Chapter 2 Duskfire's Gala Event

Abby's POV

The door swung open wider. Mother entered while Father stood by the doorway. Their presence shifted the atmosphere of the room dramatically.

"Freya, Abby, meet Beta Alex from the Duskfire Pack," Father's authoritative voice sliced through the silence as he walked inside. Freya's posture eased, but my heart pounded harder at the mention of the pack's name. "He is here with crucial documents for our alliance." He added

"Good evening ladies," Beta Alex greeted us. "Alpha Hayden insists on a prompt resolution," he said, his tone leaving no room for delay.

Mother gestured for him to have a seat with a warm smile. "Thank you for coming on such short notice. Let's see what you have for us."

Beta Alex meticulously laid out the documents, and Father quickly reviewed them, signing where required. "Alpha Hayden insists that marriage preparations begin immediately," Beta Alex announced.

My eyes widened in shock. I hadn't anticipated such an urgent timeline. Freya shot me a calming glance, trying to steady my nerves.

Beta Alex brought out an envelope with the Duskfire pack crest from his briefcase. "Alpha Hayden invites you and your family to an exclusive gala next week. He'd like to meet his bride-to-be."

Beta Alex didn't seem to notice my quiet protest or he chose to ignore it. He slid the invitation across the table like it sealed my fate.

"Fantastic!" Father exclaimed, surprise flashing across his face as he picked up the invitation. "We'll be there."

My stomach twisted at his quick agreement. He's really moving things too fast. Is he that eager to send me away? I mumbled to myself.

"I've been instructed to stay in Silverclaw Pack for two days," Alex's voice cut through my thoughts, his eyes flicking briefly to me. "Alpha Hayden believes it's essential to ensure everything goes smoothly."

I looked at Mother, hoping for some sign of hesitation, some softness in her gaze that might offer me comfort. But her smile was tight, practiced. A typical Luna's smile.

"Of course," she said. "You're welcome to stay in the west wing. I'll have the maids prepare a room."

Freya leaned toward me slightly, her voice barely above a whisper. "You okay?"

I nodded, but it was a lie.

"Very well then," Father said, clapping his hands once, as if to mark the end of a meeting. "We'll begin the preparations tomorrow. Freya, escort Beta Alex to his quarters."

Freya stood at once, always eager to be useful, especially in front of Father. As she and Beta Alex exited, I remained frozen on the couch, my fingers curled into the folds of my dress.

The silence that followed was heavier than any of the words exchanged. I dared not shed tears in Father's presence.

He turned to me, his expression unreadable. "This is the right path, Abby. For all of us."

I didn't answer. Not because I agreed, but because I knew nothing would change this.

He stepped out, likely to finalize more details with the beta, and Mother followed, pausing only to lay a hand on my shoulder. "You'll carry this well. Just as I did."

Those were the only words she'd spoken to me since Father announced the marriage.

When the door clicked shut, I finally exhaled. My hands trembled against the soft velvet of the couch. The tears I had been holding back gushed out in silence.

After what felt like hours, I dragged myself to my room. Still in the same clothes and shoes that clung to me all day, I collapsed onto the bed.

I didn't know how long I slept, but when I woke up, it was clearly the next day. A ray of sunlight slipped through the open window and settled on my face, stirring me awake.

I grabbed my phone. Damn! It was way past breakfast time, an offense not tolerated in this house. Father must have decided to give me this one moment to mourn. A gesture of controlled sympathy I guessed.

Then, a knock startled me.

It was Maelin, one of the younger maids, holding a bag. "Miss Abby. Your eyes..." she gasped, clearly taken aback by my swollen lids.

I ignored her. Not like she or any of them truly cared. Just more gossip for the maids' quarters.

She cleared her throat. "The tailor dropped this off. It's for the gala." She handed a sophisticated bag and left almost immediately.

I carried it into my room, unzipping it slowly. Of course, the dress. Elegant, expensive, impossible to ignore. Alpha Hayden must have instructed his Beta to ensure I looked the part. His bride-to-be couldn't appear shabbily, not even for a first impression.

The idea that a man I hadn't even met was already dictating how I should look made my skin crawl.

Beta Alex stayed just long enough to oversee every arrangement before heading back to Duskfire. No detail left unattended. No space left to breathe.

The days blurred together after that. Sleepless nights, hollow meals, frequent hugs from Freya, tight smiles from Mother, silence from Father and Ofcourse, gossips from maids and pack members. No one asked if I was ready.

The evening of the gala arrived with a splash of elegance and excitement. As I and my family entered the grand ballroom of the Duskfire Pack's estate, we were greeted by a breathtaking scene.

Crystal chandeliers bathed the space in a soft, golden light. The air buzzed with soft clinking of glasses and polished laughter of well-dressed high-society guests, many of whom were powerful and influential werewolves.

"Remember to compose yourself, Abby," my mother whispered, her hand gently squeezing my arm.

"Ah, the Morel family has arrived. A voice cut through the crowd, smooth and commanding. "I'm glad you honored my invitation"

I turned to the source of the voice and was instantly struck by a young man in his late twenties clad in a Tom Ford suit. His piercing blue eyes held my gaze, leaving me breathless. Standing at 6.4 ft tall, he commanded attention with his tall, muscular frame. The kind of man you glance at twice, maybe three times.

He was the kind of man you'd glance at twice, if not three times. As he began to approach us, my heart pounded with each step.

"Alpha Hayden," my father greeted, extending a firm handshake.

The name hit me like a jolt of electricity. I gasped.

"Alpha Hayden?," I whispered, more to myself than anyone else.