Chapter 3 A Marriage With A Condition

The Sinclairs ensured the Wrath name remained what it was— prestigious, making our properties the most sought-after in the market, while we provided the Sinclairs with prime locations for their headquarters, studios, and other high-end media ventures.

Last year, Christina had been betrothed to me. But I ended the arrangement before it could gather attention.

She loved me, but I saw her as nothing more than a childhood friend. I felt nothing for her.

"I want her to marry me willingly," I replied. "That's going to take some time. The wedding can wait."

Alex sat up abruptly, staring at me like I'd lost my mind. "On what earth does that happen, Zeph? She despises you. Need I remind you that she had no say in this... arrangement? We didn't win her over; we bought her, plain and simple. If she had a choice, do you really think she'd pick you? Willingly? You're the monster in her story."

"She can grow to love me," I replied, pondering on it. "I know she can."

He let out a sharp laugh, running a hand through his hair. "Oh, for fuck's sake, this isn't some slow-burn romance. It's not a marriage of convenience. All you need to do is turn her, give the pack a Luna, get her pregnant, and have a few babies. That's it."

I slipped on a T-shirt, meeting both their gazes. "Interesting. I don't see either of you fathering children yet."

I let the silence endure for a moment before adding, "Remind me... how old are you two again?"

I pretended to ponder the question before turning to Alex. "Ah, yes. 103." Then to Nik. "100."

I arched a brow. "So tell me, is it not time for you both to settle down? Start families? Build the bloodline?"

Nik scoffed. "Don't turn this on us. This is about you. You're the firstborn, the Alpha. Once you take a Luna and have heirs, you'll appear more, uh... complete, as it has always been. Our family has a legacy to uphold, and no one wants a single Alpha leading for long. A mated Alpha is a stronger Alpha… an image of stability and power. That's how it's always been."

Our father had died four years ago, passing the title of Alpha to me. So far, no one had dared to challenge my leadership. They weren't ready to die.

Our pack was large, made up of multiple families that had sworn loyalty to the Wraths for generations. At the centre was our immediate line... myself, my brothers Nik and Alex, but our reach extended far beyond. My uncles, Zeb, Stefan, and Andreas, led powerful packs of their own, but remained blood-bound allies. Their families weren't part of my pack, but they were family in the truest sense, the kind you call when war is near. As for the rest… some were old bloodlines who'd served the Wraths since before I was born. Others were Lycans who'd earned their place through loyalty and trust.

While the heart of the pack remained here in Aspen, Colorado, where we lived, our people were scattered across other regions as well, maintaining our presence in important territories. Some of them held leadership over smaller groups or outposts, but all ultimately answered to me. That was how it had always been.

"The people will wait," I said.

"Zephyr..."

"The people will wait," I repeated, with a tone of finality. "They're getting what they want. They just need to learn a little patience."

After a tense moment, Alex broke the silence.

"Whatever," he drawled, getting up from the couch. "I'm famished. Let's head downstairs for breakfast."

He made for the door with Nik but paused just before stepping out.

"Oh, and by the way, Christina's dropping by this morning too."

I sighed tiredly. Christina still visited from time to time, despite the rejection. Maybe she thought her presence would change my mind, but it wouldn't. I'd known her since childhood, and I was used to seeing her.

"Stopping by on the morning Lyla arrives? What a coincidence," I remarked sarcastically, fixing Alex with a glare.

"Hey," he whined. "Don't look at me that way, I didn't tell her anything. She probably heard whispers. You know she's in media, I'm sure she has spies of her own."

I waved him off dismissively.

"I guess it's a good thing," Nik said with a smirk, nudging Alex. "His rejected and his betrothed can get acquainted this morning. Sounds like we're in for a lovely day. Right, Alex?"

Nik looped an arm over Alex's shoulder as they left the room.

Once the door shut behind them, I exhaled deeply, two things on my mind... two women on my mind.

Christina and Lyla. One, my past. The other, my present, and possibly my future.

I got ready to head downstairs, bracing myself to face them both.

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LYLA

Celine was far more pleasant than Maria. She showed me to my room, where a sleek laptop and phone were waiting on my bed, picked out a dress, and prepared everything for my shower. Once I was done, she combed my hair and did my makeup.

By the time she was finished, I almost couldn't recognise myself.

Gone was the old, ugly material, replaced by an elegant black maxi dress that hugged every curve of my body.

"Now what?" I asked.

"Now, you will have breakfast with the masters," she replied, standing beside me by the dressing mirror, her hands clasped together in front of her.

Suddenly, the sound of rich, sophisticated feminine laughter floated up from downstairs.

I looked at Celine. "Who's that?"

"Miss Christina Sinclair, ma'am."

"Call me Lyla."

She hesitated for a moment before nodding.

"Who's Miss Sinclair?" I asked.

"She's a close friend of the Wraths."

"Mhm." I tilted my head curiously. "How close?"

Celine fidgeted with her fingers nervously. "She was supposed to marry Master Zephyr last year. Their families arranged it long ago, but he called it off."

"Why?"

She shrugged. "I suppose he didn't love her."

"I don't want another."

"... it means I want you. It means I choose you. Not just to be my mate, but my wife. My queen. My Luna."

My heart pounded at the memory of those words.

"So, she still visits after that?" I asked, mentally shaking myself free of the thought.

Celine nodded. "Their families have been close for years. A rejection wasn't enough to sever that bond."

Even without seeing Christina, I knew she still had feelings for Zephyr.

Maybe I could use that to my advantage... find a way to reunite them, freeing myself in the process. But how?

"We must go now... Lyla."

I stood, smoothing the dress over my curves. Celine had brushed my hair down, adding curls and other complicated details.

She smiled. "You look beautiful."

I smiled back warmly. "Thank you."

I was beautiful. Even in poverty, my beauty had managed to shine through, garnering attention wherever I went. But the men who noticed were always lustful, never with good intentions.

Celine and I descended the stairs quietly. At the table, Zephyr sat with his two brothers and Christina.

She was slim and elegant, her posture screaming class. Her black hair shone like silk, spilling over her shoulders, and her armless dress bared her flawless shoulders.

Christina Sinclair was, in fact, a beauty.

I could hardly believe Zephyr had turned down someone like her and instead set his sights on me