Chapter 2 Three Birds, One Stone
[Nyx]
I looked at my devastated sister, bitter laughter bubbling up. "So I'm not only being forced into marriage, but I'm also taking the man my sister wants? Perfect family planning."
"You should be grateful anyone would have you at all," Tristan finally spoke, his perfectly styled hair not moving an inch as he looked up from his plate with thinly veiled contempt. "Captain Crowley is far too good for someone like you. The poor man is the one getting the raw deal here."
"Please," I scoffed, "what would you know about being 'good enough' for anyone? You've never earned anything in your life. You just hide behind Father's title while running my mother's company into the ground. How many millions have you lost this quarter alone with your terrible business decisions? If it weren't for the foundation my mother built, you'd have nothing to show."
Ophelia placed a soothing hand on Tristan's arm, then turned to me with a patronizing smile. "My dear Nyx, that's not how a proper young lady should speak. Especially not at the family table." Her voice dripped with false sweetness. "Women of our station must learn grace and restraint. Perhaps if you focused less on drinking and partying, you might understand how to conduct yourself properly. A future Luna needs refinement."
"Refinement?" I snarled, leaning forward. "And what would you know about proper conduct? You've attached yourself to a man who's left a trail of broken hearts and terminated pregnancies across the pack. Three? Four girls?" I saw Tristan's face pale. "Funny how Isla always manages to make those problems vanish with the right amount of money. What makes you so special, Ophelia? His family name? Access to the pack vault? I'm just curious what made you choose such a used-up, dirty piece of work."
Ophelia's perfectly composed face flickered with something dangerous before she smiled demurely. "Our love is special, of course."
Tristan's eyes flashed dangerous gold. "You don't know what you're talking about, you drunken embarrassment. At least I contribute something to this pack besides scandals and disappointment."
"Enough!" Father slammed his fist on the table, making the china rattle. The Alpha power in his voice made both of us flinch back into our seats. "Lysander just returned from battle at the northern border yesterday. He's earned his reputation leading our forces against the Jupiter Pack incursion. I'll have him come see you in two weeks, once he's properly debriefed," he added, his tone making it clear this wasn't a suggestion but an order. "The wedding will take place two weeks after your meeting. I expect the ceremony to proceed without any... incidents."
"I am so sick of this!" Lilith suddenly cried out, tears streaming down her face. "Every day it's the same—fighting and hatred, then pretending we're some perfect family for the pack. This family has been broken for years! I can't stand it anymore!" She pushed away from the table and ran toward the door.
"Lilith, come back this instant!" Isla called, hurrying after her daughter.
Tristan hesitated only a moment before standing. "I'll talk to her," he said, his voice softening with genuine concern that he never showed me. "She listens to me." With one last disgusted glance in my direction, he followed after them.
Ophelia remained seated, calmly sipping her tea, watching the family drama unfold with barely concealed satisfaction in her eyes.
---
Father's study always smelled of leather and power. After the breakfast disaster, he'd commanded my presence there, his scent sharp with irritation.
"The scene at breakfast changes nothing," he stated, standing behind his massive desk. "Lysander was personally selected by me. He's loyal, strong, trustworthy. Your wedding will proceed in four weeks, following the gathering."
"You've ignored me for years, and now you want to control my life?" I challenged. "Why not let Lilith marry the man she loves?"
Father was quiet for a moment. "Lysander has proven himself invaluable in the northern campaign. Three years of unwavering service and exceptional leadership against the Jupiter Pack. This marriage is my reward for his loyalty and bravery."
"So I'm just a prize to be handed out?" I challenged, bitterness flooding my voice. "A gift-wrapped thank you for good service? Do you even hear yourself?"
Father's jaw tightened. "Watch your tone, Nyx. This isn't about what you want. It's about what's best for the pack."
"The pack?" I laughed coldly. "Or what's best for you and your new family? Ever since mother died, you've done nothing but push me aside while Tristan gets groomed for leadership."
"That's enough!" he growled, eyes flashing gold. "Your behavior is precisely why these decisions aren't yours to make. Lysander has qualities you desperately need—discipline, loyalty, strength."
I opened my mouth to argue further, but something in his expression made me pause.
His eyes softened slightly. "Perhaps this is your opportunity to prove you're more than the alcohol-soaked party girl I see before me."
That unexpected vulnerability vanished as quickly as it appeared. "You have two choices: accept this decision, or be banished from the pack. There is no third option."
"Choose wisely, daughter," he added with the Alpha timbre that made Sylva cower.
---
Back in my bedroom, I hurled a crystal vase against the wall, satisfaction flaring briefly at the explosion of glass. Ariel slipped in moments later, carefully stepping around the shards to offer me a cup of tea.
"I know you're angry, Miss," she said quietly, "but please try to calm yourself."
I took the cup, my hands trembling with rage as a cold laugh escaped me. "It's a perfect scheme, isn't it? Isla always gets her way."
"Miss?" Ariel looked confused.
My eyes narrowed as clarity cut through my anger. "She's pushing Lysander at me, killing three birds with one stone." My voice cracked as I paced the room. "First, keeping Lilith away from a man she considers 'beneath' her daughter. Second, giving me a Gamma husband, further pushing me from the power center and securing Tristan's position. Third, showing everyone how 'graciously' she treats her stepdaughter."
Ariel listened silently, offering no judgment.
"She's always like this," I continued, tears of frustration threatening to spill. "She always gets what she wants. Making arrangements that seem reasonable while only caring about her and her son's interests. And my father..." My voice dropped to a whisper. "He gave up on me long ago."
"Perhaps," Ariel said softly, "what seems like punishment might have unexpected sides."
I raised an eyebrow, swiping angrily at my eyes. "What do you mean?"
"Lysander Crowley is highly respected among the warriors," she replied carefully. "They say he's undefeated in combat training for three years running. The soldiers follow him without question—even those from noble families. His tactical mind saved our northern border patrols twice last winter."
I scoffed, pouring more whiskey with shaking hands, spilling some on the table. "He's terrifying. Always so serious and stern, looking like he's ready for battle even at dinner. He's built like a brick wall and twice as intimidating."
"I think he just appears intimidating because of his position," Ariel said with a slight smile. "The servants say he's actually quite considerate to those under his command—just very focused on protecting the pack." Ariel's eyes softened. "He could bring you happiness, Nyx."
I rolled my eyes and turned away, wrapping my arms around myself as if trying to hold the pieces together. As if happiness mattered in a forced marriage. As if anything mattered anymore.