The grand dining room of Alpha Adrian's mansion was a temple of polished silence, reflecting the modern, clean sophistication of the entire estate. Recessed lights cast a cool glow on minimalist art, illuminating the expanse of a table set with meticulous precision. Luca sat ramrod straight, his two younger sisters across from him, their mother, Harlow, occupying the nearest chair to the Head's left. All waited, breath held, in the stifling, strict atmosphere that defined every meal under Adrian's roof. A subtle hum from the mansion's ventilation system was the only sound permitted, a silent backdrop to their quiet anticipation.
Alpha Adrian entered, his large, long strides echoing the undeniable power he wielded. He moved with an almost aggressive grace, placing himself at the head of the table. A faint, self-satisfied smile touched his lips as his family, in unison, bowed their heads and bared their necks in a ritual morning greeting. None dared to meet his eyes, their deference a silent testament to his demand for absolute perfection.
"Eat!" Adrian's single word, sharp and absolute, cut through the tension, a command that breathed life back into the jittery occupants of the chairs. He glanced to his left, where Harlow, his mate, offered him a loving smile. She was a woman expertly crafted, refined over years to be the perfect, obedient partner he desired, her strong, cold elegance mirroring his own exacting nature.
From beneath lowered lashes, Elizabeth risked a glance at her father, her stomach churning with the worry she and her sister shared. It had become undeniably clear their fated mates were either not in the pack, or certainly not yet of age. Their father, for reasons known only to him, had begun to aggressively hint at their impending "exploration of the world"—a flimsy excuse, they both knew, to parade them before other packs in search of suitable alliances. The unspoken threat of arranged marriages hung heavy in the air.
Missy caught her sister's eye, a silent, urgent plea for Elizabeth to speak. Say something, her gaze urged. Don't let us settle for a political arrangement.
When a servant quietly placed her breakfast before her, Missy offered a subtle nod of thanks, careful not to speak aloud. Direct interaction with the help was forbidden; in their father's estimation, servants were the weakest of the pack, their mere ability to serve more than enough reward.
"Father, I was wondering if umm… I mean, I would like to, perhaps, with your blessing—" Elizabeth's words stumbled, and Missy winced. Her father loathed hesitation, demanded clarity. Be clear and concise, Missy thought, a mental kick to herself, swiftly followed by a real one to Elizabeth's ankle under the table.
"I just wanted to ask if we could be given more time to find our mates. I don't want to bond with someone who wasn't fated for me," Elizabeth finally managed, the words tumbling out, though she feared they would land on empty ears.
Harlow, her expression softening almost imperceptibly, looked at her daughters. She understood their plea. If they were a normal family, unburdened by power and Alpha status, she would champion their right to true happiness. But her heart, though it bled for the potential sacrifice of her daughters' fated mates, knew the necessity. The pack superseded everything—happiness, joy, even the euphoria of a true mate. The pack was duty, responsibility, a burden her daughters, too, would have to bear.
Adrian, unmoved by the soft dejection in his daughter's voice, deliberately sliced into his sausage. His decision had been made long ago; these conversations were merely a formality, a way for them to prepare for his unwavering will. Instead of answering directly, he turned his gaze to Luca. "At this moment, would you pass the Warriors' exam?" he asked, his tone cutting through the quiet.
Luca's mind had drifted, as it had almost every day since his encounter with the beta's daughter. He couldn't get her out of his head. Her scent had been an overwhelming, terrifying potency, leaving him embarrassed when he finally returned to his senses. Since that moment, since laying eyes on Trinity, he felt a fundamental shift. He finally understood the missing connection with his wolf, something he'd assumed was always intact. He'd dismissed his struggles as laziness or a lack of ability, as his father often stated. But it was simpler: he hadn't been in sync with his wolf. When Trinity's scent had narrowed his world down to a burning desire, the pieces had clicked. He finally felt whole, aligned with his wolf. His training attempts since had revealed a threefold increase in his abilities. He wasn't lazy or stupid; he'd simply been a little stupid for not noticing.
"Sweetheart, your father asked you a question." Harlow's gentle voice pulled him back, a subtle warning against his father's impending wrath.
Luca looked between his sisters and his father, perfectly understanding the Alpha's tactic. He was drawing a stark line between his sisters' unhappiness and his own perceived failures. "No, Alpha, I would not pass the exam."
Alpha Adrian turned back to his daughters, shrugging, his expression conveying all the answers they needed. If their brother wasn't so useless, if his answer had been different, they wouldn't be in such a rush.
The breakfast continued in weighted silence. Soon enough, Luca was dismissed, finally able to leave the oppressive table and head to the warrior house—anything to escape this hellhole. As he walked, he easily sensed his younger sisters trailing behind him, trying to catch up.
"What?" he asked, trying for gentleness, but it came out harsher than intended.
"We don't blame you! We don't! I know it's the Alpha," Missy spoke to his back, even though her brother wouldn't turn around and look at them.
Luca knew they were just being kind. He was at fault more than they would ever know. If he wasn't so embarrassed, he would tell them about his failure to become centered with his wolf. But he didn't want to be even more of an irresponsible of a brother.
"I'll do better." He marched off, leaving them with those few parting words.
As he got closer to the warrior house, he spotted his friend just ahead with a black-haired female, chatting happily. Luca wondered if it was her. He hadn't seen the beta's daughter since that almost-breakfast. He was curious about her. Would she still be as intriguing without her heat?