Chapter 1 Mated Against My Will
[Nyx]
I woke to the familiar pounding in my head, a dull throb that matched the rhythm of my heartbeat. Sunlight stabbed through gaps in the curtains, illuminating the chaos that was my bedroom—empty wine bottles scattered across imported marble, designer clothes strewn carelessly over priceless furniture. The diamond bracelet on my wrist caught the light, its sparkle mocking the disorder surrounding it.
Another night wasted trying to forget who you are, my wolf Sylva whispered, her disapproval radiating through our shared consciousness.
"Shut up," I muttered, pressing my palms against my temples. Sylva had grown increasingly judgmental lately.
A soft knock interrupted our internal argument. Ariel entered without waiting for my response, a habit formed over fifteen years of caring for me. Her arms were laden with an elegant blue dress and matching jewelry.
"Good morning, Miss Verdant. Your father has requested a family breakfast meeting," she said, her tone carefully neutral. "We should get you dressed quickly."
I snorted, noting I was still wearing last night's wrinkled gown. "Family breakfast? How quaint."
"It's rather important, I believe." Ariel's eyes betrayed her concern as she laid out the expensive outfit. "The Luna selected this personally."
That was enough to make my decision. I stumbled to my closet, pulling out a rumpled gray sweater and faded jeans.
"This will do," I declared, ignoring Ariel's widening eyes.
"Miss, this is a formal family gathering. Your stepmother will—"
"I don't care what Isla thinks," I cut her off, leaving my hair disheveled. "Nobody really gives a damn about me anyway, so why should I pretend?"
Sylva growled. Because showing weakness in this family is dangerous.
I ignored her as I had for years.
---
The grand dining hall felt like a battlefield disguised as civility. Father sat at the head of the table, his silver hair perfectly groomed, power radiating from him like heat from a fire. Isla occupied her place at his right, elegance personified in cream silk. Tristan, my half-brother, sat in the heir's position at Father's left, his tailored suit and confident posture screaming of privilege and preparation.
I nearly stopped short when I noticed an unfamiliar woman seated beside Tristan. She was stunning—honey-blonde hair cascading in perfect waves, expensive pearl earrings catching the light, her manicured hand resting possessively on Tristan's forearm. Her smile was practiced perfection, but something cold and calculating lurked behind her green eyes as they assessed me.
The scent of their disapproval hit me before their glares did as I slouched into the room ten minutes late.
"Finally decided to join us, Nyx." Father's voice carried the weight of his Alpha status. His eyes flicked over my appearance, disappointment etching deeper lines around his mouth. "Look at your brother—up at dawn handling pack affairs."
I dropped into my chair, reaching for coffee. "Congratulations to him."
"This is exactly what I mean," Father continued. "Tristan is dedicated, hardworking, responsible. And he's a year younger than you, yet already showing the maturity we expect from pack leadership. While you..." He sighed, the sound heavy with years of frustration. "Let's hope your behavior will improve."
He's giving you an opening, Sylva nudged. Take it.
I ignored her again, staring into my coffee.
Father straightened, shifting to his announcement voice. "We have two important matters to discuss today. First," he nodded at the blonde stranger who straightened with practiced poise, "I'd like to officially welcome Ophelia Hartwell to our family breakfast. As you may have heard, she and Tristan have wonderful news to share."
The blonde woman—Ophelia—beamed, squeezing Tristan's arm. "We're expecting a child," she announced, voice dripping with honey. "The Hartwell and Verdant bloodlines will finally unite."
Isla looked like she might burst with pride. "The Hartwells have been generous supporters of our pack for generations. Their family estate rivals even our own." She smiled meaningfully. "The wedding will take place in three weeks, and we'll announce the pregnancy at the gathering."
Tristan wore an expression that didn't quite reach his eyes. "It's a great honor," he said mechanically.
Ophelia turned to me with a smile that showed too many teeth. "I've heard so much about the famous Nyx. Tristan tells me you're... quite spirited."
I matched her fake smile with one of my own. Something about her made my skin crawl.
"The second announcement," Father continued, "concerns you, Lilith. The quarterly mating gathering is next month. This is critical for Moonblade's continued strength and alliances." He paused, his gaze shifting between his daughters. "Now that Lilith has reached eighteen and come of age, she's eligible to participate in these gatherings." He nodded toward Isla. "Isla has arranged for Lilith to meet with young Alpha Damon Blackwood from the Shadowcrest pack."
Lilith, my half-sister, kept her eyes fixed on her plate. The scent of her unhappiness soured the air.
"And considering you're nineteen now and approaching your first heat, Nyx," Isla added with practiced sweetness, "we must also secure a suitable match for you. Especially after last year's gathering when you rejected every potential suitor who showed interest."
My fingers tightened around my mug.
"After careful consideration," Isla continued, "we believe Gamma Warrior Captain Lysander Crowley will make an ideal partner for you, Nyx."
The coffee turned bitter on my tongue. "I don't need any partner," I snapped. "I don't want to be forced into a relationship I didn't choose!"
Father's expression hardened. "Lysander is our pack's finest warrior. His loyalty and capabilities are unquestionable. The wedding will take place before your heat."
Before I could respond, Lilith slammed her palm onto the table, jumping to her feet. "Father! How could you? Why would you give the man I love to my sister?"
Silence crashed over the room. Isla's face drained of color. Tristan's eyes widened in shock. Ophelia's lips curled into a slight smirk before she quickly masked it with concern.
"I've always... I've always admired Lysander!" Lilith continued, her voice breaking. "I thought you would understand... would support me..."
"Lilith! Sit down this instant!" Isla hissed. "This is not how we discuss matters."
"Enough!" Father's voice cracked like thunder. "This isn't about your childish infatuations, Lilith. He has never shown any interest in you—your feelings are entirely unrequited. You have responsibilities to this pack that far outweigh your personal fantasies. Damon is the appropriate match for you, and you will fulfill your duty rather than chasing after a man who doesn't even see you that way."