So, the grown-ups have left the room to discuss their brilliant plan for world peace, or as I like to call it, “How to Make Two Packs Miserable with One Wedding.” I watch them file out, each looking more self-important than the last, leaving us mere mortals to wallow in the aftermath of their grand announcement.

Tarek, my ever-loyal friend, grabs my arm. “Kai, don’t do anything stupid.”

I flash him my most innocent grin. “Me? Stupid? Never.”

He rolls his eyes. “Seriously, just leave it alone.”

But where’s the fun in that? I shrug off his grip and make my way over to Eli, who’s standing off to the side, looking like he’s contemplating jumping out a window. Not that I blame him. I mean, if I were in his shoes, I’d probably be halfway to the nearest cliff by now.

“Hey, Prisoner of Tradition,” I say as I approach. “Enjoying the party?”

Eli gives me a look that could wither flowers. “What do you want, Kai?”

“Just checking in on my favorite unwilling bride-to-be,” I reply, leaning casually against the wall. “You looked like you could use some company.”

His jaw tightens. “I’m fine. And it’s none of your business.”

“Everything’s my business,” I retort. “Especially when it’s this entertaining.”

Eli sighs, clearly deciding I’m not worth the effort of a proper retort. We stand in awkward silence for a moment, and I can’t help but admire his dedication to being as miserable as possible. It’s almost an art form with him, really.

“Look,” I say, dropping the sarcasm for a second. “I get it. This whole thing sucks. But you can’t just mope around forever.”

He glares at me. “What do you suggest I do? Run away?”

“Not a bad idea,” I say with a smirk. “But seriously, you’ve got to find a way to deal with it. Maybe make the best of a bad situation.”

Eli’s about to respond when Devin shows up, looking like the perfect alpha heir that he is. Great timing, as always. I can practically see the halo over his head.

“Hey, Kai,” Devin says, flashing his trademark charming smile. “What’s going on?”

“Just having a heart-to-heart with our resident martyr,” I reply, gesturing to Eli. “Figured someone should check if he’s planning to bolt.”

Devin’s smile falters just a bit, and I can see the worry in his eyes. Poor guy. He’s probably torn between duty and the fact that he’s getting roped into this mess, too. He’s always been the golden boy, the perfect alpha-in-training, and now he’s getting handed a marriage he didn’t ask for. 

“Eli, I know this isn’t ideal,” Devin says, his voice gentle. “But we’ll make it work. Somehow.”

Eli nods, though it’s clear he’s not convinced. I can’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for him. Devin, for all his sweetness, is still part of the problem. But at least he’s trying. It’s more than I can say for most people around here.

“Devin, you’re too nice for your own good,” I say, shaking my head. “Maybe if you were more of a jerk, this would be easier for everyone.”

Devin chuckles, and there’s a softness in his eyes when he looks at me. If I didn’t know better, I’d say he’s got a thing for me. But that’s ridiculous, right? We’re just friends. Childhood friends, at that. There was no way he had a crush on me.

“Maybe,” he says, his smile turning wistful. “But that’s not who I am.”

Eli watches this exchange with an unreadable expression. I can’t tell if he’s amused, annoyed, or something else entirely. Probably a mix of everything. He’s got that stoic look down to an art form, which makes it hard to read him.

“Anyway,” I say, clapping Devin on the shoulder. “You two should probably talk. I’ll leave you to it.”

As I turn to walk away, I catch Eli’s eye one last time. There’s a flicker of something there—maybe gratitude, maybe just exhaustion. Either way, it’s clear this is only the beginning of a long and complicated mess. I don’t envy him one bit, but I can’t help but feel a little responsible. Not that I could do anything to change the situation, but still.

For now, all I can do is keep stirring the pot and see what happens next. After all, what’s life without a little chaos? And who knows, maybe this arranged marriage disaster will lead to something interesting. One can hope, right?

I make my way back to Tarek, who’s been watching the whole thing with a mix of amusement and exasperation.

“You just can’t help yourself, can you?” he says, shaking his head.

“Not in the slightest,” I reply with a grin. “But admit it, you’d be bored out of your mind if I did.”

Tarek laughs. “You’ve got a point there.”

We stand together, watching as Devin and Eli talk quietly, their expressions serious. It’s hard to imagine what they’re feeling right now, both of them trapped by expectations and duty. 

“Think they’ll survive this?” Tarek asks.

“I don’t know,” I admit. “But it’ll be interesting to watch them try.”

And with that, I lean back against the wall, ready to see how this whole mess unfolds. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that life is never boring when you’re surrounded by people who have no idea what they’re doing. And in this case, that’s pretty much everyone.

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