3: Not Valued

ELINNA

There was nothing that hurt more than the betrayal of someone you love so much.

Ever since that day, I haven't been able to sleep or eat. How could Ben do such a thing to me? I always thought he loved me, and he would never cheat on me. But he had done it in a heartbeat.

There was no sign that something had been going on between him and Lily, my step sister. So where have things gone wrong?

I was the one who had to drag Helen out of there because she wanted to go up and confront them but I didn't let her. It's not worth it and besides, I wasn't going to win.

There was nothing to fight for. I felt dull and empty inside and I couldn't bring myself to even look him in the eye.

Like this morning, when he came to the house and he came looking for me, I just walked past him like I didn't see him. I didn't have anything to say to him.

He had been in a meeting with my father since and I'd been asked to bring them coffee. If he tries to touch me, I'll pour the whole damn jug on him.

I stopped at the door when I heard my name being called.

It was Gina speaking.

“But baby, you have to do this.”

I knew Lily's whiny voice everywhere.

“No way in hell, mum. I will not marry that dirty old pig called the King! I heard he's repulsive!”

“But an alliance with our pack will surely benefit us. We need the money and connections.”

It went silent for a while and then I heard my father speak.

“Lily, you're my daughter and that's why I'm asking you to do this. This opportunity will not come again and I will not miss the chance to be the King's in law.”

I heard some heavy footsteps.

“Fine, then make Elinna marry him.”

It was like I had been stabbed in the heart. Why did I come into this? Why was she dragging me into this when it was meant to be about her? I didn't want to marry him either.

Ben hadn't spoken at all in all of this and I knew he wouldn't allow this to happen. I was his girlfriend so he would surely fight for me.

“I think it's a great idea. I mean, she can't say no.”

That was Ben's voice. It surely was. How could he do a thing like that? My eyes filled with tears and I felt sick to the stomach.

I turned back with the tray in my hands and went back to the kitchen.

Later that evening, my father called me to his office.

“We have come to a decision and I need you to be aware of it. For the progress of the pack, I have decided that you will be married to the Lycan King.”

The way he said it like he didn't care, I couldn't even fight it.

“We will go to have dinner with him tonight. Make sure that you are on your best behavior or else, if you embarrass me, I will deal with you.”

With the same hollow feeling in me, I walked out of there, leaving them alone to move on with their lives while they had already decided mine. Surely, living with this man would be better than being here.

I went to my room and got prepared, doing the best I could to appear presentable so my father won't be mad at me for trying to embarrass him..I had a dress that Helen gifted me but I hadn't been able to wear.

By the time I was done, I looked quite pretty and I made my way down the stairs to meet with my father.

He and Gina rode in one car while Lily and I rode in another.

“Oh, you're so in for it. I heard that he hates women and he treats them like trash. That's going to be your husband while your sweet little Ben will be mine.”

Now, she was just mocking me. I said nothing until we got to the house. It was so big that I couldn't count how many stories were in it. It looked like paradise.

The butler came outside to get us and led us inside the room.

“Take a seat. I'll bring the King.”

I perched myself on the side of the seat while playing with my nails. Why was my heart racing so fast?

“My King.”

I stood up immediately to bow and sat down when I noticed Lily was sitting. When I saw the man in front of me, I was shocked. He was nothing like Lily had described him.

“Alpha Tim, welcome to my house. You say you have my bride?”

My father looked at me and I stood up.

“She is the one?” He nodded, “She is perfect.”

Pure relief washed through me and I sighed. At least, he didn't say he was displeased.

I noticed how Lily was giving me a scornful look.

“Please, excuse us. I would like to speak to her alone.”

The butler led them away and only the both of us stayed in the room.

“You can look at me. I won't bite.”

He has short black hair with the best blue eyes I'd ever seen. He was built, enough to make the buttons on his shirt hang on for dear life.

“What is your name?”

The words won't come out of my mouth.

“Elinna, My King.”

“Call me Carlisle. You will make a perfect wife for me. I will treat you right.”

Hmm, maybe this wasn't such a bad idea at all. Maybe this was just what I needed.

After the whole introduction, we went back home and my father came into my room later that night.

“Your wedding is tomorrow. When you go to that house. I don't expect you to embarrass me. I want you to be on your best behavior and make sure that you make him happy. If he ever has any reason to complain about you, I'll make sure I come there and teach you a lesson myself.”

That was not what I'd thought my father would say to me. I thought that like every other father, he would give me his blessings and tell me to be happy.

“Yes father.”

I'd agreed to it. Not like I had a bad choice but it seemed less of a punishment because I'd come to know Carlisle better.

At the house that day, he'd asked me what I thought about marriage.

“I just learned about it today.”

He scoffed.

“I am so sorry. I thought your father would have told you about it a long time ago. We've had this discussion a long time ago.”

Of course he wouldn't say anything to me because he didn't think it would matter if I gave my consent or not. That's how much he didn't value me.