Fated to the scarred Alpha

A knight or not

*Mary*

Sitting in the library, I watch as my father stares into the fire, an empty glass in his hand. He has just downed his whiskey in one long gulp after I told him what had happened at the ball. A hermit at heart, my father has always preferred the company of his liquor to that of people. He rarely attends social events, and only occasionally goes to his clubs. The only reason he is in Blackrock city now is to keep a close watch over me.

Finally, his eyes meet mine. "You are not to interfere in their business. You are betrothed to a respectable beta, and future Alpha, whose family lineage is impeccable. Leave these Snow Moon heirs and their uncle to sort out their own squabbles now. I want you nowhere near them".

"But they are our neighbors.” I protest. “And my childhood friends.”

"Not here in Black Rock City, they're not. And not out in the country, they won't be."

Trying not to sound like I am begging, I say. "But if I told the other Alphas what I heard…."

"You have no proof Beta Danix would have killed them. Perhaps they had misbehaved and a few hours in the tower was to be their punishment." My father points out

I can't help but think of my own experience. "As the nunnery was punishment for me?"

My father's face pales, and he licks his lips before taking another swallow of his liquor. "You must do nothing to endanger your betrothal to Fitz. You have no brother to look after you when I am gone. I cannot rely on my nephew, who is to inherit the land and title, to be generous with you. He will have five sisters of his own to marry off."

His words weigh heavily on me, but I can't shake the feeling that there is more to the Snow Moon heirs' story than meets the eye.

I have only a fleeting familiarity with my father's family. They seem to dislike the northern climate and prefer staying in the south. I do hope my cousin will appreciate the inheritance he is about to receive. But I can’t help feeling that it is unfair that I can’t be the heir, just because I am a woman.

I'm aware that my father is concerned about my future and has provided me with a substantial dowry to see me married before he dies. I can't help but wonder how much it might have influenced Fitz's decision to propose.

"The eldest girl is only nine. My brother started his family late in life". My father says before mentioning my uncle's untimely death due to typhoid. He offers me a small smile. "Perhaps you are right. I worry too much, but I do not want you to lose this opportunity to marry well, it might be your only one. Now off to bed with you".

Nearly an hour later, I find myself sitting on the window seat in my bedchamber, gazing out at the night. The thought of disobeying my father crosses my mind… getting dressed, going out, and trying to find Stephan and his brothers. I wonder where they are staying and why Stephan had not sought me out to let me know he is safe. I assume he wanted to keep his arrival a secret to make a grand entrance, but he should have told me. He shouldn't have left me worrying about him… about all of them.

Over the years, I have frequently contemplated running away from the convent. However, I had no funds at my disposal and no marketable skills with which to earn a living. And honestly no real idea where to go.

I might have remained there indefinitely if it weren't for my aunt, who took it upon herself to bring me to Blackrock city and give me a Season with my cousin.

Then another miracle occurred.

During my first ball, I met future Alpha Fitz, and shortly after, he proposed. By the end of the month, I will be free of my father and his manipulations.

When Fitz looks at me, he sees someone strong and capable… someone who can provide him with a pleasant home life. He may not be the most desired future Alpha; in fact, I doubt he's sought after at all. That makes us two different sides of the same coin, as no one has been knocking on my father's door, asking for my hand. Fitz has kind off become my knight in shining armor, my way out.