Rylan's POV
I knocked on the study door, my knuckles drumming slowly. The muffled voices inside grew louder, and I felt my brow furrow in concern. I knew he was meeting with someone, and I gripped the white envelope to my chest, my heart racing with anticipation. The door swung open, and my father stood before me, his eyes blazing fiercely. My gaze darted across the room to Daniella, trembling in her seat, her eyes welling up with tears.
My eyebrows shot up in surprise as I turned back to my father. "Father, may I have a word?" I asked, trying to keep my tone neutral. He softened, his expression transforming from anger to a hint of annoyance. He turned to Daniella and barked an order, his voice low and commanding. "Leave my sight, now. Remember what we discussed." Daniella nodded hastily and scrambled out of the room, leaving us alone.
"Come in, son," he said, gesturing for me to take a seat. I hesitated, sensing that something was off. Why was Daniella so upset? And what was she doing in here with my father? But I pushed aside my suspicions and focused on the task at hand. I took a seat and extended the envelope to him. "This is from the kingdom, Father. It was just delivered to me by an omega. It's an invitation for the King's annual ball."
My father's gaze narrowed as he took the envelope from me, his eyes scanning the contents before his expression turned thoughtful. He sat back in his chair, steepling his fingers together as he regarded me.
"Ah, yes. The King's invitation. It was a formal affair, as always. I'm sure you know the importance of attending such events."
I nodded, trying to keep my tone neutral. I was well aware of the significance of attending the royal ball. It was a chance to make connections, to forge alliances, and to advance one's standing in society.
"So, what do you think?" my father asked, his eyes piercing. "The invitation not only includes me as the current alpha and your mother as the luna, but it also includes you and your brothers—as the future alphas of Creek."
I hesitated, unsure of what to say. Part of me was excited at the prospect of attending the ball, but another part was wary. I didn't know what lay ahead, and the thought of navigating the complexities of royal politics made me nervous.
"Rylan, soon it will be time for you and your brothers to take the alpha position," my father said. "You'll need a luna to stand by your side."
I nodded, my mind already racing with the implications. "I know, Father. But I've already made up my mind about who my mate will be. And it's the white wolf."
My father's expression turned stern, his eyes flashing with disapproval. "You're not serious, Rylan. You can't be considering the white wolf as your mate. She's unsuitable for you and wouldn't be a good choice for our pack."
I felt a surge of defiance at his words, but I kept my tone steady. "I've thought this through, Father. The white wolf is the one I want, and I won't compromise on this."
My father's face darkened, his voice taking on a menacing tone. "You'll do what you're told, Rylan. You'll take the daughter of our beta as your luna, and you'll do it without question or complaint."
I felt a shiver run down my spine as he spoke those words. What was he planning, and why was he so adamant about me taking a mate against my will?
"No, father. I refuse." I shook my head and felt my blood boil at the thought of Daniella being my Luna and my mate. I did not feel anything for her, and I could not force something that was not there. It would be wrong for me and my brothers to go against the moon goddess's plans. My father was just being crazy, and I was not about to let him order me about.
My father's eyes narrowed, his expression darkening. "You're not thinking clearly, Rylan. The daughter of our beta is a suitable match for you. She's a strong and capable wolf and would make a fine luna for our pack."
I felt a surge of anger at his words, but I tried to keep my tone calm. "I'm not looking for just any mate, Father. I'm looking for someone who is meant to be with me and understands me and my abilities. And that someone is the white wolf."
My father's face turned red angrily, and he slammed his fist on the desk. "You're being foolish, Rylan! You're putting your desires above the needs of the pack. The daughter of our beta is a good choice for you, and you would be foolish to pass it up."
I felt a sense of frustration wash over me. Why couldn't my father understand? Why couldn't he see that I knew what was best for me?
"I won't do it, Father," I said, my voice firm. "I won't take her as my luna. I'll find someone else, someone who is meant to be with me. Enzo and Edward both agree with me. Rio is stupid enough to allow Daniella to manipulate him, and I will not be a pawn in her games. This pack needs its rightful luna."
My father's expression turned cold, and he leaned forward in his chair. "You're not going to find anyone else, Rylan. You're going to take the daughter of our beta as your Luna, and you're going to do it without question or complaint. I am sick of hearing about this White Wolf fantasy. This pack has already experienced enough humiliation with that stupid omega running off and spreading any rubbish about Creek. We have an image to maintain, and I stand by that. Your mother and brothers will be here shortly, and I want you to announce you will be taking Daniella as your mate."
I felt a shiver run down my spine as he spoke those words. What did he mean? Was he threatening me? And what did he have planned for me?
"No. I'm sorry, but I won't do that. I'll do what I must for my pack and future, Father. Besides, you said you wanted me and my brothers to work together and I don't care what ypibsay about it. Eliza is the white wolf and she is my mate. I saw her at Silver Moon pack. She tried to reject me but I know she is more than the omega we all thought her to be. She ran away because of how she was treated.”
"ENOUGH, RYLAN!" my father raised his voice, slamming his fists down on the desk and seething angrily at my disobedience. I was not afraid of my father, I knew he was the alpha, but he was getting older and would soon be stepping down. I would not allow him to push me into such a stupid situation. Enzo and Ed were both against the idea of Daniella, and I had had enough of it all now. I needed to go and find Eliza and make her see sense.
"I want you to take Daniella as your chosen mate and be done with this white wolf nonsense. Get out of my sight," My father dismissed me, and I left the room without looking back.