Vanessa's pov.

I rushed home, clutching the basket occupied with the requested things, and the knot of pain in my chest tightened. The fact that I was rejected and in a few days the news would spread, got me greatly distressed.

I stepped into the house and placed the basket by the door side. I knew what was expected of me the instant I strode through that front door. My family's demands weighed heavily on me, and I couldn't bring myself to face them just yet. With a sigh of relief, I fled into my room, making it a point to lock the door behind me.

Tears welled up in my eyes , and I cried, feeling shattered and overwhelmed. My room, once a sanctuary, had become my emotional prison. The arguments with my mother were inevitable, and they began when she knocked on my door.

"Venessa," she turned the doorknob again, "Are you in there?"

I sniffed and wiped my tears, opening the door a little, I goaded my head outside, holding onto the door.

"What are you doing? Let me in." She attempted to push the door, but I held onto it firmly. I didn't want her to see the used tissues laying on the floor.

"What do you want?" I sighed. The day had already taken a harsh toll on me. The least she could do was try to add to my troubles.

She finally gave up on trying to open the door, leaning back instead. "I need you to pick out a dress for your sister."

I felt like I had been punched in the guts. Didn't she see how red my eyes were? And she couldn't even ask me what was wrong?

"No I can't, I am tired." I tried to shut the door but she still pushed forth.

"Don't tell me you are jealous of your sister because of this marriage." She scoffed in disbelief.

I skimmed at her. it wasn't her fault that she couldn't see the internal battle going on in me. But she should try to be considerate.

"Bye mum." I said and shut the door, not interested to hear anything she had to say.

I laid on my bed wide awake, staring at the ceiling. Everyone was probably sleeping by this time of the night, but I was anything but sleepy.

The creak of the window caught my attention, I looked towards my window, getting up to get a better view. A figure which looked exactly like my sister jumped outside through her window. She was heading towards a tree. Curiosity got the better of me and I ventured out into the dimly lit hallway careful not to alert anyone.

I got closer to the tree and what was before me was nothing short of shocking. There, bathed in the faint light of the moon, was my sister locked in an intimate embrace with the Alpha prince. I couldn't stifle my gasp of surprise, and in that moment, I made a small sound, catching their attention.

"Wha- - what do you think you are doing?" I looked from my sister to the Alpha bathing under the moonlight.

"What does it look like?" He asked cockily.

Rushing to me, Evenlyn took my hands. "I swear to you, it isn't what it looks like.” She looked back at him one last time before running into the house, leaving me standing alone with Alpha Kilan who wore a sly grin.

"You definitely wish you were her.”

My face grew hot at his close proximity, "No way."

"Really?"He leaned down, his face away from mine with an inch. "But it is written all over your face.” He laughed

"Looks like you cried a lot today." He commented, leaving me to myself.

His teasing words about the previous night, when I had made a clumsy attempt to kiss him, only deepened my confusion and embarrassment. I was left under the tree, my heart racing, struggling to process what I had just witnessed.

After I retreated into my room, my sister was pacing around and stood still when she sighted me.

"Please don't tell our parents what you just saw." Her voice trembled as she begged me not to say anything. It was a strange and confusing situation, and my initial shock began to give way to concern for her.

"Why were you with him?" I folded my arms across my chest. I wanted to shriek at her for messing around with my mate, but I chose to keep that information to myself.

She hesitated but finally spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "That was... that is, my boyfriend. I'm breaking up with him." Her words left me stunned, struggling to comprehend the fact they were together.

I nodded slowly, still bewildered, and watched her as she walked out of the room, not before asking me to promise that I wouldn't say a word.

The room felt heavy with tacit words and unresolved emotions, leaving me wondering how I got so unlucky.

~~~~

The door to my room burst open, waking me up from the little sleep I was able to get.

"What's happening now?"I sat up grogrily. Staring at my mum worriedly looking at me.

"We can't find your sister," she began, crying.

"What?" like a time ticking bomb, the information started settling in. They couldn't find my sister, and panic began to set in.

"Have you searched everywhere?" I got up from my bed in a hurry and went outside.

We searched every corner of the house, calling out her name in growing desperation. It was as if she had vanished into thin air, leaving us frantic and worried.

As the day wore on, my father spoke into the phone, pleading with the Lycan prince for more time.

He threw his phone against the wall, running his fingers through his messed up hair.

"Can you see what you have caused?" he spat angrily at me.

"What did he say?" My mother asked with worry.

"He threatened to tear this village apart if shame is brought to him, he said he would stand alone on the altar without a bride." He muttered in a frustrated tone.

The realization that my sister had run away hit me like a ton of bricks. And I wondered the reason, could it be because of Alpha Kilan?

"This won't do." my father announced after a lot of silence, his eyes focused on me. "You will have to stand in for her."

I think I froze at that moment. What did I just hear him say? Was he really going to force me into the role of a substitute bride for my sister?

Vanessa's pov.

"No, I won't do it." I said, ignoring the gasp from my mother and the sharp intake of breath from my father.

"What do you mean you won't do it?" His eyes turned icy as he pinned them on me.

"I won't be Evelyn's substitute." I shook my head, still looking at the floor.

"Do you think you have a say?He promised to destroy our houses and packs and you think it is best to be selfish right now?"

"You call this selfish huh?" I blinked back tears. "Why do I have to be the one to suffer for her own mistakes and your greed?" I yelled.

"You will do it and that is final, you won't be the reason for the downfall of this village.” He spoke like it was my fault right from the start. "Get dressed."

I was forced to wear the dress which was rightfully Evelyn's . We arrived at the palace and we got down from the carriage and ventured into the palace.

"The wedding will hold immediately so you don't have a chance of running away." My mother whispered, forcing a ball of resentment towards her and my father.

I was led into the dressing room. I looked around while my mother went out to get the maids. Just then, the door opened and closed behind me.

I turned, looking at the strange aged man standing by the door.

"You must be the bride," he nodded, accessing me.

"And who are you?" I asked, ignoring the fact he was openly staring into my eyes.

"I am an elder of this pack." He answered. I have heard of something of that sort before, but this was the first time I was seeing one.

"I came to warn you against trying to run away, don't even think about it.”

What is with these people and thinking I was going to flee just because of a marriage of convenience.

"And don't even try to do anything to jeopardize the wedding, else your family would face the consequences," he walked away, not even granting me an opportunity to reply.

My mother came in, barely after a few minutes he had left, with a few other maids.

"Change into these." She handed me a long red gown, urging me into the closet. I took off the dress I had on and wore the dress I was asked to put on.

I looked at the mirror, the dress was tight around my bowels, forming a corset, then it hung on my hip.

I walked out, met with an exaggerated gasp from my mum's lip. "Look at how beautiful you look.” I almost laughed out at how she was able to feign a compliment so easily on just a dress.

"Can we please get this over with?" I sat on the chair as they worked on my makeup and hair.

~~~

Walking into the hall with every eye on me was nerve wracking. It felt like a thousand needles at the back of my neck as my hair stood. My father rushed to my side, taking my hand and leading me to the altar.

I stared at the man on the altar in a suit. His hair was the darkest shade of black that I have ever seen. His grey eyes stared at me with disinterest, then that pull started as I got closer to the altar.

The moon goddess had thought it was best to make a man I was marrying out of convenient my second chance mate.

If he felt the tug also, he didn't make it a point to indicate, his expression didn't change neither did he mutter any word.

My father dropped me at the altar and went back to sit at the front row with my overly excited mum.

The deacon finally arrived, starting the ceremony. He said some words I couldn't quite understand. I stared at my soon to be husband all through, feeling a knot in my chest.

"Do you, Lorenzo Ruzzo, take Vanessa Miller to be your legally wedded wife?” The deacon asked, looking at the man in front of me.

"I do." He answered gruffly, his face passive.

"And do you Vanessa Miller take Lorenzo Ruzzo to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

I could just decide to say no right now, but the warning of that man sat comfortably at the back of my mind.

His eyes twitched at my hesitation in answering the deacon—the first reaction that I have gotten out of him since I saw him.

I looked at my father staring at me angrily, while my mother was staring at me with a pleading face.

Heaving a deep breath, I skimmed my eyes over my soon to be husband's face. "I do."

The hall erupted into cheers and people stood up clapping.

"I now pronounce you Husband and wife." He stepped aside. "You may now kiss the bride.”

And at that moment, my heart erupted into fireworks, and I forgot how to breathe.

He stepped forward, and leaned down, before capturing my lips in a kiss.

I could swear I felt a spark fly.

He recoiled quickly and got off the altar, leaving me standing there with my cheeks tinted in embarrassment.

The reception took place immediately, it felt so rushed.

I looked around the hall, taking in each face of the people partnered into dancing, but my husband was nowhere to be found.

My father came at me smiling, his face shining brightly as he nodded to his peers as he passed them by.

"My beautiful daughter," he laughed, widening his arm for a hug. "I am so happy with the decision you made today."

I held back a scoff, trying not to let him know how his words made me feel.

I was threatened into making this decision,yet he is happy.

"I wish you guys a happy marriage. Your union will surely last to pass the test of time.” He smiled before retreating back to my mother's side.

I scoffed inwardly. Like this marriage is going to last even a month.

Vanessa's POV

The maid who had been assigned to bring me up to my room opened a door and ushered me through it.

I stood outside the door, hesitating for a while. My breath caught in my throat as I took in the grand room–high ceilings, intricate patterns of gold across the walls, plush velvet drapes-they spoke of money, of power. But then, what really stopped my breath was that familiar scent, wafting in the air—sandalwood and musk and something utterly unique to him alone.

My husband's scent.

I turned around, my heart racing as my eyes fell upon his things, neatly laid out on the table. My stomach twisted.

"We are going to be sharing rooms?" My voice shook a little, disbelief and apprehension curling in my chest.

The maid looked at me, perplexed, as if I'd just spoken in riddles. Right. No one here knew this wasn't anything but a marriage of convenience. A political arrangement.

My fingers curled into the taut fabric of my dress, my senses heightening at the knowledge that I stood on Alpha's territory. My husband's territory.

"I have to take my leave," she said and bowed, drawing back-the door closed smoothly behind her.

The silence wrapped itself in the room, weighing upon me. I swallowed, trying to shake off this feeling of unease that had risen in my spine.

I let out a deep breath and peeled off my dress, my muscles tight from the long day. Stepping into the adjoining washroom, the warm water massaged the knots at my back. A soft sigh escaped my lips as I allowed myself this one moment of reprieve before stepping out and slipping into a simple gown.

I settled onto the big bed and took up my book, turning the pages over, my sight never on its words, nor my heart nor brain involved by what might be said there. Still my eyes huddled towards the door. Come. Would he still show up? Do I wait for him or…

Just as sleep began to overtake me, a faint rustling stirred me awake. My lashes fluttered open, and my breath hitched at what lay before me.

There, seated in the dim glow of the room, was the Lycan Prince.

Relaxed, his posture was, yet something about the way he sat-shoulders squared, fingers idly tracing the armrest-simmered with an unreadable intensity.

"You're back," I whispered, my voice barely audible. My throat was dry. "Where have you been?"

His eyes, like small points, continued to pierce mine, and the space around us started to contract. His silence was palpable.

"I've been busy," he finally said; the words were clipped, far away.

"Busy?" I echoed, trying to decipher what he meant.

His jaw ticked, and for the first time, something flickered in his eyes. Something dark.

"I know about us being mates."

His words sent a jolt of surprise through me. My fingers curled into the sheets as I tried to process the weight of what he had just said.

Mates?

I parted my lips to say something, but nothing came out. My heart was racing against my ribs, a crazy rhythm of confusion and unease.

Then, just when I thought I couldn't be more unsettled, he spoke again.

"I know you were not the one I was meant to marry."

The air leaked out of my lungs.

I stared at him, making no effort to hide the raw emotions flashing across my face: shock, hurt, and something deeper, which I refused to name.

"Why tell me now?" I asked, my voice laced with frustration.

He didn't say anything but rose to his feet, his face unreadable. And quietly, he walked out, leaving me drowned in the ocean of questions that he had flung at me.

The palace walls seemed colder than they had been a while back.

As his words began to sink in, I felt as though I couldn't breathe in my room; I needed some air.

I navigated the corridors, my mind reeling. Rejection, wasn't it?

Why should it bother me? I had known this marriage was nothing but a political deal. I really should have been indifferent.

But I was not.

A movement from the shadows got my attention.

My heart skittered as the figure stepped forward. Recognition settled in.

The guard-the one I'd danced with on my wedding night.

"My Lady," he said smoothly, his head inclined. "What are you doing out so late?"

I let out a soft, humorless laugh. "I thought a walk would help clarify things in my head, but this palace is a maze. I think I'm lost."

His lips curled into a smirk. "Lost, huh?"

I nodded, hugging myself.

"I could lead you back if you don't mind," he offered, his voice warm, his expression unreadable.

I hesitated then nodded. "Alright."

We walked in silence, his presence oddly reassuring.

Just as we reached my door, he stopped. Flickering torchlight danced on his face, and his words became even more ominous.

"Be careful, my Lady. These people are not who they seem."

A cold feeling crept over me.

"What do you mean?" I asked, barely above a whisper.

But he was gone, already melted into the shadows like a wind.

Morning brought news that was not so pleasing.

My family was leaving.

I stood by the grand doors, waiting for the farce of farewells to be over.

"You have truly made me proud, my dear," my father said, smiling like the doting parent he had never been.

I almost snorted. It was painfully obvious his pride had nothing to do with me and everything to do with what this marriage meant to him.

My mother stepped forward, embracing me with shaking hands. She leaned in, her voice a murmur. "If I hear anything about your sister, I will let you know."

I stiffened. My sister. The only person I ever cared about.

She drew back, her eyes aglimmer with unshed tears. I wanted to care-I really did-but resentment held my tongue hostage. She, too, had played a role in forcing me into this union.

I let them leave without another word.

When they were gone, I set off aimlessly through the palace, my mind in a turbulent storm. The warning of the guard haunted me. What had he meant?

Back in my room, I occupied myself with unpacking the last of my things.

As I set my suitcase on the bed, I saw something that caught my eye.

A letter.

I caught my breath.

I could tell the handwriting in an instant.

My sister's.

I tore it open with trembling fingers. My eyes scanned the first few lines, and my stomach clenched.

The contents made my blood run cold.

And then, at the very bottom, one final sentence stole the air from my lungs.