The Lycan's Contract Luna

Marriage Arrangement Elara's POV I stormed into my father's study, my heart pounding with anger. The thick, dark wood of his desk and the heavy velvet curtains that blocked the sunlight felt suffocating. The ĺingering scent of cigars clung to the air , making the room feel even more stifling. I had barely shut the door behind me before I started speaking . ‘What is this that I'm hearing, Father? That you've arranged some ridiculous marriage behind my back? He barely glanced up from the papers he was examining ,his face calm in the cold, calculating way had to despise. George Stone, my father,was a man who always got what he wanted, and I could tell by the slight twitch of his lips that he thought this would be no different. “You heard right. And I don't need to inform you before making decisions.” I won't do it, Father,”I declared, my voice trembling with fury and fear. “ You can't force me to marry a stranger.” “You don't have a choice, Elara. You will marry Tavian Hawthorne. The arrangement has already been made. Its final.” My stomach churned at his indifferent tone. “Final?” I asked, incredulous. “How can it be final when I haven't even agreed to it ? I've never even met this man, Father! How can you expect me to spend my life with someone I don't know?” Finally, he lifted his gaze to meet mine, his steel-gray eyes narrowing in irritation. “You have no say in this. This is what's best for the family. Tavian is the Prime Pack Alpha. Do you understand what that means for us? This marriage contract will secure your future.” “My future?” I scoffed, crossing my arms, trying to steady the quivering in my chest. “Or yours? You're willing to sell me off to the highest bidder, just to protect your own interests.” His jaw tightened. “Watch your tone, Elara.” I stood my ground, my pulse quickening with the rising tension between us. “I'm old enough to make my own decisions and this isn't what I want.” I'm sorry to disappoint you, but this isn't your choice to make. This is the only way you're getting anything from the company,” Father interrupted. I gasped in shock ,staring at him in disbelief. “You're cutting me off from my inheritance because of some ridiculous marriage?” “That ridiculous marriage is what will keep the company from going bankrupt. A contract marriage with the Hawthorns is all that's needed to keep our company afloat,” he bellowed. “I won't marry Tavian,” I declared, my voice shaking with defence. Father shot me a questioning glare,his patience already wearing thin. “What did you say ?” he growled. “I said I'm not doing this! I yelled. “I'm not going to marry a complete stranger just to save a company you were unable to run.” “How dare you… “ he snarled, suddenly standing up from his chair, raising his hand in a fit of rage… I thought he was going to hit me. I braced myself, my heart pounding in my ears,when suddenly, a soft voice cut through the tension. “Goerge,stop!” My stepmother,Fiona, stepped between us, her hand on his arm “This is not the way to handle things,” she said softly but firmly.” She’s upset right now. You have to give her time to process everything.” “We don't have time, Fiona. This wedding must happen, and the sooner she accepts that, the better for all of us,” he grumbled angrily. I looked at her , grateful for the intervention, but still too furious to calm down. “You can't seriously agree with this, “ I spat , knowing she rarely opposed my father.. “Elara, this isn't about what I want,” Fiona said quietly,”it's about what's best for everyone.” I shook my head in frustration. “Best for everyone? Or best for him?” “Elara ,enough! my father snapped, pulling away from Fiona. He was losing his patience, and I could feel the conversation slipping further out of my control. “No! I cried, my voice raw with emotion. “I'm engaged, Father. I’m going to marry Ronan. We're planning to get married soon,and I won't let you destroy that.” My father’s face twisted into a sneer. “Engaged? To Ronan? That man hasn't even officially announced his intentions to me. To this family! He's as much a stranger as Tavian.” “He is not a stranger!” I insisted, my fists clenched at my sides. “I love him. We love each other, and you can't just-” He cut me off, his voice like a whip” That so-called engagement means nothing until it's official . So as far as I'm concerned, Ronan doesn't exist. You will marry Tavian, and this is final.” My hands trembled lightly as I flinched at his harsh words. I couldn’t believe this was happening, that he was so willing to tear my life apart for his own gain. “I hate you,” I whispered, the words slipping out before I could stop them. His expression hardened, but there was no regret in his eyes. “You can hate me all you want, but you will do as I say.” Without another word, I spun on my heel and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind me as I made my way upstairs. By the time I reached my room, I was shaking. I slammed the door shut and collapsed onto my bed, burying my face in my hands as the tears I had been holding back finally spilled over. How could he do this to me? I buried my face in my pillow, my mind swirling with memories of my mother. If she were here, this never would have happened. She would have stood up to Father. She would have protected me and made sure I had a choice in my own life. I missed her so much, especially in moments like this- moments when I needed her more than ever. My father was willing to sacrifice my happiness for a business deal, and there was nothing I could do to stop him. But then a thought came to me. A small, desperate spark of hope. Ronan. If I could just get to him– if we got married now-there would be no way my father could force me into this ridiculous contract with Tavian Hawthorne. He wouldn't be able to hold my inheritance over me because I'd already be married. I sat up quickly, wiping my eyes. I had to talk to Ronan. I reached for my phone and dialed his number, my heart pounding as I listened to dial tone. Come on, come on, pick up. But it went to voicemail. I hung up and tried again. And again , my anxiety grows with each failed attempt. Damn it! Why isn't he answering? I had to go and see him, to explain everything to him. I hurriedly dressed, grabbed my coat, and rushed downstairs. I made my way to the garage, ready to take one of the cars and drive to Ronan’s house, but when I reached the door,one of my father's guards stopped me. Miss Elara,you're not allowed to take any of the cars.” I blinked at him, confused. “What? Why not?” “I'm sorry , but Mr.Stonne gave strict instructions. You're not allowed any privileges until…until the wedding.” I stared at him, my anger flaring up once again. “What are you talking about? I need to go..Move.” I'm sorry,” he repeated, looking genuinely regretful. “It's your father’s orders.” Furious, I turned and marched back inside. I stormed up the stairs and burst into my father's office for the second time that day. He didn't even flinch at my entrance m,as if he had been expecting me. “You're cutting me off from everything? “ I shouted , my voice shaking with rage. He didn't look up from his papers this time. “Until you agree to the marriage. yes.” My fists clenched at my sides. “This is absurd! You can't just control every aspect of my life!” He finally looked up, his face cold and unmoved. “You will marry Tavian,Elara. And that is final. This conversation is over.” “Fine! Keep your car. I don't need it anyway,” I said, storming out and slamming the door so hard that I hoped it would crack the frame. I had no choice now. I was going to Ronan, whether my father liked it or not. I rushed outside and hailed a cab, my heart racing the entire way to Ronan’s house. When I arrived,something felt off. The domestic staff were acting strangely,avoiding my eyes, but I pushed past them and hurried upstairs to Ronan's room. But when I opened the door, I froze. Ronan was in bed, tangled in sheets, passionately entwined with another woman. He stopped as soon as he saw me,pulling away and panting heavily. He stopped as soon as he saw me, pulling away and panting heavily. My gaze moved past him to the woman in his bed. My heart nearly stopped at that moment . It was my stepsister, lena.