Yvonne’s POV - Sins of the past

I couldn’t suppress a scoff, my mind consumed by the dread of the impending title of “mate.” “I’ll be in my car, awaiting the others,” I declared, sidestepping him.

Kayne swiftly intercepted my path, blocking my way. “You don’t appear pleased. Don’t you wish to be my mate?” he probed, his brow furrowing in concern.

I maintained my silence, casting him a steely gaze.

“We used to be fond of each other when we were younger. What changed?” he pressed, a note of desperation creeping into his voice.

“Nothing has changed, Kayne. And I didn’t say I wouldn’t want to be your mate. Now, may I go?” I replied tersely, my patience waning by the second.

Reluctantly, he stepped aside, allowing me to pass. With my heart racing in my chest, I hurried away, eager to escape his presence.

Unbeknownst to me, my father, Arthur, had been eavesdropping nearby, and now emerged from his hiding place, joining Kayne.

“It seems your daughter isn’t particularly enthused about this union,” Kayne remarked, feigning innocence.

Arthur chuckled knowingly. “You underestimate Yvonne. She’s thrilled at the prospect of being with you, but she has a penchant for playing hard to get.”

Kayne laughed along, shaking his head. “Ah, the complexities of women,” he remarked, as Arthur departed.

Yet, even as my father walked away, Kayne’s gaze lingered in the direction I had vanished, his determination unyielding. “But she will be mine, and both packs will be under my command forever. I can’t wait to marry your daughter and rid myself of you, Arthur,” he muttered under his breath.

His mother approached from behind, her presence sensed by Kayne’s acute senses. Inhaling deeply, he turned to face her.

“I’m relieved that the wedding is arranged. Forcing their daughter to marry you was the greatest mistake of their pitiful lives. Arthur must pay for what he and the witches did to my husband and our people,” she seethed, her eyes ablaze with fury, flashes of crimson illuminating her gaze.

Kayne smirked, a sinister glint in his eyes. “Indeed, mother. They will pay dearly,” he affirmed, his resolve unwavering.

She smiled proudly, her approval evident. “I’m proud of you, son,” she declared, as they both turned away, united in their dark intentions.

The Boldclaw pack retreated to their fortress, and we followed suit, the weight of the evening’s revelations heavy upon my shoulders. As I neared my bedroom, I sensed my mother’s presence trailing behind me, but I chose to ignore it, seeking solace within the confines of my chamber.

“Your father informed me that you made it abundantly clear to Kayne that you have no desire to marry him. Is this true, Yvonne?” she queried, her tone tinged with anger.

“I would have preferred facing the blade over being used as a pawn to broker some peace treaty that has nothing to do with me,” I retorted bitterly, my frustration boiling over.

She paused, her gaze penetrating as she absorbed my words. In that moment, I glimpsed the turmoil etched upon her features, and I knew without a doubt that she had been briefed by my father.

“Yes, he did inform me. But when did you plan on disclosing this to me, Mother? After I was wedded to him against my will?” I shot back, my indignation mounting.

Rapid footsteps approached, and my father materialized in the doorway, his imposing figure casting a shadow over the room. Clad in his mantle, the emblem of his leadership, he exuded authority and command.

“You are a wolf, Yvonne, and your destiny lies here,” his voice thundered, reverberating off the walls. My heart clenched with fear; my father was a force to be reckoned with, his power formidable and his wrath merciless.

“All we seek is peace, and your union with Kayne will ensure that peace,” he asserted, his gaze unwavering as it bore into mine.

Trembling, I instinctively moved closer to my mother, seeking refuge in her presence. She, too, could sense my apprehension, her grip on my hand tightening in silent solidarity.

“Yvonne, you will not jeopardize the sacred decree that has guided our pack for generations. You will marry Kayne,” he declared, his tone final, before turning to depart.

“Father…” I called out, my voice quivering with emotion, but he halted in his tracks, awaiting my next words.

“Yvonne….” My mother’s whispered plea for caution hung in the air, but I pressed on, unable to suppress the turmoil raging within me.

Ignoring her pleading tone, I stepped forward, summoning the courage to voice my plea. “Father, I’ve just gained admission to university. Please, allow me the chance to complete my education and savor what remains of my youth,” I implored, uncertain if my words would sway him.

“I have spoken, Yvonne, and my decision is final,” he thundered, his resolve unyielding as he stormed out of my room without a backward glance.

Deflated, I slumped onto my bed, overwhelmed by a sense of despair. “Mother, what will my friends think when they learn of my impending marriage?” I demanded bitterly, seeking solace in her understanding.

She tenderly brushed my cheek, her touch offering a fleeting comfort. “If your friends were in your shoes, Yvonne, they would understand. You need rest now,” she murmured, her words laden with resignation as she exited the room.

Alone with my thoughts, I sank deeper into despondency. My mother’s unwavering support of my father’s decisions weighed heavily on me, foreshadowing a future where my autonomy would be sacrificed upon the altar of tradition.

“I feel no connection to Kayne. I must find a way to buy myself time,” I resolved, steeling myself against the inevitable. An audacious plan began to form in my mind, a risky gambit that offered the promise of freedom, yet carried the potential for dire consequences.

With a heavy heart, I contemplated the path ahead, knowing that my only hope lay in outmaneuvering the obstacles that stood between me and my autonomy.