7 Chapter 6

We sat at a large oak table with a weaselly looking man explaining the specifics of the treaty. Of course, I did not listen. My blood was pumping so hard all I heard was throbbing in my ears.

I had not slept the night before and my stomach was in knots with worry.

Humphrey put a cold metal pen in my hand and almost wrote my name for me. I noticed Arthur's frustration and I wondered what he could possibly be angry about. He was getting everything he wanted.

"Lilly," Arthur began. I looked up to him. "Don't sign the papers."

I sighed with relief and released the pen.

Finally, someone was thinking sensibly.

"Alpha?" Humphrey seemed concerned.

Arthur looked at me trying to read my thoughts. "I cannot allow this," he murmured.

"I thought we had an agreement?" Humphrey was losing hope.

"I have some conditions," Arthur explained. "I want to legally marry you," he locked eyes with me. "We can conclude the mating when you are more comfortable."

My hopes shattered. He wanted me to bind myself to him in every way. He was arrogant and possessive, two characteristics I despised.

"Lilly?" Humphrey pushed me.

"Furthermore," Arthur continued, "I will ignore Takoda's challenge."

I sighed loudly as a weight lifted from my chest.

"But you must marry me, lass," he said gently which surprised me more than anything that had been said.

"You would spare that man?" Humphrey seemed unbelieving.

"He's a boy," Arthur said calmly. "A man would not have put Lilly in the position of losing someone close to her." Arthur locked eyes with me intensely. "A man would be willing to set this world on fire for you, all the while making sure a single flame never touched you."

Humphrey seemed impressed by Arthur's highland melody.

"Lilly?" Arthur asked simply.

I wracked my brain. I could appease the tribe, my uncle, and this brute that sat across from me. I would play the role and wear a ring, no more no less.

Before I realized I had already spoken my answer.

"Yes, I'll marry you."

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I heard shouting from the living room. Sean had come back from Ireland to be told Humphrey was marrying me off.

I tip toed into the room but they stopped talking when I did.

"Don't stop on my account," I murmured as the two older men stood tight lipped.

"You're agreeing to this?" Sean snapped. "You saw what a planned marriage did to your mother…"

"Arthur is not John," I countered.

"Arthur?" Sean looked to Humphrey. "Arthur MacAllistair?"

Humphrey became arrogant. "As per usual you underestimate me. I didn't choose blindly for Lilly."

"But you did choose for her," Sean pointed out. "Had I chosen for Tally, you would have set this house on fire."

I could see Sean liked the choice but did not like Humphrey making the decision and not him.

"Are you going to give her away?" Sean asked.

"Of course not," Humphrey conceded.

"No one is giving me away," I crossed my arms. "I'm not an item."

"Can you put your feminist views aside for one evening?" Sean seemed hurt.

I sighed. "Fine," I chewed on my lip. "I don't plan to be sober for this event so it would be nice to have someone to lean on."

"

"Thank you so much for the honor," Sean said snidely.

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Plans were made and I was fitted for a dress. I stood awkwardly at the engagement gala as British pack members whispered about me.

My mother made a fool of herself with the open bar and my only consolation was Caleb's attendance; but he was attached to Arthur's hip. I held onto my champagne glass hoping I would not crush it with my anger and stress.

Arthur would casually gaze at me before being distracted by pack members. Tak had not been invited to the gala but as a member of the tribal envoy, he had to attend the wedding.

Baen walked up beside me as I sulked in the corner.

"You look beautiful tonight," he said before taking a swig of his drink.

"Thank you," I whispered noticing I had caught Arthur's eye again.

He was keeping tabs on me, making sure I did not embarrass him.

"He's a tough son of a bitch," Baen admitted. "But he will never hurt you."

"Hopefully, he will simply ignore me," I said looking around the room. "At least, I am use to it."

Baen pushed my shoulder with his playfully, "it'll be alright. If you need anything I'm here."

I relaxed slightly. At least I would have one friend.

"That helps, thanks," I squeezed his arm. "So what should I know about the politics of this pack?" I whispered to him.

"You've lived amongst the brits for years…" he reminded me.

"Amongst," I pointed out the key word.

He snorted with laughter, "this pack and it's laws have been around since the Romans left Britain. It'll take a long time to explain."

I figured it would be a convoluted matter. I knew more of the human world than I did about the packs.

"Don't worry," he smirked, "I'll advise you."

My mind and stomach settled. "Thank you," I managed a smile. "I don't want to screw up."

He scoffed, "how could you?"

I rolled my eyes. Baen was a typical man who only saw my beauty. But it would take more than looks to keep the wolves at bay while I waited for an escape.

I was internalizing my emotions that I did not see Arthur approach us.

"Alpha," Baen said soberly as he stood straighter than before.

I remained silent as I watched Arthur's brow raise incredulously. His glacial eyes looked from Baen to myself.

"Cavendish," Arthur murmured coldly. "May I borrow my fiancé?"

"Actually," I put in. "Baen was just giving me a history lesson about British pack laws."

Baen chimed to my rescue, "I believe she will do a great job with some advising."

Arthur stared at me blankly before he spoke. "Baen?"

I nodded, "that's his name."

"Oh I'm aware," he clinched his teeth.

Caleb walked up noticing the tension. "what are we talking about?" he beamed as he draped his arm over Baen's shoulder. The Englishman looked like a toy soldier in the massive arms of my brother.

"Baen's name," I explained.

Caleb seemed confused but took the topic serious.

"Well, I assume his mom gave it to him and it's probably a family name…"

"Shut up," I hissed. Baen tried to hide a laugh as Arthur seemed to relax.

Caleb seemed offended. "Cavendish, let's go by the bar, I'd love to hear more about your name." He all but dragged Baen away.

Once they were gone Arthur spoke.

"How do you know my Beta?"

I shrugged. "I met him my first time in England, years ago. My mother has been throwing my little sister at his brother Harris, but I doubt he's interested."

Arthur nodded understandingly. "Alright."

"Alright?" I asked. "That's all you have to say?"

He thought, "I have work to attend to tonight. Don't be late tomorrow."

"Is something happening tomorrow?" I quipped as I placed my hands on my hips.

He went to tear into me but he held his composure.

"10 am. Don't be late." He snapped quietly as he left the hall to his study.

Before I left to rejoin the party I saw a blonde female slip into his office and shut the door.

That must be the work he was referring too.