Beth’s POV

The intense feeling that had been bothering me all morning is now becoming a reality. My heart pounded in my chest as I remembered how he had nearly choked me, his ego demanding submission. No, I decided, I wouldn’t be his pawn again. From the brief interaction I had with him today, it’s clear he’s a monster.

“Excuse me, repeat what you just said," my father asked, shocked by my protest.

“I said no. I do not consent to this marriage. I will only marry my mate, especially not him," I said through gritted teeth, staring directly at the Lycan. The crowd gasped at my boldness.

“Who permitted you to speak? Your consent is irrelevant. I will do as I please with you. I own you,” my father shouted, attempting to slap me, but Killian intervened, stopping him.

“You have controlled my life from the beginning. I won’t be used for your selfish desires this time,” I said, clenching my fists. The crowd gasped again in surprise, questioning if I was risking my life.

“You dare defy my orders, you wretch?” he sneered, moving towards me, but a sudden clap echoed through the hall, halting him in his tracks.

“That was quite the performance. You are quite the actress,” Killian said, laughing. “Not what I expected, but entertaining nonetheless.”

The hall fell silent as everyone observed Killian’s outburst. He was known for reveling in others’ suffering, living up to his reputation as Brutal Killian. Despite this, I stood my ground, ready to be heard.

“Lycan Killian, she is just distressed,” my father began, but was interrupted.

“It’s fine. She’s feisty, and I love that. I will enjoy taming her, putting her in her place,” Killian said, caressing my face as if it fascinated him.

“Are you willing to risk the lives of your pack and your father for your childishness?” he questioned, his gaze piercing into me. “What a joke,” he sighed.

“We Lycans take our vows seriously. Going back on your word means war.” He declared, turning to the frightened Alphas.

“And we are committed to fulfilling our promise to your Highness,” an Alpha responded, bowing to the Lycan.

“Take her upstairs and prepare her for the ceremony,” my father ordered. Two guards grabbed my arms, dragging me out of the hall against my will. I gasped in horror, struggling to break free from their painful grip.

They pushed me into a room and locked the door. I sat on the floor, hugging my legs to my chest, unable to comprehend why my father was giving me away to the ruthless Lycan prince. I feared the horrors that awaited me in his hands.

“Mother, why did you leave me in this cruel world? You should have taken me with you,” I cried, feeling lost and alone.

The soft turn of the doorknob made me freeze, my heart skipping a beat as I prepared for another confrontation. The door opened, and Maya, an unfamiliar Omega, entered.

“I was instructed to bring this to you. You are to wear this dress for the wedding,” she said, handing me the clothes.

“Thank you,” I whispered, resigned to my fate. I changed into the gown, accepting my role as the sacrificial lamb.

I didn’t bother to freshen up. I simply wore the gown, embracing my destiny. As I waited for my father’s minions to come for me, I took deep breaths, preparing myself for what was to come.

A few minutes later, one of Clara’s minions burst into the room, commanding me to get up. “Your fate is about to change, and not for the better,” she sneered, dragging me out of the room.

“You’re about to marry the brutal Killian, given away like a gift? Ah!” she mocked. I rolled my eyes, resigned to my fate. I followed her to the wedding venue in the pack’s backyard, where the ancient nuptial oak tree stood as the altar. The moon goddess had blessed the first mated couples under this tree while she was on Earth. There, one of the Red Moon Pack elders and the Lycan king awaited us.

My father, who was already waiting for me by the door, didn’t hesitate to take my hand in his arm as he led me down the aisle. He didn’t bother hiding his relief at finding a potential buyer; I suppose he’s just as eager as the others to send the troublesome child away. When we reached the end of the aisle, I stood in front of Killian as the elder instructed us to repeat after him. I said, “I, Beth Aspen of the Red Moon pack, accept King Damien as my chosen mate,” which I did. The king was then asked to do the same, saying, “I, King Damien, accept Beth Aspen of the Red Moon pack as my chosen mate,” and to mark each other under the full moon.

The mark is a bite on the neck that completes the full mating ritual, creating a link between chosen mates and binding them together. It is irrevocable; if they were to reject each other, they would experience the same pain as fated mates do, which is why marking during the mating ceremony is mandatory.

As soon as I heard the word “mark,” panic set in, and my body shook uncontrollably with sweat. The word lingered in the air as I looked down at the crowd, expecting my wolf to emerge and complete the mating ritual. But I couldn’t, as I had no wolf. I vividly remember my 18th birthday when I waited in my room, expecting my wolf to speak to me. Laura had always told me that I would hear a voice in my head that morning before transforming into a wolf at midnight, but that never happened.

Initially, I considered informing the Alpha that I hadn’t transformed, but I decided against it out of fear of severe punishment or being cast out to the mercy of rogues. Rogues are lone wolves who have lost their humanity and become feral, killing anything in sight. I thought they wouldn’t care, so I kept to myself the fact that I am human with Alpha blood.