Chapter 12 Wedding bells

Chapter 12 Wedding bells
TALIA POV

“What?” I shouted, jumping to my feet, my heart racing. “I never expected you to stoop so low, Alpha Liam.”

He scoffed, his expression unchanged.
“I don’t care what happens to you. I’m just telling you because I think you should know,” he replied.

I swallowed hard, my throat tight, but I stayed silent.

Even if my father did not like me… even if I was not his favorite…he would not do something like this, he could not.

At least… that was what I kept telling myself.

Liam let out a slow breath and straightened his posture. “Your father is getting weak, Talia,” he continued. “He is losing control of his pack, it can be attacked at any moment. That is why he turned to my brother for help.”

My fingers curled into my palms. “No,” I shook my head quickly, my voice unsteady. “Your brother marked me. So why would my father still give me to him… even though I am his mate?”

My chest rose and fell unevenly, Liam stepped closer. He let out a short laugh. “This is politics, Talia,” he said, leaning slightly toward me. “Just because Zane marked you doesn’t mean he wants you.”

The words hit me like a slap, my breath caught in my throat. I tried not to believe what Liam was saying but I knew it could be the truth.

“Zane doesn’t want you,” he repeated. “But your father offered him a business deal. Zane needed land to maintain his power… and your father needed protection.”

My vision blurred.

“So he used you,” Liam added quietly.

A tear slid down my cheek.

“At least…” my voice broke, and I wiped my face quickly. “At least he could have told me.”

“From what I’ve seen, your family doesn’t care about your opinion,” Liam said. “When it comes to decisions like this, your voice means nothing. Especially not to your father.”

My legs weakened, i took a step back and hit the wall behind me.

“How could he do this to me?” I whispered, my voice shaking.

“You are nothing but a treaty between two kingdoms,” Liam replied.

I shook my head slowly, tears falling faster now.

“No…”

“Zane is not the kind of man who stays with one woman,” he continued. “You might end up alone.”

His words sank deep into my chest. They hurt, they felt too real.

“Your life has always been miserable, Talia,” Liam went on, his voice softer but still cutting. “Your mother left. Your father does not care. Your whole family treats you like you don’t belong. Even Ryan left you for your sister.”

Each word stung me deeply, the tears I had been holding back broke free completely.

They streamed down my face as my shoulders shook.

I pressed my hand against my mouth, trying to stop the sound that was trying to escape, but it did not work.

I knew my father was not kind.But hearing it out loud, from someone else. It hurt more than I expected.

I looked at Liam one last time through blurred vision.

Then I turned and walked away quickly, my steps unsteady.

Behind me, I could still feel his gaze on my back.

I walked faster through the hallway, my eyes searching for my father. But he was nowhere to be found.

If he was not at the party, then he had to be in his study.

I turned quickly and left the hall, heading straight there. My steps were quick, uneven, my thoughts racing.

I needed the truth, I needed to hear it from him.

Was he really sending me away to Alpha Zane?

I reached the door and stopped for a second, taking a deep breath before pushing it open.

The door opened with a soft creak.

My father sat behind his desk, his eyes fixed on the papers in front of him like I did not exist. He did not even look up immediately.

My fingers curled into my palm.

“Did you sell me off as a treaty?” I asked, my voice shaking.

He lifted his head slowly, but he did not answer. Silence filled the room.

My chest tightened painfully. “Why are you not talking?” I pressed, taking a step forward. “Tell me the truth. Am I just a deal to save your failing pack?”

His gaze hardened slightly. “Lower your voice, Talia,” he replied coldly.

A chill ran down my spine.

“You should be grateful,” he continued. “You are saving this pack.”

My hands clenched. “So you are selling me?” I whispered, my throat tight. “No… I do not agree with this. I am not getting married.”

His eyes darkened instantly. The air in the room felt heavier. “You do not have a choice,” he said firmly. “You will obey my orders.”

My breath shook."This is my life,” I said, my voice breaking. “I cannot end up being a slave to another Alpha.”

“I am being patient with you,” he replied, his tone sharper. “That is why you are still standing here. If you have nothing more to say, leave my study.”

My heart pounded hard against my chest.

“I cannot just walk away,” I said, shaking my head. “I will leave this pack if I have to.”

My voice trembled, but I meant it.

He leaned back slightly, watching me like he already knew the outcome.

“Be my guest,” he said calmly. “We both know what will happen. You will either be killed by rogues or claimed by another pack… and they will not treat you kindly.”

My breath caught, fear crept into my chest.

And the worst part...I knew he was right.

I had no power on my own. Being human made it even worse, my shoulders slowly dropped.

“Go to sleep, Talia,” he added, his voice returning to normal. “And get ready for your wedding.”

My chest tightened again.

“It will take place in two days.”

The words echoed in my head as I stood there, frozen, my hands trembling at my sides.