cruel. Cursed, they whispered.
I didn't believe in curses. I believed in people. And people could be worse than any magic.
"I'll pick her up in the morning," he said at last, voice like thunder behind glass. He didn't ask if I agreed. He didn't care.
The moment he left, the room dropped ten degrees. I stared at the empty seat he left behind, wondering what kind of life sat waiting for me in the Northern woods.
Because one thing was certain no one came back from there.
Next Morning
They dressed me in white.
Of course they did.
White, like this was some fairy tale. Like I was some innocent girl walking into her happy ending.
My uncle grunted behind me. "Don't embarrass us. This alliance is more important than you."
I didn't answer. My hands were clenched at my sides, nails biting into my palm just to remind myself I was still awake.
Then I heard it.
Boots. Heavy. Slow. Purposeful.
He didn't come with a carriage. He didn't come with flowers. He came alone.
When I stepped outside, Alpha Karl stood there, towering and silent in a long black coat, his silver eyes colder than the snow falling behind him.
He looked at me like he already hated me.
Good. The feeling was mutual.