SLEEPING MY WAY INTO YOUR HEART

"Seraphina, I’ve arranged a meeting for you this weekend," came the steady voice of my father, Alpha Lucian, breaking the silence in the room. I stood facing him, quietly looking up at the most powerful man I had ever known. My father’s study was expansive, exuding an aura of authority and power. The family crests hung on the walls, while the candlelight reflected off a classic chandelier, casting a warm yet solemn glow. I could clearly sense the oak scent mingling with the soft smoke of the candles, a familiar but heavy presence. My father sat in a large armchair behind his polished ebony desk. He scrutinized me with sharp eyes, making it clear that refusal was not an option. "Your match is Eamon, Alpha of the Blood River pack," he continued. "He is a man of great renown—wealthy, intelligent, talented, and rather cunning. He single-handedly built the Blood River pack from the ground up, transforming it into one of the strongest wolf packs in this city." Eamon... I had heard of him. A young and powerful Alpha, famous for his striking looks and exceptional skills. They said he showed no mercy to any enemy, whether human or wolf. He had commanded the respect of the entire city, a place where the weak could not survive. I clenched my hands, feeling the chill of my fingers. "Yes, Father," I replied softly. I knew I had no choice. As Alpha Lucian’s daughter, it was my duty to uphold the family’s honor, and if marrying Eamon would strengthen our pack’s position, I was prepared to make that sacrifice. Father looked at me for a long moment, seemingly searching for any sign of defiance in my eyes. When he found none, he gave a slight nod. "Good. Go rest. You need to prepare well for this meeting." I bowed my head slightly and left the room without another word. The heavy wooden door creaked as I opened it, then closed behind me, blocking out my father’s scrutinizing gaze. The hallway outside my father’s study was elegantly decorated with a red carpet running its length, and the soft golden light from the wall sconces illuminated the ancient family crests. I walked, trying to calm my nerves, but a vague sense of unease lingered in my heart. As I rounded the corner of the hallway, a familiar figure blocked my path. Elisia—my stepsister with whom I’d never had a close bond. Elisia had always been the one my father favored and doted on, despite not being his biological child. She inherited her mother’s golden hair and the bright blue eyes that sparkled like the sea, always with an air of arrogance. Elisia stood there, draped in her usual elegant and glamorous attire, but I knew she harbored a deep-seated envy toward me. Her sharp blue eyes scanned me from head to toe, glinting with disdain as I emerged from our father’s study. "You’re quite fortunate, Seraphina," Elisia said, her voice sweet but laced with mockery. She crossed her arms over her chest, leaning against the marble wall with a smug expression. "Do you know how many girls would kill for a chance to meet Eamon? A young, talented Alpha who’s also wealthy. But you’re the chosen one… how lucky." I could sense the sarcasm in her tone. Sometimes, Elisia’s words felt like a slap to the face. But I wasn’t someone easily provoked. "Yes, it’s a meeting I won’t refuse," I replied, keeping my tone even. "But I don’t think luck has anything to do with it. Perhaps Eamon chose me for my skills and appearance, rather than by mere chance." Elisia smirked, her crimson lips curling into a disdainful smile. "You’re really lucky. A man like Eamon is quite a prize. But are you sure he’ll choose you? Maybe he prefers sweet and gentle women, like me." I knew Elisia was trying to provoke me, but I wouldn’t let myself be drawn into her game. "No matter what kind of woman he likes," I responded calmly, "I will fulfill my duty. And if this marriage brings benefits to both our packs, then it’s the best outcome." Elisia’s smile faded, her red lips pressing into a thin line. Clearly, I had struck a nerve. But she wasn’t one to admit defeat easily. Elisia stepped closer, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret. "Are you sure?" Elisia asked, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Do you really think he’ll still be interested if he finds out about your heart condition? An Alpha like Eamon needs a strong wife, not a frail girl who might collapse at any moment. Are you certain he’s willing to take that risk?" A shiver ran down my spine. Elisia always knew how to strike at my weakest point, and she did it with undisguised pleasure. But I had learned not to show any vulnerability in front of her. I gave a light laugh, a smile full of challenge. "It seems you’re very concerned about me, Elisia. Don’t worry, if Eamon learns about my condition, it will only make him appreciate me more. Because not everyone can rise above adversity like I have." I stepped closer, reducing the distance between us to mere inches. I stared straight into her cold blue eyes, emphasizing each word. "What about you, Elisia? You always act so noble, but the truth is you’re lazy and irresponsible. One day, you might end up marrying a man just like you—someone who only knows how to leech off others and indulge himself." Elisia’s eyes widened, her face flushing with anger. I could see the fury spreading across her features, her cheeks turning red with embarrassment and rage. Elisia clenched her teeth, her eyes blazing as if she wanted to burn me alive. "You think you’re better than me?" she hissed, her voice sharp. "You’re just a pretty puppet our father uses as a political tool. You’re nothing more than obedience and submission. One day, you’ll realize that everything you have is just an illusion!" I kept my serene smile, refusing to let her see that her words had affected me. "I don’t need love or recognition from anyone, Elisia. I only need strength, and I’ll achieve that on my own. As for you, keep dreaming—because that’s all you have."