Fated To The Enemy

A meal fit for a king

The dining room buzzed with chatter as guests from the Silver Star Pack mingled with members of the Swan Lake Pack. I felt the weight of formality pressing down on me, each step toward the head table heavier than the last.

When I finally reached it, my eyes fell on Alpha Marcus, seated at the table like a king surveying his court. He looked younger than his years, his mid thirties hidden behind features that seemed carved from stone. With high cheekbones, a strong jaw, and piercing eyes, he was undeniably handsome. There was an allure to him, a magnetism that could draw anyone in—but not me. Not anymore.

I slid into my seat beside him, careful to keep my expression neutral, though my pulse betrayed my nerves. Ethan was on his other side, the three of us forming a picture-perfect representation of two powerful families uniting. But the reality felt anything but secure.

If it weren’t for the mate pull I’d felt the night before, I might have admired Marcus more. His commanding presence could have been captivating, but now I could only see him as a polished work of art—beautiful, but distant.

At the head of the table, my father sat like a statue, his icy gaze fixed on me. My father the mighty Alpha Victor had always been an imposing figure, but tonight his scrutiny was especially harsh. For reasons I will probably never understand. Every glance felt like a silent command, a reminder of the expectations weighing down on my shoulders.

“Be on perfect behavior and give Marcus a good reason to want you as his Luna,” his cold voice slithered through our mind link. “Do not embarrass me.”

I gave him the smallest nod, keeping my face serene despite the knot tightening in my chest. His words were more than a reminder; they were a threat.

Beside him, my mother, Amelia, radiated calm. She caught my eye and offered a small, reassuring smile, but even her quiet strength couldn’t fully soothe the tension in the air. My younger brother, Jacob, was the only bright spot. He winked at me playfully, his grin a welcome break from the suffocating formality. At least someone at this table saw me as more than just a pawn.

Across from me, my fathers Beta and his mate smiled warmly, seemingly oblivious to the frost emanating from my father. I envied their ignorance.

The long table groaned under the weight of Mrs Dawsond feast, every dish arranged with care and precision. Platters of roasted meats, their golden-brown skins glistening, sat alongside bowls of fragrant vegetables seasoned with herbs from the packs garden.

There were buttery rolls that practically melted in your mouth, and a hearty stew simmered in a silver tureen, its aroma rich and inviting. A whole roasted swan—a nod to the pack’s namesake—served as the centerpiece, its crispy skin and delicate stuffing a testament to Mrs. Dawson’s talent.

Mrs. Dawson herself flitted in and out of the dining room, her apron slightly askew, a proud but frazzled expression on her face. She caught my eye briefly and gave me a quick smile, one that warmed me more than the food ever could.

For a fleeting moment, I felt like a child again, sitting at her kitchen counter and sneaking bites of dough while she pretended not to notice. But then my father’s sharp gaze brought me back to the present.

As the conversation flowed around the table, Marcus turned to me, his gaze lingering. “Lila, I’d like to know more about you. What are some things you’re interested in?”

It was a simple question, but under my father’s watchful eyes, it felt like a test. I hesitated a moment too long before mustering a small smile. “I’ve always had a deep connection to our pack lands. There’s something special about their natural beauty.”

Marcus leaned in slightly, his expression curious but expectant. “What is it about your lands that you love so much?”

My gaze softened as I answered, but I could still feel the chill of my father’s stare. “It’s the whole experience—the forests, the meadows, the animals. It feels like every part of the land has a story to tell.”

Ethan, who had been quiet until now, perked up. “Animals? What kind of animals?”

His enthusiasm was a welcome distraction. I couldn’t help but smile as I replied. “We have deer in the meadows, smaller creatures in the underbrush, and swans by the lake. They’re the namesake of our pack.”

Ethan’s eyes lit up. “Swans? Really? Can I see them?”

“Of course,” I said, glancing at Marcus, hoping Ethan’s excitement would sway him. “I could take you to the lake after we finish here.”

Marcus’s expression softened as he looked at his son. “What do you think, Ethan? Does that sound like a plan?”

Ethan nodded eagerly. “Yes! I’d love to see them!”

Victor’s voice cut through my mind again, cold and unrelenting. “Do not forget why you’re here. This isn’t about playing tour guide.”

I swallowed hard, keeping my face calm as I turned back to Marcus. “Great. Let’s make it the plan,” I said softly, avoiding my father’s glare.

Marcus nodded, his approval a small relief. “That sounds like a great idea.”

As the conversation moved on to lighter topics, I couldn’t shake the chill of my father’s gaze. He didn’t need to say anything else. His disapproval was etched in every line of his face, a constant reminder that to him, I was nothing more than a means to an end.

The room was alive with chatter and laughter, but for me, the air was cold, heavy with the weight of unspoken demands. No matter how warm the room seemed, my father’s icy presence was inescapable as always.