Chapter 3 A bargain with the alpha

Enoch's POV

I sat up from my bed. The house was filled with sadness-even the night of the bloodbath wasn't this bad. Melody was by my side, and we comforted each other.

Her melodious voice-singing or humming-and the soft sound of her footsteps while she did her morning chores has always been my morning alarm, waking me up with a smile. But today everywhere was silent.

I sat up slowly, my bones aching more than usual.

I hadn't slept all night. The weight of last night's revelation pressed heavily on my chest. My mind kept spinning. Melody-my sweet, stubborn granddaughter-chosen by the Moon Goddess to be Alpha Anthony's mate?

She hated Anthony. Their rivalry ran deep. But I guess fate had other plans.

I remember, back then when Melody's mother, Selena, was pregnant with her, she had dreamt that she was carrying the great Luna of three packs who will bring expansion to Oceanfront, but only if she accepts her mates..

I dragged my tired body toward her door, but when I heard her sobs, I couldn't bear it anymore.

I need to see Anthony first, so I can have something to tell Melody when I return.

I arrived at the Pack House early the next morning, my boots were muddy because I decided to walk, so I could clear my head.

The scent of damp earth hung in the air. There is fear because of the flooding that keeps increasing. Our greatest fear is the grape plantation despite being located at the highest part of the island but it's just a matter of time before the waters get there.

They told me the Alpha was in a meeting.

I sighed and found a seat in the grand reception hall.. I sat quietly.

But I quickly fell asleep before I realized it.

I dreamt of my younger years, when I was still the Beta of oceanfront. I barked orders to warriors and kept the rogues away from our island. I started the grape Vine farming - many kicked against it, some said it's stupidity to grow grapes on an island, someone jokingly said that "we will be lucky if the sea doesn't drink all the wine first"-

The old Alpha had trusted me. The people followed me without question and here we are today - The winery has become one of our major businesses on the island...

Then I saw myself now old, not Beta anymore but still managing the winery and-clinging to the one person who still made life feel worth something: Melody.

A tap on my shoulder broke the dream.

"The Alpha is ready for you now, sir," a guard said respectfully.

I stood slowly, bones aching, and followed the guard into the council chamber. The room was newer than I remembered- it looked larger, fancier. Mahogany chairs, Air conditioners, water dispensers and other modern facilities have replaced the old furniture's and painting patterns that tell the story and history of the pack.

The golden crest of Oceanfront still hung proudly behind the Alpha's seat.

Anthony stood as I entered.

"Beta Enoch," he greeted with a nod.

"You don't have to call me Beta anymore," I replied.

"To me, you always will be, you still keep the pack's major source of income running," Anthony said sincerely.

"It's an honour, besides the work has been made easy with all those machines and workers" I replied smiling.

"Still you are the force behind it all" he persisted with the flattery.

He called a guard and ordered him. "Bring refreshments. Wine and dried fish."

"No, thank you, Alpha, it's too early, maybe some other time" I said firmly.

Anthony dismissed the guard and sat.

I took the seat across from him. We exchanged greetings and spoke briefly of the winery business and politics.

Then I leaned forward, my voice soft but firm.

"I'm here because I'm worried about my granddaughter. I need to know your true intentions-especially after everything you two shared... and the history you both have."

"I understand," Anthony began. "I know I treated her badly when we were younger. I was immature... the truth is I was threatened by her strength. She was strong, bold, and never bowed to anyone-not even me. I didn't know how to handle that."

He looked down, shame in his eyes.

"But I'm a grownup now and I've changed.

I'm glad the moon goddess chose her-she's strong, she's what I need by my side. Not just as a mate but as Luna of this pack because oceanfront needs a Luna like her.

I raised an eyebrow. "It's too sudden, the wedding is in two days. What happens if she says no?"

"I'll accept it," Anthony said quickly. "I'll never force her. Even if she walks away, I'll still protect her. She means too much to this pack... and to me."

A long silence followed.

Then he added softly, "Maybe this is the Moon Goddess giving us a second chance. Your family have sacrificed a lot to bring this pack to this level, her parents even died to protect this pack. Maybe Melody is meant to finish what they started."

My heart clenched. I stared at him for a long moment. This wasn't a speech rehearsed for power. It came from somewhere real.

"You've given me peace, I will take my leave now " I said quietly.

-

It was a few minutes past 10 a.m. when I got home. The house was still quiet, the compound untouched-just as I had left it.

I walked again to Melody's door, took a deep breath, and knocked. No response.

After a few seconds, I knocked again, softer this time.

"Melody... can I come in?"

Still no answer.

I slowly opened the door.

Melody sat on the edge of her bed, hunched over, her long black hair covering her face. Her eyes were puffy and red. It was clear she didn't get any sleep either.

My heart ached.

I sat beside her.

"My child," I whispered, "my poor baby girl."

She didn't look at me. Her voice came out as a whisper.

"I don't want this. I don't want him, He's not even my mate."

I sighed deeply. "I know, Melody.

But... you can't reject or disobey Alpha Anthony. It's the law. If you do... the punishment is death."

Her body stiffened. "Then let them kill me.

I would rather die than belong to him."

I gasped. "Don't say that! Don't ever speak of death so easily!"

"I mean it," she said sharply, tears rolling down her cheeks. "You don't know all the things he did to me.. I hate him and I still do."

I dropped my gaze. "That was a long time ago. You were kids then. Anthony is different now. He's a strong Alpha. He's not an enemy. He might be the best thing that could happen to you. I won't be here much longer... you need someone by your side when I'm gone and he is powerful enough to protect you."

"Protect me?" she laughed bitterly.

"You've heard the rumors. He's cruel. A womanizer. And let me remind you-he tried to steal from me, threatened me, fought me when I was just a girl. You call that a protector?"

I gently took her hand. "People grow, Melody. Maybe this is the Moon Goddess's way of healing the past. Maybe... This is the beginning of something bigger. You were born to be a Luna. I believe that with all my heart."

"Besides, I spoke with Anthony," I added.

She looked away, jaw tight.

"He wants what's best for you," I continued. "He regrets the past. He remembers my contributions and your parents' sacrifice-and I believe him."

She stood to her feet.

"No, Grandpa!" she yelled, eyes burning. "He's pretending. That's what he does-he plays games and everyone falls for it!"

She turned from me, wrapping her arms around herself.

Then she pointed toward the distant sea.

"Let's leave Oceanfront. Let's cross the sea! I've seen it in my dreams... A place full of opportunities, where I will be free to pursue my dream career! Please, Papa-before it's too late. This is a trap. Anthony's trap, and I don't want to be caged," she cried, tears slipping down her cheeks.

"This is your home," I said, gripping her shoulders. "Why would you want to run away from your home"

"My blood, my sweat built this land. Your parents' bones lie beneath these trees. There is nothing across the sea, only danger! The pack who killed your parents came from there. You think your future lies beyond the ocean?"

"I know it does!" she yelled.

My face twisted. My voice was no longer gentle.

"Stop driving me nuts, Mel! I am tired of your childish behavior! Grow up, you are eighteen now" I thundered and slammed the door as I left.

As I stepped outside, I felt bad for being too harsh on her but this is for the best..

Alpha Anthony is the best choice for her..

I hope and pray she accepts him...