A FORBIDDEN PRIZE

"Surrendering is accepting reality."

{ROXANNE'S POV}

August 6th had finally arrived — the day of the wedding I was supposed to attend.

Anxiety clawed at my chest, suffocating me as I locked myself inside my upstairs room. My mum had knocked earlier that morning, her voice soft and coaxing through the door, but I couldn't bring myself to answer. We were normally close, but today, I couldn't face her — or anyone.

The groom's party would arrive soon. According to tradition, the ceremony would be brief, lasting only a few minutes, and held at the bride's family home. Afterward, the bride would leave with her new husband. For the following three days, she was allowed to return and remain with her family — a short grace period to say goodbye.

I stayed barricaded in my room for hours, the silence broken only by my mum's gentle, persistent knocks. She wanted to comfort me — she always did — but I knew she couldn't override my father's decision.

As the sun dipped below the horizon and darkness settled in, the wind picked up. It whispered through the cracks in my windows, rattling the panes and stirring the curtains with a ghostly rustle. I turned toward the sound just in time to see a sleek black limousine glide into our compound.

It was nothing like my father's car, which sat quietly in the corner — elegant in its simplicity, much like the man himself. This vehicle, however, was power wrapped in gloss, an unmistakable symbol of wealth and dominance.

I stepped hesitantly toward the window, my legs shaky beneath me. As the limousine came to a stop, a group of werewolves emerged and surrounded it. Six individuals stepped out: four men, two women. I recognized most of them — Alpha Lucien, his children Seth and Martha, his wife Lydia, and his Prime Beta, Liam. The sixth, a werewolf I didn't know, was likely an Omega.

Then, my father appeared.

He must have been downstairs with my mother; I could still hear the fading echo of their argument. But now, stepping outside, his entire demeanor shifted. He greeted Lucien with a warm embrace, followed by handshakes and smiles for the others.

And then he smiled — a genuine, almost radiant smile.

I stared, stunned. My father, known for his cold, unyielding nature, looked happy. The sight made me scoff. Clearly, this arranged marriage was a cause for celebration — at least for him.

They spoke for several minutes before my father suddenly raised his hand, pointing upward — directly at my window. All eyes followed, and then they saw me.

Seth's gaze locked onto mine.

A chill shot through me. His stare was sharp, unsettling — a blend of hunger and possessiveness. He stood tall, his presence nearly as commanding as his father's, though still just shy of my father's formidable stature.

Born of the rare and powerful Alpha bloodline, Seth radiated dominance. His features were striking — more handsome than any male in our pack, including my father. Buzz-cut brown hair, piercing emerald eyes, a tailored black suit that clung perfectly to his sculpted frame — he was made to command attention. But it wasn't admiration I felt. It was dread.

He didn't look away, not until my father turned and welcomed them inside. I released a shaky breath, just as my father's booming voice echoed through the house.

"Roxanne!"

The dinner table was likely set — tradition demanded both families dine together before the larger celebration to follow. A private, uncomfortable ritual I wanted no part of.

Panic surged. Could I run? Could I abandon the pack, escape this fate, disappear into the wild? But the outside world was dangerous for a lone werewolf. I wouldn't last long.

Then the door to my room burst open.

Despite the lock, it swung inward with force. I turned, startled, to see my mother standing in the doorway. Her eyes searched mine, filled with worry and sorrow.

"Roxanne," she said softly.

Her voice undid me.

The dam broke. Tears spilled down my cheeks, silent at first, then sobs I couldn't contain. My mother crossed the room, sat beside me on the bed, and pulled me into her arms, cradling my head against her shoulder.

"I tried," she whispered, her voice breaking. "I begged him. He wouldn't listen. I'm so sorry, honey."

Her warmth was the only comfort I had left.

"Mum!" I cried, pulling back to look at her — and saw her own tears, unshed but glistening.

"Seth won't hurt you, I promise," she said, brushing hair from my face. "He's just a flirt. If he ever crosses a line, we'll come for you. We'll protect you — even if it means war with their pack."

Her words were meant to soothe, but they only deepened my fear.

"Please," she continued gently, wiping my cheeks with her thumbs. "Put on a gown. Come downstairs with me. They're all waiting. As much as I hate this marriage, we don't have a choice." Her voice dropped. "I love you, Roxanne."

I nodded slowly.

With her help, I changed out of my shirt and trousers and slipped into a simple white gown. Standing before the mirror, I saw myself — a six-foot-tall woman with golden hair cascading to her waist, hazel eyes reflecting pain, and a voluptuous figure I never asked for, but one that seemed to draw unwanted attention.

No matter what I wore, my appearance carried a sensuality I couldn't escape. Many Alphas had sought my hand — or rather, my body — offering alliances, power, and promises. My father had turned them all away. All except Lucien. Perhaps it was their friendship. Perhaps Lucien offered something my father couldn't refuse.

I drew a deep breath.

Supported by my mother, I stepped out of my room. The soft glow of the hallway lights lit our path as we descended the stairs — each step bringing me closer to the life I didn't choose.

To the man I didn't want.

To the future I feared.