Falling For My Enemy Alpha

Olive's POV

Father was that kind of man. He was the man who never listened to his only daughter about anything and everything. He was the man who saw his daughter as a tool to becoming more feared and powerful across the five Houses in the realm.

The night he let Alpha Cassian take my maidenhead, he became no father of mine. Perhaps, I was blinded by his title over me as father that I never opened my eyes to see the cruel fibre he was made of.While I expected much from him, when apparently, he respected none of me.

I peeped out of my bedroom window atop the castle keep, and saw him speaking with Alpha Cassian. They were nose deep into some mischief or the other- that much I knew.

The bailey was alive with music, a stark contrast to the gloom I bore. Stringed musicians, clowns, ribaldry, and lots of food to be devoured. Tonight was the night I would be sold off to Alpha Cassian of the House of Storstrand in the guise of marriage.

Hot tears springing from the depth of my heart ran down my face undisturbed as the sour event of that fateful day replayed itself in my head.

''The House of Storstrand commands the highest resources in gold and men. Mating him will bring me the desired fortune I need to win this protracted war against Vagamor,'' he'd said squarely, looking out the window that winter noon.

''But father, I want none of this.'' I protested in tears. ''I do not want to be wed to Alpha Cassian. Moreover, he's not my fated mate. I'm keeping myself pure for the lucky man whose destiny and mine are intertwined.''

I should have known arguing with my father was pointed

''Daughter," he exhaled a breath, turning slowly to face me. His harrowing black eyes pierced into me sharply as he stroked his long plaited black beard, making my pulse thrum. "What do you think wins a war?'' he asked calmly.

''Urm... Good strategies, good generals, and good soldiers.'' I responded honestly, frightened by his towering height.

''Good! Well said!" He exclaimed, stretching his arms wide. With a pat on my shoulder, he drew me into his side, and led me to the open window, overseeing the vast strip of forestry and cottages in the plains of Mortem. ''Firstly, I happen to be the best strategist in the castle...need I say, in the entire realm. Secondly, the war generals have agreed with me that we need more men to win the war- good soldiers of valor. And thirdly, you, my daughter, can get me the second," he flashed me a sarcastic grin and I felt chills running up my spine, which had nothing to do with the freezing atmosphere.

I gulped down the bile in my throat. "'Do I have to get married to him before he gives you what you want?''

''Yes, daughter. That's the only way.''

''I cannot accept this, father.' I peeled away from him, pouting. ''I'm old enough to make my own decisions.''

"You do not have a say in this matter, child!' he growled. "What is done is done. There's no going back."

I swivelled to look him in the eyes, with tears in my eyes. Not that my opinions ever mattered anyway. Perhaps, I might tamp on his soft spot...if he had one.

''Have you ever asked me what I wanted, father?'' I challenged, my voice brittle. "Mother would never have accepted any of this!''

Last time I checked, mother was his only soft spot, and I knew when to play that card on him.

''You know nothing about her. Your mother would have done anything to bring the House of Mortem to victory. Do not bring the dead into matters of the living.''

He blurted and turned on his heels, locking his hands behind him.

Hanging my head low, I whispered, hoping I could still get him to change his mind. ''I am only nineteen, father. I can barely stand the sight of a man.''

"'And Drustian?''

I stopped breathing for a moment. How did he know about Drustian? I never told anyone I had feelings for his Beta.

''It- it's not what you think, father.' I stuttered weakly. "There's nothing between Drustian and me."

''You think I don't see the way you look at him whenever he trains the soldiers? I may not be here all the time, but I see things, Olive. I hear them too.''

'Cassandra...,' I snarled internally. 'I'll gut that maid the next time I see her.'

She's always had her loony eyes on my man- one of the many shameless females I had to contend with.

Father had that card all the while and he used it at the nick of time. Too bad I played my 'mother' card sooner.

Knowing the brutality my father was capable of, I resorted to stooping for Drustian's sake. "He doesn't know anything,'' I pleaded. "Let him live."

Although he had his back to me, his smirk was perceptible. "That's why he still has his head on his body. It's a good thing you kept it to yourself."

As long as my crush lives, I might be happy.

"It has been decided. You have no say in this.''

''Father! I_"

"It has been decided,'' he cut me off.

''I do not love him.'' I wasn't done either. A new wave of courage spurred inside me, and I chose to expend it for as long as it lasted.

He peered down at me, brows meeting. ''Love is weakness in times of war. It's a distraction; a poison to the mind. We need all the hatred we can get to win this war.''

''You cannot marry me off to him, father. if you ever loved mother before you were betrothed to her, why can't I have the same privilege? I want to be wed to the man I fall in love with. Not the man you choose for me!'' I yelled in tears.

''You'll not speak to your father with such insolence! I trained you better!''

''You also trained me to fight for what I want!'' I shouted, crossing my hands defiantly.

''Enough!'' he raved. ''I'll not have you disobey me and put the House of Mortem to shame. You and Cassian shall be mated, and no one shall say otherwise!''

I crumbled to the floor in tears, burying my face in my palms. ''Play your role, and help your father win this war," he soothed. ''Cassian!''

What?! He was here already?!

The wooden door creaked open to allow the light blonde Alpha into my room, a flowing red cape sweeping behind him.

By the Moon, I hate that cape.

With a disgusted look, I sized him up. Aside the exaggerated cape he donned, bold gold rings were slung around each finger, with a dangling pair in his ears. He was tall for an Alpha, but father was imposing. He had short permed brown hair styled to the back, with complementing brown eyes that screamed wild perversions.

The disgusting manner at which he licked his lips made me hate him more. Despite his gourmand scent, I could perceive the whiff of ale coming from him.

I admit he's handsome. Unfortunately, that's where it ended for me. To a lesser woman, he's a head turner. However, his ostentatious appearance was a huge turn off for me. Drustian was simply breathtaking. He effortlessly made the heads of nobles and commoners spine. If he wasn't Drustian, he was not meant for me.

I shifted my gaze to my father. ''What is this about?'

Father crouched to my level and kissed me on my forehead, muttering what seems to me like a warning than an admonition it was meant to be. ''Make me proud.''

He strolled to where the salivating Cassian stood and whispered into his ears, ''Be gentle on her. She is all I have.'' With that, he left the room, bolting the door behind him, leaving me behind closed door with a heartless rapist.

That night, I swore to have my revenge on him and on father.

Veering back to the present, I stared at the most hateful men in my life, counting down to the perfect time to strike.

Olive's POV

"My Lady." Cassandra, and a couple of maids bowed into my chambers. Each of them had a large basket hooked to their waist containing wedding garments, ornaments, and garlands.

"Place the baskets on the table," I instructed without looking at them. My eyes were fastened on father and Alpha Cassian under the canopy prepared for them.

"Your father demands that you-"

"I know who my father is and I know what he wants," I snapped at her. "And I want you guinea pigs out of here now!"

"He'll have us sent to a whore house if we do not return with you." They trembled and pleaded.

I pitied them. He used people, and loved things. No one dare defy his orders if they wanted to see the next full moon.

But not tonight. I needed to be a little bit of my father to exact the plan I had been nursing two new moons ago. Nothing and no one must ruin it.

Father must pay for dearly for betraying me.

My eyes turned bright golden yellow as I flashed my claws at the Omega slaves, "Or I can kill you all right now, right here. What do you say?" I smirked, picking nonchalantly at my claws.

"We'll be on our way, My Lady."

Bowing quickly, they placed the basket on the mahogany table and strutted out of the my chambers, shutting the door behind them. I zoomed to the door and bolted it after them. My heart began to race as I contemplated hatching the plan I'd conceived for the past three week.

Within minutes, my father would climb up the wooden stairs in a fit of anger, and my plans would be ruined.

If I must do this, now was my chance...my only chance.

Swiftly, I collected the baskets from the table and spirited to the partition separating my wardrobe from the rest of the room. In one of the baskets was a tiara sitting majestically on a neatly folded cream-colored bliaut. In another was the garland that was meant to be around my neck as I go to join him for the ceremony. The last basket had an array of gold necklaces, statement rings, and earrings.

Too gawdy for my liking.

Scrunching my nose from the flashy accessories, I moved the tiara in the first basket aside and unfolded it. It glimmered in the candle light. Stealing a moment to admire the artistry of the material, I was one step away from succumbing to the stupid ceremony.

It had a slim bodice and a long flair I suspected would sweep the floor. The bodice shimmered with a cross section of glittering stones, emphasizing the beauty thereof.

Too bad, I won't be wearing this pretty thing. I hung the cloth over the partition and made my way to my bed. To the outsider, they would think I was changing into the dress, and accord me my privacy.

Crouching under the bed, I pulled out a scarecrow. Don't ask me how I got it... it's a long story.

It was to stand in for me as my replacement.

Slipping my hand under my bed the second time, I pulled out a basket of containing male garments, placing it on the foam

I kind of loaned them from the wash room.

Okay, I stole them. Without them, my plan was doomed to perish. I cannot risk being caught in a cote. It would compromise my plans.

Soon, father would send for me, and I must be outside the castle walls before then.

In a haste, I was bare beside my bed, save my undergarments covering my sex. The bristle winter wind bit into my skin, making me snatch Snatching the light brown tunic and the black leather leggings from the basket and jumper into them. Although, they were oversized, it was the least of my problems.

I slipped into the leather boots, lacing them up to the shin. At last, something to call comfortable.

I fished a hooded plain coat from my wardrobe. The last thing I wanted was to be discovered. Before I got out, I spied my new outlook in the full length mirror. "They think they're smart, but I'm smarter. Father just messed with the wrong person."

Pulling the hood over my head, I made for the door in a haste, stopping at the entrance to calm my racing heart. It was a dangerous mission that could claim my life if my plans went south

Albeit, there was always a day to try something...daring.

I turned the wooden knob to open the door. It creaked slightly in response. I peeped out to observe the passage, looking left and right, all the while, controlling my pulse. The passage seemed to be in want of activity.

Gradually, I stole out of the room and gathered myself into the narrow passage that ends at the top of a series of spiraling stairs down to the courtyard, where father's Almighty throne was.

Originally, the mating ceremony was supposed to be held here, especially now that it was snowing. I'd never understand why father chose the open bailey instead. Good for me, it only made my escape smoother.

"Halt!" A guttural voice from behind me called.

I stalled in my movement. My heart flew to my cheek.

Shit! I've been caught!

My fighting skills was subpar. Other than watching Drustian from my bedroom window train the men, I was a complete dunce when it comes to brawling. If I ever learned anything from watching him those long years, it was targeting the crotch of your opponent so hard especially when he is up close.

If my escape from here depended on a pair of burst testicles, I was ready to do all it took.

"Who are you?" came the resounding bass.

With my back to him, I heard his footsteps approaching, and I bowed my head. "I am but a worthless servant, My Lord."

He scoffed, obviously flattered by the title I used on him. He stopped beside me, extending a basket of assorted fruits into my hands. "The table has need of these. Take, you don't want to keep the Alpha waiting."

Seeing that I had him where I wanted, I impressed him further by lowering my head extensively as if he was more than the common guard he was. "I'll drop the basket at the table as Your Lordship pleases."

Without more words wasted, I hunched to the double doors in a haste. On getting into the open, snow flakes curtained the night. At this rate, my heart was a thumping mess.

I dropped the basket on an empty table few meters away from me, crunching snow beneath the heavy boots. As I turned in the direction of the dungeon, my elation grew boundless because no one recognized me...or need I say, no one wanted anything to do with a serving girl.

I hurried along, afraid to look behind my shoulders, dreading the moment when someone would tap me or scream my name aloud. I might have fooled them, but I don't want to take any chances. You cannot fool everyone everytime.

When I was a kid, during one of my feral adventurers, I discovered a secret passage that opened into the postern at the rear of the castle. That was my passport out of here and I could only hope it was still there.

I spirited to the mouth of the dungeon, hauling a burning torch from it's hook on the wall. Stretching my torch into the darkness, I made for the depth of the dungeon with sweaty palms.

Halfway into the dungeon, I heard the tower bell tolling in the distance.

Shit!

"Find her!" father bark angrily. "Search every corner, every place. She shouldn't have gone far."

I ran into the putrid dungeon, reeking of blood and rotten flesh. The hole beneath the wall that held my salvation was more important to me than the stench choking my breath.

Soon, I got to the end of the wall, and found the hole beneath the wall.

Bless the Moon!

I had found it when father made me follow him into the dungeon to watch him torture a rogue. I was only eight, and father thought it was wise to make me witness violence at a tender age.

He said he was training me to be strong and fearless; to make my enemies fear me...but I just want to be me.

Slowly, the hole came into view. It was smaller than I remembered. Rocks and debris had covered the mouth, making it smaller for me to pass through.

I dropped the torch to the floor, and went on my knees to claw out the hindrance.

Suddenly, I heard indistinct voices from the mouth of the dungeon, as the yellow glow of approaching light gained further entrance into the dungeon. I dug and pulled breathlessly, until I saw the ray of moonlight from the other end.

Until I squeezed myself out of the hole to the other side, I forgot to breath. When the fresh scent of horse dung stung my breath from outside the wall, I put out the fire by stepping on the head of the torch. My instincts told me to cover the hole, which I did. It'd buy me some time. Having done that, I heaved a fair sigh of relief and made for the postern.

At the postern, two guards were inspecting the throng of people coming in an out of the castle. Watching them closely, I noticed the lackadaisical attitude at which they inspected the people. I was about to confront them out of annoyance when I heard the bell chime from the distance, bringing me to the present reality.

''Think of a plan. Think like father. What would father do in this kind of situation?"

An idea sparked into my mind, and hastily joined the queue, plucking few rosemary plants along the way.

Finally, it was my turn to be checked. My heart had now relocated to my cheek, despite my reserved exterior.

"Who are you?" One of them asked wearily.

"I'm but a humble farmer, good Sir." I said in a croaking voice, bending over in series of faux coughs.

"What brought you to the castle?"

I presented the spices to him. "These."

I dare not raise my head to look at him. "What do you need them for?"

"It's my little cub's birthday tomorrow, and I need them to prepare his favorite soup."

He fastened his gaze on me for a while, making me shift on my feet. I feared he'd seen through my guise.

"Take, and leave."

I was about leaving when he stopped me again. "And happy birthday to your cub."

"He'll be pleased, good sir." I replied over my shoulder, coughing. "You're so kind."

When I was sure I was out of arms way, I broke into a run, diving into the woods head-on. I didn't know where to turn or who to go for help, but I wanted to be far away from home.

I ran farther into the woods, trail the crescent casting a glow in the dark woods.

"Thank you, Moon. Now, I'm fr_"

The words were hardly out of my mouth when a large hand grabbed me by the throat and shoved me into a nearby chestnut tree.

"What the..."

The choke-hold around my neck was so powerful that breathing became impossible. I felt the strength of the stranger's hand threatening life out of my lungs. My eyes bulged under the crescent, burning with tears ready to stream down my heated face.

"You... deceived me." I gnashed at the moon, scratching my way out of my captor's hold. Despite my claws digging into gloved hands, he didn't budge.

Never have I ever felt more weak and useless, incapable of pulling off great stuffs.

"You're supposed to be begging for your life, sassy lass." Although, I couldn't make out my captors face, his velvety voice appealed to my hearing. Aside Drustian, I never thought my gut would flutter shamelessly at the sound of a masculine voice. I expected a hoarse voice from a killer of his kind.

"N... Ne...ver!" I choked. Restrategizing, I aimed for his eyes, but they were out of arms length. Consequently, I dug a claw into his forearm, employing the cheapest trick I could muster. Instead, his grip tightened around my neck, unfazed by my crazy scratches.

"This is not the time to act brave, brat. We need you to__"

Instantly, an idea perched into my mind. Who is he? Was he one of my father's enforcers?

Not likely. I know all my father's enforcers. Who could this stranger be?

Only one way to find out...

Freeing his bleeding arm from my wild assaults, I lifted my hands to the hood of my cape to reveal my face. If they knew my identity, giving that I was still in the pack, I'd be safe...I thought.

Jerking aback, my captor released his lethal grasp on my neck, letting me crash freely to the root of the tree. I held my neck with one hand, coughing and gasping for breath, and grateful I wasn't dead yet.

I struggled to my feet, supporting my weight with my left hand drawing strength from the stem of the tree. I lifted my face to look at the buffoon who had rough-handled the princess of Mortem. My father, Alpha Kazamir, had founded a fearful reputation for himself across the realm. Only a fool would step on the lion's tail in his den.

"What do you want from me, you piece of__ " When my eyes finally met his, I suddenly lost the ability to utter sensible statements.

"You're his daughter!" He spat, disgust dripping in voice his brows. He knotted his brows into a puzzle as his eyes traveled the length of my body from my boots upward, until he settled his blue orbs on my grey ones.

Under the moon light, I could make out the color of the bastard's eyes.

"And you're his enemy." I stood, surprised, as his features came into full view.

The enemy of Mortem; Alpha Orvyn of the House of Vagamor. Now that we're plain before each other, I took my turn to size him up.

He wore a black form-fitting tunic that overstated his buffy chest. Donning a pair of black leggings, he complemented it with a pair of black leather boots. He had thick long midnight-black hair packed into a bun behind his head. With a chiseled face that seemed to wear a permanent smile, this wolf just stole my world.

He had an overcoat of hay strapped across his broad shoulders like a cape. I presumed he wore it to hide his presence under the cover of darkness. His face was streaked with a black substance of some sort to improve his camouflage. That I was sure of

"Who do we have here," he hooked one massive hand on his waist, smirking. "Princess Olive, Alpha Kazamir's only daughter. What are you doing out here running in a cold dense woods alone with guards?"

'It's none of your fucking business,' I wanted to say

"Alpha Orvyn, my father's only enemy," I retorted, choosing rather to ignore his question.

"I should be the one asking the questions here." He advanced with a step, and folded his arms under his chest.

"No." I took a step forward in equal measure, and mimicked his stance. "I should be the one asking the questions here."

"I'm your captor, Princess Olive."

"And you're in my territory, Alpha Orvyn."

"Stop throwing my words back at me, Princess."

"And stop standing in my way, Alpha." I spun on my heels, looking around for where to run, aware of the blazing fact that he'd effortlessly catch me. Perhaps, back to my father.

But before I could bring my plan to fruition, he caught me, hus grip firm on the crook of my elbow. He twirled me into his arms in one swift move that left my forehead rebounding on his ripped chest.

His hand locked my fragile arm behind my back, making it impossible for me to wring myself free of his hold. Strangely, I felt comfortable in his arms. The top of his tunic was unstrapped, which left the inside of the chest visible to the eye.

He smelled of Jasmine oil. My favourite ointment.

I thought I'd seen it all when I gawked at Drustian, but here was a man who had my tongue tied and my knees buckling. But he was no ordinary man- he was my father's enemy.

My father's enemy shouldn't be this breathtaking! It broke all the laws of in the world!

"Didn't your father teach you some etiquettes required of a lady?" His voice came out honeyed.

"What were you expecting?" I arched my brows. "Suck your dick?" I never wanted to, but my voice was laden with sonorous seductions that I never knew I controlled. Certainly, I had never fallen in love, except for the crush I had for Drustian. Even Drustian never got to hear me speak in that manner.

"You may as well be on your knees and get to it." I felt his shaft bulge beneath his leggings, which sent hot chills down my curved spine.

I wanted to feel the strength of his cock in my hand. But it's a pity be had the same hand locked behind me.

"You think you've got balls to handle me?" I smirked.

"I think I've got the dick to make you shiver for more." A smug expression turned up the corner of his lips.

"Do not let your ego get the better of you... Alpha."

"Do not let your mouth put you in trouble," he snorted, pulling me into his packed pillows with a slight jerk.

Our lips were few inches apart, begging to be kissed. I felt the heat from our bodies melt into each other, rapid tingles rushing to my core. I certainly do not know if he had the same affection towards me, but with the erection he was having, I could bet Alpha Cassian's stupid eyes that he wanted me.

And that, badly.

"Try me,'' my lips parted slightly. "And see what I'm capable of."

"Hmmm. Perhaps, you have done this before, have you not?"

"Perhaps."

"Hold on a minute," he released me from his grasp. "Aren't we supposed to be discussing the terms of your release?"

The haze in my eyes dissolved at once. I folded my arms in my front, scoffing. "It's your guts for me. You're stuck in my territory, yet, you opened your goddamn gutter mouth threatening the princess of Mortem!" I scowled at him. Taking a step back, I bashfully eyed him. "The way I see it, you're the one in danger here, not me! My father's men will be here any moment. Count yourself dead!"

"You think so?" He snickered, which got me a little at alert. There's only much a man's pride can do for him. At the jaws of death, he cowers. He must cower.

But why not him? Why isn't he scared of coming alone into enemy territory?

He catcalled thrice and stopped, casting me a complacent expression.

Almost immediately, the night came alive with men draped in the same material as his, pulling out of the shadows. They had been around the whole time, and I never had the slightest hint of their presence.

He came prepared indeed. Poor me.

"You can't do this to me. My father will__"

I couldn't finish my statement before a rabbit punch landed at the back of my neck, which sent me tumbling to the ground. The last thing I saw was the sinister glow in Alpha Orvyn's eyes, and the smiling crescent peeping down at me.