- Everest -

I slowly followed my father into the house and then continued on our way to his study.

I was expecting the mystery man to meet us once we were already in the room, but he had cut me at the quick by already being in there upon our arrival.

He was the ugliest old man that I had ever seen, he reeked of arrogance...and the worst part, I knew exactly who he was.

My father greeted him in an honorable fashion before turning to face me, "Well say hello Evie."

'Evie?'

"Pardon me, my manners seemed to have failed me." I lied with a too sweet smile, "it is such an honor to be in your presence Alpha Supreme."

I had known just exactly who this man was, and even though I thought about being completely rude and disgusting so my "father in law" wouldn't like me and then I'd have to stay here. I knew that idea had gone straight out the window upon seeing the most powerful man in all of Weredom.

You see every Wolf belongs to a pack, and every pack has an Alpha and a Beta, BUT every Alpha answers to the Council. There are three members of the Council: two High Septons and one Alpha Supreme...and while the three are the ones who maintain Were order, it's the Alpha Supreme who makes the rules and dictates the punishment for breaking them, one could call him a king, and many of us believe him to be royalty...my family included.

"Well she seems to be very well spoken, clean no doubt, her looks match the description given almost spot on, and still young enough to produce heirs." The Alpha Supreme finally spoke as he slowly circled me.

My father looked as if he was fighting the urge to say "I told you so." Meanwhile I was thoroughly disgusted that two grown men would openly talk about a female who was well within ear shot of them.

"My daughter is also of good breeding, obedient, loyal, and is currently furthering her education as she just enrolled into the university the next town over."

I couldn't tell if he was talking about me or some dog I didn't know about.

"No." The Alpha Supreme sounded in a bored fashion, "education will not be required...unless the girl is learning how to birth pups then she has no use for fancy universities."

"Then I will personally pay the school a visit and inform them that there has been a mistake, my daughter will not be attending their school."

I couldn't even face my father.

"She will do Richard."

"May I be excused...unfortunately I still have quite a bit of packing to do." I said in a calm even voice.

The two men nodded and I left the room, the tail end of the conversation hitting my ears.

"I'm certain your son will be pleased Alpha Supreme."

"Titus has been a bit broody since the 'incident' perhaps your girl can bring his spirits up once again."

Titus...the name had made a violent shiver run down my back. I knew fully well the Alpha Supreme only had one child, but it hadn't set in that HE would be the man I was suppose to marry until right in that moment.

Titus Graystone has something of a reputation as being the cold prince with little to no sympathy for his often tortured victims.

My father chuckled and pulled me out of my thoughts, "I have every confidence, my Evie is just like her mother was."

I finally reached the stairs and went straight up to my room, there was no use in putting off the inevitable...Caleb was gone to me and I would never see him again.

He said he didn't want to be with me, and he made the point evidently clear as the last images of him were with his arms wrapped around another girl as he placed a small kiss upon her neck.

My own neck tingled as my wolf recalled the very way our mate had held us and kissed us in the same fashion.

But my fury quickly burned away the memory.

"I refuse to think about that prick." I growled. I was angry but my wolf was sad, my heart was ultimately conflicted in the worst way possible.

"Knock Knock."

I composed myself as Ash had entered my bedroom. "I didn't realize you were coming over tonight." I said, he had missed dinner and the party had begun some time ago. "I should have known."

"Well it's not everyday the ALPHA SUPREME is in your childhood home."

I rolled my eyes, "it's no big deal Ash he's just here to cross the t's and dot the i's on the contract he made with our father...apparently I'm going to marry his son"

"So that's it then...you've just given up on your mate?"

My heart broke even more but I couldn't let Ash know the truth, he'd be pissed and I actually feared for Caleb's well being.

"Well as much as I'd like to be with him, time is up Ash, as long as he's happy and safe then I can only hope he has a good life, mine was chosen for me before I knew I had a mate...perhaps destiny doesn't always work in a way you expect it to."

Ash just stood there, his arms crossed.

"What?" I asked as I moved from the dresser to my closet in a quick attempt to gather my belongings.

"I've never known my sister to be a quitter."

"Well it is what it is Ash."

"Or maybe." He started "maybe you didn't even give you and your mate a chance."

I growled in frustration, he didn't know how wrong he was, "this is my life Ash, some things are better left alone...so just wish me a happy life while you still can."

His hard stare softened as he stepped forward and took me into his arms, I refused to allow my tears to fall, there was no point in crying. I couldn't have Caleb and it was probably for the best, it's hard for a human to be a part of this world, I also wouldn't cry for my arranged marriage.

I pulled away from the hug and bid my brother farewell.

As I zipped the last of my luggage I let out a deep breath.

I exited my childhood bedroom and descended the stairs. My father and the Alpha Supreme were already standing right at the door of the stairs, awaiting my approach.

"I'll give you a moment of privacy with your father." The Alpha Supreme stated as he actually bent down to take my suitcases. "I'll be waiting in car."

"Yes sir." I acknowledged.

Once it was just my father and I silence filled the large foyer.

"I suppose this is goodbye." I said, in an unemotional way.

My father nodded, "Everest I know this isn't what you would have chosen for yourself, but please try and see what an excellent opportunity this is, not just for you."

"But for you?" I pointed out sharply.

"But for your children" he corrected me. "You may not realize it now, but one day you WILL have kids and every single door will automatically be opened for them because of who their grandfather and father are...j-just try not to show your stubbornness, be smart and you will stay safe."

His words echoed Briars earlier that afternoon and it had made a chill run down my spine knowing that he was now talking about Alpha Graystone.

I knew this was it, there was no formal goodbye, no hugs or "I'll miss you," I simply picked my head up and left the house, I made the small trek to the sleek black car where a tall man who wore a fitted suit stood. He opened the back door for me, I took my seat next to the Alpha Supreme.

The tension was thick and I knew better than to speak to him unless spoken to.

"Try and relax Everest, everything is already done, it's only a matter of time before everything is finalized and then you are free to begin your new life."

I sat completely still and gazed out of the window as the car had begun to drive away. What could I say even if I wanted to?

He was right, and sadly there wasn't a thing I could do about it.