CHAPTER 4 I Don't Want to Marry Him

　　Cynthia's POV

　　As he spoke, his words pierced through me like icy daggers, and I couldn't help but wonder how he knew my full name. However, my immediate concern was the possibility of him regretting letting me go so easily. Fueled by that worry, I sprinted back to the basement as fast as my legs could carry me.

　　When I returned, I was surprised to find the door to my room wide open. The maids were destroying my furniture and smashing my priceless possessions in a fit of rage. I ran forward in a last-ditch effort to stop their destructive rampage and yelled, "Stop!" However, before I could act, two powerful maids grabbed me and forcibly pinned me to the ground, leaving me defenseless.

　　Luna Sandra, the Alpha's wife, approached me with a look of utter disgust, as if I were some repulsive creature. She gazed down at me, her voice dripping with disdain, "Mike from The Blue Moon Pack informed me of your rejection and public humiliation today. How dare you refuse someone's proposal? You should be grateful and accept it instead of acting like a whore, seducing other men in public. Do you have any idea how much damage you've caused to our Silver Bow Pack's reputation?"

　　"To hell with his proposal! Let your precious daughter Nancy be grateful!" I retorted, struggling fiercely against my restraints. However, Luna Sandra retaliated by delivering a powerful kick to my back, the force of which sent me sprawling beneath her weight. The pain surged through my body, causing me to grit my teeth and meet her gaze with undiluted hatred.

　　Leaning closer, Luna Sandra squatted down and viciously pinched my chin, her voice dripping with malice. "Do you know what I hate most about you?" she sneered. "Your blue eyes, just like your dead mother's. One day, I will dig them out myself!"

　　In a desperate bid to defend myself, I seized the opportunity and sank my teeth into her finger, biting down with all my might. "Ah! You bitch!" she screamed, recoiling in pain. The maids swiftly pried open my mouth, forcing me to release her finger, and I spat out her putrid blood.

　　Luna Sandra, clutching her bleeding hand, her face contorted with anger, rasped through gritted teeth, "Hit her! Hit her hard!" The maids unleashed a torrent of punches and kicks upon me, raining blows upon my defenseless body. I curled into a protective ball, shielding my vital parts as my vision blurred with each merciless strike.

　　Eventually, I succumbed to the darkness, overwhelmed by the pain that engulfed me. When I finally regained consciousness, I found myself alone in my ravaged room. Not a single piece of furniture remained intact, and my sheets and clothes were reduced to shreds. Despite the agony coursing through my body, I mustered the strength to tend to my wounds, retrieving hidden herbs to aid in my recovery.

　　A week later, having endured the pain and nurtured my injuries, I found myself cleaning the dining hall. However, a group of malicious maids snatched the mop from my hand, their intent clear in their smug expressions.

　　"Cynthia, if I were you, I would have gone straight to Alpha Aiden and caused a scene instead of hiding like a rat in ruins," one of them taunted, relishing in my vulnerability.

　　"Too bad you're not me," I retorted, glaring at her before snatching back the mop.

　　Her frustration apparent, she immediately turned to her accomplice, putting on a performance for the others. "You know what? Luna Sandra received an invitation from Alpha Logan to discuss a marriage alliance. It's explicitly stated that he's coming to visit for that purpose."

　　"Is that so? It appears that Miss Nancy will soon become Alpha Logan's bride!" I retorted, my words laden with sarcasm.

　　"Yes, upon receiving the invitation, Luna Sandra and Alpha Aiden were both ecstatic. After all, it's the Night Walker Pack; no one in their right mind would refuse an olive branch extended by such a formidable pack leader," the maid said.

　　"And as the daughter of Alpha Aiden, Miss Nancy is set to become the Luna of the strongest pack, while some people are condemned to the basement, doing all the dirty work that only Omegas are expected to do," the other maid sneered.

　　"If you envy her so much, why don't you try to please Nancy? Maybe she'll take pity on you and let you marry into their pack," I said, my irritation seeping into my voice before storming off.

　　Later that evening, Luna Sandra summoned me to serve dinner. As I quietly arranged the food, standing dutifully on the sidelines, I awaited the moment when she would proudly boast about Nancy's impending marriage to Alpha Logan.

　　True to my expectations, Luna Sandra cast a smug glance my way before addressing Nancy with an air of superiority as if I cared. "Nancy is truly exceptional. Even Alpha Logan was captivated by her."

　　"Mother, I don't want to marry him!" Nancy protested, her voice filled with fear and desperation.

　　"My dear, being chosen by Alpha Logan is a tremendous honor for our Silver Bow Pack," Luna Sandra replied with a hint of disapproval.

　　"But I don't want to marry an old man! I've heard he's a violent abuser who tortured his mate to death!" Nancy cried, tears streaming down her face. "Mother, please, I'm only 18, and I haven't met my fated mate yet. I don't want to marry him!"

　　Nancy glanced at me, her eyes filled with uncertainty, and immediately pointed in my direction. "If a marriage alliance is necessary, then let Cynthia go instead. I won't go!"

　　"My foolish child, those are nothing but jealous rumors spread by others about Alpha Logan. He's only 35, in his prime," Luna Sandra said gently, using a handkerchief to wipe away Nancy's tears. "He assumed leadership of his pack at 18, and under his guidance, the Night Walker Pack is now the strongest pack. If you marry him, you'll become the Luna of the most powerful pack, with boundless wealth and a prestigious status!"

　　Though Nancy appeared hesitant, she wasn't entirely convinced. "But, I..."

　　Cutting her off abruptly, Luna Sandra interjected, "Enough! Your father has also approved of this arrangement. You wouldn't want to upset him, would you? Trust me, everything I do is for your own good."

　　Reluctantly, Nancy nodded and accepted the predetermined marriage, her spirits visibly dampened. Luna Sandra patted her head with a sense of satisfaction before commanding me and two other Omegas to decorate the banquet hall for Alpha Logan's imminent arrival. "It must be completed before the day after tomorrow, or I'll expel you from the pack," she threatened.

　　As Luna Sandra led Nancy away, her daughter's sullen demeanor in tow, she offered a final remark with false cheerfulness, "Cheer up! I'll take you to get dressed up these next few days and ensure Alpha Logan falls in love with you at first sight!"

　　Inwardly, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pity for the unsuspecting wolves of Alpha Logan's pack, who would soon have to bear the consequences of Nancy becoming their Luna.