So-called Fiancée

Sofia Hartman... the name alone drew disdain to my face. The so-called fiancée the pack elders forced upon me.

She's the first daughter of a former fallen Alpha, with her bloodline heavy with expectation.

"She's already at your mansion now," Jaxon added.

"Huh?" The corner of my lips curled, humorless. Of course she would be staying at my place. "Let's go."

"Yes, Alpha."

Jaxon bowed his head again, hurried to open the door. I hopped into the back seat and he got into the car as well, then drove away.

The engine hummed softly, the vehicle gliding through the busy city toward my mansion.

Jaxon gripped the wheel, his knuckles pale, eyes flicking to the rearview mirror every few seconds. I could feel his questions piling up, thick as the dusk settling outside.

He wanted answers, but he knew better than to push an Alpha. Still, the silence grated.

"Spill it, Jaxon, I know you're dying to ask more questions."

He hesitated, then spoke, "the rogues... You said you have a plan. How do I fit in to help out?"

I leaned back against the leather seat, the faint creak of it loud in the quiet car. The rogues weren't just a threat, they were a storm brewing, and I suspected a traitor in our ranks.

"There's a spy amongst us feeding them information. But don't worry, you'll have your part soon."

"A spy?" His eyes widened, a flash of agitation crossing his face. "We need to act fast then and be discreet."

"Sure, but I have a plan," I replied, my tone cold. A traitor in my pack? That's unforgivable.

Jaxon glanced at me, curiosity outweighing his caution. "Can I know the plan, Alpha?"

I smirked, though it didn't reach my eyes. The thought of someone betraying the Blue Mountain Pack made my blood boil, but I kept a calm face.

"I'm returning to SCN as the media consultant."

"SCN? A consultant?" He frowned, confusion etching his brow. "Why such a low position?"

I turned my head slightly, meeting his gaze in the mirror. "To root out the scheme and find who's pulling those strings. A low position keeps me hidden, lets me watch."

Jaxon opened his mouth, about to reply, but the car slowed suddenly. Red and blue lights flashed ahead, a police checkpoint.

My jaw tightened... talking about perfect timing.

"Pull over," I said, and Jaxon obeyed, easing the car to the side of the road. He stepped out, leaving me in the back, my fingers drumming impatiently on my knee.

A stocky officer approached, badge glinting under the streetlight.

"I'm Inspector Harrison," he said with a polite tone. "Guess you've heard of the animal attacks on this route. So there's a mandatory vehicle check for safety."

Jaxon nodded, calm but guarded. "I understand, but there's nothing in the car."

Harrison raised a brow, unconvinced. "I'll check anyway. And I'd like the passenger to step out, please."

I suppressed a sigh, annoyance prickling my skin. With a slow, deliberate movement, I opened the door and stepped into the cool night air.

My torn sleeve brushed against my arm, the faint ache of last night's wound pulsing under Matilda's red scarf but I immediately hid the hand.

Harrison walked to the trunk, Jaxon trailing him. I stood still, arms crossed, my presence enough to make the inspector glance at me twice. He popped the trunk, his flashlight sweeping over the empty space. Then he froze.

"Sir," he said, voice tightening, "this looks like an animal fur. Do you have a pet?"

My heart skipped. Damn it! A single white strand, my wolf's fur, shed during last transformation, lay curled in the corner of the trunk.

A careless mistake... my mistake.

Jaxon didn't flinch. "No pets," he said, tone steady as his eyes locked on Harrison's. "I don't know how that got there."

The inspector's gaze flicked between us, suspicious but uncertain. I stood taller, letting my presence fill the space, silent but commanding. After a tense moment, he smiled faintly.

"Alright," Harrison said, stepping back. "Just be careful. We don't know what's out there attacking people."

He waved us off, retreating to his patrol car. Jaxon slid back into the driver's seat, and we pulled away without a word.

Ten minutes later, the mansion's iron gates appeared ahead, parting silently as we approached.

I stepped out, the gravel crunching under my boots. Jaxon stayed behind, knowing better than to follow without orders. I pushed through the heavy front door, the scent of polished wood and leather greeting me.

The living room was dim, lit only by a single lamp on the mahogany table. And there, on the velvet couch, sat Sofia.

She rose gracefully, her dark hair cascading over one shoulder. Her lips curved into a smile, but her eyes were sharp, calculating.

"Welcome home, Blake. I've missed you."

"You're here," I said, my voice cold, a forced smile tugging at my lips.

I brushed past her, heading for my bedroom. Her heels clicked on the hardwood floor, following me.

Inside, I tossed the torn shirt onto the leather armchair by the window. The room was sparse but elegant, dark wood bedframe, crisp white sheets, a single painting of a moonlit forest on the wall.

I reached for the scarf on my arm, unwinding it carefully. Matilda's scent flooded my senses again.

Sweet and intoxicating, pulling me back to her messy apartment, her flushed cheeks, her trembling hands. My chest tightened, a low growl rumbling in my throat.

Sofia stepped closer, her perfume, jasmine, clashing with Matilda's lingering lavender.

She wore a thin slip of a white dress, the neckline low, her intentions clear. Her arms slid around my waist from behind, her lips brushing my ear.

"It's been over a year, but feels like forever. I've been dying to hold you close." She whispered.

I stiffened, my skin crawling at her touch. The wolf inside me snarled, rejecting her. I gently pried her hands off, stepping away.

"Sofia, why are you here?"

Her eyes narrowed, a flash of anger breaking her poised facade. "We haven't seen each other in over a year, and you're still this cold? Blake, what's wrong with you?"

I turned to face her, my gaze hard. "Answer my question. Why are you here without notice?"

She stared at me, her lips parting slightly, then pressed them together. For two seconds, our eyes locked, hers searching, mine unyielding.

"I'm here for our wedding in two months. The Elders have approved it."

The words hit like a thunderclap. Our wedding? My mind reeled, but my face remained a mask, betraying nothing.

The room seemed to shrink as Sofia stood there, chin lifted, waiting for my reaction, but I gave her none.

The blood moon was coming in two months and the mate bond with Matilda burned stronger every second.

Now, this, a decree from the Elders, chaining me to a woman I'd never loved. Fate was a cruel bastard!