Shattered Vow

Lyra's POV

"For heaven's sake, stand up straight," Lina hisses, yanking at the back of my dress. "And it's 'Mother' in public. How many times must I remind you?"

I force my lips into what I hope resembles a smile rather than a grimace. "Of course... Mother."

The word tastes like poison on my tongue. I scan the dining hall, taking in the elaborately set tables and the parade of aging Alphas mingling with drinks in hand. The formal dinner party my father arranged is exactly what I'd expected—a glorified auction with me as the merchandise.

"Is there truly not a single Alpha under forty in attendance tonight?" I whisper, accepting a glass of sparkling water from a passing server.

Lina's perfectly painted lips curl into a smirk. "None willing to overlook your... situation."

"And what situation would that be exactly?" I ask, though I already know the answer.

She leans closer, her expensive perfume suffocating me. "Damaged goods don't command premium prices, dear. You should be grateful anyone's interested at all."

I dig my fingernails into my palm to keep from slapping her. The emerald green dress she'd selected for me is two sizes too small, making it nearly impossible to breathe. The color makes my already pale skin look sickly, like I'm on the verge of collapse—which was precisely her intention.

Across the room, my half-sister Paula glides between guests in her stunning silver gown, her dark hair cascading down her back in perfect waves. Every eye follows her, including my father's, filled with pride I've never seen directed at me.

"I don't understand why I'm even here," I mutter. "Audrey secured her alliance marriage last spring, and Paula's already promised to the Silver Lake Alpha's son. Why must I also be bartered away?"

Lina sips her champagne delicately. "Your father's debts won't pay themselves. Besides, you've been nothing but a burden since the day you killed your mother."

The familiar pain lances through my chest. Eighteen years, and they still blame me for being born. For surviving when she didn't.

"Alpha Zander is particularly interested in meeting you," Lina continues, her eyes scanning the room. "He's quite influential."

"And quite ancient," I add under my breath.

Lina's fingers dig painfully into my forearm. "You will be polite and accommodating. Your father has invested too much in this evening for you to ruin it with your attitude."

Since Lina married my father sixteen years ago, she's made it her mission to remind me daily of my inferior status. While Paula was groomed to be the perfect Alpha's daughter, I was relegated to kitchen duty with the Omegas. On good days, my family pretends I don't exist. On bad days, I'm the target of their collective disappointment.

"Ah, there he is." Lina's voice shifts to a sickeningly sweet tone. "Alpha Zander, how wonderful you could join us tonight."

The man approaching us makes my stomach churn. His ill-fitting suit strains against his substantial belly, and what little hair remains on his head has been carefully arranged to create the illusion of fullness. His eyes, watery and pale, travel over my body with undisguised hunger.

"Lina," he nods before turning his attention to me. "And this must be the young Lyra I've heard so much about."

I extend my hand, hoping he'll merely shake it. Instead, he brings it to his lips, leaving a damp spot on my skin that makes me want to scrub until it bleeds.

"A pleasure," I lie, withdrawing my hand as quickly as politeness allows.

"The pleasure is all mine," Alpha Zander responds, his gaze lingering on the tight bodice of my dress. "Your father has spoken highly of your... domestic talents."

I nearly choke. My "domestic talents" consist of being forced to work in the kitchens as punishment for existing.

"Alpha Zander owns three territories now," Lina interjects. "His pack is one of the most prosperous in the region."

"Indeed," he agrees, puffing out his chest. "And I'm looking to expand further. Strong alliances are crucial, as is producing strong heirs."

The implication hangs in the air between us, and I fight the urge to flee. The thought of bearing this man's children makes bile rise in my throat.

"I'm not certain I'm ready to discuss such matters," I say carefully. "We've only just met."

Alpha Zander chuckles, the sound reminiscent of gravel in a blender. "At my age, dear girl, there's no time to waste on formalities. I need a young, fertile second mate, and you need a secure position. It's a perfect arrangement."

His hand reaches out to touch my face, and I can't help flinching away. Lina's warning glare promises consequences later.

"You would be well provided for," he continues, oblivious to my revulsion. "My first mate is past her childbearing years, but she runs an efficient household. You would want for nothing."

Except dignity. And freedom. And love.

A sudden hush falls over the room, drawing my attention to the entrance. Conversations halt mid-sentence as heads turn toward the newcomer.

He stands in stark contrast to the other guests—younger, taller, with an air of barely contained power. His tailored black suit emphasizes broad shoulders, and his expression suggests he'd rather be anywhere else. When his amber eyes meet mine across the room, an unexpected shiver runs down my spine.

"Alpha Lucas," Alpha Zander mutters, his tone suddenly cold. "I'm surprised he'd show his face after that humiliating rejection from the Whitehead Pack."

The younger Alpha approaches with confident strides, stopping beside our small group. Up close, I notice a thin scar running along his jawline, somehow enhancing rather than diminishing his appeal.

"Alpha Zander," he acknowledges with a curt nod before turning to me. "I don't believe we've been introduced."

Before Lina can speak, Alpha Zander places a possessive hand on my lower back. "This is Lyra Moss. We were just discussing the terms of her becoming my second mate."

I watch horror flash briefly across Alpha Lucas's face before his expression returns to careful neutrality.

"Is that so?" he asks, his eyes finding mine again. "And is this arrangement to your liking, Miss Moss?"

The question catches me off guard. No one has bothered to ask what I want.

Alpha Zander answers for me. "The girl understands her duty to her family. The agreement with her father is nearly finalized."

Something snaps inside me. Years of resentment, of being treated as property, of enduring Lina's cruelty and my father's indifference—it all crystallizes into a single moment of rebellion.

"Actually," I say, my voice steadier than I feel, "I was just telling Alpha Zander that I couldn't possibly accept his offer."

Lina's face contorts with rage. "Lyra—"

"Because," I continue, stepping away from Alpha Zander's grasp and toward Alpha Lucas, "I've already made a connection with someone else."

Alpha Lucas raises an eyebrow, surprise evident in his expression.

"I'm sorry," I whisper, just loud enough for him to hear before I reach up, curl my fingers around the nape of his neck, and pull his lips down to mine.

For a heartbeat, he remains frozen in shock. Then, as understanding dawns, his arm wraps around my waist, drawing me closer. His lips are warm and surprisingly gentle against mine. When his tongue traces my bottom lip, I pull back, my heart hammering against my ribs.

I turn to face Alpha Zander, whose face has purpled with indignation. "I apologize for the confusion, but it seems Alpha Lucas and I have matters to discuss privately."

"Your father will hear about this outrage," Alpha Zander sputters, glaring at both of us before storming away.

Lina's eyes promise retribution as she follows after him, presumably to salvage whatever arrangement they'd made.

Left alone with Alpha Lucas, I suddenly realize the magnitude of what I've done. I've burned bridges I can't rebuild, and for what? A desperate gambit with a stranger?

"That was... unexpected," Alpha Lucas says, his voice deep and tinged with amusement. "Though I can't say I mind being used as your escape route."

"I'm sorry," I say again, this time with genuine remorse. "I didn't know what else to do."

He studies me for a long moment, his amber eyes unreadable. "Don't apologize. Alpha Zander is twice your age and has a reputation for cruelty toward his mates. You were right to refuse him."

"My refusal won't matter," I admit quietly. "My father needs this alliance. By tomorrow, he'll have found a way to force my compliance."

Something shifts in Alpha Lucas's expression—determination, perhaps, or calculation. "Perhaps," he says slowly, "we could help each other."

"What do you mean?"

"I need a mate to silence the rumors after what happened with Jade Whitehead," he explains. "You need to escape Alpha Zander. What if we made that kiss more than just a momentary diversion?"

My breath catches. "Are you proposing...?"

"A contract," he clarifies. "Temporary, if you wish. But binding enough to prevent your father from selling you to someone else."

I should be wary. I know nothing about this man except that he carries his own secrets and scars. But as I see Lina returning with my father in tow, their faces dark with fury, I realize I have nothing to lose.

"Yes," I say, turning back to Alpha Lucas. "Whatever you're offering, my answer is yes."