Chapter 203: Chapter 203: The Breaking Point
SONIA’S POV
My brothers left my father and I alone. The fun part was over. It was time for some serious talk.
No matter how much one prepared for these kinds of situations, it never really mattered. The air in the room felt heavier now, the playful energy from earlier completely gone.
My father was capable of catching you completely off guard, even with first hand knowledge of what he intended to talk about. His presence filled the space, commanding and intense as always.
"Sonia, darling, did you like your scarf?" He asked, his voice deceptively casual as he gestured toward the beautiful silk scarf draped over a nearby chair. The fabric shimmered softly in the light, a deep emerald green that would complement my skin perfectly.
My eyes went to the beautiful silk scarf he got me. Perfect for windy weather. The material felt smooth under my fingers when I touched it earlier, luxurious and thoughtful.
"It’s nice. Thank you for the gift," I replied, forcing a small smile as I tried to keep my voice steady.
He smiled, and requested for my hands.
I gave it to him, and he held it firmly in his own larger hands. His grip was warm but strong, the calluses from years of battle and leadership rough against my skin.
He was getting older for sure, but his strength was still very much present.
I could feel it, and it both scared, and fascinated me. The power in those hands had built and destroyed entire lives, including mine in ways I was still trying to understand.
"How have you been?" He asked, his thumb gently stroking the back of my hand.
"I told you already, father. I’m really fine. See?"
He laughed heartily, and it warmed my heart. The sound was deep and genuine, a rare moment of lightness that made the corners of my eyes sting with unexpected emotion.
"Okay, fine," he said, and released my hands. "I just wanted to make sure."
"And I appreciate that, but what did you want to talk about?" I asked, relaxing into my chair as much as I could. The wood creaked softly under my weight, a small sound in the quiet room.
The inevitable was just mere seconds away. I may as well just relax my body. My shoulders dropped slightly, but the tension in my stomach remained, a tight knot that refused to loosen.
"Do you know where I’ve been?" He asked, leaning back in his chair as he studied me.
"I know nothing about that. Cade didn’t really talk much about your whereabouts," I replied, keeping my voice even.
"Good. I didn’t tell him where I was going because I didn’t want him to tell you anything until I was back. But he still somehow managed to figure it out. That bastard," he joked, a small smile tugging at his lips.
"Well, he’s your heir. You should be proud of him."
"Oh darling, I am. He’ll make a damn good alpha someday. It’s not him I’m worried about today. It’s you," he said, his expression shifting to something more serious, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made my pulse quicken.
"Father–"
"I know, you’re fine. But you won’t always be. That’s why I need to know that all my children are safe before I leave this world."
"Father, don’t talk like that. When you say things like that, you don’t know how much you scare me." My voice cracked slightly, the fear of losing him — despite everything, rising unbidden in my throat.
He laughed, but it wasn’t completely filled with humor.
Something was wrong, and no matter how much I tried to piece it together, I just couldn’t. The lines on his face seemed deeper today, carved by years of decisions and battles I could only guess at.
"Anyway, let’s talk about why I travelled for so long. Do you know Alpha Liam?"
My heart skipped a beat at the mention of Ramon’s friend. The name hit like a cold splash of water, sending a shiver down my spine.
I mean, it could be anyone, really. I didn’t know all of the alpha’s by their names. I didn’t even know every pack out there.
But the coincidence was too much right? What are the odds? My fingers tightened in my lap, the fabric of my dress bunching under the pressure.
"The name sounds familiar," I replied, keeping a calm composure even as my mind raced.
"You should know him. He’s best friends with Ramon, but a better version of him," he said casually, as if the words didn’t carry the weight of a thousand unspoken implications.
"Yeah, I know him,"
"Good, then this won’t take as long as I thought it would."
"Father, what is going on with alpha Liam?"
"Nothing. Only that I’ve been hovering around his pack for the past month, to secure a marriage between you two."
My tongue went instantly dry. There was no way right? No way out of everyone, he wanted me to marry Ramon’s best friend. The room seemed to tilt slightly, the air growing thicker as panic clawed at my chest.
"I can’t," I said before I could stop myself, the words tumbling out in a rush of fear and disbelief.
"Sonia?" He called gently, but I had already gotten to my feet, my legs unsteady beneath me.
"Do you know what you’re asking me to do? Ramon is my fated mate, but I can’t be with him because he rejected me in favour of another woman. Why would I want to put my heart into the same kind of torture by marrying a man that doesn’t love me? A man that is best friends with the man that rejected me? How can you watch your daughter go through something so cruel?" I asked, tears already gathering in my eyes as my voice broke.
"You think I didn’t think about all of that? But I promise you Sonia, he’s the best suitor for you. Can’t you see it? Girls your age all want the same kind of man. Empathetic, and kind, right? Well everyone says he’s all of that. What else do you want?"
"To be left alone! To know more about my mother! To get my wolf back! All of which seems to be of no concern to you. Do you even love me, father? Or am I just a reminder of my mother to you?!" I screamed, without thinking, the words pouring out like a dam breaking.
"Watch your mouth, Sonia?!" He growled a warning, and I took a frightful step back, my heart hammering wildly in my chest.
"Why? Everyone can get frustrated, but I can’t? I’m sick and tired of being pushed around like I’m a dog without any agency!" I screamed again, regaining my courage as the frustration of the past months boiled over.
"Maybe because you have no idea how the world works? Do you think the man that had the audacity to come into my pack, and take you away would keep quiet forever? He’s going to come lay a claim to you, hiding behind the fact that you’re his mate. He’s going to wage war. I don’t want you to be anywhere near when he does!" He jumped to his feet too, his voice thundering through the room.
"Well you should have thought about that before burning his pack to the ground, and igniting the intense hatred he has in his heart for you. I don’t care about Ramon, and at this moment, I’m sorry father, but I don’t care much for you. I just want to be left alone. Is that too much to a—"
"Enough!"
The growl from Wolf was so strong, its force almost sent me flying against a wall. The sound vibrated through my bones, making my knees weak.
Someone grabbed me from behind before I could fall.
I looked behind, thinking it was Seth, but it was Jed. His arms were steady around me, protective even as the tension in the room crackled like lightning.
My brothers had all walked back into the room, and it felt like I was on trial. Their eyes were on me, a mix of concern, disappointment, and frustration that made my stomach twist.
"You cannot talk to your father like that. Never talk to him like that!" Wolf continued, causing me to shudder with fear. His massive frame loomed, his voice deep and commanding.
"That’s enough, Wolf. The girl is scared enough." Cade stepped in, his tone firm but calmer.
"He’s right, Wolf," Craig said when Wolf opened his mouth to protest.
"Talk to your sister," My father said, as he walked out of the room, leaving me alone with my brothers. The door closed behind him with a heavy thud that echoed in the sudden silence.
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