Chapter ten
977 Words
Are you out of your mind, boy?” Elijah’s voice thundered, his eyes burning with fury as he glared at his son.
“She started it,” Alfie growled, rubbing his half-twisted wrist. “You saw it with your own eyes.”
“I know you better than that.” Elijah’s stare was unrelenting. He knew Casey and Chloe were watching, and his voice sharpened. “You will apologize—and it will never happen again.”
“You really want me to apologize?” Alfie’s pride bristled, insult heavy in his tone.
“Let me talk sense to him,” Savanna cut in. She placed a hand on her son’s arm, forcing him to meet her eyes. Her voice was steady, but sharp as glass. “Forget for a moment that you are an Alpha’s heir. That girl—she is the most fragile person you will ever meet. Do not mistake her moments of strength for resilience. Inside she is far more complicated than you realize. And if you want her, because I can see that you do, then start acting like her husband—not like the future Alpha.”
Her hand slipped from his arm, and she walked away to join Angely.
Ava appeared at his side, handing him a glass of whiskey. “I must admit, dear brother, that was refreshing,” she giggled.
“You know you’re the most irritating person sometimes,” Alfie muttered, tossing back the drink in a single swallow. “But Mother is right.”
Ava tilted her head, eyes glinting. “And what will you do about it?”
“Flowers. Dates. Movies. Whatever makes a girl’s heart melt.”
“I’m not sure that’s what she wants,” Ava said with a sigh. “But you could always ask Chloe.”
His gaze shifted instantly. Across the room, Casey was laughing softly at something Chloe said, though even from here Alfie could tell—it was a forced laugh. Her real smile, the rare, bright one, only came when she leaned against Payton. He watched her rest her head on her brother’s shoulder, and something twisted sharp inside his chest.
“Can I give you some advice?” Angely’s voice broke into his thoughts as she approached.
Alfie straightened. “Anything that can make this marriage work,” he said, forcing a smile.
Her eyes, however, were cold. “It won’t work unless she trusts you. Look at her and Payton—do you know how long it took him to earn that bond? Half a year. He was patient. He was relentless. And he succeeded because he understood her silence. So you have a choice: betray her trust and force her, or prove yourself worthy. And I’ll tell you the truth—you’ll fail if all you want is her body.”
The words cut deeper than any reprimand from his father. Angely’s voice left no room for denial. For the first time, Alfie felt like a schoolboy being scolded—and it burned. He gave a curt nod, ending the conversation, and turned away, disappointment thick in his chest.
---
Outside the room, Riley stood in the shadows, unseen. He hadn’t wanted to come. He’d told his mother he would be late because of “business,” but when he saw Casey—saw her standing there in her champagne dress, fragile and fierce all at once—his heart broke. His brother was about to claim the only girl he had ever truly wanted.
Riley’s fists clenched. For a brief second, his eyes flicked to Savanna. Maybe she would understand. Maybe she would help him. But then glasses were raised, voices lifted, and everyone toasted the newly engaged couple.
Riley stepped back into the dark hallway. Relief washed over him as no one noticed his retreat. He pulled out his phone.
Tell Mom I’ve got a meeting. I won’t be there. He sent the message to Ava.
Her reply came seconds later.
You’re joking. It’s your brother’s engagement.
Urgent business, Riley typed, then shut off his phone.
---
Casey hadn’t seen him, but her wolf stirred uneasily. Beneath the heavy scent of Alphas and their kin, she caught the trace of an unfamiliar wolf. Too faint, too muddled to place, but it prickled at her senses. She shook it off as laughter rose again and champagne flowed.
She stared down at her hand. For a fleeting heartbeat she thought she felt something—a warmth, a spark—but it faded, leaving only emptiness.
Ava glided to her side, her perfect model’s smile firmly in place, and clasped Casey’s hand. “I know my brother can be a tough nut, darling. But he’s not half as bad as he seems.”
“That almost sounds like a compliment,” Chloe muttered, glaring.
“We all have our duties,” Ava replied smoothly, flashing one sharp, polished claw. “They shape us differently.”
“I’m sure he can be a good match,” Casey interrupted quickly, tugging Chloe’s arm before she could say more. Her forced smile returned. “We just need to find common ground.”
Ava’s gaze slid to Payton, who stood nearby, watching her too intently. She smirked and drifted away without another word. Casey followed her with her eyes, then noticed her brother’s expression—too focused, too vulnerable. She remembered his confession once, whispered late at night: that he admired Ava.
But Ava Satton, the girl who cycled through lovers like seasons, would never even look at him twice. As Beta’s son, Payton could never be enough for her. And he knew it.
Casey’s chest tightened. She turned back to Chloe, her voice dropping to a whisper only her friend could hear.
“This whole family,” she said bitterly, “is a disaster for McRory.”
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