Claire’s POV

“Your father signed the northern contract before you turned eighteen, Claire. If Chase ever tossed you aside, Alpha Halric was always meant to claim the leftovers.”

I closed my eyes to ground myself before glaring at Arthur.

He held my gaze for a heartbeat before his eyes darted to the window. “I did what was necessary,” he muttered.

“For the pack. A man with no strong son and a frail daughter must hedge his bets.”

He said it like a businessman explaining a merger.

Victoria watched me. She leaned forward, the pendant trapped beneath her finger. I knew exactly what she wanted.

She wanted me to break down...