Chapter 42(I Want To Marry Your Daughter)

Chapter 42(I Want To Marry Your Daughter)
Stephen’s pov

Three Days Later.

I sat in Elder Marcus’s chamber, as I waited for him to join me. The room was quiet, and only the fire made a small crack sound now and then. My hands stayed on my knees, and my mind kept drifting.

Marrying Elena is the perfect move. It would help me in my future plans and ambition. She is beautiful, clever, and exposed. And on top of all that her father holds so much power and connections. Marcus was an elder with big respect in the pack. Many still listened to him. If I became part of his family, I could gain his help. With Marcus on my side, I could get closer to the Alpha seat. I can easily get the backening I need, to dethrone Roman.

I have waited enough on the sideline. That title is mine, and it's high time I claim it. No matter the cost.

The door made a small creak and opened. Elder Marcus walked in. His steps were slow and heavy, and his face stayed calm.

He gave me a small nod. “Stephen,” he said, smiling. “This one you are in my quarters today, hope all is well?”

I stood up fast, smiling too. “Good evening, Elder Marcus. Thank you for meeting me, and all is well.”

“Sit,” he said, pointing to the chair across from him. “What can I offer you?”

“Nothing Elder Marcus. I'm very fine.”

“Okay, If you say so. So tell me, what is in your heart?”

I sat, and took a deep breath. This was my time.
“I have come to ask for something important,” I said. “I think it is time for me to settle down. I wish to marry.”

Marcus raised his brows just a little. “Wow! That's wonderful news. I'm so happy for you.”

“Thank you,” I replied

“But you know, marriage is not a small thing. Anyways, who is the lucky lady?”

I cleared my throat, my palms moved against each other. “Your daughter,” I said. “I wish to marry Elena.”

Marcus stayed quiet for a few long seconds. His eyes stayed on me. He did not look angry, but I could see he was thinking hard.
“My daughter,” he said slowly. “That is serious, Stephen.”

“I understand,” I said. “I respect Elena and your family. I believe we would make a good pair. Together, we can serve the pack well.”

He leaned back in his chair. “Serving the pack is good, but marriage is also about love. Have you spoken to her about this?”

I looked straight at him. “No I haven't, I wanted to discuss it with you first.”

His eyes swept over me as he nodded, “Oh I see”

“I admire her a lot,” I continued. “And I believe we are meant for each otherm My intentions are good.”

Marcus gave a small nod. “I will think on your request, and I must also speak with Elena. She must agree. Nothing will happen without her yes.”

“Thank you, Elder Marcus,” I said. “That is all I ask.”

He stood up, and I stood with him. “Good night, Stephen,” he said. “I will give you an answer soon.”

“Good night,” I replied and gave a small bow before I left.

Outside, the night air was cool on my face. I let out a slow breath I had been holding. It was not a yes. But it was not a no. The first step was taken. Marcus would think, and I'm Elena agree to it. I had planted the seed. Now I only needed to wait.

Elder Marcus’s POV

The door shut behind Stephen, and I stayed in my chair, starring at the fire, as his words echoed in my mind. Marry Elena. My Elena…Such a joker. It's his audacity for me. My own daughter marry him? A short laugh escaped my lips.

I thought of how a blessing my daughter is to me. A queen in the making, with her soft smile, and her gentle ways. She was everything a father could wish for. She deserved real happiness. But Stephen? I frowned. Stephen isn't right for her. I could see through him. His words were polite. But his eyes were hungry. He did not just want Elena, he wants the power he can get through her.

I knew that hunger. I had felt it in my own chest long ago. I had once stood close to the Alpha seat myself. I would never have let Elena drift away from Roman. I would have guided her toward him. By now, she would have been Luna, and my family would be tied to the Alpha throne.

I sighed and rubbed my face. If only I had moved sooner. But the past was gone. The future was still open. And Stephen was not the future I wanted for my daughter.

No. Roman is the better path. He is strong. Chosen by the goddess. He has the courage of a leader, and the pack fear him. If Elena married him, my family’s name would again stand next to the Alpha. That is the correct match.

Stephen has a long way to go. I know he plans to take over the title from his brother, but he is no match for Roman. He would fail because he's not as wise as he thinks he is.

But I must be careful. If I push him away too fast, he might grow angry. Angry men with ambition can be dangerous. I need to move quiet and slow. I will speak with Elena, in case in approaches her too. She needs to play this out well.

The fire popped and sent a few small sparks into the air. I watched them rise and fade. My thoughts felt like those sparks…bright and quick, but fading into the dark if I did not act.

But how dare Stephen ask for my daughter’s hand in marriage, doesn't he see that she was meant for only royalty, not some lapdog like him. I leaned back and let the warmth of the fire touch my face.