Ryder's POV
I stepped into the house and knew something was amiss. My uncle, Viktor, had been quiet for a week, and that was very strange. To outsiders, he was my loving uncle, but when we were alone, he was the devil incarnate—always trying to overthrow me from the Alpha position.
I was the richest of all ten Alpha pack tribes and had created a business with the humans. He wanted the money, and I wasn't going to give him half a dime. All I had to do was squash his plans like I always did.
I walked down the hall and smelled it—an odd, intoxicating floral scent of a female wolf. It was new and coming from the guest room. The door was wide open, and my wolf paced wildly beneath my skin.
He had never reacted like that before. He growled, and I felt my resistance weaken.
"No," I cautioned my wolf. "We don't need this. Not after her."
When I got into the room, my heart stopped for a moment. She was beautiful. Her pale skin, long flowing red hair, and deep green eyes made me forget why I'd come in the first place.
My wolf howled, but I silenced him. He couldn't be infatuated now. She tried to run to the bathroom but stopped when she noticed me.
I sensed her fear. Perfect. If she were that scared, then I could make her do whatever I wanted. I threatened her to be gone by the end of the week and left.
I gnashed my teeth hard, angry at my uncle. This was all his doing; I was sure of it.
"Viktor!" I called out, walking into the grand hall angrily. He had a glass of champagne in his hand and straightened his suit when he saw me.
"Explain why there's an Omega from the Crescent Pack under my roof."
"Oh, so you know where she's from. Do you know who she is?" he asked, and my fury rose higher.
"That's not important. What is she doing under my roof?"
"First thing, calm down. You're back home earlier than I expected."
I spoke coldly. "I asked you a question."
He smirked. "Why are you so upset? She's a gift to you from the Crescent Pack—and me. Her name is Elodie, and she's your fiancée now."
"My what?" I spat.
"You heard me. The elders and council already agreed to it, so you can't send her back. Besides, she was sold off to pay her father's large debt, and I decided to help."
"Help?" I scoffed. "You bought her and you're giving her to me? Sounds more like she's your toy."
"Oh no, don't get it wrong. You're almost twenty-nine, and your thirtieth birthday is coming soon. You can't have a stable position as an Alpha without a wife, so I helped you. Consider it a favor—and my way of proving my loyalty."
I'd rather be buried six feet under than accept his loyalty. Viktor never helped anyone without a price.
"You don't have to worry about that, Uncle. Aren't you hungry for that position? You can always marry her and get it."
"And why would I do that? That's a foolish idea. You're the only Alpha the pack respects," he replied.
"I don't support buying people. Get her out of my pack."
"I'm sorry. I can't do that," he said, and I felt my patience run dry. Why did he have to test me?
"And why not? You didn't get my consent when you brought her."
He didn't flinch and spoke calmly. "Ryder, you've been very unwell, and someone had to look out for you and the pack. The elders worry you'll die without leaving an heir. Can't you see I'm helping you?"
I almost laughed. I was unwell, but not weak. I could still win a fight if I wanted to. My sickness was a mental issue, and he fed the pack the stupid idea of me dying.
"I'm not dying anytime soon," I said quietly.
He studied me, trying to read my face, but I gave him nothing. Then I walked away.
I was tired of him and needed air. I went to my room and washed my body clean from all the stress under the shower.
Viktor was becoming a thorn in my flesh, and I needed to get him out.
~
I tossed endlessly on the bed, unable to sleep. The medication I took wasn't working, so I grabbed some more pills. I went back to bed, and after endless waiting for sleep, I got up and left my room.
Walking down the hallway, I felt that familiar pull within me. The sweet floral scent filled my nose, and I found myself at her door.
My wolf growled. "Her. She's the one."
I fought to get control, but my hand was already up, ready to knock, when the door opened.
She gasped, and I lowered my hand. She hurriedly tried to close the door, but I was faster, holding it open.
"Open it," I commanded.
She let it go, and I walked in. My eyes scanned the room, then stopped at her face.
Her soft, angelic voice broke me out of my trance. "Do you need anything?"
I blinked and frowned, "No." I turned, opened the door, and walked out.
When I got to my room, I closed the door and clenched my jaw. That woman smelled like trouble, and I didn't want it.
"Why does she have such a strong scent?" I growled.
~
The Next Day at the Company
I sipped my coffee and stared out my office window. The snow was heavier.
For hours, I thought about Viktor's plan. He had the elders' backing, and I couldn't get Elodie out of the house.
I sighed and sipped my coffee again. Marriage was the last thing on my mind. I never wanted to get married—not after the heartbreak I suffered.
A knock came at the door. My secretary, Luca, walked in.
"What's the matter?" I asked.
"You have a message from the pack elders. They want you to bring the new Luna to the pack's dinner tomorrow."
"Tell them I said no."
"But the elders…" he argued.
"I said no."
Luca nodded and left the office. I returned to watching the scenery outside, squeezing the glass tight in my hand.
"Let's see how long you hold, Elodie," I whispered.