Chapter 8
1563 Words
The next day started off badly.
I had a fever—probably caught a chill in that lake. And honestly, I looked like hell.
Mom wanted to cancel the meeting with Roxana, but Dad was against it. Until three in the afternoon, they were feeding me all sorts of potions and medications. When that didn’t help, Mom called in a nurse with an IV.
An hour later, I was feeling fine—pickled, but crunchy.
“There you go, darling,” Dad said. “If she’s making jokes, she must be okay. You two head to the meeting with Roxana, and afterward, maybe we can all have dinner together since we missed it yesterday.”
“Alright, dear,” Mom replied, although she sounded tense. “I just have a strange feeling about this.”
“What could possibly go wrong?” Dad chuckled. “Clara will meet the alpha, pay her a few compliments, and you’ll both come home happy.”
“Still… I don’t know. I can’t shake this unease,” Mom said.
“Mom, relax. It’s not like this is some arranged marriage meeting. Just an introduction. I read up on Roxana—seems like we’ll have plenty to talk about.”
“You read about her?” Dad looked surprised.
“Yes. Why are you both surprised? I like to be prepared. Preparation is half the battle, right? Isn’t that what you always say?”
“It is,” Dad nodded slowly. “But not this time. Most of what you’ve read about her probably isn’t true. Roxana and her alpha are ruthless. They don’t forgive mistakes.”
“Ashton,” Mom warned him gently, “not now.”
“Alright, Dad. I get it. I’ll be careful with my words.”
“That’s my smart girl. If anything happens and you’re not sure how to react, let your mother do the talking.”
“Okay,” I agreed.
At four, a stylist arrived to do my hair and makeup. Mom brought me a little black dress.
“What’s all this for?” I asked.
“Your future might depend on Roxana’s opinion. Better to make a good impression.”
“Fine,” I sighed.
The driver picked us up at five sharp and took us to Four Seasons restaurant. Roxana had reserved the entire rooftop terrace for the occasion. The weather was perfect—May in full bloom, warm enough to feel like summer.
Mom adjusted my hair.
“Smile, sweetheart. You’re beautiful.”
“Mooom, you’re embarrassing me,” I blushed.
“You must know your worth, Clara. Otherwise, someone else will define it for you—and cheapen what’s most precious.”
“I don’t think beauty is the most precious thing I have, Mom.”
“I’m not talking about beauty. I mean your honor, Clara. For people like us, that’s everything.”
We took the elevator to the 56th floor.
The maître d’ was waiting as the doors opened.
“Mrs. Clarke,” he nodded politely. “Miss, Madam Gray is expecting you.”
“She’s already here?” Mom asked.
“Yes. She brought her daughter.”
“I see. Thank you, Roger. We’ll take it from here.”
At the table sat a stunning woman and a teenage girl—about fifteen. Cute, but completely unkempt.
“Roxana, darling, it’s so good to see you,” Mom greeted her with her usual mask of charm. “You look ravishing as always.”
“Laura,” Roxana replied with a forced smile. “You haven’t changed either. When did I last see you? Two years ago?”
“Yes,” Mom’s voice stiffened slightly. “When I introduced you to my eldest daughter.”
“Ah yes, Dara, wasn’t it?”
“Yes,” Mom confirmed with a nod.
“And how is Dara?”
“She’s doing great. Second-year law student. One of the top in her class. But today I’ve come to introduce my youngest daughter. This is Clara.”
She gently nudged me forward.
I met the alpha’s gaze. Roxana looked me over like I was a product she might—or might not—buy.
“Not bad. The Clarke family does have good genes. I must say, there’s something... unusual about the girl.” She gestured to the seats. “Well then, sit down. Wine?”
Glasses of sparkling wine were poured.
“What’s your name, beautiful? Tell me something about yourself.”
“My name is Clara, and it’s a great honor to meet you in person, Madam Gray.”
“Roxana,” she interrupted. “I prefer to be called by name.”
“Roxana,” I repeated respectfully. “I’m finishing my degree at St. Mark’s College. I study Art history ”
“Oh?” Roxana raised a brow, unimpressed. “The older sister’s a lawyer, and you’re... an art historian?”
“Yes,” I said, catching Mom’s disapproving look.
“Well, for girls like you, education doesn’t matter anyway.”
I wanted to argue, but Mom stopped me with a subtle touch.
“Art history is a profession, Mom,” said the teenage girl beside her. “You, of all people, should know that. Your auction house moves billions in artwork every year.”
Roxana gave her daughter a sharp glare.
“Elisabeth, I don’t give you a word”
“Sorry, Mother,” the girl shrank back.
“In any case,” Roxana said, turning back to me, “you’re quite the charming little thing. We shouldn’t delay your marriage for long. Wouldn’t want something... unfortunate to happen and ruin your future.”
“What? Marriage?” I blurted. “But I just turned eighteen yesterday!”
I definitely hadn’t expect that coming.
“Clara,” Mom said calmly, “you should listen to Roxana. She knows what she’s talking about.”
I looked at her in disbelief.
“I understand your confusion,” the alpha continued, “but you’re of age now. There’s nothing wrong with finding a mate and marrying. You’ll thank me later.”
I tried to stand, but Mom’s grip on my hand tightened.
“Yes, Roxana,” she said. “We’re grateful. Clara just doesn’t yet understand how lucky she is.”
“Exactly. You should explain, Laura, what a great honor it is to be bonded to a wolf—especially at such a young age.”
“And whom am I supposed to marry?” I asked, realizing no one cared about my opinion. “Your son, Roxana?”
The moment the words left my lips, I regretted them. Why the hell did I bring up him? That creep. Based on what Victor and Dara had told me, he was a deranged pervert.
I glanced at Mom. She had gone pale. Roxana was glaring at me, furious. Only Elisabeth laughed out loud.
“Ambitious, aren’t you, Clara?” she said. “Mother would love to marry him off to someone decent, but he’s not exactly the mate-seeking type.”
“Elisabeth, silence,” Roxana snapped.
“Forgive me, Roxana,” I said quickly. “You misunderstood—I didn’t mean— I just don’t want to get married yet. I think I’m too young.”
“You’re young, foolish, and mouthy,” Roxana said with a smile. “There might be something in you worth shaping.”
My stomach dropped.
“You must be joking, Mom,” Elisabeth muttered.
“Another word, daughter, and you’ll regret it. I won’t repeat myself. And you, Clara—step forward.”
I didn’t want to, but Mom pushed me up. I approached our pack’s alpha reluctantly. Roxana circled me like a predator, sniffing, studying. My sweat turned cold. Was I reeking of fear? Because I sure as hell felt it.
She stopped in front of me—then slapped me hard across the face.
“Clara!” Mom screamed.
“You filthy little w***e, Clara Clarke.”
“What?” I blinked, stunned.
“You want to marry my son?” Roxana shouted. “No wolf would even look at you—except as an omega.”
“What are you talking about? I don’t understand—” I looked to Mom for help. She just covered her mouth and shook her head.
“Don’t understand?” Roxana sneered. “Didn’t your mother teach you what happens when you spread your legs too early? You’ve been marked, slut. You reek of some wolf.”
“This must be a mistake,” I whispered. My face was white.
“Clara, is it true?” Mom asked, her voice trembling.
“No! I only learned about werewolves a week ago. I can’t be marked! You’re wrong!”
“Still denying it?” Roxana spat in my face.
“Have some shame. You’re standing before your alpha.”
“Roxana,” Mom finally found her voice. “Could this be a mistake? Clara’s a homebody—she’s never even had a boyfriend.”
“There’s no mistake, Laura. I’m sorry, but you’ve raised a cheap little omega. Explain things to her. She’ll start her duties next week. And if she dares defy the order—remind her the entire family pays the price.”
She paused. “The first law of the pack is total obedience to the alpha.”
- Writer
