Promised to the Alpha

The sunlight peeks into my bedroom as I hear someone knocking on the door. Groaning, I cover my head with a pillow, cursing whoever is behind it. It's too early in the morning. Who, in their right mind, would wake me up at this hour?

"Scarlet?" I hear my mother's voice calling me on the other side of the door.

"Go away," I grunt, my voice muffled by the pillow. A few seconds pass by and I sigh, thinking she already left. Then, I hear the door knob turning and my mother comes in, staring down at me with a displeased look on her face.

"You should be up by now, young lady. Today's a big day."

"Mother, please... Let me sleep."

"No," she answers firmly. "Get up. We need to get you a fine dress. You should be prepared beautifully for tonight."

"Tonight?"

"Have you forgotten?"

"What?"

"The Shadow Pack is visiting. Alpha Blake is coming tonight."

The moment I heard it; I grimace in discontent. I almost forgot. My father invited Alpha Blake to visit our pack a long time ago to offer a truce. For a time, the Alpha hasn't answered to our request. But when he did, the letter said he wants something in return.

My father thinks it's gold he wants. But I hardly believe that the infamous Alpha Blake, who can have anything he wants, kill whoever he likes, will ask for a pile of coins in exchange for peace.

I despise him. For everything he's done to our pack. And my father is a fool for trusting him.

"The pack needs to be presentable tonight," my mother continues, "and you, young lady, need to be on your best behavior. I don't want you doing anything that will get on the bad side of the Alpha."

Sitting up, I look up at my mother and nod my head bluntly. "Yes, mother."

She sighs when she notices my sad expression. "I understand how you feel, sweetheart, but you have to understand this is the only way we can make peace with our enemy. Alpha Blake has a strong pack and we are helpless against his warriors. You have to understand... your father and I are only doing what's best for the pack."

"I understand."

"Good." With that, she tucks away my hair behind my ear, kissing my forehead. "I've prepared your breakfast in the kitchen."

She walks across my room, opening my curtains and letting the sun shine through the darkness. Her red hair shines bright as the sunlight touches it. My mother is a redhead, just like me. Some said I look a lot like her when she was younger. With my long red hair and deep blue eyes, our similarities are uncanny.

"You look exhausted, sweetheart," I hear her say. "Did you sleep well last night?"

"No," I answer truthfully.

"Is it those dreams again? About seeing a big black wolf?"

I nod. "I usually dream about chasing the wolf. But this time... he's the one chasing me."

"And did he catch you?"

"No."

"Hmm... Perhaps you should let it catch you this time and see what it all means." She smirks. "You might be surprised."

"It was just a dream, Mother. I don't think it means anything."

"You'll never know," she shrugs. "Come on, sweetheart. It's time you eat your breakfast."

* * *

"You look like a fat guy with a long hair," my friend, Janna, comments as she looks over my baggy dress in the mirror with a laugh.

"Do I really look that bad?" I sigh.

"No, but your dress does," she says while taking another dress from my closet. "Try this one."

I finally remove my dress, trying on the new one she just gave me. "Well, this looks nice."

"Yeah, better," she agrees. "Why are you even dressing up like a pretty Barbie for the Alpha? He's a savage. I don't think he'll care about a pretty-looking girl wearing a pretty dress."

"I know, but my mother insists I should look pretty and presentable tonight."

"Just wear a hoodie and a skirt, that looks presentable enough."

I chuckle. "I don't think so."

"Who cares what Alpha Blake thinks anyway?"

"Don't say that. If my father hears you, you'll be in big trouble."

She pouts. "Why so? He knows everyone hates Alpha Blake. We're just inviting him over for a truce and nothing else. We don't owe him any favor."

"I hear he wants something in return," I say with a low whisper.

"What is it?"

"I don't know. But my father thinks he wants gold."

"We have a lot of gold."

"Alpha Blake is not known for stealing gold, mainly because he doesn't need more than he already does. He likes to kill, he wants victory, and I think that's what he's after."

"Wait, are you telling me that he's coming tonight... so he can kill everyone?"

"I don't know... but I'm scared for my father's safety. He's blinded by his grief. We lost a lot of warriors from the last war and innocent lives are at stake. He wants to do something to save the pack."

"If something bad is about to happen tonight, we have to tell the others."

"I will tell my father about it. I just hope he will listen."

"Of course, he will. You're his daughter."

I nod my head but, in all honesty, I don't know if my father will listen to me. Being a girl, I am not trusted for having the right opinions. He says I'm easily angered and good at keeping grudges. But it's just who I am. I don't trust everyone. Is that such a bad thing?

"Have you ever seen Alpha Blake, the destroyer?" Janna wonders out loud.

I look at her with the same curiosity in our eyes. "I've never seen his face but my father told me certain things about him. How his wolf is big and his stature is physically stronger. He fought on the battlefield with unbelievable strength. They said he's a monster, one that no one would dare to face."

"I bet he has an old ugly face," Janna replies, making me laugh out loud.

"For your information, he's not that old," I retort, amused. "Beta Leo said Alpha Blake is the youngest and strongest werewolf he's ever encountered."

Janna's face defines interest. "I can't wait to see this Alpha. There must be a good reason behind all this strength and intelligence he has. He's never been defeated - a prodigy."

"We'll find that out soon enough," I say as I look through my closet. "For now, I need to find a good outfit for tonight."

"How about this one?" Janna asks, showing me a black sexy short dress that reached just around my thighs. With an evil smirk, she gazed at me and I knew exactly what she was thinking.

I put on the dress in a matter of seconds and when I'm finally done, I take a look at the mirror. My sexy black dress hugs my hourglass figure perfectly. Janna and I exchange evil looks. This will drive my parents crazy mad at me. Turning around, I looked at my bum almost popping out.

"Perfect," I whisper to myself.

SCARLET

"Scarlet?" my mother calls from outside my room. "Are you ready?"

"Not yet!" I yell back, fixing my hair with clips right at the top of my head.

"Be ready in 5 minutes. The Shadow Pack is arriving shortly."

Tonight will be the night that everyone's been preparing for. My father even hired a bunch of caterers. He claimed we don't know what savages like to eat so he ordered everything. All kinds of food are cooked and prepared. Alpha Blake will surely have a lot to choose from and, hopefully, he'll like at least one.

"Scarlet!" my mother yells once again.

"I'll be there in a sec!" Quickly, I put on my mascara and lip balm. Taking one look at the mirror, I wrap my black coat around myself so my mother won't see what's beneath it until it's time for her to see it. Opening the door, I see my mother pacing back and forth impatiently.

"Finally," she sighs in relief. "You look beautiful, sweetheart. But why are you wearing this coat?"

"I'm cold. I'll remove it later."

She gives me a look before turning around and leading me outside my bedroom. The whole mansion is big so it took us some time to get outside. From down the stairs, I can already see my father in front of the mansion with Beta Leo and his warriors. They stand in line to welcome the arrival of the Shadow Pack.

I got to give my father some credit. Everything looks perfect. The golden lights made the place look beautiful and serene. I'm a little busy, mesmerized by the star lights when my mother suddenly pulls me forward, taking me where my father is standing. Silently, she tells me to behave.

Feeling hot, I finally remove my coat and everyone's eyes quickly focus on me. Perhaps my dress is a little too sexy. With the heavy attention I'm receiving, my parents eventually notice. Hot glares are shot right at my face, causing me to smile awkwardly.

"Scarlet," my mother begins, "I said nice and presentable. Not slutty like a hooker."

I chuckle at her face. "Relax, mother. Alpha Blake wouldn't care. Who knows? He might even like it."

She shakes her head with disapproval. "You'll never listen."

"She's just like you when you were younger," my father mutter, amused.

"She's more like you," my mother bite back. "A rebel in your younger years."

My father laughs it out. "She is, isn't she? But thank God she has your looks!"

"Well, she is pretty."

"You'll always be handsome in my eyes, father," I said with a teasing smile, hugging him.

"I'm so lucky to have two beautiful women in my life," he sighs with pride. "Hopefully, Alpha Blake will accept my truce. No more deaths and senseless killings. Peace is in order and I must concede."

I frown at him. "But don't you think Alpha Blake isn't the type to accept a truce? You said so yourself. He is merciless and a savage. Peace will never be an option for someone like him."

My father pulls back, giving me a serious look. "He's an Alpha, just like me. A good leader will do what is best for his pack and he will understand where I'm coming from."

"I don't want you to be hurt, father. And I mean no disrespect but I think you made the wrong decision."

"Don't question me, child," he says angrily.

"I'm just saying-"

"I don't want to hear any more of this nonsense," he warns with his deep voice of authority. "You will learn to respect your Alpha, young lady."

With teary eyes, I step back, hurt from his tone. I hug my coat, shaking my head in disbelief. I thought my father will at least listen to me but he didn't. In his eyes, I will still be a child, forever naive and innocent in the ways of war.

Wiping away my tears, I walk off the alignment, heading back to the mansion. I just need to freshen up before the night begins. I'm already on my way when someone suddenly tugs my arm, pulling me to the crowd that has already gathered around my father and the warriors. The whole pack is here to witness the welcoming of the enemy which is something I hope the Shadow pack will appreciate.

"Janna?" I gasp, glancing at my friend who'd already dressed up for tonight. "What are you doing?"

"Girl, you are on fire!" she gushes, looking down at my dress.

"So are you," I reply with a grin.

"I just wanna tell you... I talked with my father and he doesn't believe Alpha Blake will do something horrible tonight. He says a strong Alpha does by his word."

"My father doesn't believe me either," I say sadly.

"Maybe Alpha Blake really is an honorable werewolf... despite his reputation."

"Or my father is just determined to save the pack so he'll believe anything."

"Oh. My. God," Janna gasps suddenly.

I frown as I notice her looking at far behind me. Turning around, I see what everyone else is already looking at. Old black trucks have arrived at the gates and a tall huge man is coming out of the driver's seat. The moment we see his face, silence eats the whole crowd. Even I am shocked and speechless.

SCARLET

Instead of an old man, it is a younger and more handsome man. His hair is a bit long, pulled back in a bun. Normally it will look ugly on a male werewolf but this man... it makes him look handsome and dangerous.

Wearing a black shirt, Alpha Blake stands out among his warriors. His large frame and tall height take him to an advantage, making him look like a real leader. With his hair and tribal tattoos, I can see every girl in our pack is captivated.

But not me.

"A pleasure to welcome you in our home, Alpha Blake," my father approaches and welcomes with a smile.

"You call for a truce, Alpha Robert?" he asks, straight to the point. His voice has an accent that sounds deep and foreign, betraying his savage nature. But it is also attractive at the same time.

Strangely, it suits him.

"Yes, we are hoping you will accept our humble offers for peace," my father explains, signaling others to show Alpha Blake all the foods that have been prepared and all the golds he has gathered for this special night.

"Peace?" Alpha Blake questions and I feel my heart beating faster, hoping he will accept it and leave.

"Y-Yes, peace, Alpha Blake," my father replies. "I humbly ask that you accept my proposal. This is everything I can give you. Let's forget the past and move on from the wars we've fought. It's time for a new era of peace and prosperity between us."

There is silence for a moment and I can almost hear someone coughing on the other side of the crowd. Out of nowhere, Alpha Blake grabs my father's neck and the whole crowd gasps in shock.

The warriors quickly scatter around them, ready to strike. Just before Alpha Blake can make his move to my father, the enemy warriors take aim as well. I can see my mother crying but I can't do anything. I feel like my body is frozen on the spot as everybody else around me goes in panic.

Alpha Blake grins, as if delighted by the commotion he just caused among our pack. His fangs show off and his eyes are darkening, claiming victory.

"My pack doesn't forget, Alpha Robert. You called us savages. You belittled my warriors. Started fire in my territory. And now, you call for a truce?" He laughs evilly, so much hate written across his face. "You will die tonight, Alpha Robert," he promises, "and your pack will be mine."

Just before he can do something that would seal the fate of my life and my pack forever, I run to them in a haste, screaming at the top of my lungs, "No! Stop! Please!"

With my short dress, I know my panties are already showing, revealing my fair legs. My heels are making it even harder to run. Alpha Blake instantly removes his hand around my father's neck, only noticing my sudden presence.

Whether it is because of his curiosity of who I am or his uncontrolled surprise, I'll never know. I approach him with deep reddened cheeks and he stares at me, speechless, waiting for me to say something.

Anything.

Breathless, I fall down on my knees in front of him. "Please, don't kill my father, Alpha Blake," I beg. "If it's gold you want, you can have it. If it's territories you desire, we will give as much as you need. But please don't kill my father. We only want peace."

I look down at the ground, tears falling from my cheeks. Anyone knows that I'd be dead any moment now. I sealed my fate when I screamed at him at the top of my lungs. If one dares to disrespect an Alpha, one deserves a punishment as severe as death.

But instead, I feel a warm hand grabbing my chin and urging me to look up. My eyes stare back at the dark eyes of the Alpha. The moment he touched me, tingles shoot right through my whole body and I feel my skin burning on fire.

My eyes widen as soon as I realize it. I can't believe it. He's my-

"Your father is weak," he snarls. "He surrendered to a half-baked war and you call him your Alpha?" he snickers with disgust. "An Alpha never backs down from a fight. An Alpha fights alongside his warriors, and dies on the battlefield, like a true warrior."

Then, he looks at someone behind me who I assume is my scared father. "You don't deserve your title, Alpha Robert. And you don't deserve your daughter..."

Right then, I feel it, his fingers sliding up from my chin to touch my cheek. I close my eyes, savoring his touch. I can't help it.

"A brave girl with a precious beauty like yours don't deserve to stay in this place forever," he growls, his dark words holding so much meaning.

But I open my eyes with anger, slapping away his hand from my face. I glare up at him, embracing my pride. "This is my home. This is where I belong and I won't let you insult it."

His shock is sudden but it is quickly washed away by his deep low chuckle. Perhaps it is safe to say that I'm not the only one shocked by my sudden outburst. But I can't help the attraction I felt when I saw his smile. How can a dangerous Alpha look so much like an angel?

Even Lucifer was once an angel.

"If peace is all you ask, then you shall have it," he finally speaks, his dark eyes flaring. "But I ask for one thing in return."

My own eyes flutter with joy. I'm even crying with tears of joy. "Ask anything you want... and you will have it," I mutter under my breath.

His gaze flickers with interest as he stares down at me with a look I don't recognize. "I want your hand in marriage."