Kael’s POV.
The Silverfang castle’s grand meeting hall echoed with the low hum of voices as my father, Alpha Ashford, and Aria’s father, Alpha Xavier of the Nightshade pack, stood at the head of the room. Both men had the kind of presence that demanded attention-my father with his cold, calculating demeanor, and Xavier with his commanding aura, his broad shoulders and piercing dark eyes making him look every bit the leader of one of the most powerful packs in the region.
I leaned casually against the wall, arms crossed, outwardly appearing calm, but my mind was already racing. Xavier’s presence here meant one thing-the engagement plan was moving faster than I’d anticipated.
“Kael,” my father’s voice snapped through the room, pulling me from my thoughts. “Pay attention. This concerns you.”
I pushed off the wall and strolled toward them, forcing a relaxed smirk onto my face. “I’m listening,” I said, though my tone carried a hint of boredom.
Xavier’s expression tightened, his dark eyes narrowing slightly as he looked at me. He’d never liked me much, and I could see why. To him, I was probably just some reckless playboy, unworthy of his precious daughter.
“We’ve decided,” Xavier began, his voice deep and authoritative, “that the engagement ceremony will take place in two days. It’s time to solidify the alliance between our packs. There’s no room for delay.”
Two days. That was much sooner than I expected. I kept my expression neutral, though inwardly I was already working out the logistics of how to handle this.
“Two days gives us just enough time to finalize the preparations,” my father added, his tone clipped and efficient. “But before the ceremony, we want the two of you to spend some time together. You’ll need to appear… connected in front of the packs.”
“Connected?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. “You mean pretend we’re madly in love?”
Xavier’s glare was sharp enough to cut through steel. “You will treat my daughter with respect, Kael. This alliance is crucial, and I won’t have you jeopardize it with your attitude.”
I held up my hands in mock surrender, a smirk tugging at the corner of my lips. “Relax, Alpha Xavier. I’ll be the perfect gentleman.”
“See that you are,” he said, his tone icy.
My father stepped in, his voice steadying the tension. “We’ve agreed that tomorrow, Kael and Aria will spend the day together. Shopping for the ceremony attire-her dress, his suit. And afterward, a private dinner. Something romantic to show the packs that they’re… invested in this union.”
“Shopping and dinner,” I repeated, pretending to mull it over. “Sounds delightful.”
“Take it seriously, Kael,” my father warned, his eyes narrowing.
I nodded, but I couldn’t resist adding, “Why not go all out? If we’re trying to sell this whole ‘perfect couple’ act, let me take her to Paris. Shopping in the fashion capital of the world, followed by a romantic dinner overlooking the Eiffel Tower. It’ll make for a convincing story, don’t you think?”
Xavier and my father exchanged a glance. I could see the hesitation in Xavier’s eyes; he didn’t trust me, and he had every reason not to. But my father, ever the strategist, was already nodding.
“That’s not a bad idea,” my father said, turning to Xavier. “It would send a strong message. The packs would see it as a gesture of true commitment.”
Xavier frowned, his jaw tightening. “And you’ll bring her back first thing in the morning? No excuses, no delays?”
“Of course,” I said smoothly, my silver-gray eyes meeting his without flinching. “You have my word.”
After a long pause, Xavier finally nodded. “Fine. But if anything happens to her, Kael, you’ll answer to me.”
“Understood,” I said, flashing him a charming smile.
—
Later That Evening.
Jace was already waiting for me as I walked out of the meeting hall, his familiar grin plastered across his face. He leaned casually against the cold stone wall, arms crossed, giving off the air of someone who had all the time in the world. “That look on your face,” he said, his tone a mix of amusement and curiosity, “means trouble. Let me guess-another one of your genius schemes?”
I smirked, my steps slowing as I approached him. “You could say that,” I replied, keeping my voice low. My eyes darted down the hallway to ensure no one was lingering within earshot. Conversations like this required privacy. “The elders want me and Aria to play the picture-perfect couple for the next two days. Shopping, dinner… the whole charade.”
Jace raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Let me guess. You’re gonna drag her through the usual dull routine and call it a day?”
“Not exactly,” I said, tilting my head with a sly grin. “I proposed we go to Paris instead.”
That made him straighten up, his grin widening as he let out a low chuckle. “Paris? Really pulling out all the stops, huh? What’s the angle? Trying to impress her, or just trying to irritate her overprotective dad?”
I shrugged, but my eyes gleamed with intent. “Neither. I’ve got a better plan.”
Jace’s grin turned wicked, his interest piqued. “Let me guess-you’re hoping to… finalize things before the big day?”
“Exactly,” I said, my smirk darkening as I leaned closer. “If I can take what her father values most-her so-called purity-then Xavier’s pride will tear this engagement to shreds. That old-fashioned alpha is obsessed with his daughter being untouchable. If he finds out she’s not, this alliance will collapse faster than he can react.”
Jace whistled low, shaking his head as he gave a soft laugh. “You’re playing with fire, my friend. You really think you can pull this off without it blowing up in your face?”
I crossed my arms, my expression hardening. “It won’t blow up, Jace. Aria’s clueless, sheltered. She’ll never see it coming. All I have to do is make her feel special for one night. By the time she realizes what’s happened, it’ll be too late.”
Jace’s grin remained, but there was a flicker of caution in his eyes. “And what if she doesn’t go along with it? What if she says no?”
“She won’t,” I said confidently, my voice steady and cold. “She’ll think it’s her decision. I’ll play the charming fiance, the man she’s always dreamed of. By the end of the night, she won’t just say yes-she’ll beg for it.”
Jace chuckled again, shaking his head in mock disbelief as he pushed off the wall. “Man, remind me never to get on your bad side. You don’t just play dirty-you rewrite the rules.”
“I’m a snake! I crawl slowly then I attack,” I said simply, my smirk returning.
—
The Morning Departure.
The sharp gleam of the black Ferrari reflected the soft, early morning sunlight as I leaned against the hood, arms folded, waiting for her.
The castle courtyard was quiet, save for the faint chirping of birds in the nearby trees.
The crisp air carried a sense of anticipation, though I wasn’t sure if it came from the day ahead or the plan forming in my mind.
When Aria finally appeared, walking toward me with that graceful, deliberate stride of hers, I felt a flicker of amusement. She was dressed simply, her long, dark hair cascading over her shoulders, but her presence was magnetic. Her green eyes met mine, curious and guarded.
“You’re late,” I said, my voice light but teasing, as I stepped forward to open the passenger door for her.
Her lips pressed into a thin line, clearly unimpressed with my tone. “I didn’t realize we were working on your schedule,” she replied, her voice cool but steady.
I smirked, gesturing toward the car. “We are. And Paris doesn’t wait for anyone, not even you.”
Her eyes widened slightly at the mention of Paris. “Paris?” she echoed, her tone laced with surprise.
“Didn’t they tell you?” I asked, feigning innocence. “We’re going shopping in the City of Light. Only the best for my future fiancee, of course.”
She hesitated, her brows furrowing as though she was trying to decide whether or not to believe me. “This is… unexpected,” she finally said, her voice softer.
“Get used to it,” I replied with a wink, closing the door after her before rounding the car. I slid into the driver’s seat, starting the engine with a low growl. “You’re about to see a whole new side of me.”
She folded her hands neatly in her lap, her posture stiff as she stared out the window. “You’ve always been full of surprises,” she muttered, her tone neither warm nor cold.
I chuckled, glancing at her as I steered the car down the long drive. “That’s what makes me so interesting, don’t you think?”
She didn’t respond, but I could see the faintest hint of a blush creeping into her cheeks.
—
At the Airstrip.
The private jet waited for us on the tarmac, its sleek white body gleaming under the bright sunlight. Aria’s steps faltered as she caught sight of it, her lips parting slightly.
“You really don’t do things halfway, do you?” she asked, her voice tinged with awe and just a hint of suspicion.
“Not when it comes to you,” I said smoothly, flashing her the kind of smile that had disarmed more women than I could count.
She glanced at me, her green eyes narrowing slightly as though trying to decipher my intentions. “And what’s your angle this time, Kael? What’s the catch?”
“No catch,” I replied, feigning sincerity. “Just trying to make this experience memorable for both of us. Isn’t that what everyone expects from us?”
For a moment, she said nothing, her expression unreadable. Then, with a small sigh, she climbed the steps to the jet.
I followed her, taking my seat across from hers as the engines roared to life. She looked out the window, her fingers fidgeting slightly in her lap, a nervous habit I’d already noticed about her.
I leaned back in my seat, my gaze fixed on her as the jet lifted off the ground.
This was it. The beginning of my plan. By the time we returned, everything would be different-for her, for me, and for the alliance our fathers were so desperate to secure. All I needed was one night to set the pieces in motion. At least that’s what I hoped for.