Elara POV

"Elara," Darius voice gentled, "I know this isn't what you wanted. But I promise you'll be safe here."

"Safe," I repeated hollowly, "Right."

I got out before he could say anything else with my boots crunching on the gravel drive.

"This way," Darius gestured toward the doors.

I followed him up the steps. The doors swung open before we reached them, operated by wolves in formal uniforms I didn't recognize.

"The Alpha is in his study. He's expecting you," One of the uniformed wolves said.

Of course he was.

My hands started shaking again and I shoved them into my pockets. My fingers brushed the vial of herbs. No one had detected anything unusual about my scent.

We walked through hallways that seemed endless. Finally, Darius stopped before a heavy oak door.

He knocked once, "Alpha. I've brought Elara Vance."

"Enter."

The voice that answered made something in my chest move. It was deep and commanding.

Darius opened the door and gestured for me to go ahead.

I stepped into the study and my entire world caught fire.

The mate bond slammed into me like a physical blow, stealing the air from my lungs. Every cell in my body suddenly knew, with absolute certainty, that the man standing behind the massive desk was mine.

Alpha Silas Vane looked up from his papers, and his ice blue eyes locked onto mine.

I watched his hands grip the desk edge so hard the desk vibrated.

He felt it too.

For one perfect, impossible moment, neither of us moved. The bond pulled between us like a golden thread.

Then his expression shuttered completely.

"You're not her," he said, his voice devoid of emotion, "You're not the firstborn."

"What?"

"The contract specified Elena Vance. The eldest daughter." His jaw clenched, "Who the hell are you?"

The mate bond screamed at me to go to him, to cross the space between us and press myself against his chest until the ache subsided. Instead, I dug my nails into my palms hard enough to draw blood.

"I'm Elara Vance. And I was told I was the one being collected," I said.

Silas moved around the desk. Everything about him radiated Alpha dominance.

"Darius, explain," He said as he kept his gaze on me.

The Beta stepped forward, and I caught the confusion on his face. "The contract named the Vance daughter as settlement for the debt. There was no specification."

"The agreement explicitly stated his firstborn child. Elena Vance is twenty-five years old. This girl can't be up to..."

"I'm twenty-two," I said, interrupting his sentence, "And this girl has a name."

His eyes flashed with something that seemed like anger.

"Where is your sister?"

"Living her best life somewhere else," I said, "She was invited to take my place but she declined."

"Invited?" Silas's expression darkened, "By whom?"

"Our mother. It doesn't matter. I'm here now and Elena's not."

"This is a problem," he said.

"Really? I'm so glad we're on the same page," I crossed my hands over my chest.

"You don't understand," He stepped back, "The contract binds me to the firstborn. Not you. This entire arrangement is void."

"So I can leave?"

"No."

"What do you mean, no? You just said..."

"The debt still exists. Your father borrowed significant resources from my pack. That debt must be settled," His eyes moved over me, "But I can't marry you. The contract won't allow it."

Something in my chest cracked at those words. The bond twisted, turning painful.

"Then send me home," I said quietly, "What do you want from me?"

The question hung in the air between us. I watched something flicker across his face.

"Darius, have her shown to the guest quarters in the East Wing. Make sure she has everything she needs," He turned back to his desk, dismissing me like I was nothing, "I'll contact the Vance family and sort this mess out."

"You'll contact Elena?" The realization hit me like a slap, "You're going to bring her here instead."

He didn't answer.

The bond shrieked in protest as I turned toward the door. My wolf clawed at my insides, begging me to stay and make him see that we were mates but he already knew. He just didn't care because of some piece of paper my dead father had signed.

"Elara."

I stopped at the door but didn't turn around.

"I'm sorry," Silas said, "This isn't what I wanted."

Darius led me through East Wing and many hallways. We finally stopped at a suite. It was twice bigger than the house I lived in.

"This is temporary," Darius said, " You'll be staying here for the mean time until the Alpha figures out the contract situation."

"Right. Temporary." I dropped my backpack onto a bed that looked like it cost more than a year's rent. "How long does sorting out a contract usually take?"

"That depends on a lot of factors, " He moved to the window, "The original agreement was made between Alphas. Breaking it isn't simple.

"But he has to marry Elena because she's the firstborn," he added, "The contract specifies..."

"I know what it specifies, you don't have to explain it again."

Darius was quiet for a moment "You felt the bond."

"What?"

"When you walked into his study. I saw your face. And I've known Silas since we were children. I saw his face too."

"Doesn't matter what I felt. He made his position pretty clear."

"Did he?" Darius moved closer, his voice dropping, "Because the Silas I know doesn't apologize. And he definitely doesn't look at people the way he looked at you."

"Well, he can't keep me. Contract won't allow it, remember?"

"He won't let you leave," Darius said it with such certainty that I turned to face him, "The debt aside, Silas won't let his mate walk away."

"He doesn't have a choice."

"Everyone has choices," he headed for the door, "Dinner is at seven. Someone will come collect you,so try and get some rest."

After he left, I collapsed onto the bed. The mate bond hummed under my skin pulling me toward Silas even though he was somewhere else in this massive house.

This couldn't be happening. I couldn't be mated to a man who was contractually obligated to marry my sister. The universe couldn't be that cruel.

A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts.

Elara POV

"Come in," I called, expecting a servant to work in.

Instead, Elena walked through the door.

I sat upright from the bed so fast I nearly fell off it, "What are you doing here?"

My sister looked perfect, as always. Her honey-blonde hair fell in glossy waves, her designer clothes fit like they'd been tailored specifically for her body.

"Hello to you too." 

She closed the door behind her. "Nice room. Much better than that home we grew up in."

"I called you four hours ago. How are you already here?"

"I was already on my way. The Alpha's people contacted me two days ago and asked me to come discuss the contract situation."

He'd known about the mix-up for two days and hadn't said anything when his people picked me up this morning.

"So you knew they were coming for me, and you just let it happen."

"I didn't 'let' anything happen. You're the one who answered the door," Elena sat on the edge of a chair like she owned the place, "Besides, I needed time to prepare. First impressions matter."

"Prepare for what?" 

"For meeting my future husband, obviously," she said, "The Alpha of Black Ridge Pack. Do you have any idea what kind of opportunity this is?"

The bond in my chest twisted violently 

"You can't marry him."

"Actually, I can. I'm the firstborn. The contract is quite clear on that point. I understand you met him already. Tell me, what's he like?" 

I wanted to tell her that Silas was mine, that the bond had claimed us both the moment we laid eyes on each other. 

But the words stuck in my throat. The bond didn't matter, the contract did.

"He's cold," I said instead, " and arrogant."

"Perfect," Elena headed for the door, "That means he'll understand the value of a proper alliance."

She paused at the door and for just a moment, something like regret crossed her face. Then she was gone, leaving me alone with a mate bond that was slowly tearing me apart and the crushing realization that I was about to watch my sister marry the man fate had chosen for me.

I made it to the bathroom before I started screaming.

The bathroom tiles were cold against my knees.

One moment I was standing and the next I was on the floor with tears streaming down my face.

The mate bond felt like a living thing inside me. It was demanding me to go find him and claim him.

But the contract wouldn't allow it.

"Elara?" Darius's voice came through the door, "Dinner is in ten minutes. I can have something sent up if you'd prefer."

"I'll be down," I replied. 

"I'll wait for you in the hallway."

Of course he would because apparently I couldn't be trusted to find my way through this maze of a house without an escort.

I changed quickly into the cleanest clothes I had which was a black dress. 

The herbs in my pocket felt heavier than usual. I'd need to reapply them soon, but for now, the scent masking should hold.

Darius straightened when I came out of the room. 

"You look lovely," he said.

"You're a terrible liar."

"I'm really not," He offered his arm, "Shall we?"

I ignored the gesture and started walking.

"Is Silas going to be there?"

"Yes."

"And Elena?"

"She's been invited as well," Darius said, "Elara, I know this situation is difficult, but..."

"But what? I should smile and play nice while I watch my sister seduce my mate?"

"The bond matters. My parents were fated mates and my father used to say that the bond was the Moon Goddess's way of choosing our other half. That she doesn't make mistakes."

"Then she made one with me and Silas."

We descended a grand staircase into a large dining hall. A massive table stretched the length of the room, wolves were already seated in various seates.

And at the head of the table, Silas sat like a king on his throne.

Our eyes met, and Elena swept in from a side door, and his attention shifted to her.

My sister had changed into a stunning emerald dress that showed her every curve. 

"Ah, you must be Elara," An older woman with kind eyes approached me, "I'm Margaret, the head housekeeper. Come, dear, let me show you to your seat."

She guided me to a spot halfway down the table, far enough from Silas that I couldn't hear his conversations but close enough that I could watch him. 

Darius took the seat beside me with a reassuring smile.

"The woman across from you is Dr. Reyna Solis, our pack physician," he said quietly, nodding toward a woman with silver hair, "Next to her is Marcus Thorne, head of security. And that's..."

"I can introduce myself, Darius," A man about Silas's age leaned across the table, extending his hand. " I am Kieran Voss, head of pack relations and you must be the infamous Elara Vance."

"Infamous?"

"Any woman who can make our Alpha look that unsettled is worthy of infamy," he said, "Tell me, is it true you're the younger sister?"

"Yes."

"Interesting." He sat back, studying me. "And how do you feel about your sister taking your place?"

"Kieran," Darius warned.

"What? I'm just making conversation."

"It's fine," I said to Kieran, "I feel exactly how anyone would feel about being traded in for a better model."

"I like you. You've got spine," he said as he grinned. 

A sharp clink of silverware silenced the room. Silas stood at the head of the table, and every eye turned to him.

"Before we begin, I'd like to introduce our guests," His voice was controlled, "Many of you have already met Elara Vance, daughter of the late Alpha Marcus Vance. She'll be staying with us temporarily while we resolve a contractual matter."

Temporarily. The word landed like a punch to my gut.

"And this," he gestured to Elena, "is Elena Vance, firstborn of the Vance family and my intended bride."

The bond screamed in protest. I dug my nails into my palms under the table, focusing on the pain to keep me from making a scene.

Elena's smile was radiant, "Thank you all for welcoming me into your home. I look forward to getting to know each of you and serving this pack as your Luna."

She hadn't even been officially accepted yet, and she was already claiming the title.

"Now," Silas sat back down, "let's eat."

Servers appeared with plates of food that smelled incredible, but I couldn't taste anything. Every bite turned to ash in my mouth as I watched Silas lean close to Elena, murmuring something that made her laugh.

"You need to eat," Darius said quietly beside me, "You're turning pale."

"I'm fine."

"You're really not," He pushed my water glass closer, "At least drink something."

"Tell me about the contract. What exactly does it say?"

Darius hesitated for a while, "That's not really in my place to tell you."

"Please. I need to understand what I'm dealing with."

Elara POV

He sighed, setting down his fork, "Your father borrowed heavily from our pack seven years ago. Medical expenses for your mother, I believe. The loan was substantial, and the interest accumulated quickly. When he couldn't repay, he offered what Alphas often do in these situations. An alliance through marriage."

"So I'm collateral."

"You're a bridge between two packs. It's not uncommon."

"That doesn't make it right."

"No," he agreed quietly, "It doesn't."

Across the table, Dr. Solis was watching me with an intensity that made me uncomfortable. When our eyes met, she smiled slightly and raised her wine glass in a small toast.

"Don't mind Reyna," Kieran said, "She's always studying people."

"What kind of things does she study?"

"Everything. She's bit of a pain in the ass, but she's brilliant," He leaned closer, lowering his voice, "Word of advice? Stay on her good side. The woman knows more secrets than anyone else in this pack."

A burst of laughter drew my attention back to the head of the table. 

Elena had her hand on Silas's arm, saying something that made the other senior wolves chuckle.

"I need some air," I said, standing abruptly.

"Elara..." Darius started.

"Just for a minute. I'll be right back."

I didn't wait for permission. I walked quickly toward the doors, desperate to escape the suffocating weight of the dining hall.

I found myself on a wide terrace. In the distance, I could see wolves moving through the training yards.

"Running away already?"

I spun around to find a man leaning against the terrace railing. He was tall and lean, with dark hair that fell across his forehead and he had the same ice-blue eyes that reminded me of Silas's but his own was colder and crueler.

"I'm not running," I said, "I'm getting air."

"Of course you are," He pushed off the railing and moved closer, "Let me guess. Little sister, sitting at the table, watching your replacement charm everyone in sight. That must sting."

"Who are you?"

"Kaelen Vane," He sketched a mocking bow, "Silas's younger brother. And according to certain contractual obligations, your future husband."

"That's impossible."

"Really? Did anyone tell you how the contract works? Your father promised Silas his first child. He promised me his second," he said with a sharp smile.

Silas POV

I felt the exact moment Elara left the dining hall.

The bond, which had been a constant ache in my chest all evening suddenly thin. My wolf snarled, demanding I follow her and bring her back.

Instead, I forced myself to nod at whatever Elena was saying. Something about pack logistics and supply chains. She was intelligent and had everything a Luna should be on paper.

She just wasn't her.

"Alpha?" Elena touched my arm lightly, "Are you alright? You seem distracted."

"I'm fine." I reached for my wine glass, only to find it empty.

"Please, continue," I said. 

But I'd lost interest in the conversation entirely. Through the windows, I could see the terrace. Could see...

"If you'll excuse me a moment," I said, standing.

Darius caught my eye from down the table. His expression was carefully neutral, but I'd known him long enough to read his concern.

Your mate is on the terrace with your brother, his look said. And you're sitting here with her sister.

"I need to check on something, I'll return shortly," I announced to the table. 

I walked with measured steps toward the terrace doors, even though every instinct screamed at me to run. To get to Elara before...

"Congratulations, Elara. You're mine," Kaelen's voice drifted through the open terrace door. I froze just inside the doorway, hidden in shadow.

"That's impossible," Elara said. 

"Is it? Did anyone explain the contract to you? Your father promised his firstborn to Silas. And his second-born to me."

"You're lying."

"Am I? Why don't you ask my dear brother?" Kaelen's smile was vicious, "Oh wait, he's too busy courting your sister to bother with details like who owns you."

I stepped onto the terrace. "Kaelen."

My brother's grin widened. 

"Silas. We were just discussing the contract. I think our new guest deserves to know all the terms."

Elara's eyes met mine, "Is it true?" she asked, "Am I bound to him?"

"The contract is complicated," I said.

"That's not an answer."

"The original agreement did include provisions for both Vance daughters," I admitted, "But the primary marriage was meant to be between myself and the firstborn. Your situation is unclear."

"Unclear?" She laughed, "My entire life is unclear. I'm collateral for a debt I didn't incur, bound to men I've never met, and apparently my own mate can't even fight for me because of a piece of paper."

The word mate hung in the air and Kaelen's eyes sharpened.

"Mate?" He looked between us, "Well, isn't this interesting."

"Go back inside, Kaelen," I ordered.

"Why? This is the most entertainment I've had in months," He moved closer to Elara, and my wolf snarled, "Tell me, little mate, does the bond hurt knowing he can't have you?"

"Back off," The Alpha command rolled through my voice.

Kaelen raised his hands in mock surrender, but his eyes glittered with malice. "I'll leave you two to your moment. But Elara, the contract is binding. Whether my brother fights for you or not, you belong to one of us. It's best you start deciding which fate you prefer."

He disappeared inside, leaving us alone on the terrace.

Elara wrapped her arms around herself, staring out at the training grounds. The moonlight caught her hair turning it silver, and something about her scent...

"You should have told me," she said quietly, "About Kaelen and the full terms."

"I only confirmed the details this afternoon. I was planning to..."

"To what? Break it to me gently?" She turned to face me, "Let me guess. You're going to marry Elena to honor the contract, and I'm supposed to marry your brother to tie up loose ends."

"No," I said. 

"No?"

"I won't let him have you. Kaelen is cruel and sadistic. He'd break you just to spite me."

"And Elena won't break you?"

The question hit harder than it should have, "What I feel doesn't matter. The pack needs this alliance and the debt needs to be settled."

"The debt?" She laughed again, "Tell me, Alpha, what happens if I refuse and walk away from all of this?"

"You can't."

"Watch me."