Chapter 44

Rylan’s POV

"What are you doing?” I growled at Rio angrily when we were back inside the packhouse and our father was out of earshot. He smirked at me. “Buying us some more time. Let's enjoy this ball tomorrow and keep our parents happy for now. We have a few days to develop something.” he explained.

I felt a surge of anger and frustration at Rio's words. "Buying us time?" I repeated, my voice low and even. "Is that all you're concerned about? We can't pretend to be happy and follow our father's plans. We have to take a stand."

Rio shrugged. "For now, it's the best we can do. We can't just up and leave the pack without a plan. We need to be smart about this."

I felt a wave of disappointment wash over me. I had expected more from my brothers, especially Rio. "You're not taking this seriously, are you?" I accused, my voice rising.

Rio's smirk faltered, and he looked at me seriously. "Of course I am, Ry. But we have to be realistic. We're not going to chang