Forced To Be His Bride. Fated To Be His Mate.

[Denali's POV]

"Mommy," I whimper, hanging on to my mother's limp hand. "Please don't go. Don't leave me."

Tears stream down my face as I stare ahead, taking in my mother, who lies motionless in the hospital bed. Behind me, I can hear my father speaking with the doctors about my mother's recent diagnosis, but I try to block them out.

"You're going to be fine."

For years, my mother has been sick. Her illness was so constant that this was truly the only way that I knew her. For as long as I could remember, she was in and out of the hospital, and with each passing year, her stays grew longer and longer until finally, she wasn't able to come home.

Six months had passed since that day, and no matter what the doctors tried, she just kept getting worse and worse until she was how she was now. In the end, she became a husk of the woman she once was, even when sick.

"Please, Goddess," I whisper, tightening my hold on her hand. "Please don't take my mommy."

How could I possibly continue on without my mother? No, I don't want to! She was the one who was always by my side, even when my father was too hard on me.

As the daughter of an alpha, it was important that I be well versed in all things pack-related and stronger than the rest, but despite my best efforts, I wasn't able to keep up with his teachings. When I fell behind, I would be given harsh punishments or sometimes I would even be locked away for a few days to rethink my failings. When this happened, my mother would always be there for me, convincing my father to stop what he was doing. Even when he was harsh with me, he was always so gentle with her.

"Denali." My father's voice is even as his hand comes to clasp on my shoulder. "It's time."

"No!" I wail. "We can't! She'll die! How can you..."

I don't get to finish my words before my father's hand connects with my cheek and my head is snapping to the side.

With wide eyes, I meet his angry gaze as he glares down at me.

"Mind your words, Denali," he warns, his eyes flashing with rage.

"But..." I begin, but stop as a promise flashes in his eyes. "Yes, sir."

Swallowing down the arguments that want to come, I turn my gaze back to my mother and find that the doctor is already working on removing the machines that are keeping her alive. And once they're gone, I am left to do nothing but slowly watch her fade away.

It was after this day that my life took a turn for the worse. Not soon after my mother's passing, my father brought a woman and her daughter home. And despite hoping that she would fill the void in me that my mother left, I only received pain and suffering.

I became a slave to both of them, and if I didn't do things to their liking, I was beaten and locked away for days. When I was free, I was only good for doing the chores and cooking while my stepmother and sister became the diamonds of Emerald Moon, and before long, when I turned thirteen, I found that even if I was the daughter of an alpha, my wolf was nothing more than an omega.

After that, I became a pariah and was considered a disgrace. My father pushed me aside and started doting on my step-sister because her wolf was strong and something to be proud of. Even if she was a bastard child, she was the golden child and the future of our pack.

However, when I turned fifteen things became unbearable and I was sure I couldn't go on anymore, but then I met Alexander. To say he was my saving grace was an understatement. He saved me, and if it wasn't for him, I don't think I would have continued to push forward.

On the day we met, I decided to end everything because I couldn't continue to push on. That's why I found the highest waterfall on the outskirts of town and climbed to the top. After fixing my gaze on the heavens, I begged my mother to find me in the afterlife, and then I jumped.

When I hit the water, my body became immersed, and I was roughly pulled through sharp rocks that cut at my skin and tattered my clothes.

I was left at the mercy of the current which was fine by me and when the world finally started to fade along with my last breath, I welcomed the oblivion.

Little did I know that not only would I not die that day, but I would wake up in a small cabin with a warm blanket wrapped around me and a warm hand engulfing mine.

When my eyes opened I found myself staring into endless blue that was surrounded by thick lashes and a well defined face.

Alexander.

With his stunning good looks and that white blonde hair, he truly looked like an angel and in a way I guess you could say he was.

Who knew that his single act of kindness would turn into something special, leading to a bond so strong I was sure it couldn't be broken by the Goddess herself? But just as the seasons change, good things have to come to an end. Alexander would become my undoing and the end of the little bit of happiness I had left. Not only him, but even my family.

My blissful happiness would turn into my spiraling into darkness. A darkness so thick, I wouldn't be able to figure out how to get out. But then again, maybe I didn't want to, and I would end up wanting to stay there for all of eternity.

[Denali's POV]

"Yes! Harder! Harder!"

My step-sister, Anastasia, her muffled moans called from the other side of the wall. They were followed by the light tapping of her bed frame, and they echoed around me, making it impossible to fall asleep. Of course, the minute our parents go out for a pack gathering, she brings a man home.

This was the norm for her; with her good looks and popularity, everyone wanted a piece, and she happily gave it. I wasn't saying that she had a bad reputation throughout the pack, but she didn't have a good one either. However, our parents still considered her the golden child, as she recorded everything and kept it as blackmail to keep everyone quiet.

Groaning, I turn over and reach for my earplugs so I don't have to listen to her antics. I had plans for the next day and needed all the sleep I could get.

"Do you like it rough?"

The voice of the one who is with her stops me before I find what I'm looking for and turns my blood to ice.

"Yes! Alexander! Harder! Fuck me harder!"

At her words, my heart lurches, and I find myself wondering if I'm simply mistaken, as there is no way it can be my Alexander; he wouldn't do such a thing to me, not after everything we had been through and how hard we had to fight to be together.

Remaining silent, I extend my senses to hear better what is happening but stop as a much-too-familiar energy presses against my skin, followed by a passion-filled cry from Anastasia.

"Yes, Alexander, I'm cumming! I'm cumming!"

"That's right, baby, cum for me!" He growls happily as Anastasia's cries ring out. "Look at you; you're a fucking geyser."

Unable to sit back and listen any longer, I get up and quietly make my way across the room and then into the hall. What the hell was I even doing? Did I actually intend to catch them in the act so that the betrayal was further concerned? You're damn right, I was, and that was why I continued to move.

The scent of alcohol and sex reaches my nose as I slink to Anastasia's room. As I reach it, I find that the door is slightly ajar, allowing me to peek inside without being seen.

Immediately, my heart shatters as I see Alexander's muscular back with the familiar dragon tattoo that I paid for him to get on his eighteenth birthday. It ripples as if it is alive with each of his moves as he fucks Anastasia, who is mewling beneath him in delight.

Lifting a hand to my mouth, I stop the cry that wants to escape from what I'm seeing, as I don't want them to catch me spying like some pervert, but no matter how much I want to look away, I just can't.

"Are you sure she isn't here?"

Alexander's voice is filled with worry, which makes this whole situation so much worse. Even when he was wary of being caught by me, he still happily fucked her. How did that even make sense?

"No," Anastasia pants. "Now stop worrying about her when your dick is in me. I'm the one that you're with, not her!"

"Okay," Alexander growls, grabbing her hips and yanking her hard against him. "You have my entire focus."

Unable to watch anymore, I turn and stumble toward my room, but stop as the front door opens and the sound of my parents' voices drifts upstairs. They're loud as they move until I'm sure that they're at the bottom of the stairs.

"Girls!" My father bellows, further confirming my assumption. "Come down here!"

Eyes widening, I turn and watch as Anastasia comes out of her room with Alexander in tow. When his eyes rest on me, they widen with shock before he moves to try to explain his presence, but I simply give a warning snarl before heading downstairs, where my father waits.

"Denali," he says, eyeing me curiously. "Is something wrong?"

"No, father," I respond, tearing my gaze away in shame over what he was about to discover. I was already enough of an embarrassment to him and even the pack; this would just further confirm that, and even though it kills me, I can't stop it from happening. "Everything is fine. Better than fine, really."

I already knew that when he saw Anastasia and Alexander together, he would be over the moon, as Alexander was an alpha's son and therefore the perfect match for her. From the start, he never thought that we fit, but because Alexander was so determined to be with me, he allowed it.

"Daddy!" Anastasia calls before my father can question me further. "You're home so early!"

"Yes," he says slowly, taking in Anastasia as she makes her way downstairs with Alexander in tow.

"I guess this means my surprise is ruined," she giggles when she reaches him.

"Surprise?" My father repeats, raising a brow. "What do you mean?"

"Alexander and I are mates!" She announces happily.

Eyes widening, I snap my gaze to Alexander as he averts his from me.

Mates... Did she really just say that they were mates?

That was pretty fucking funny considering the fact that he was mated to me.

"Mates?" my father repeats, seeming in disbelief. "But I thought that he and..."

"No," I say quickly, not wanting to hear Alexander's denial, not after everything we had been through. "No," I repeat more strongly, trying to keep my emotions in check. "I'm sorry we lied to you, father. We were never mates. I hope you can forgive me for my deceit."

As I speak, I drop to my knees and kneel, keeping my forehead against the cold marble as I feel all eyes on me.

"This," my father begins, his voice laced with confusion, "will have to wait. Denali, get up this instant before you embarrass me."

Nodding, I quickly scramble to my feet just in time to watch a man with striking white hair and piercing blue eyes, dressed in a butler's uniform, stroll into the house.

"Welcome," my father booms, greeting him while forgetting about the situation at hand entirely.

"Thank you for granting me this meeting," the man responds politely. "Are these two your daughters?"

"That's correct," my father chuckles.

"Mmm."

Growing quiet, the man takes Anastasia and me in for a few moments before furrowing his brows and rubbing his chin.

"They are both beautiful, but what of their personalities?"

Personalities? Why is this man asking such a thing, and why is he even examining us?

"Anastasia is obedient," my father responds immediately. "But Denali has a bit of a temper."

"Then the one named Anastasia will do," the man nods. "The master likes his women to be obedient. Please do pack her things; I'll be waiting outside."

[Denali's POV]

"Dad!"

Anastasia's shocked exclamation fills the area around us and causes my father to snap out of his shocked daze. Of course, she would have an issue with being sent away to Goddess knew where.

"Wait!" He gasps, drawing the man's attention to himself in order to save his precious daughter. "Anastasia can't. She's..."

"Already mated to someone!" She says quickly, pulling Alexander against herself. "I can't possibly go anywhere when I've already found my fated one, but Denali is single, and she's a great choice."

As she speaks, she motions toward me and gives a brilliant smile that I know is all for the show.

"That's correct," my father agrees, coming to her aid. "Anastasia is also still very young and wouldn't make a good bride."

"Bride?" I hiss, suddenly understanding what is going on here. I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but a bride wasn't it. "Father, who is she supposed to be marrying?"

My head was spinning from how quickly things turned from good to bad, but with the way this conversation was going, it was clear what my father's next words would be, and I wanted to be prepared because I knew that by this point he had already made his decision.

"Rosco Torres," he says slowly, naming one of the most ruthless alphas to exist. Everyone knew that he had a heart of stone and didn't give two shits about anyone but himself. There was even a rumor that he killed his original Luna and mate. "He is looking for a bride, and since our bloodline is one of the strongest, he is interested in you girls."

Us... I almost wanted to laugh. Anastasia wasn't blood-related at all, which meant that from the very beginning, when Rosco came to Father with this topic, he intended to send me off.

"Then why even bother pretending that you have two daughters who could be chosen?" I demand, unable to control my anger. "Why not just..."

I don't get to finish my words before my father's hand connects with my cheek, and I'm sent crashing into a small table beside the door where my stepmother stands silently. As I look up, she meets my gaze with satisfaction before turning her attention back to the conversation at hand.

Letting out a laugh, I slowly straighten myself while I ignore the pain radiating through my cheek.

"Mind your tone," my father warns before shooting the man who came to collect an apologetic look. "I do apologize for her. She's usually quite obedient, aren't you, Denali?"

"Of course," I respond, deciding to play the part. "I apologize for speaking out of turn; I must be tired after such a long day."

Satisfied with my response, my father reaches out and wraps an arm around my shoulders so he can pull me close.

"You see, Denali is the best choice for your master's bride. She is not yet mated, and she is one of the strongest in the pack, she has a strong bloodline, is still unmarked, and she is my daughter. Her pedigree alone makes her a perfect match."

Nodding, I don't bother arguing with my father since I know how things will turn out. No matter what I said or did, I would be the one sent to Rosco, and Anastasia would be allowed to stay here and be with Alexander.

"I'm sure your master will be very satisfied with her," my father continues now, trying his best to save his precious stepdaughter. "What do you say?"

Remaining silent, the man lets his gaze travel up and down my body, taking in every inch of me before shrugging.

"I am simply a messenger," he finally sighs. "Whichever you decide to send will do as the master wishes to wed and breed with a daughter of Emerald Moon."

"Of course," my father beams. "You heard him, Denali. Be a good girl and go pack your things. I'm positive you will be very happy with Rosco."

"Of course," I sigh, shaking myself free. "If you'll excuse me."

I don't wait for a response before I head upstairs and make a beeline for my room. Once inside, I look around, taking in the few things that I actually own. After my mother's death, my stepmother made sure that Anastasia was given the best, and I was left with whatever she didn't want, and most of the time, that was nothing.

Moving forward, I head into my closet and grab my suitcase, then place it open on the floor so I can throw in clothes. After I'm finished, I dig in my dresser until I find a small pocket watch and pull it out. Satisfied that it was still safe there, I began to dig more for my mother's urn, only to come up empty.

Panic building, I start to yank out my clothes until I'm left staring at an empty drawer.

"No," I whisper, realizing that someone must have found it. "This can't be!"

When my mother passed, my father had her cremated and planned to simply throw her away due to the sadness he felt over losing her, but I snuck into the trash and saved her. I had kept her here with me since, but now she was gone, and it was like losing her all over again.

"Mom," I whimper, fighting the tears that suddenly want to come. "I miss you."

If she were still here, then there was no way I would ever be given away like this. Father had changed so much since losing her and finding Beatrice, my stepmother, that it was almost like he wasn't even the same person.

Giving the pocket watch a squeeze, I shove it into my pocket and then close my suitcase before standing and heading back downstairs, where my future husband's servant is waiting for me.

"Do you have everything?" My father asks me as I descend the stairs. "You haven't forgotten anything in an attempt to come back, correct?"

"Of course not," I respond. "I've packed everything; don't worry."

"May I have a word?"

Frowning, I simply nod and wait for him to lead the way.

Nodding, my father looks to Anastasia, who is still cuddling up to Alexander while looking pleased, before looking back at me.

"Excuse us."

Growing quiet, he leads me out onto the porch so we can be alone since my future husband's butler was already waiting in the car.

"You better not make a fool out of me," he warns, his gaze turning stern. "Remember that this marriage alliance is for the greater good of the pack."

"I know."

Of course, I knew that was the reason he was more than willing to give me away; after all, the wellbeing of his new wife, daughter, and him is his only concern.

"If you attempt to run away, I'll have you found and dragged back, kicking and screaming," he continues. "And if that doesn't work, then I'll have you killed. But before that, I'll dispose of your mother."

Eyes widening, I take in his words while trying to find any semblance of the man I used to know, but when I don't seem to find him, I simply nod.

"You took her," I hiss. "How could you?"

"Remember your role if you want her back."

"Of course, I know my role and what I must do."

"Right, then leave."

Remaining silent, I take in the area around me, knowing that this will be the last time I ever see it. No matter what happens from this point on, I wouldn't be able to return, and despite knowing that I should be upset and aggrieved, all I can feel is a hollowness that radiates from my chest to my entire being.