My heart races as Boyd’s unwanted presence looms over me, his smirk pushes my buttons. I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves and find the right words.
“Boyd,” I say, attempting to keep my voice even, losing my temper right now will only worsen things. “It’s not what I want, and I don’t think it’s what’s best for either of us.”
Boyd leans in closer, his hot breath brushing against my ear as he slurs, “You know this would be good for both our packs. We’d be a power couple.” I almost scoff at his words. Power couple? At the cost of my future?
I suppress a shudder at the thought of being with him. Still, I can’t deny the truth in his words. Our packs would undoubtedly benefit from the alliance, but at what cost? The thought of sacrificing my happiness, my dreams, and my self-worth for the good of the pack feels like a suffocating weight on my chest.
“Boyd, listen,” I start again, trying to maintain eye contact despite the intoxicating scent of alcohol wafting from his breath. “I have a boyfriend, someone I care about, I can’t just throw that away for an arranged marriage.”
“Is that so?” Boyd taunts, leaning in even closer until his lips are just a whisper away from mine. “You might be surprised by what you want, Cleo.” I fight the urge to punch him in his smug face.
Forcing myself to meet Boyd’s gaze, I try to project an air of confidence I don’t entirely feel. His eyes are glazed from liquor, yet there’s still a predatory gleam in them that chills me to the bone. I wish I wasn’t here beside him.
“Come on, Cleo,” he insists, dragging out my name as if it were the punchline to some private joke. “You can’t be serious about this boyfriend of yours, he’s not even Alpha blood.” Boyd reaches out and brushes his fingers along my arm, and I fight back a shudder at the unwanted contact.
“Boyd, stop,” I say firmly, pulling away from his repulsive touch. My heart races with a mix of anxiety and anger, however I refuse to let him see how much he’s getting to me.
“My relationship is none of your business.”
“Relax,” he coos, completely ignoring my protests. “This alliance is good for both our packs. Besides, what’s not to like about having me as your mate?” His smirk is infuriating, and I clench my fists at my sides, struggling to keep my temper in check.
“Boyd, I have a boyfriend,” I repeat for the hundredth time, enunciating each word carefully. Clearly, my words are not getting through to him. “I won’t marry you.”
“Ah, so it’s true,” he muses, his grin turning even more sinister. “He must be something special if you’re willing to defy your father and risk our pack’s future for him.”
“Boyd, it doesn’t matter how many times you repeat it, the fact remains I won’t marry you.” My voice wavers slightly despite my best efforts to remain composed.
My words are cut short as Alpha Dane strides toward us, his dark eyes assess the situation with a keen interest. “Ah, Cleo, so nice to see you again,” he says smoothly, extending his hand for me to shake.
“Alpha Dane,” I reply, forcing a smile onto my face as I place my hand in his. His grip is firm and unyielding, much like his son’s determination to see this alliance through.
“I take it the function being held here is yours?” I ask, wishing I’d waited in the car for Zayn. Alpha Dane places his hand on my shoulder and nods toward the beer garden. “Yes, my youngest daughter’s shift is tonight. I suppose your father told you about the great news?” he asks me, and my eyes dart to Boyd who smirks smugly.
Before I can answer, Alpha Dane starts leading me out to the beer garden where the function is being held.
“Please, allow me to introduce you to my wife. She’s been here since this morning setting everything up. She’ll be excited to meet Boyd’s future wife.” He gestures to a woman standing beside the fountains, her delicate features and sharp eyes immediately giving away her connection to Boyd. “This is Luna Grace, Boyd’s mother.”
Alpha Dane introduces us, and she steps forward, a smile on her lips.
“Nice to meet you, Cleo,” she says warmly, though there’s something in her gaze that suggests she’s already sizing me up as a potential daughter-in-law.
With pleasantries exchanged, Alpha Dane wastes no time in diving into the topic of the alliance.
“Boyd has told me how you seemed hesitant when he mentioned it at the Council meeting... that you have hesitationsregarding this marriage, but surely you understand the importance of uniting our packs?” His tone is deceptively gentle.
“Of course,” I reply, struggling to keep my anger in check. “There’s more to consider than just politics…”
“Oh, hold on dear, that’s Alpha Grayson, I’ll be right back,” he tells me, and I grit my teeth.
The outdoor area is buzzing with activity, fairy lights casting a soft glow over the various tables and guests. I reach for a glass of wine from a passing tray, eager for a drink to calm my nerves.
My patience is wearing thin, and I glance at my phone, noticing it’s already past 7 PM. Zayn should have been here by now, and have I been here that long?
“Where the heck are you?” I mutter under my breath, my fingers gripping the wineglass tighter as I steel myself for whatever might come next. Then I see Boyd stepping closer.
“Excuse me, Boyd. I need to use the restroom,” I say, my voice strained as I attempt to maintain a polite demeanor.
“Of course, Cleo,” he replies, his eyes lingering on me before returning to his drink.
