Benedict’s voice was low and trembling with fury. “Father, give me the order. I’ll burn his pack to the ground.”

“No,” I said quickly. “No, Ben. Please. I don’t want war.”

He turned to me, eyes wild. “After what he did to you? After he made you kneel in front of everyone?”

Tears welled in my eyes again. “I don’t want innocent wolves to get hurt because of me.”

My mother stood and went to me, brushing my hair gently. “You’re too kind, Brielle. But sometimes peace must be earned with strength.”

My father’s voice cut through the tension. “There will be no weakness in this house.” He leaned forward, his expression hard. “That man ruined your name. The other packs are already whispering. If we don’t act, our daughter will become a laughingstock.”

I looked down. I knew he was right. In our world, reputation was everything. An Alpha’s daughter who was rejected and betrayed, it was scandalous.

“What will you do?” I asked quietly.

My father exchanged a glance with Benedict. Then he said, “We will make Alpha Xavier pay for what he’s done. But that’s not what’s more important now.”

He stood, his aura filling the room. “You will be married again, Brielle.”

I froze. “What?”

“It’s the only way to protect your name,” he said firmly. “If you marry into a stronger pack, the scandal will die. The other packs will stop whispering.”

“But I don’t want to marry again,” I whispered. “Not like this. Not so soon.”

“You don’t have a choice. This is for you, my daughter,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Benedict spoke then, still seething but quieter now. “Who are you thinking, Father?”

My father looked at him, his expression turning thoughtful. Then slowly, he said, “Propose a marriage to Alpha Cassius of Eclipse Pack. He’s powerful, respected, and loyal to our family. I want him to marry my daughter.”

My breath caught. My heart began to pound as the reality sank in.

Benedict’s jaw tightened, but he nodded reluctantly. “I’ll send a proposal tomorrow.”

My father’s gaze settled on me. “This time, Brielle, we’ll make sure you end up with a real Alpha, one who knows your worth.”