Chapter 2

“I reject this proposal”I boldly stated, earning a gasp from the room.

“What do you mean?”The woman asked with a confused look printed on her face.

Everyone was shocked by my words,as they all paid each other glances before fixing their gazes on me.

‘I couldn't care less because there was no way I was ever getting engaged to anyone. I mean, I'm just seventeen, for God's sake. I want to explore life first, go out with different boys, and have fun. Getting engaged to this mute freak sitting beside my father is out of the question’ I inwardly thought.

The guy sitting beside my dad had an amused expression on his face and seemed to smirk like he was happy that I called off the engagement.

Suddenly in a swift move the man flipped the table over, sending all the tasty treats flying across the room. Everyone stood up, surprised by his unexpected action

"How dare she call off the engagement!" he yelled anger written all over his face,as his fangs started becoming visible which made me feel a chill down my spine.

"She didn't mean it, my king. She was just..." my father tried to explain, but the king silenced him by raising his hand up with now had claws on them.

"What's going on?!" the lycan king or, should I say, this maniac, voiced out, his rage evident in his tone.

"I can..." my father's voice came out trembling as he was beyond terrified of the intimidating looking king. The king grabbed my father's collar, lifting him off the ground as my father’s legs dangled in the air.

"I need answers!" he growled at my father, his fangs and claws now clearly visibly sharp, his eyes glowing dark red, making him look scary.

I watched my father struggling to breathe as the maniac's grip on his neck tightened. I can't let this man hurt my father.I mentally thought.

"Hey, let go of my father!" I yelled, making the king gaze fall on top of me.

I rushed towards them, I was fast enough but before I could do anything my father spoke.

"Ashley, stay out of this," my father managed to speak, even though he was being choked.

I noticed my father started to black out before he was sent flying across the room.I couldn't just stand still; I immediately went to meet him.

"Get up, father," I tried helping him, but he pushed me away.

"This is all your fault! Why must you always do things to disappoint me every time!" My father's sudden outburst made me flinch,I could see the pain in his eyes.

"Father, I..." I called out to him, but he silenced me immediately, not wanting to hear my voice.

"Enough!" he yelled, his glowing yellow eyes now visible. I could see the storm in his eyes and how mad he was at me.

"Every time, you are always doing something to put my name in the mud. If it's not fighting in school or sneaking out at night, it's getting into trouble with the pack!" He uttered while standing up, his voice laced with anger and immense rage for me.

"Father, please hear..." My throat felt sore, and I managed to speak, but I was cut off.

"I wish you were never my daughter and had just died instead of your mother." My father's last words pierced into my soul.I looked for hope that he didn’t mean what he said in his eyes but saw nothing but hatred for me.

I was told my mother died the day after she gave birth to me, and many people in the pack said I was bad luck. But my father didn't mind them and took care of me, even though we weren't part of the high-ranking werewolves. My dad had always made sure I was treated like a queen, and I have done nothing but bring shame to him,I scolded myself mentally as memories of how my dad took care of me replayed in my head.

"Your daughter is way too brave for a werewolf from a low rank," the lycan king who was watching the whole show from behind said, making my father's gaze fall to the floor.

"I'm so sorry," my father apologized, falling at the feet of the lycan king.

I felt so bad seeing my father fall at his kneels and I couldn’t help but blame myself for this humiliation.

"Father, get up”I pleaded from behind but my voice came out a little bit too loud, bringing everyone's attention to me.

"Please forgive her for her mistakes. She doesn't know the consequences behind it," my father pleaded on my behalf, ignoring my words.

"Father," I called out, but he ignored me.

"Yes, it's obvious she doesn't know, but that's why I won't let this slide. Guards!" The lycan king had a cokd expression on his face, making my father's eyes widen for some reason.

"Guards!" The lycan king yelled, and immediately some guards came running towards him.

"Please don't do this," my father begged, while standing up.

What's going on?I inwardly questioned what was happening.

"Seize her!" The lycan king commanded pointing towards my direction, and immediately they came towards me, holding onto my arm.

"What's happening? Let go of me!" I yelled, struggling to free myself from their tight grip.

The guards started dragging me along with them as I tried to break free.

"Please don't do this, Ashley!" My father tried pleading with the king, but he was sent flying across the room by him.

"Father!" I yelled, seeing my father groaning in pain on the ground as they took me away tears flowing from my eyes.

"Ashley!" My father's loud voice brought me back to reality.

"Yes," I muttered completely dazed off,I saw everyone's eyes were on me which made me realize it was just an imagination.

‘Oh my goodness, what kind of danger did I just experience? Is this a sign for me not to do anything stupid like I normally do?’I inwardly panicked.

"So, what do you say about this engagement?" The woman curiously asked,her eyes studying my every reaction as she waited for my reply.

I felt conflicted. Part of me wanted to say that this whole engagement thing was complete nonsense, but after the chaos that played out in my mind, I wasn't so sure anymore. Oh God, please help me find a safe way out of this situation, and protect my father as well. I couldn't bear it if anything happened to him because of me.

At this moment, I couldn't help but wish my mother was still alive. She would have known what to do and how to get me out of this mess.

I don't want to keep bringing shame to my father, and the idea of marrying into a royal family and becoming the queen was tempting. I had always wanted to be in a position of power, where peasants would bow before me, and my life would finally feel great.My thoughts made me smile.

"I acc..." Before I could finish my words, I was abruptly interrupted by the person I had assumed was mute.

"Wait a minute."

What could be the problem now? I wondered anxiously.