Chapter 0483

His fingers rake through his hair in frustration. "Fine." The word comes out clipped, laced with irritation.

"Good morning." Alpha Dominic strides into the room, his presence commanding. He takes my hands in his, his grip firm. "How did you sleep, darling? I wanted to check on you, but you locked your door." The way he says 'check' makes my skin crawl—I know exactly what he intended.

"I slept well. But we need to leave now." My gaze flicks to my father, who stands rigidly nearby.

His entire posture shifts as he watches the exchange between Alpha Dominic and me. "So, we have an agreement?" he asks, eyes locked on the Alpha.

"Absolutely." Dominic's smile is smug. "I've made it clear to your daughter that she should heed the wisdom of those more experienced. Waiting for a fated mate is a fool's errand. Isn't that right, darling?"

I force a tight-lipped smile, my stomach churning.

"We should go," I say to my father, my voice strained.

Alpha Dominic escorts us to the car. Then, without warning, he yanks me against him, his mouth crashing onto mine, his tongue invading before I can react. I shove him away, my eyes darting to my father—who just climbs into the car without a word.

"Until next time, darling," Dominic murmurs, his smirk making my blood boil.

I scramble into the car, my hands shaking.

The moment we're off pack lands, I explode. "What the actual hell, Dad!"

"Watch your tone, Ivy."

"Like hell I will! You just sold me off to some Alpha like I'm property! That's illegal, in case you forgot!"

"You should be grateful. Alpha Dominic is wealthy, powerful. He can provide for you."

"I don't care about his money! He's twice my age and treats me like a broodmare. He doesn’t want a partner—he wants a servant and an heir factory!"

"You're being ungrateful. I secured you a position as Luna, and this is how you repay me?"

"If he's such a prize, why is he still single?" I snap.

"You will be his mate, Ivy. End of discussion."

I turn away, tears burning my eyes. I can't believe this is happening. I don’t want power or status—I want love. A real mate. Someone who sees me, not just my womb.

Silence fills the car for the rest of the drive.

When we get home, I don’t step inside. I grab my bag and bolt for the trees. My father shouts after me, but I don’t stop. The second I'm hidden by the forest, I shift. Valeria snatches my bag in her jaws, and we sprint to the training grounds—our sanctuary.

I stay there all morning, lost in the rhythm of combat drills, until Grant's message pulls me back.

I'm home.

Relief floods me. I shift back, hurrying to his room. My knocks are frantic.

The door swings open, and there he is—Grant. His smile falters the second he sees my face. I want to collapse into his arms, to let him tell me it’ll be okay. But first, he needs to see.

When he growls, demanding to know if Dominic hurt me, I nearly break. Instead, I whisper, "I need your help," before turning and letting Valeria rise to the surface.

His sharp inhale cuts through the air. For a heartbeat, he just stares. Then his arms wrap around me, and I finally let go—sobbing into his chest as the weight of everything crashes down.