Chapter 21

Chapter 21:

My eyes fell back on my mother. Her lips were set in a thin line, her eyes vacant, staring ahead at something far off. Slowly, her face paled, and her eyes lowered. He was a Lycan king, yes, but why the hell were they so scared of him?

“That’s not why you’re here,” my mother said firmly, surprising all of us. Her bright eyes were on Ryder.

“You’re right,” he shrugged. “That’s not what I came for. You see, I have far more important things to attend to.” My curiosity was soon satisfied when he stretched out his right hand, holding a long brown envelope between his fingers. Opening it, he brought out a piece of paper—several white sheets clamped together. A bloody contract.

I gasped aloud. Realizing what I’d done, my hands flew to my lips, clamping them shut.

The room fell silent, the only sound the ticking of the grandfather clock in the hallway. My breath hitched as I stared at Ryder, transfixed by the drama unfolding.

“Sign it,” Ryder said in a low growl. It wasn’t an offer; it was more of a command.

Without moving an inch, Father eyed the paper skeptically before shooting Ryder a defiant look.

“I’ll save you the stress of reading it,” Ryder said, his eyes moving to my face, and I felt a shiver run down my spine. “I’ve been tasked with taking care of a situation. One that requires your daughter’s presence. It’s a peace treaty—you give p>

“Give me your daughter, and you get peace,” he said coolly, but firmly. Was it just me, or was the Ryder I saw last night a different person?

I felt my heart skip a beat, my eyes widening as I fumed inside. My fury slowly spread. First, it had been my mom and Jason deciding for me, which I could stomach since they were family—but Ryder?

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” my father said, his voice firm, but Ryder’s gaze never wavered. It remained cool and patient. My throat still felt tight, and I had yet to find my voice.

“It’s not up for discussion,” Ryder said, his voice resonating with authority. “She’s coming with me,” he stated firmly.

I felt like I’d been punched in the gut, my breath knocked out of me. A peace treaty? Give me to Ryder in exchange for peace? I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I felt like an animal for sale. Here I sat, a negotiation about me flying around my head, yet somehow, I didn’t have a say. In fact, no one had a say.

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Jason’s face twisted into a deep frown, his eyes red with anger, blazing with defiance. “You can’t just demand that we hand over my sister,” he growled, slamming his fists against the table. A clattering sound echoed in the room, his voice low and daring.

Ryder’s gaze never wavered. His eyes darkened a bit, and he straightened.

“For someone with insignificant strength, you have the nerve. You should be grateful I didn’t do something rash to you. Did you think I’m a fool, that you could play games with me right under my nose? I wasn’t crowned Lycan king for nothing. You don’t know your place at all. For that, I swear on my life, you’ll have my wrath!” His voice thundered, filling the room, and I shivered, my hands wrapping around my shoulders.

His words were like fire burning through grass—quick and deadly. I knew he meant the incident in my room. Cursing myself, I wondered if I should have let Jason see him. Maybe all this wouldn’t be happening.

Mom’s eyes were wide with fear, her rosy complexion now pale as her eyes darted toward my father. She knew what Ryder was capable of, and she knew we couldn’t refuse.

“Please,” she whispered between sobs, her voice trembling.

My father’s eyes darted to mine, and I saw the fear and resignation there. We had no choice.

“You have no—” Dad began, his face contorted in a grimace, when Ryder lunged at him. His hands flew through the air, grabbing him by the collar.