The lawyer sat between them, papers spread out neatly on the glass table.
Evelyn's fingers curled into her lap, nails biting her palms. Every instinct screamed to run, but Maris's tearful face… and Lily's fragile smile… pinned her in place.
"This is just formality," Kael's deep voice broke the silence. "Once you sign, no one can challenge you as my bride."
She lifted her chin, meeting his gaze with icy defiance. "I'm not doing this for you. I just want lily to be okay."
The lawyer slid the pen toward her. Kael's hand brushed hers briefly, sending an unexpected shiver down her spine. His touch was warm, commanding, like the weight of a promise she didn't want.
Her breath trembled as she scrawled her name across the paper, each stroke feeling like another piece of freedom slipping away. The final signature sealed it.
Kael took the pen next, his signature bold, decisive—final. He looked at her then, his wolf practically humming beneath his skin.
The lawyer asked them to exchange their rings and they did.
You are now husband and wife"!
"It's done," his wolf said "She's ours,."
Her heart pounded—not from the words, but from the way he said them, like they were less a claim and more a vow… dangerous and binding.
After the exchange of ring, the lawyer was escorted outside.
Evelyn's voice was barely above a whisper, but it held an unshakable determination. "I want to see Maris… and Lily."
Kael studied her for a long moment, his amber eyes sharp, unreadable. For a heartbeat, she thought he'd refuse. Then, with a small tilt of his head, he called in one of his men. He was an omega.
"Take her," he ordered. "You'll have two hours. Stay close to her at all times."
The black SUV that came for her was sleek, expensive, and far too noticeable. One of his warriors, broad-shouldered and carrying the faint scent of wolf, opened the door for her.
She texted quickly, fingers shaking.
Meet me at the orphanage maris.
When she arrived, Maris was already waiting by the gate. As soon as Evelyn stepped out, Maris pulled her into a hug, holding her so tight Evelyn felt her ribs ache.
Are you okay maris?
"I'm fine," Maris whispered into her ear, her voice trembling with a mix of relief and fear. "Don't worry about me. Are you okay, did he hurt you."
No maris! He didn't. We sealed our marriage legally, he said he will pay for Lily's surgery.
I'm sorry you have to go through all of this Evie" I've been staying here in the orphanage since you left.
A small giggle broke the tension.
"Evie!"
Evelyn turned to see Lily running toward her, her frail body moving slower than her smile suggested. Evelyn crouched and hugged her, inhaling the familiar scent of soap and sunshine that clung to the little girl.
Lily looked past her, eyes big. "Who are those men?"
Just ignore them.
She went in and played with lily and maris.