"You think you can control everything in my life?" I spat, fury coursing through my veins as I faced my father across his office. "I'm not some puppet you can manipulate!"
Alpha Marcus Knight's face darkened, his power filling the room like a physical force. "Watch your tone, boy. I am still your Alpha and your father."
"Marcus, please." My mother, Luna Cassandra, placed a gentle hand on his arm. Her voice was soft but firm. "Let's talk about this reasonably."
I scoffed, running a hand through my hair. "There's nothing reasonable about forcing me into a mating just to satisfy your political agenda."
"This isn't about politics, Rhys," my father growled. "This is about responsibility! Something you've shown precious little of lately."
