Tethered By Fate

Chapter Six

I was halfway through pretending that dry scrambled eggs could erase all my life problems when my name rang out across the dining hall like a battle cry.

“Lily!”

Fork halfway to my mouth, I froze.

Every conversation around me stopped. Like, full sitcom-style record scratch.

I turned, slowly.

One of Killan’s enforcers stood by the main doors, arms crossed, looking like he’d rather be anyway else.

“Alpha Killan wants you. Now.”

Of course he does.

I plastered on a polite-ish smile, slid my tray away like it had personally offended me, and stood up with all the dignity I could muster in yesterday’s hoodie and a mood that screamed do not approach.

The silence lingered as I walked past tables of werewolves trying not to stare. Spoiler: they stared anyway.

His office was as warm and welcoming as a tax audit. Dark wood, leather chairs, zero charm. Alpha Killan sat behind his desk like a man born to rule, back straight, gaze hard enough to chip granite.

I straightened. “You wanted to see me?”

“Yes,” Killan said. “Sit.”

It wasn’t a suggestion.

I sat.

He didn’t waste time. “You’re leaving this afternoon with Alpha Tristan.”

My stomach dropped. “What?”

“You’re his mate.”

“I never agreed—”

“You don’t need to.” Killan’s tone was sharp enough to flay skin. “You are his mate and therefore his luna.”

I stood, hands shaking. “I’m not a piece of property.”

“No,” he said, with a cold smile. “You’re a member of this pack. Which means I have a duty to uphold the alliance that your mating secures. We’ve already accepted the transfer. You leave today.”

I opened my mouth again, rage building,but he cut me off.

“You think I’d risk war with one of the most powerful packs in the country over your tantrum?”

That was the dagger–clean, cold and final.

This was happening.

Packing didn’t take long. Since I had already gathered my things prior to my conversation with Tristan yesterday, so I just shoved what was left inside the bag.

One bag.

It was almost embarrassing.

I was dragging the bag down the stairs when Tristan plucked it from my hand like it weighed nothing.

“I’ve got it,” I said, tugging at the handle of my embarrassingly light duffel.

Tristan didn’t even blink. “It’s not a competition, Lily. Let me help.”

“I’m not helpless,” I snapped, clutching the strap tighter.

“No one said you were. But you don’t have to do everything on your own.”

The words hit harder than I expected, and I hated that he said them like he meant it.

I looked away. “I’ve been doing fine by myself.”

He took the bag from my hand gently, not yanking, not arguing,just taking. “Yeah. I can see that.”

“Was that sarcasm?”

I crossed my arms. “You’re frustrating.”

“So are you,” he muttered, loading my bag into the SUV like it weighed nothing. “But here we are.”

We drove in silence.

Which was fine by me.

I leaned my head against the cool window, watching trees blur into nothing. It was oddly peaceful, the hum of the engine and the rhythm of the road working better than any lullaby.

Maybe it was the exhaustion. Or maybe it was the emotional whiplash of the past twenty-four hours. Either way, sleep won.

The last thing I remember was the sun hitting the dashboard and Tristan glancing over like he wanted to say something but didn’t.

Then darkness.

“Lily,” came a voice, soft but close.

A gentle touch nudged my arm.

“Hey,” Tristan said again, quieter this time. “We’re here.”

My eyelids fluttered open.

For a moment, I forgot where I was. Then I saw him—Alpha trench coat and all—leaning in from the open car door, eyes softer than I expected.

I blinked the sleep out of my lashes. “Did I drool?”

“Not noticeably,” he said, lips twitching.

I groaned and sat up, rubbing my eyes. The scent of something expensive and clean hit me before I even stepped out.

I stepped out of the SUV and forgot how to breathe.

In front of me stood what could only be described as a mansion. No, a magazine-cover mansion.

The mansion in front of me looked like it had been pulled straight out of a luxury magazine. Tall, symmetrical and impossible to ignore, the entire structure was built with elegant beige stonework, the kind that gleamed softly under the afternoon light. Smooth white trimming framed the massive arched windows and the gray-slated roof added contrast that somehow made the whole thing feel more expensive.

The double front doors sat high up a wide set of pale stone steps, flanked by two regal columns that held up a small balcony. The kind of balcony that probably wasn’t for standing on, just for showing off that you could.

Manicured hedges bordered a lush green lawn and there was even a curved circular drive wide enough to fit five cars across. The entire estate radiated quiet wealth—not loud or showy, just… solid.

I swallowed and stepped out fully, glancing up at the third floor and all its dormer windows. “This is your house?”

Tristan was already pulling my bag from the trunk. “Yes,” he replied casually.

“It’s… really beautiful,” I said quietly, more to myself than to him.

He gave a small nod. “It’s home.”

I glanced up again, still taking it in. “It looks peaceful.”

He looked at me then, something unreadable passed through his eyes. Then he turned and started toward the door, my bag slung over his shoulder.

I followed, slower. Still trying to convince myself this was real.

And still not sure I belonged here.

A woman was already waiting at the entrance, flanked by two others. All of them in crisp black uniforms that looked tailored and expensive.

“This is Mia,” Tristan said, nodding toward the woman in front. “Head of staff.”

“Welcome, Luna,” she said with a respectful nod.

I blinked. “I’m not—”

“You are,” Tristan interrupted.

I gritted my teeth so hard I might’ve fractured a molar.

Mia and her team swept into action before I could argue, taking my single bag like it was a priceless artifact and ushering me up the mansion steps.

Inside? A dream.

Marble floors stretched out beneath a chandelier that looked like it belonged in a palace. Twin staircases curved up on either side, railings dark and ornate against soft cream walls. The ceiling soared, crowned with gold trim and delicate carvings.

It was grand. Too grand. Like stepping into silent, polished, and expensive museum.

I barely had time to absorb it before Mia led me upstairs, past guest rooms and private quarters, straight to his room.

Which—of course—was a penthouse suite on steroids.

A king-sized bed framed by moody lighting. Black and slate-gray tones. Built-in fireplace. Floor-to-ceiling windows with a view that looked like something out of a luxury travel magazine. And an en-suite bathroom big enough to host a party.

“This is yours and Alpha Tristan’s room” Mia said gently.

I stopped cold.

Footsteps approached behind us.

Tristan appeared in the doorway, his gaze sweeping the room before landing on me, clearly scowling at him.

“Problem?” he asked, voice dry.

“I’m not sleeping here.”

His brow twitched. “Why not?”

“This is your room.”

“Yes. And you’re my mate.”

“That doesn’t mean I want to share your bed!”

“You’ve already got your stuff in here,” he pointed out.

“I didn’t put it there!”

Mia slipped out quietly.

My eyes narrowed. “That’s not how consent works.”

He stalked forward, towering over me without touching. “You’re my mate. You are not going to be sleeping in some guest room like a stranger. You’re not just visiting. This is your home now.”

I stared at him, heart pounding, chest tight.

“I need space,” I said, voice quieter this time.

His jaw flexed. “Fine. You can have the bed. I’ll take the couch.”

I hesitated. “You’re not going to force me?”

He looked offended. “I’m not a monster, Lily. I want you to choose me. Not fear me.”

I hated that he said that in a voice so honest it scraped the walls I’d built.

Instead, I walked to the far side of the bed and sat down, spine stiff.

He watched for a beat, then turned and walked into the en-suite.

When I heard the water start running, I exhaled for the first time in what felt like forever.

Laura’s voice was soft. You expected the worst.

“I always do,” I whispered.

And he didn’t give it.

I lay back against the stupid, soft bed with arms folded.

This wasn’t over.

This wasn’t even the beginning.

But for now… I could breathe.