I stormed into Alpha Everhart's study, still shaking from terror, the heavy oak door banging against the wall like a challenge. My bloodstained wedding dress clung to me, the metallic tang of Dad's blood still thick in my nose. The Silverfang Pack house loomed around us. Outside, the pack's howls had faded into uneasy silence, but inside me, my wolf paced, snarling, ready to snap.
Uncle Everhart—Alpha Everhart—sat behind his massive desk, papers scattered like he hadn't just watched his own brother bleed out in the hall and the Alpha of Imperial Pack get stripped off his title. His graying beard twitched as he looked up, eyes hard as flint. "Bambi. This isn't the time."
"Not the time?!" I spat, my voice cracking as I slammed my fists on the desk. Papers fluttered. My hands shook with rage, claws itching to extend. "You stood there and let that monster slaughter Dad like a rogue! Your own Beta, your brother! Why didn't you fight? Why didn't the pack rise up?"
He rose slowly, his alpha presence filling the room, a heavy pressure that made my wolf whine despite herself. But I held my ground, chest heaving with panic and pain. "The Imperial soldiers were armed with silver. They have silver claws. Logan acted on protocol orders. Kieran... your father... he was accused of treason. I couldn't risk the entire pack."
"Treason?" I laughed bitterly, the sound raw and painful. "That's a lie, and you know it! Dad was loyal to Silverfang, to you. Beta Logan framed him! You let Logan waltz in and claim him like prey. What kind of alpha abandons his kin? You're weak. A coward hiding behind pack law while the real wolves tear us apart!"
His face darkened, veins bulging in his neck. "Watch your tongue, girl."
"No!" I shouted, stepping closer, my vision blurring with hot tears. "You're no alpha. You're a spineless puppet, letting Imperial filth dictate our fate, even letting their Alpha get arrested unfairly and dragged away like a dog!" Tears slid down my face, uncontrollable, "Dad's blood is on your hands as much as Logan's!"
The slap came fast—his palm cracking across my cheek, the sting exploding like fire. I staggered, tasting blood, but my wolf surged, growling low in my throat.
"How dare you," he snarled, grabbing my shoulder hard enough to bruise, his fingers digging in like claws. He yanked me close, his breath hot on my face. "You think I wanted this? Logan's risen now, claimed the title by blood right. He is the new Alpha! Packs is politics and he was smarter and ahead. And you—you're part of the bargain. You'll marry him, seal the alliance, or Silverfang crumbles. This tantrum you are throwing won't get you anywhere, it will only cost the Pack. Is that what you want?! For the Pack to crumble just because a privileged Beta's daughter is being stubborn? The pack needs this. I need this. Disobey, and I'll drag you to that altar myself."
I shoved at his chest, but he didn't budge, his grip iron. "Let go, you evil bastard!" Hot tears trickled down my eyes even more, my nose runny from sobbing, "Why?! Why is this happening? I thought it was perfect?! I thought you wanted me with Alpha Tyler more than anything?! Didn't you call my wedding with Tyler the best thing that has ever happened to Silverfang?! Why the change of heart now?!!"
Uncle Everhart leaned away. "I said your wedding with Alpha Tyler was the best thing that ever happened to Silverfang, nothing has changed. It is still the best thing. Except now, the names has changed. Your wedding with Alpha Logan will be the best thing that ever happened to Silverfang. So, play along."
No! I won't be sold off like a breeding bitch to that murderer, Logan. Alpha Tyler's rotting in some cell because of him—of you!"
"Tyler's a fool who conspired with traitors," he growled, shaking me. "Alpha Logan's your groom now. He is no longer Beta, address him with respect now—ALPHA Logan. The vows will bind our packs, make us stronger against the South Coast Packs. Refuse, and I'll strip your rank, make your life miserable, banish you and your siblings as a rogue while the Pack burns. Is that what you want? To run alone while Silverfang burns?"
My body trembled, rage boiling over into helpless fury. I clawed at his hand, drawing blood, but he only tightened his hold, eyes flashing alpha gold. "You... evil monster," I whispered, voice breaking.
He released me with a shove, sending me stumbling back. "Get out. Prepare yourself. The ceremony resumes at dusk."
I fled the room, cheeks burning, eyes soaked with tears, still, i continued sobbing, my wolf howling inside for vengeance. But the pack's eyes followed me in the halls—submissive, waiting. No one dared challenge the alpha's word.
Sonia found me in my chambers, her soft steps a complete opposite to the storm in my chest. "Miss Bambi," she murmured, her voice is gentle as she guided me to the vanity. "We must get you ready."
I sat numbly, staring at my reflection in the mirror—hazel eyes hollow, blonde hair tangled, the bloodstains on my skin like war paint, tears still dripping down my face, looking miserable. My wolf paced restlessly, sensing the trap closing. Sonia worked quietly, peeling off the ruined gown, her hands steady where mine shook.
As she slipped the new dress over my head—ivory silk, simple and stark—I fumbled for my old button phone on the table. My fingers trembled, dialing Fiona's number, praying my sister would answer, would have a plan.
Sonia paused, brushing my hair. "Miss... Fiona's gone. She slipped away the moment the Imperial soldiers breached the borders. Said she'd find allies, but... she's safe, far from here."
The phone slipped from my hand, clattering to the floor. "Escaped? Without me?" Betrayal twisted in my gut. Everyone left me to face the heat alone. Great. Just fucking great.
I jerked up and let a rage scream tear off my throat. I yanked at my wedding dress and tore it off, my fingers shaking.
Sonia tried to calm me down, her hands settling on my shoulders but I yanked her back, watching her land violently against the wall, across the room.
Then, I sat by the table again and began tapping my legs, thinking of a solution. But, the only one I could think of was suicide. Wouldn't that be better? I can't let that devil be my groom in Alpha Tyler's place. At least, till Alpha Tyler is released, I needed a plan.
Sonia rose up, groaning away the pain I had instilled from the push and walked up to me.
"Imperial soldiers and Silverfang soldiers are perched in every corner, Bambi. If you are thinking of running away, I'm afraid that won't be possible." She said as she reached out to pin my hair.
She gazed at me through the table mirror. "I understand your frustration, Bambi. And I'm so sorry this is happening to you but just call it a sick fate and just accept it."
She reached out to continue combing and moisturising my blonde hair as she proceeded on, "Beta Logan. Now Alpha Logan, had all these planned out carefully. He would not back down without a fight if you dare make q run for it. Even if you get to escape, you'd be haunted down and killed. That is how brutal the situation is."
I screamed out. I screamed out because she was right. I screamed out because I knew I'd have no choice than to do what she suggested—accept my fate
And so, I did, defeated, I ended up at the hall's entrance, the aisle stretching like a noose. The pack gathered again, murmurs low, scents of fear and resignation thick. Logan stood at the altar, tall and tanned, his sharp jaw set, golden eyes locked on me, jet black hair slicked back in a perfect style. My heart pounded. The site of him was terrifying because no matter how much I despised him, I always admitted at the back of my mind that he was absolutely good looking. Charismatic in his black suit, intimidating with that coiled power, cool as he nodded once—like this was inevitable.
I walked slowly, legs shaking, the new gown sweeping against the marble. My wolf stirred, conflicted, drawn to his alpha aura despite everything.
My lips trembling, tears welling. This was supposed to be perfect. I was supposed to tie the knot with Alpha Tyler. How did all these happen? How was it possible that I was with the brightest smile ever just few hours ago and three hours later, I was bawling my eyes out? How did a perfect day turn so quickly to a tragic one?
The elder droned the vows. "Do you, Bambi Leonard, take Logan Collins as your mate, to honor and obey in the eyes of the pack?"
My voice shook. This was supposed to be for Tyler. I looked around, Alpha Everhart staring rigidly at me across the hall, ready to take action if I did anything stupid. So, no one was going to help me…? "I... I do." My lips trembled.
"And you, Logan Collins, take Bambi as your mate, to protect, and lead?"
His voice was smooth, steady. "I do."
He leaned in, hand grabbing my chin, his thumb caressing my jaw softly, I froze, heart pounding, unable to look him in the eye. Then, his breath warm against my lips, he says, "You have no idea how long I've waited to make you mine."
My gaze snapped at him but I didn't get too much time to react, he kissed me, his kiss was fierce, possessive—lips claiming mine, kissing me like I was his last meal, he kissed me hungrily and fiercely until his teeth scraped my lips, drawing blood, a sharp pain that mingled with something darker, hotter. My wolf responded, arching toward him even as I pulled back, tasting copper.
The guests howled approval. Yet, he didn't stop. His other hand grabbed my waist, pulling me flush against him, kissing passionately, moaning against my mouth, sucking away the blood from both the cut his teeth had created and the one Alpha Everhart had created from his slap earlier.