Chapter 11

LEAH

I had signed the papers, but it felt more like a problem to my heart. Everything felt so heavy, yes I had signed the first contract, but I had the intention of running away but with this going on I couldn't run and I knew it.

Getting married in front of the entire kingdom was not what I was looking forward to, but here we are sitting in a car driving back home while I plan my wedding

“Do I still get to leave after I've given birth like the contract said?” I asked out loud and his knuckles tightened against the wheels, which made me swallow.

“No”

“This is not what I agreed to” The car suddenly came to a halt, and he glared at me

“You don't have an opinion, but I gave you one in the first place, and you choose to sign the contract, do not get on my nerves Leah” His cold voice sent chills down my spine and I looked at the window choosing not to say a word to him

I didn't care what he wanted, I should be able to stand for myself, but he was the king and I could get killed which wasn't ready for

He continued driving and after an hour he took the turn that revealed the palace which made me sigh in relief

“The wedding is happening tomorrow, so brace yourself”

“What?!”

******

The wedding felt surreal.

I stood in front of the massive mirror, staring at the delicate white lace of my wedding gown. The dress fit me perfectly, hugging my curves in all the right places.

The soft fabric cascaded to the floor, pooling around my feet like waves of moonlight. The beautiful beading shimmered under the golden glow of the chandelier above, making me look like a fairy, almost like a dream.

But this wasn’t a dream, it was a nightmare

It was reality.

I had never imagined myself as a bride, especially not in a marriage to the king Lycan. A contract. A necessity. A bond forged not by love, but by obligation. Yet, as I traced the delicate embroidery on my bodice, a different kind of emotion swirled within me. Fear? Excitement? Uncertainty? I wasn’t sure. But what I did know was that the moment I stepped outside this room, my life would change forever.

A soft knock at the door made me jump so fast, and I immediately let out a sigh.

“It’s time,” a voice called from the other side.

I swallowed hard. My fingers trembled as I smoothed the fabric of my dress one last time before turning away from the mirror.

I looked at the window while I thought of possible ways to run away, but I couldn't, that might just lead to my death, it was too high and guards were beneath it. Taking a deep breath, I forced my feet to move toward the door.

The ceremony was small, but the rumors of it all were undeniable. The chandeliers above glowed warmly, casting golden light upon the intimate gathering. The hall was filled with high-ranking pack members and a few trusted allies, their gazes sharp and assessing as I walked in.

Everything about it was elegant yet powerful, just like Dante himself.

The moment my eyes landed on him, I faltered but immediately composed myself, there was no room for mistake at this point, I couldn't afford it as everyone was watching

He stood at the altar, a commanding presence in an impeccably tailored black suit. The sharp lines of his attire emphasized the power he carried so effortlessly. His dark hair was neatly styled, his jaw strong and unyielding.

But it was his eyes that trapped me, piercing, intense, locked onto mine with an expression I couldn’t quite read. Not love. Not warmth. But something that made my stomach tighten and my pulse race.

He looked dangerous, like a king claiming his throne.

And in some ways, he was, which made me loathe him even more

My steps felt heavy, yet somehow light at the same time, as I walked down the aisle. Each step carried me toward something unknown, something inevitable.

I had thought I would be numb, that this would be just another thing forced upon me. But the way Dante watched me, as if I was the only person in the room, made my breath hitch.

When I reached him, he held out his hand.

For a moment, I hesitated, watching his hand carefully while forcing me tears back

Then, gathering every ounce of resolve I had left, I slipped my fingers into his. His grip was warm, steady, a stark contrast to the storm raging inside me.

“You’re trembling,” Dante murmured so only I could hear.

I forced a small smile, trying to ignore the way his deep voice sent a shiver down my spine. “It’s a big day.”

His lips twitched, something almost amused flashing in his eyes before disappearing. “It is.”

The ceremony itself was brief, but I hated every minute of it. Vows were exchanged, his firm and unwavering, mine uncertain but sincere. Every word felt heavy, binding me to something I still wasn’t sure I could handle. When it came time for the final words, I held my breath.

“With this bond, I claim you as my wife,” Dante said, his voice deep and rich.

My heart pounded. I barely had time to process the weight of his words before he leaned in, pressing his lips to mine.

The kiss was possessive yet surprisingly gentle. It was not an act of passion, nor was it cold. It was a statement.

You are mine now.

Applause erupted around us, but I barely registered it. My mind was spinning as Dante pulled away, his thumb brushing against the back of my hand. His touch lingered for a second longer than necessary, sending a jolt of something unrecognizable through me.

Then, just like that, it was over.

******

The reception was filled with laughter and celebration, though I barely paid attention to any of it. I moved through the motions, greeting guests, accepting well wishes, but my mind remained elsewhere.

Dante remained by my side the entire time, his presence a constant reminder of my new reality. He didn’t speak much, but when he did, his words carried authority. People respected him. Feared him. And now, I was tied to him.

A part of me wondered if I should feel honored, but I wasn't

Instead, I felt trapped.

At some point, I managed to slip away, seeking a moment of solitude. I stood on the balcony, breathing in the crisp night air. The weight of everything settled on my shoulders. I was no longer just Leah. I was the Queen of his kingdom.

Dante’s wife. Tears filled my eyes and I held on to the wall so tightly so I wouldn't cry.

“How does it feel?”

I turned at the sound of his voice, finding him leaning against the doorway, watching me with that unreadable expression.

I let out a shaky laugh as I sucked in the tears, not letting them fall. “Overwhelming.”

He stepped forward, his eyes never leaving mine. “You’ll get used to it.”

Will I? I wanted to ask, but I bit my tongue.

Dante didn’t move, but there was something intense in his gaze. “Starting tomorrow, you’ll begin training.”

I frowned. “Training?”

“Yes. You need to be strong.”

I stiffened. “I don’t have a wolf, Dante. What’s the point?”

His jaw tightened. “That doesn’t mean you can’t learn to fight.”

“I’ve survived this long without training.”

“Barely.”

The bluntness of his words stung, but I knew he wasn’t wrong. The thought of being strong, truly strong, was something I had never dared to dream of. I had spent so long just trying to survive, taking whatever the world threw at me. Could I change that now?

I crossed my arms. “And if I refuse?”

Dante smirked. “You won’t.”

His confidence was infuriating. “You can’t just decide…”

“I can,” he interrupted smoothly, stepping closer. “And I have.”

I opened my mouth to argue, but the determination in his gaze silenced me. He wasn’t giving me a choice. And, deep down, I realized I didn’t want one.

Dante reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. The gesture was oddly gentle, a stark contrast to the sharpness of his words. His fingers lingered against my cheek, his voice dropping to a near whisper.

“You belong to me now, Leah,” he murmured, his breath warm against my skin. “And I protect what’s mine.”

My heart pounded as his words settled deep into my bones. This was not just a marriage of convenience.

This was something far more dangerous.

And I wasn’t sure if I was ready for it.