Liana sat in her father’s study, her nerves barely concealed beneath a mask of indifference. Gareth stood beside her, his confidence infuriatingly unshakable as he presented his plan to her father.
“Sir,” Gareth began, bowing slightly. “I have a proposal that could restore our family’s reputation and strengthen our ties to Alpha Kaelan’s pack.”
Her father, a stern and imposing figure, looked up from the ledger he was examining. “Speak.”
Gareth straightened. “Liana will marry an ally of mine within Kaelan’s pack. He is a man of influence and means, and such a union would reflect favorably on our family. It is an opportunity to mend the disgrace brought upon us.”
Liana’s eyes widened, her composure slipping. “Marry? Who?” she demanded, her voice rising.
“A trusted friend of mine,” Gareth replied smoothly, ignoring her outburst. “He has standing in Kaelan’s pack and would ensure Liana is well-positioned to succeed.”
Her father leaned back in his chair, his expression contemplative. “This is a strategic move,” he mused aloud. “One that could salvage our name and restore some of our standing.”
“No!” Liana snapped, her fists clenched. “I will not marry some nobody! Kaelan is the one I—”
“Enough!” her father barked, his tone sharp and final. “You will not speak of Kaelan again. He has made his choice, and it is not you. This marriage will proceed if it benefits this family. Do you understand?”
Liana’s cheeks burned with humiliation, but before she could argue further, Gareth intervened.
“Liana,” he said, his voice low and mocking, “you’re looking at this all wrong. This isn’t about marrying some ‘nobody.’ It’s about proximity. If you’re in Kaelan’s pack, you’ll have access to Mira. From there, you can earn her forgiveness—or appear to—and wait for the perfect moment to act.”
Liana glared at him, her mind racing. The plan made sense, though it grated against her pride. If playing the part of a contrite sister was what it took to undermine Mira, then so be it.
“Fine,” she spat through gritted teeth. “I’ll do it.”
Gareth’s smirk returned. “Good. Then we’ll leave at dawn.”
***
The morning sun cast a golden glow on the carriage as it rolled toward Kaelan’s territory. Liana stared out the window, her thoughts a tangled web of resentment. Gareth’s plan was clever, but she was determined to turn it to her own advantage.
As they approached the gates of Kaelan’s pack lands, the carriage slowed, and Liana caught her first glimpse of the fortress. The walls loomed high, a testament to the power and authority of the Alpha within.
When the guards halted their procession, Liana stepped out, clutching the forged letters Gareth had prepared. The guards eyed her warily.
“State your purpose,” one of them demanded.
Liana offered her most disarming smile, holding out the letters. “I’ve come to make amends with my sister, Mira,” she said sweetly. “We’ve been estranged, and I wish to rebuild our bond.”