Chapter Sixteen
681 Words
Ulric’s POV:
I can't stop thinking about Maya.
Her body. The way her hair smells.
This woman is driving me insane.
Mark her, Fenrir growls inside me, restless and impatient. She is ours.
I run a hand through my hair and pace back and forth in my father's study, trying to quiet the beast inside me. I don't know how much longer I can hold him back.
I feel my father's presence before he even opens the door.
“Ulric, my boy. I am proud of you.”
His deep voice fills the room as he walks in like he owns the very air I breathe. He moves past me and lowers himself into his large leather chair like a king on his throne.
I sit across from him, but I do not relax.
“Father, there is no time for this. The Silver Water Pack has infiltrated our territory. They want Maya.”
I ignore the usual formalities. This is bigger than protocol.
He scoffs.
“Why would you say that?”
“We have one of their Omegas in the dungeon. He talked after some persuasion. Cole Sinclair claims to be my wife-to-be’s fated mate.”
The words taste like poison in my mouth.
My father barely reacts.
“So what if he is? He should have claimed her before you paid for her.”
Rage ignites in my chest.
How can he speak about her like she is property?
She is mine.
“Father, that is impossible,” I say, my voice hard now. “Maya is my mate. I felt the bond the moment I saw her. That is why I chose her. Did you really think I would participate in that circus otherwise?”
My father shifts slightly, and I catch something dangerous in his expression.
Satisfaction.
“Well then,” he says calmly, “I suggest you find out what the hell is going on. And for the love of the Moon, mark the girl.”
“I will. On our wedding night.”
I hold his gaze without flinching.
“Ulric, this is no game. The pack is at stake.”
“Father, she agreed to marry me. Willingly.”
Pride slips into my voice before I can stop it.
He laughs.
A cold, humorless sound.
“Ulric, you are naive if you believe that.”
“I do. I can sense her. She is my mate.”
I hesitate only a second before adding:
“You must have forgotten what that feels like.”
The moment the words leave my mouth I regret them.
My father moves so fast I barely see it.
One second he is sitting.
Next, his hand is around my throat.
I am lifted off the ground like I weigh nothing.
“Do not speak about things you do not understand, boy,” he growls, his eyes glowing with Alpha authority. “And do not forget who runs this pack until your wedding night. You may be calling some shots… but I am your Alpha.”
His grip tightens.
“And you will not disrespect me again.”
I claw at his wrist, but his strength is overwhelming. Alpha blood runs in my veins, but he is still stronger.
Still dominant.
Still my Alpha.
Dark spots creep into my vision.
Then he drops me.
I hit the floor hard, coughing, dragging air into my burning lungs while gripping my throat.
“You never cease to amaze me,” I rasp. “Turning on your own son… you cruel bastard.”
He does not react.
“You will marry her in one week,” he says coldly. “I want my heir.”
Not a grandchild.
An heir.
I push myself to my feet.
Every instinct in me wants to fight him.
But not today.
I walk toward the door. Just before I leave, I look back over my shoulder.
“You stay away from her, old man,” I say quietly.
“I'll give you what you want.”
Then I leave before he has a chance to respond.
- Writer
