Chapter 12. Prisoner

Avery’s POV

The tension in the room was suffocating, and I could feel my father’s gaze burning into me as I stood there, refusing to back down.

“You’re not going anywhere, Avery,” my father said, his voice low but filled with a dangerous edge. “Do you understand me? You’re staying here, and you will marry Alpha Garrison. This family’s reputation depends on it.”

“I don’t care about reputation!” I snapped, my voice rising despite the lump forming in my throat. “You want to sell me off to a man twice my age; a man who’s notorious for his drinking and temper! Do you even hear yourself?”

His expression darkened even more, his jaw tightening as if he were barely holding himself back. “You don’t get to question me. You are my daughter, and you will do as I say. This isn’t a negotiation, Avery. This is your duty.”

“Duty?” I echoed, my voice breaking. “What about my happiness? What about my life? Or does that mean nothing to you?”

“Enough!” he roare