Chapter 2: Betrayal
Alpha Leon sat in the Grand Hall of his estate in suffocating silence. The warmth of the crackling fireplace didn't reach him. His fingers pressed against his temples as he leaned forward with his elbows resting on his knees. The very picture of a man drowning in the weight of his own decisions. How had it come to this? Where had he gone so wrong?
Selene stood by the window. Her eyes tracked the gathering storm clouds in the night sky. "You know what you have to do," she murmured. Her voice was smooth and controlled but the underlying jealousy curled around the words.
Leon let out a long exhale, "Selling her to Raventhorn just to buy us a couple of years of peace? It's beyond inhumane." His voice grew hoarse with frustration. "The man killed her father."
Selene finally turned, "But Ava doesn't know that, does she?" She tilted her head slightly. "If you don't offer something valuable, Raventhorn will come for us."
Leon clenched his fists. This was a new low. "I married you for the protection that comes with your father's pack. How much more of my people will I sacrifice before your father holds his end of the bargain?" His voice was cold.
Selene's expression darkened. "As long as Ava is still in this pack, your end of the bargain is incomplete. As long as I do not have a child, your duty remains unfinished." Her voice sharpened into a blade.
Leon ran a hand down his face. He was beginning to feel like a pawn in a game he had no control over. "What makes you think Raventhorn would even want her?" he snapped. "She's wolfless. Weak."
Selene let out a laugh. "Oh, my dear husband, you underestimate how much men enjoy breaking things." She stepped closer, her lips curling in a knowing smile. "He doesn't want a wife. He wants a concubine. A former fated mate of an Alpha? He'll be begging you for her."
Leon's stomach churned. "And Ava has no say in this?" His voice cracked slightly.