3: Escape Plan

ADRIANA’S POV

I stand at the edge of the grand ballroom, my eyes scanning the crowd of lycans and werewolves milling about. I had always been uncomfortable at these kinds of parties, especially ones thrown by my father, but tonight was different. I knew that the main event was not the celebration of my upcoming marriage, but rather the presentation of myself to the Lycan King as his bride.

It was usually a thing of joy for the alpha’s daughter to be given away, no less to a renowned king. I was nothing like those smiley brides. Dread pooled in the pit of my stomach at the prospect of being given away to the lycan king. They called it a wedding but I knew better than. My father gave me away like property, to a terrible man no less.

I wasn't about to get married to an amazing man. I have heard rumors about the king's appetite for women, about the harem of concubines he kept in his palace. Happiness was nowhere in sight for me, and I made the decision to run away as soon as the opportunity presented itself.

I glanced around surreptitiously, trying to gauge when would be the best time to make my escape. I had already packed a small bag with the little bit of money I had managed to save over the years, enough to get me to the next town where I could hopefully find my way to a human community. I have never fit in with the wolves, maybe I would have better luck there.

No one minded me as I kept to myself. They may be trying to put on a show for the lycan king and his people, making it seem like I was the alpha’s most prized possession. His only daughter, when in reality, they all hated me and are probably celebrating my doom. That is what this marriage would be like.

They still kept to themselves too, no one trying to be overly nice to me, because they simply couldn't hide their disdain for me.

The music had reached a crescendo and the crowd was focused on the dance floor. I took a deep breath and started to edge my way towards the door, trying to blend in with the crowd as much as possible.

I had almost made it to the exit when a hand closed around my arm, pulling me back roughly. I turned to see my father standing there, a look of disappointment on his face.

"Where do you think you're going?" he spat, his voice stern.

"I-I just needed some air," I stammered, trying to pull away from his grip.

"You're not going anywhere," my father said, his tone final. His grip tightened like I would be dumb enough to try and free myself. “You had better get rid of any notions of you walking out of this, do you understand?” he whispered. It was a room full of beings with supernatural hearing, he knew better than to raise his voice. I nodded sharply, not wanting to annoy him.

My heart sank. I had known it would be difficult to escape, but I had hoped that I might be able to slip away unnoticed. Now it seems that my father has his eyes on me since he thinks I would plan to run.

“Don’t try anything stupid, Adriana or so help me–”his grip was punishing.

Tears welled up in my eyes as my father dragged me back towards the more crowded part of the ballroom, where everyone's eyes were on me. I wouldn't even make it to three steps before getting caught.

The music came to a sudden stop and all eyes turned towards us when we reached the edge of the dance floor and toward the makeshift stage. That was where I caught sight of the lycan king. Oh no.

My worst fears became a reality when my father led me directly to where the Lycan King stood with a group of his advisors. My blood turned cold with every step we took closer to them.

The king was a tall, muscular man with piercing eyes and a cruel smile that sent shivers down my spine. Lycans were ruthless and cruel, and Alpha Xander was no different. He had no love or compassion for anyone, and he ruled with an iron fist. People didn’t like talking about him, as they made bringing him up be almost like blasphemy.

"Ah, there you are," the deep, booming voice belonged to the king, it made something in me tremble. His aura was commanding, intimidating, frightening, all of the above and some more than I haven't thought of yet.

My father pushed me forward slightly, I managed not to trip and when I looked up, the Lycan King stood before me, a smug smile on his face. "I've been looking forward to meeting you, my dear." he said, his tone slightly condescending as he said the words. "I have heard much about your beauty. I am pleased to finally see it for myself."

My father beamed with pride at the compliment, but I felt nothing but disgust. I knew what the Lycan King wanted from me, and it wasn't just my beauty. It was rumored that he had a harem of women at his disposal, whom he used for his own twisted pleasure. It was something he wasn't afraid to show.

My stomach twisted at the thought of being part of those unfortunate women. Having to live as nothing more than a toy for him to play with. He was smiling but there was an underlying darkness around him.

"I-I can't do this," I whispered through the mindlink, turning to my father with pleading eyes.

"You can and you will, Adriana. Stop being a brat." The words were a cold warning. Tears stung my eyes but I managed to blink them away. I didn't know what he would do to me if I dared to let them fall.

"Father please, he is known to be a ruthless man. He is evil." I persisted, trying to use all the cards I had. My father may not love me or even see me as his daughter, but he might change his mind if he sees how terrible Alpha Xander is.

"This is your one chance to prove yourself to me as my daughter,” my heart sank further as he said that. He caught my eyes from where he stood. “This is a political alliance, and it will benefit our pack greatly. You should be honored that the king has chosen you as his bride." his voice softened. I didn't let my mind register. This is the first time he is speaking to me with a tone other than irritation or annoyance. A part of me didn't want to make him angry but I couldn't stand the thought of being with the lycan king.

He was a lycan and we’re werewolves, those two species are natural enemies. They hated each other even more than werewolves and vampires.

"I understand the importance of political alliances, but I cannot marry someone who isnt my mate, father.”

"You do not even have a wolf, finding your mate is not going to be possible,” he didn't let me speak before shaking his head outwardly and replying, still through the link. “And it is your duty to put the needs of the pack before your own. The pack needs this alliance, and you will marry the king." His tone was final, but I still refused to give up. This is the first time he is even talking to me and listening to what I have to say.

"I understand my duties as an Alpha's daughter, but please do not force me to marry someone who is not my mate." I begged, nearly crying. There was no bit of remorse on his face as he gave me a burning look.

"This matter is not up for debate. You will marry the king, and that is final." he turned away, the same time alpha Xander placed his hand on my shoulder. I had to look up at him because he was so much taller than me.

There was something in his eyes that didn't sit well with me and it only made me want to get out of there faster.

“You did well, Jameson. Or I should call you father in law, now.” The small group burst into laughter and my father joined in. He shot a final look, telling me to behave before shooing me off and saying they needed to talk business. I was more than grateful to leave.

I sat nervously at the party, trying my best to blend into the background and avoid the notice of my father. I had always known that my fate was not my own, and that I would one day be married off to a wealthy or powerful man as a way for my family to advance their own standing. But I never could have imagined that my father would go so far as to sell me to the Lycan King, a notorious and feared figure rumored to be as cruel as he was wealthy.

Much later into the party, I finally saw my opportunity. The party has been going on for hours. The ones that weren’t on the dance floor or filling their stomachs were wasted, reclining anywhere they could rest their backs. I made my way out of the hall as quietly as possible, my heart pounding in my chest.

I quickly changed out of my elaborate party dress and into a simple, plain outfit that would help me run through the woods easily, after I got back to my father’s. Thank God they had moved to his office with Alpha Xadner and the other notable figures. I gathered up my supplies – a few changes of clothes, some food, and a small amount of money – and stuffed them into a backpack.

Then, with a deep breath, I opened the door to my room and stepped out into the bustling hallways of the castle. I kept my head down and my pace steady as I made my way through the maze of corridors, trying to stay as inconspicuous as possible. It was empty, but it didn't hurt to be extra careful.

I finally walked out, grateful the pack house wasn't very close to the mansion. If no one was out, it wouldn't be very easy to spot me. I hesitated for a moment, looking out at the dark forest beyond. I have never been outside of the pack before, I rarely even left the house.

I’ve come too far to back out now. I told myself and without a second thought, trudged into the forest. It thankfully extended from the trees surrounding the house. I’ve overheard Carlson tell his friends how to sneak from there multiple times. 

When I was far enough and far from the house and the rest of the pack, I began to run. I had no idea where I was going with nothing to guide me through the dark but the moon. My sight wasn't that good but it didn't make me stop. I tripped over branches and fell but I picked myself up each time, pushing myself beyond my limits.

Since I’d been old enough to understand pack politics, with the little exposure I got, I’d known it would be hard for my father to let me find my mate and when I didn’t get my wolf at sixteen, the dream dulled until it wasn’t there anymore. It became clearer every day that went by that my father would find a man for me, to be a slave to or a partner, he wouldn't have minded. My father wouldn’t bother to find me a worthy man.

My escape plan wasn’t the best and the small bag held the barest minimum. I couldn’t sleep in the woods so I hoped to find someplace safe to hide till I could go into the human town.

I ran for what felt like hours, my feet pounding against the ground as I pushed myself to the limit. I was exhausted and out of breath, but I didn't stop. I couldn't stop.

I reminded myself they would have realized I wasn’t there any minute and the pack warriors would be sent out to look for me.

I pushed myself further, but my body couldn't handle all of this at once. I wasn't in the best of forms, and I didn’t have the resilience of a wolf. 

Despite my best efforts, I began to feel dizzy and weak. I stumbled, my legs giving out beneath me, and collapsed to the ground. Darkness worked in my vision and as much as I tried to blink it away, it felt like I wasn’t doing anything. My head felt heavy and the ground seemed to sway beneath me.

I lay there, struggling to stay conscious. I blinked a few times and forced my eyes to stay open. The moon seemed hazy but I could see it, shining brightly in the sky. I wish it could help me.

I heard something from behind me and I tried to force myself to turn, my limbs refused to heed to my command, everything went black after that.