5

Chapter 5: Jason's POV

I stood at my window, gazing out at the Frostwood Territory. The warm sunlight cast a golden glow over the lush greenery, and the scent of freshly cut grass wafted through the air. But my heart was elsewhere, consumed by thoughts of Lena.

Two weeks before our marriage, I met her – Lena. Her raven-black hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of night, framing her heart-shaped face and piercing emerald eyes. Her skin glowed with a radiant, porcelain-like complexion, and her full lips curved into a perpetual smile. Her eyes sparkled with mischief, and her laughter was music to my ears. Every glance, every touch, sent shivers down my spine. When we were together, the air crackled with electricity. Lena's presence ignited a fire within me, melting my fears and doubts. Her compassion and kindness soothed my soul, and her intelligence challenged me to grow.

In her eyes, I saw a deep connection, a sense of belonging. Our bond transcended words, speaking directly to our hearts. Every moment with Lena was a gift, a reminder of life's beauty and passion.

How could I ignore this connection? I couldn't pretend to be with someone else when my heart beat solely for Lena. I knew the consequences: family disappointment, pack tension, and potential conflict. But honesty was crucial.

I decided to confront my parents.

Taking a deep breath as I entered the grand sitting room, I was immediately enveloped in an atmosphere of celebration. The enormous space, easily three times the size of a normal room, was filled with vibrant colors and lavish decorations. Tomorrow's wedding festivities were evident everywhere. The room's walls, adorned with intricate wood paneling, seemed to stretch up to the ceiling, giving the impression of a majestic cathedral. Crystal chandeliers hung from above, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the polished marble floor. The furniture, crafted from the finest woods and upholstered in rich fabrics, was arranged to accommodate the numerous guests expected tomorrow. Plush sofas and armchairs were grouped around coffee tables, while elegant chairs lined the walls.

Every available surface was covered in floral arrangements, their sweet fragrance wafting through the air.

I spotted my mother, resplendent in a silk gown, overseeing the final preparations. Her eyes sparkled as she directed the staff, her smile radiant. I knew I had to speak with my parents privately, away from the bustle and celebration. I requested a servant to summon them to the study.

"Please, inform my parents I need to speak with them urgently," I said.

Minutes later, my parents joined me.

"I've met someone," I declared. "Her name is Lena. She's my true mate."

My father's face darkened, his eyes narrowing into slits. "Jason, you can't be serious," he growled, his voice low and menacing. "You have a duty to this pack, and that duty includes marrying Fiona."

I stood tall, despite the trepidation creeping up my spine. "I understand my responsibilities, Father," I replied, "but I can't ignore my feelings for Lena. She's the one I'm meant to be with."

My father's expression turned incredulous. "Feelings?" he spat, his voice dripping with disdain. "You're a werewolf, Jason. You don't follow your heart; you follow your duty. And your duty is to marry Fiona and secure our alliance with the Ashford Pack."

I took a deep breath, trying to reason with him. "But Father, I love Lena. She's my true mate. Can't you see that?"

My father's face turned red with anger, his voice rising. "Love? You call this love? This is infatuation, Jason. A foolish whim. You'll get over it."

He stepped closer, his eyes blazing. "You're not thinking of the pack's future, Jason. You're thinking only of yourself. You need to put the pack's needs above your own desires."

I felt a surge of frustration. "That's not true, Father," I argued. "I am thinking of the pack's future. I'm thinking of its happiness. And I know that future includes Lena, not Fiona."

My father's expression turned cold, his voice dripping with malice. "You're blinded by your emotions, Jason. You're not seeing the bigger picture. The alliance with the Ashford Pack is crucial to our pack."

My father's expression still remained icy, his voice dripping with disdain. "You're no longer thinking as the future Alpha of this pack," he spat. "You're thinking like a lovesick puppy. You need to be reminded of your duties."

With a flick of his wrist, he summoned the guards stationed outside the study. "Take my son to his quarters," he ordered, his voice cold and detached. "Ensure he remains there until the wedding."

The guards stepped forward. Their faces were expressionless, but their eyes seemed to hold a hint of sympathy. I stood tall, refusing to back down. "You can't keep me prisoner, Father," I said, my voice firm.

My father's smile was cruel. "Oh, but I can," he replied. "You'll do as you're told, Jason. You'll marry Fiona and secure our alliance."

The guards closed in, their hands gently but firmly grasping my arms. I didn't struggle, knowing it would be futile.

As they escorted me out of the study, I caught a glimpse of my mother's distressed face. She mouthed a silent apology but didn't intervene.

The guards led me through the winding corridors, past the bustling servants and curious glances of the pack members. I felt like a prisoner, my freedom stripped away.

We reached my quarters, and the guards opened the door. "You'll remain here until the wedding," one of them reminded me, their tone apologetic.

I nodded, my mind racing. I had to find a way out, had to escape and reach Lena.

As the door closed behind me, I heard the sound of locks clicking into place. I was trapped.

I paced back and forth in my quarters, my mind racing with thoughts of Lena and the impending wedding. The locks on the door seemed to mock me, a constant reminder of my captivity.

As the hours ticked by, exhaustion began to creep in. My legs felt heavy, my eyes burning from lack of sleep.

I stopped pacing and collapsed onto the bed, running my hands through my hair. How had things gone so wrong?

As I lay there, my eyelids grew heavy, and I let out a deep sigh. Sleep was the only escape from my reality.

My eyes drifted to a deep slumber, consumed by thoughts of the woman I loved.