Serena’s POV
“What the hell happened? You told me you had the deal locked down. How come it ended up being awarded to the Ashfang pack?” My father’s voice thundered across the room, each word hitting like a whip.
I froze where I stood, my feet glued to the floor. My heart pounded against my ribs, and I could feel my hands trembling. His voice still rang in my ears, echoing over and over.
My mother paced back and forth in the room, her heels clicking sharply against the floor. The tension was thick, my father's glare on me, caught somewhere between rage and suspicion.
“Is there something you’re not telling me?” His eyes bore into mine, one hand ruffling his hair in frustration.
“You need to explain, Serena,” my mother said, stopping her pacing and fixing me with a serious look. “If there’s something going on, now is the time to tell us. You still have a chance to fix this.”
I stared at them, my mind spinning. How exactly was I supposed to say this?
Tell them that I slept with their sworn enemy… and enjoyed it? That now he was blackmailing me into doing whatever he wanted? Or should I just keep my mouth shut and pretend none of it happened?
If my father found out, he’d never look at me the same again.
“Serena, you’d better start talking. What’s going on with you? You’ve been distracted since that meeting. Did you…” His eyes narrowed. “Did you meet your mate?”
“ Dad, nothing happened,” I said quickly, forcing the words out while holding back tears. “It’s nothing for you to worry about. I’ll handle it.”
“Handle it?” His voice grew sharper. “You fix this now. I don’t care how. As Alpha-in-waiting for this pack, you take responsibility for your mess.”
I almost laughed at the absurdity. Even now, when I was breaking inside, he wasn’t here for me. Just the pack. Always the pack.
“You know what? I want to quit,” I said, the words spilling out before I could stop them. “I’m done with being Alpha-in-waiting.”
For the hundredth time, my life felt like it was crumbling, and all he cared about was the throne.
My father’s eyes locked on mine, but he didn’t move. My mother stepped forward, an alarm flashing across her face.
“Serena, why now? You’ve always wanted this.”
“Wanted?” I repeated, my voice bitter. I turned my gaze back to my father, whose expression was unreadable.
“All I’ve ever wanted was freedom, Mom. A life of my own. Not one where every step I take is under the pack’s watch, or where Dad controls my life like it’s his property.” My voice rose, and the tears I’d been holding back finally slid down my cheeks.
I looked straight at my father. My chest ached.
“I never asked for this. I never wanted the throne, the title, any of it. For the moon goddess’ sake, Dad, give me a break. My life is falling apart and you don’t even care.”
Both of them stared at me, but neither said a word.
“All I ever wanted was parents, not a king and queen who care more about their kingdom than their own daughter. I don’t want anything to do with this pack,” I said, my voice breaking.
“Sweetheart, you’re upset. Let’s talk later,” my mother tried, stepping closer, but I pushed her away.
A humorless smile pulled at my lips when she looked at me in surprise.
“You’ll get that contract signed before we continue this conversation,” my father said flatly, before walking out and slamming the door behind him. I flinched at the sound.
“Honestly, Serena, you can’t do this. You’re our child,” my mother muttered, but her tone was more scolding than concerned.
I shook my head. “You need to leave, Mom.”
“But,”
“Go!” I snapped, cutting her off. “And close the door behind you.”
She hesitated, then left.
I sank back, wiping my face. What a day. My life was in ruins, and no one seemed to care—not about me, not about how I felt. All they cared about was the pack and its precious throne.
And then there was Kade.
The thought of him sent a shiver down my spine. As if on cue, my phone buzzed in my hand, his name flashing on the screen.
“Meet me at Domino's private house. Now. We need to talk,” he said the moment I picked up. His tone was sharp, demanding.
“And if I don’t?” I asked.
There was a pause, then his voice dropped. “Then your little video gets sent to every pack leader in the region. Imagine what they’ll say about the Alpha’s daughter, the one who couldn’t keep her legs closed. You’d be banished before sundown.”
My stomach twisted. I hated him, but he knew exactly how to corner me.
“I’ll be there,” I said, hanging up before he could gloat any further.
After a long breath, I splashed water on my face in the bathroom and applied makeup to hide the redness in my eyes. I changed into something simple, clothes that made me feel less exposed, then headed for the car.
I reached the pack’s parking area, slipped into my vehicle, and drove before any of the guards could stop me.
When I arrived at the meeting spot, Kade was already there, leaning casually against his car with that smug smirk I hated.
“Well, look who decided to show up. My favorite little prize,” he drawled.
“What do you want, Kade?” I demanded, my voice sharp.
“Careful,” he said, his tone mocking. “I’m the one who gives the orders here.”
My hands clenched at my sides. “Why are you doing this? I’m your mate.”
His smirk deepened. “I’d never take the daughter of my enemy as a mate. Especially not one who jumps into bed so easily.”
The slap I gave him came before I could think.
“I made a mistake,” I hissed. “But that doesn’t make me a w***e. What the hell do you want from me?”
“I want a contract, you promise to be my breeder. And when you’re not in my bed, you’ll work in my pack’s club. On stage.”
My chest felt like it was caving in.
I laughed.
“This isn’t a joke,” he said, frowning.
“W… what? Kade, I'm not some puppet, find someone your own si…” my voice was struck as he grabbed my arms and pulled me close. His hands coiled round my waist, I could feel his hot breath caress the skin of my neck.
“Let go!” I demanded defiantly, kicking him off and he let go at once. I throw my fist at his face, earning him a hard slap.
“I already gave you the contract before, I am not giving in to your games anymore, Kade. Stay away from me and my pack!” I gritted, turning away and leaving him standing there dumbfounded.