“You can’t just decide that for me,” I said, my voice shaking. “I didn’t ask for this.”
“I’m not asking, Cestia,” he said, his eyes narrowing slightly. “This is bigger than either of us. The bond between mates is not something that can be ignored.”
I felt a cold knot of fear twist in my stomach. “What happens if I say no?”
His jaw tightened, and for a moment, his expression was unreadable. “If you refuse, it will weaken me as King Alpha. The pack needs a Luna to maintain balance and order. Without you, my leadership will be challenged.”
“And if I refuse anyway?” I pressed, my voice barely above a whisper.
He met my gaze, his crimson eyes darkening. “Disobeying the King Alpha is not an option, Cestia. For your sake, I advise against it.”
The unspoken threat sent a chill down my spine. I was trapped, caught in a web I didn’t understand.
He must have sensed my fear because his tone softened. “I don’t wish to force this on you,” he said. “But it must be done. For both of us.”
“What must be done?” I asked hesitantly.