Am I supposed to be grateful that one of my futurehusbandswould allow me to continue my education? No one would tell an alpha how to live their life, so shouldn’t I be afforded the same privilege?
“Timothy has a well-established pack, each of them from respectable families.” As Dad continues, I imagine he’s reading from a script in front of him. “I know you’ve made your opinions on weddings clear in the past, but?—”
Contrary to his belief, I don’t have a problem with weddings as a whole. What’s not to like about a party with cake and pretty dresses? However, I specifically haven’t enjoyed any ofhisweddings. Since Mom died, his three subsequent marriages have been a total farce.
Before he can give me one of his infamous lectures, I cut him short. “I’m not marrying the Oakwood Pack.”
Sabs punches the air in solidarity while Delilah squeezes my knee, and Faye chews her lip, deep in thought.
“You have to be sensible, darling.” I clench my fists at the way he patronizes me, speaking to me like I’m a child who doesn’t understand how the world works. “You’re a Sinclair. You have responsibilities. I know you’ve been picky about potential suitors in the past, but you’re twenty-two and still unbonded. Do you know how risky that is?”
I bite my tongue to resist reminding him that he isn’t bonded to my current beta stepmom who’s only a few years my senior. My mom was the only person he ever bonded with. If he deems it unnecessary, why can’t I?
“You’re a target,” he presses on. “The sooner you bond, the safer you’ll be.”
Sometimes I wish I was born into a normal family. One that didn’t come with lofty expectations or pressure, where I didn’t grow up with half the world hating me or kissing my ass just because I’m a Sinclair. Maybe things would have been different if Mom were still alive.
“I’m well aware of the potential threats that come from being an unbonded omega.” I sigh deeply. “But I can take care of myself. You’re the one who made me take Jiu-Jitsu, Hapkido, and Karate classes, remember?”
Sabs gives me a thumbs up.
“The Oakwood Pack can provide you with the security you need.” Dad keeps talking like he didn’t hear me. Typical.
“Well, I can’t marry them!” I huff, teetering on the edge of losing my cool before tempering my anger again. I can’t lose my shit. Not with him. I need to play smart and stop my emotions from getting the best of me. “I’ve already found a pack.”
The words tumble out before I can stop them. Next to me, Sabs splutters, Faye’s eyebrows shoot up, and Delilah’s forehead wrinkles in a frown.
“What?” My father coughs, like he’s choking on something. “I think the line is breaking up. What did you say?”
A crazy plan springs to my mind. I have no idea if it’ll work, but I have to hope it will, because there’s no way I’m going near Timothy Oakwood’s cheesy knot.
“I said I’ve already found a pack.”
“B-b-but…” I stifle a smirk. Dad is rarely lost for words. “You d-didn’t tell me?—”
“I don’t have to keep you informed of every single detail of my life, Dad.” A victorious adrenaline rush floods through me. For once, I have the upper hand. “Plus, I wanted to make sure it was serious to avoid disappointing you.”
“Well…” he harumphs, collecting himself, probably already panicking about how he’s going to break the news to Timothy. “That changes things.”
“Yes, it does.” My voice stays firm. “And my new pack isn’t interested in marriage. Bonding is enough for them.”
“You’ve bonded?!”
There’s a crash in the background, as if he’s fallen off his chair or knocked over a heavy object. I can’t remember when I last heard my father so rattled.
“Not yet,” I reply vaguely. “But it’s on the horizon.”
“Who is this pack?” Dad demands, followed by what sounds like him banging a fist on a hard surface. “What are their names?”
“You’ll meet them soon,” I reply. “After you’ve made arrangements to cancel the wedding.”
With that, I hang up, leaving Sabs, Faye, and Delilah gawking at me like I’ve lost my mind. Over Delilah’s shoulder, I spot Laz’s face pressed against the house window, watching on.
“That was brilliant, Kady. A sheer Oscar-worthy performance!” Sabs claps her hands. “But you know you don’t have another pack, right?”
A grin breaks over my face. “He doesn’t know that.”
While my brain works one thousand miles an hour, desperately trying to piece this jigsaw puzzle together, I recall the campus rumors Sabs mentioned earlier, and everything clicks into place. Yes, I think it’s the perfect plan. Or it will be...
