Charis
I pressed my back against the cold hallway wall, my heart pounding so loudly I feared it would give me away.
Through the crack of my father's study door, their voices drifted towards me.
"Please, Silas, I'm begging you," my mother cried out with desperation. "Don't do this to her. She's just seventeen—"
"Seventeen and useless!" my father's voice boomed. "Do you know what an honour this is, Eve? The Alpha King's son wants to marry our daughter. We should be grateful someone is willing to take that burden from us."
As always, the mention of Darian Blackmoor sent a fearful tremor through my body. The Alpha King's eldest son, whose reputation for being cruel and spoilt followed him like a shadow.
There were thousands of stories throughout the packs about his violent temper, the way he treated servants and how he had no regard for women, especially. I'd witnessed that first-hand.
During the gala ceremony last year, a serving Omega had sloshed a tiny drop of champagne on his shoes, and he ordered her to be killed immediately. Of course, no one could contest it because he always had his parents' backing.
"You know why they want her," my mother whispered, and I had to strain my ears to pick up what she was saying. "Why would the Alpha King suddenly desire our daughter when he's refused every other alliance you've proposed? Did you tell him who she is, Silas?"
There was a moment of silence before my mother started laughing dryly and then said in a voice filled with pain.
"Of course, you told them," she sniffed back tears. "You know what she is, Silas. You know what they'll do to her."
Thwack!
A loud sound echoed through the room as my dad slapped my mom, making me flinch. I pressed my hand to my mouth to stifle a gasp.
"How dare you question my motives and the Alpha Kings'!" my father snarled. "I am your mate and the head of this family. I am your Alpha, Eve. I have the right to make decisions without consulting you."
"Silas…" my mother started to say before he cut her off.
"And don't you dare speak of that…that abomination like it's something to be proud of. She's a Shadewolf, Eve. A mistake of nature who will never be a true werewolf. She can't even shift."
"She's your daughter—"
"She's the reason my son is dead!" my dad exploded, making me flinch the second time. "If you had fulfilled your duty as my mate and produced another heir for me, I wouldn't have to put up with having that useless girl as my legacy. Caden should be here. My son, my true heir, should be the one discussing marriage alliance, not that disappointment."
Tears streamed down my face as I listened to my father's words. Caden, my twin brother, had died when we were three during a rogue attack. In his attempt to save me, he'd diverted the attention of the rogues from me. By the time our mother could come, Caden lay in pieces, while I stood there crying.
In my father's eyes, I'd stolen my brother's life and his chance at a proper heir.
Despite fourteen years having passed since the incident, I'd spent every day of my life apologising for being alive.
"She's not responsible for Caden's death," my mom sobbed. "If there's anyone to blame, it's the Moon Goddess. She chose—"
"The Moon Goddess chose to curse me with a daughter who can never be a proper wolf. A Shadewolf who brings nothing but shame to our bloodline." My father's voice dropped into a whisper. "The agreement has been made, Eve. Darian Blackmoor will take her as his mate, and in return, Stormrock and Crestborne will enter into a life-long alliance, plus access to the King's court and many other benefits for us and our pack. End of discussion."
"Sila, please—"
"I said, end of discussion! Now prepare yourself. The Alpha King and his family will arrive within the hour, and I won't have you embarrassing me."
I turned and fled down the corridor until I got to my room and collapsed on the ground, letting the tears fall freely. The Alpha King and his family were coming over today for the official engagement ceremony tomorrow that automatically marks me as Darian Blackmoor's mate.
The marriage would be a week later.
I wasn't marrying Darian because of my value but because my father saw me as a burden to be rid of.
Having a Shadewolf came with several curses. For one, I was born with a dormant wolf that would never communicate with me, nor would I have the ability to shift into one.
Only one in a million werewolves were born as Shadewolves, and most were killed at birth out of fear and superstition of bringing bad luck to the family.
So, I didn't know why the Alpha King wanted me. What could I offer them that they would be willing to give me to their son?
An hour later, I stood beside my parents at the main entrance of the pack house, wearing the Alpha Daughter's mask of composure. I'd washed away my tears, had braided my long blond hair and dressed in the dress my father had bought for me.
It was the first gift I had received since I was three years old.
I watched as the Alpha Kings' convoy finally arrived, accompanied by sirens to announce their presence.
Finally, a black car with tinted windows stopped in front of us, and the foot guards ran instantly to open the door.
Alpha Theron Blackmoor came down. Beside him was his Luna Helene Blackmoor.
Darian Blackmoor came down from the next car, looking every bit like how I remembered from last year's gala. His cold gaze swept through us before he took his position next to his parents.
"Alpha Thereon, Luna Helene," my father stepped forward with a deep bow. "Welcome to Crestborne Pack. We are honoured by your presence."
"Alpha Silas," The Alpha King laughed, slapping my father heartily on the shoulders. "The honour is ours. Your reputation for loyalty precedes you. So please, no need to be formal. We would be in-laws very soon."
I remained in my place, aware that Darian's eyes were on me.
"And this must be Charis," Alpha Theron said, walking up to me. "She's such a beautiful girl, Silas. You must be very proud."
I dropped into a curtsy, keeping my eyes to the ground, like my father had drilled into me in the last few months since he told me I was marrying into the Royal family.
"Alpha King, Luna Helene. It's an honour to meet you."
"The honour is ours, child," Luna Helene said warmly. I dared to glance up and caught the coldness in her eyes. "We've heard such interesting things about you."
What interesting things? This confirmed what my mother had feared earlier when she was with my dad. Was she worried that they would find out I am a Shadewolf and have me returned?
Or was there something else that I didn't know?
"Why don't we take this inside?" My dad gestured toward the pack house.
As the adults began moving toward the entrance. My father placed a hand on my shoulders, giving me a meaningful look.
"Charis, why don't you show Prince Darian around the pack? I'm sure he'd enjoy seeing our lands."
The Alpha King nodded. "An excellent idea. It would give them time to interact with one another. After all, they'll be getting married soon."
My stomach clenched, but I managed a polite smile. Of course, Father. I'd be happy to show Darian our pack."
The moment we were in the garden, Darian grabbed me roughly, pinning me to his body.
Before I could react, his mouth crashed on mine in a brutal kiss. I could taste alcohol on his tongue as he forced my mouth open, one hand tangled in my hair to hold me still while the other groped at my breast through my dress.
I pushed against his chest, trying to break free, but my resistance only seemed to amuse him.
"Feisty," he chuckled darkly, tightening his grip on my wrist. His hand left my body and grabbed my hair, yanking my head back until I was looking up at him.
"Listen carefully to me, mutt," his voice dropped into a menacing tone. "I would never love you. This marriage is purely transactional, and your father sold you to us like the trash you are. If you want to live long enough, you'll stay away from me unless I specifically ask for you and you'll do exactly as you're told, is that clear?"
Tears filled my eyes from the pain in my scalp, so I could only nod.
When he lets me go, I stumble to the ground before reaching to massage my aching scalp. His hand reached for the belt on his pants and began to unbuckle it. Our eyes met, and I stared at him in horror, wondering what he wanted to do.
"Come give me a blowjob," he said casually.
My eyes widened with shock, and I could only stare at him.
"What?" he scoffed. "We're going to be married in a week, let's see what else you're useful for."
I knew that if I refused, my father would hear about it, and it would be another episode of being whipped.
I straightened and walked over to where he was, kneeling in front of him as I swept my hair to the top of my head.
"Yes, Prince Darian."
Seventeen years of being unwanted, unloved and now sold to this monster.
I have finally reached my breaking point, and for the fist time in my life, I am going to do something about it.