Alpha Xander's Undoing Chasing my Unknown Mate Back novel Chapter 1

Chapter 1

*Rory*

“Dad, please don’t make me do this,” I sobbed as I burst into my father’s office, my wedding dress dragging behind me and catching on the chair leg. “Eden isn’t even cold in her grave, and you’re forcing me to marry her boyfriend!”

“Don’t talk about your sister!” my father hissed, his piercing eyes blazing with hate and annoyance.

I always knew he preferred Eden. She was his golden girl, after all. Not the bastard daughter of the woman he never loved. I could see it in his glare—he wished it was me lying dead in those woods one week ago.

“You know I have no heir,” he said, his voice rising. “You must marry Xander so that when he takes over as Alpha, he will rule over both packs and keep the power within our family. At least be useful for once in your life!”

“But what if he’s cruel?” I sobbed again, as one of the carefully styled curls from my bun slipped loose and clung to my damp cheek. “Dad, please. I’m starting Azure Crest Academy next week. I can make something of myself there!”

He shot up from behind his desk so fast I had no time to react. He grabbed me by the neck, his iron grip cutting off my air as he brought his face close to mine.

His breath was hot, his words venomous.

“This is what you’ll make of yourself, you ungrateful pup! You could’ve been dead if it wasn’t for my care. Do you hear me? Dead!”

He released me, and I stumbled backward, clutching my throat. Tears blurred my vision, but I refused to let them fall. Wiping my face with what little dignity I had left, I croaked, “May I go now?”

“Not yet.” His voice stopped me in my tracks.

I heard shuffling, then saw him approach with a familiar vial of dark liquid. My stomach turned at the sight.

“Have you taken your medicine today?”

“Yes, Dad, I did,” I said, hanging my head in submission, my voice breaking.

“I don’t believe you. Take some more,” he said, thrusting the vial into my hand.

“No, Dad, I swear! I just took it two hours ago!” I pleaded, shaking my head violently.

But he wasn’t listening. His hand clamped around my chin, forcing my mouth open as he poured the slimy liquid down my throat. I gagged, just as I always did. Two years of this routine, and I still couldn’t get used to it.

“There.” He stepped back, looking satisfied. “Go. Someone will fetch you shortly.”

My head was already spinning, but I knew better than to linger in my father’s office after he’s dismissed me. I stumbled into the hallway, and I barely registered what was happening before falling into someone’s strong arms as my eyes went dim.

I knew this would happen. My father only ever overdosed me on important days like this, when he clearly didn’t want my brain to be working properly.

“What the hell?” the man muttered as I slumped against him. “This must be some kind of joke—a drunk bride on our wedding day.”

Before I could process his words, I was shoved away. My legs buckled, but another set of arms caught me. These weren’t as strong or warm, but they held me steady.

My father handed me over to Xander but not before he whispered his last warning, “Behave yourself. Or else.”

The sharp warning cut through the fog in my brain, sobering me slightly. I glanced up at my groom.

Even through the haze, I could see how devastatingly handsome Xander Grayson was. His strong jawline, perfectly tousled dark hair, and piercing blue eyes could have belonged to a Greek god. He radiated power and authority in his tailored suit, his broad shoulders straight and proud.

But his expression was cold, his jaw tight as he refused to look at me.

The ceremony continued, though I barely heard the words. My father’s glare bore into me from the front row, a constant reminder to keep my composure.

Finally, the officiant’s voice rang clear: “You may now kiss the bride.”

Xander turned to me, his icy blue eyes locking onto mine. For a moment, I thought he might actually kiss me.

But he didn’t.

Instead, he pulled me roughly against his chest, leaning down so that his lips were just inches from my ear. His voice was low, venomous.

“I know you’re the one who killed Eden to marry me, you little witch. And I’ll make your life a living hell because of it.”