CLAIMED BY MY FIANCE’S STEP BROTHER

CHAPTER 2

DAPHNE POV.

“Your father requested that you come down to greet your future husband,” one of the maids said.

I looked at my reflection one last time. The gown was tight enough to show every curve, the makeup flawless. My father had paid for the best so I would look presentable and the Alpha would want to finalize the marriage before he discovered I was no longer pure. I hated the feeling of being put on display, but it didn’t matter what I hated.

I followed the guard to the living room. The doors opened and I found two young handsome men alongside my father, waiting for me. My eyes locked in the taller one and my legs almost gave out.

“Don’t just stand there,” my father snapped. He put a hand on my back and shoved me forward. “This is my eldest daughter, Daphne Watson.”

The blond one stepped closer first. “Alpha Nathan of Crystal Pack.” He took my hand and brushed his lips across my knuckles with practiced courtesy.

Then my father turned to the other man, the one I already knew. His voice cooled. “And this is his Stepbrother, Alpha Lucian of the Rogues.”

Lucian was taller up close, darker with sharper facial features. He took my hand and lifted it to his mouth. His lips lingered a second longer than necessary. When he raised his eyes, he winked.

He remembered. Of course he did.

My pulse slammed against my throat. Sweat gathered at the base of my spine.

Nathan’s gaze sharpened. “You look unwell.”

I swallowed and forced a thin smile. “I expected someone older when I was told I would be marrying the Crystal Alpha.”

Nathan’s mouth curved, charming and easy. “I hope you are not disappointed.”

“No. Of course not.”

My father gestured toward the dining room, still wearing that false smile. “Shall we? The chef prepared your favorites specially for tonight.”

**********.

The cook brought the first course. Steam rose from the plates. I kept my eyes on the food and tried not to react to the weight of Lucian’s stare. He was supposed to be a stranger from one reckless night, not the stepbrother of the man I was about to marry.

I looked up by accident and caught his striking blue eyes daring me to speak the secret out loud. Heat crawled up my neck and I forced my gaze back to my plate.

I had no appetite.

“Wouldn’t you try your food?” Nathan asked gently. He reached over and served a portion onto my plate. “You should. They are delicious.”

I managed a thin smile. “Thank you.”

Lucian leaned back in his chair, still watching me. “I think your bride is just shy around men. I heard pure virgin brides don’t quite know how to act around their betrothed.”

My eyes snapped to his. What was he doing?

My father answered before I could. “Alpha Lucian is right. I’ve taken every precaution to make sure both my daughters are suitable for high-ranking wolves. They’ve been homeschooled. No boys or sinful distractions. Alpha Nathan will be her first.”

Nathan’s expression softened. “It’s an honor, Miss Daphne. I promise you won’t regret it.”

Lucian’s mouth curved, but there was nothing friendly in it. “Seems like an extreme measure, don’t you think? Locking someone away like that might push them into rash decisions. Especially when they have no experience to guide them.”

My breath caught. He was talking about the club. About me begging him. About the exact choice that had landed us both at this table. Mockery sat just under the surface of his voice. I swallowed hard feeling something close to hate for him—and for the decision I had made that night.

Nathan, at least, seemed decent.

My father’s smile vanished. He did not like anyone questioning his methods. “Daphne is anything but impulsive.”

It was one of the rare times he had ever defended me. Or rather, defended the business arrangement he was so desperate to keep.

My father and Nathan moved on to pack territory and trade routes. Every so often Nathan turned and asked for my opinion. I answered carefully. My father hated it but he kept his mouth shut. He would not risk displeasing his future son-in-law or the alliance that came with him.

I waited until the first course was cleared, then set my napkin aside.

“Excuse me,” I said quietly. “I need the bathroom.”

My father gave a short nod. Nathan offered a polite smile. Lucian’s eyes stayed fixed on me the entire time I stood. I could feel them burning into my back as I left the dining room.

The second the bathroom door closed behind me I locked it and leaned against the sink. My hands were shaking. If my father noticed how often Lucian looked at me, he was going to question it and make me suffer dearly for it.

I turned on the cold water and splashed my face, then stared at my reflection. I needed to speak to Lucian alone. I needed him to stay silent until the wedding was over and Flora was safe. But how was I supposed to make a man like him keep a secret that could destroy everything?

I dried my hands, squared my shoulders, and unlocked the door.

The moment I stepped out, a hard body pushed me back inside.

“Good to see you again, little liar.” Lucian said as he shut the door behind us.