The Alpha's Reluctant Bride

There were fewer trees in the clearing-just dry, swaying grasses stretching for miles like the

earth had been scorched of life and left half-barren. It wasn't how I pictured No-Man's-Land.

Then again, I never really pictured it.

Maybe I expected something more dramatic-craggy rocks, eerie fog, or whatever a

No-man's-land was supposed to have. Instead, the place looked like a forgotten meadow in late

summer.

A technically neutral territory. Still, I wasn't impressed.

Not that it mattered.

Because for the first time in years-I was out.

Out of the Crescent Moon Pack's borders.

Freedom.

"Seriously, did someone give this she-wolf glucose or something? Her energy is annoying me,"

Carla muttered behind me, voice heavy with fake annoyance.

I turned to grin at her and stuck out my tongue.

"You're just jealous of my happiness, you sad,

puny human."

Carla rolled her eyes. "If you bounce one more time, I'm going to shove you into a bush."

"I knew I shouldn't have gotten you that ice cream," David said with a groan, palm smacking

against his forehead. "This is my punishment. It will never happen again."

I pouted, giving them both my most exaggerated puppy-dog eyes. "You guys are just mad

because you're not feeling the sense of freedom like I am."

They groaned in unison. But I wasn't fooled. Beneath the mock annoyance, they were happy for me.

They'd been by my side since I couldn't pronounce their names properly-my ride-or-die. We'd

done everything together... except this. This was different. This was outside. This was

No-Man's-Land.

This was the first time I was allowed beyond the packhouse walls

Why? Because I'm a shiftless wolf.

Werewolves are supposed to shift at eighteen. But me? I'm twenty-two. No shifting. No fur. No

claws. Just... human.

It's not exactly something to be proud of in a pack like mine.

My father, Alpha of the Crescent Moon Pack, pretends he's okay with it. Stoic nods, polite

smiles. But I see it in the way he won't look me in the eye for too long. The way he redirects

conversations when other wolves mention their offspring.

To him, reputation is everything. And I-his second daughter-am the crack in his perfect

image. So they hide me. Keep me locked inside the packhouse like some shameful family

secret.

"For your safety," they said.

Yeah, right.

But then the impossible happened. A letter arrived from the BloodVeld Pack-our long-time

rivals.

After years of bloodshed and bad blood, they proposed a truce. And not just whispers in the

dark. A formal meeting.

They demanded that all high-ranking members of the Crescent Moon Pack be present for the

negotiations-held here, in the barren land between our borders.

That's how I got here. With a new dress, a glowing face, and the kind of buzz that comes from

finally tasting air that isn't soaked in duty or expectation.

"You guys are just jealous," I said again, spinning slightly on the balls of my feet. "Jealous

because you don't get to experience this kind of freedom."

Carla snorted. "If this is what freedom looks like, I'll take my boring pack routines any day."

David, however, narrowed his eyes. "Hold up. Aren't you a little overdressed for a peace treaty?"

I looked down at myself. My dress was a soft purple, embroidered with delicate white floral

patterns. Flowing sleeves, fitted waist. Newly stitched. Clearly expensive.

Yeah... I was definitely overdressed.

"Father's orders," I replied with a shrug. "Nothing I can do about it."

David raised a brow. "Is this a treaty meeting or a fashion show?"

"Probably both. You know how much he loves appearances."

And just like that, the air shifted-just a little. The distant sound of footsteps crunching through

the grass reminded me that this wasn't just a personal escape. This was politics. This was

history.

This was the beginning of something.

I just didn't know if it was peace... or war.

Ahead of us, the high-ranking members of the BloodVeld Pack came into view. They

outnumbered ours and for a moment, I thought it was a trap.

Maybe they'd called the high-ranking members of my pack so when they wiped us out, to claim

my pack would be easier.

That all changed when they stopped moving when they'd gotten a few feet from us.

My father, Alpha Brocks Vale, turned to face his pack members behind him. Suddenly, he looked

older than he was. His face was soggy, his eyes, black and heavy underneath.

I don't know how I missed it. He didn't look this way when we left the pack. Something's not

right.

We locked eyes for a second and I saw the apology in his eyes. I didn't understand. What

exactly is going?

"Before us," he said, his voice gruff and deep. " Stands the members of the BloodVeld Pack.

They come before us with a peace treaty. They ask for one thing in return. One thing to end the

bloodshed and war. One thing to bring peace finally." His eyes swept over us all but lingered on

me and for I second I held my breath.

Realization finally dawned on me. The dress, the freedom, it was for me to be given as a peace

offering.

I saw the tears fall from his eyes as he whispered, "I'm sorry."

"He can't do that." I heard David say beside me. "You're his daughter! He can't give you away."

"They asked for my daughter. A union between my daughter and their Alpha." I released Carla's

hold on my hand and run to my father, falling at his feet.

"Dad, please. Don't do this to me. I can't stay with him. Please, Dad." But he wouldn't look at

me.

"It has been settled." He said, and as if on cue, I saw two shadows above me. I turn around to

see two huge men standing behind me.

One of them, his eyes glowing golden. The eyes of his wolf.

Alpha Darius Blackthorn.

"She'll do." His deep voice sentenced me.

I couldn't count how many times I screamed and begged. My throat was raw, my voice cracking with desperation, but they didn't put me down.

Darius had given the command, and like loyal dogs, they obeyed. The man who carried me-tall, broad, definitely a warrior, maybe his Beta-had slung me over his shoulder like a sack of grain.

I kicked, clawed, and cursed. I'm pretty sure I left a dozen claw marks down his back and shoulders. I didn't care. Let him bleed. Let them all bleed. I wouldn't go with them.

But he wouldn't bulge. He just kept on walking.

Eventually, I gave up.

Not because I was tired-though I was-but because something inside me broke.

My father had given me up. He'd stood there, stone-faced, as if I were a lamb he was happy to sacrifice. No fight.

No hesitation. No apology. Just cold compliance.

He'd handed me over like I meant nothing. Like I wasn't his daughter. Like I wasn't even a person.

I could still hear Carla's screams ringing in my ears.

"LET HER GO! LET HER GO, YOU COWARDS!"

Her father had her locked in a firm grip, arms wrapped around her like chains.

She was fighting him harder than I'd ever seen. Her voice cracked with every plea. She was crying. Screaming. Begging. Cursing.

David was worse. More violent.

I sobbed as I watched three Crescent Moon warriors hold him down, struggling to keep him from reaching me. He was fighting like a wild animal, teeth bared, eyes furious. They needed all three to keep him grounded, and still, he fought.

That was the last image I saw of my pack-of my friends.They reached for me as I was dragged away.

The journey to their territory-my new pack, the BloodVeld Pack-wasn't long. But it felt like forever.

No one said a word. Not a whisper. Just the rhythmic sound of boots in the grass and the occasional rustle of wind. Their silence was terrifying. This wasn't a pack used to noise or rebellion.

These were trained warriors-cold, calm, obedient. It was the kind of discipline that made other packs tremble. And I was now walking right into the heart of it. As we crossed the BloodVeld border, we were met by a patrol team.

They bowed sharply as we passed, murmuring, "Alpha," in perfect sync. None of them looked at me-yet all of them noticed me. They didn't have to speak for me to feel their curiosity gazes on my skin like hot beams.

It wasn't until we reached the pack house-a towering estate of dark stone and steel-that I saw their stares. Pack members stood scattered along the path, watching us approach like I was some exotic animal on display Their eyes trailed me.

I tried not to meet their gazes, but their voices still reached me. "Is that his chosen mate?" someone whispered. "Why is she being carried like that?" "Did she fight him? Refuse to be bonded?" "She looks too thin for a werewolf." "I heard she's shiftless."

The word cut deeper than any of the others. I buried my face against the warrior's back, as if hiding could silence their judgment.

It didn't. Their voices chased me until we finally stepped through the heavy double doors of the Alpha's building. Inside, the murmurs faded.

The scent changed-cooler, stronger. A mix of pinewood, leather, and something darker.

Home.

This was Darius Blackthorn's home. And now, it was mine.

"Take her to her room. The one opposite mine" came a deep voice from behind us.

Darius.

I didn't turn to look at him. I couldn't. I felt hollow inside, like if I met his gaze, I might break apart completely.

The man carrying me climbed the stairs. Each step jostled my aching body, but I stayed still. I was done fighting.

He finally stopped at a wooden door, opened it, and stepped inside.

Gently-too gently-he lowered me onto the bed, like I was something fragile. The room was spacious, decorated in soft greys and muted silvers.

It looked more like a guest room than a prison cell, but that's what it was. A cage dressed in elegance.

He hesitated by the door, then turned to face me.

"I know this must be too much for you," he said quietly. His voice was soft. Too soft for a warrior who'd just ripped me away from my life.

His eyes met mine-warm, sympathetic. "I just want you to know," he continued, "that you're safe now.

No harm will come to you here. I promise you that."

He offered me a small smile.

Then he stepped out, closing the door behind him with a gentle click.

And I was alone. Left to sit in my expensive prison, surrounded by the scent of unfamiliar wolves.

I moved up the bed and curled up, letting the tears fall freely.

Who knew my first taste of actual freedom would be so sour. Now I'd never get to see David and Carla again.

And my big sister, Maia, she's going to be so pissed when she finds out what dad has done.

She's pretty much going to tear this whole place down. But will I ever see her again? I don't know how long I cried for but I did till it got really dark.

I must have fallen asleep cause the sound of the door suddenly opening, caused me to jump up. Standing at the door was none other than Darius Blackthorn.

He wore a loose long sleeve shirt that didn't hide his muscles and black joggers.

His golden eyes locked on to mine as his expression remained stoic. He shut the door behind him and walked to the side of my bed like a predator stalking its prey.

I pulled my legs closer as I avoided his eyes.

"I am Darius Blackthorn, Alpha of the BloodVeld Pack, and you are my chosen mate."

"I am Darius Blackthorn, Alpha of the BloodVeld Pack, and you are my chosen mate."

I glare at him like he has two heads.

The audacity.

I almost scoffed. "You think just because you're the big, bad wolf, you can command anyone?

Just demand whatever you want and get it?" My voice quivered-not with fright, but with rage.

"You think the world bends for you just because you have an army?"

He blinked slowly, then his lips twitched. A moment later, Darius began laughing.

Laughing.

He threw his head back, the deep sound rumbling from his chest. Then he collapsed onto the

nearby sofa, one hand clutching his abdomen, the other gripping the armrest as if he couldn't

contain himself.

I stood there, fists clenched, heat burning beneath my skin.

He was laughing at me.

At my pain. My life was torn apart and he was laughing.

"Are you mad?" I splintered, my voice cracking like a birch across the room. "Is there something

wrong with you?"

But it only made him laugh harder.

My blood boiled. I could feel my wolf stir beneath my skin, restless, humiliated.

Eventually, his laughter died down, but the smirk remained-a crooked, infuriating twist of

amusement that made me want to rip it off his smug face.

"Big bad wolf," he repeated, chuckling under his breath.

"What are you, five? Did you get that

from Dora the Explorer?"

I didn't answer. I couldn't. I was too stunned by his arrogance.

But then-his smile dropped.

The shift in his expression was instant. One second, he was all amusement and mockery; the

next, he was expressionless.

His eyes darkened, his shoulders squared, and something savage flickered across his face.

"And yes," he said, voice dangerously low, "I can take what I want. When I want it. However, I want it."

He took a step forward, his presence filling the room like a predator closing in on cornered prey.

"Do you know the most interesting part?" he continued, each word deliberate, sharp as blades.

"There's nothing you-or anyone else-can do to stop me. The quicker you accept that truth,

the easier this will be."

He crossed the room, slow and controlled until he stood at the edge of the bed. My fingers

clutched the sheet like it was a lifeline.

"You belong to me now." His voice was low, almost tender-mockingly so. "And starting

tomorrow, you'll begin your training to earn your place by my side. You'll be shaped into

someone worthy of me."

I wanted to scream at him. Fight. Bite. Run.

But I couldn't move. I was frozen beneath the weight of his gaze.

"Kellan will come for you in the morning," he continued, "He'll give you a tour of the territory,

introduce you to your trainer, and make sure you don't disgrace me. He'll be your guide."

He leaned in, his face mere inches from mine. His breath brushed my skin, smelling faintly of

spice and something darker.

"If I find you slacking," he whispered, "you'll receive a little package. Wrapped with care. Inside, you'll find your father's head."

My breath caught in my throat.

Cold. Ruthless. Unapologetic.

He meant it. Every word.

"Is that understood?"

His voice was ice.

I nodded, not trusting my voice. The room was too quiet.

"Good."

He stood, adjusting the cuffs of his dark shirt like this was just another business transaction.

He walked to the door and paused, glanced over his shoulder. "Kellan will come get you at 7:30 a.m. sharp. Before that, I expect a cup of black coffee on my desk. And God help

you if it's not burning hot."

The door slammed behind him with a finality that made the walls tremble.

I didn't move. Couldn't.

The silence that followed was discomforting.

I remained there for hours, still clutching the bedsheet, staring blankly at the wall.

Sleep didn't come easy that night.

And even when it did, it brought no peace.

*******

The first light of dawn came through the open curtains.

I had managed to fall asleep at the end but it wasn't a pleasing sleep.

My body was sore. My mind is heavier.

I looked at the time beside my bed. 7:00 a.m.

"Glad to see you're an early riser." My heart literally skipped multiple beats as I jumped from the

bed. The blanket didn't let go of my legs, though, so I crashed to the floor.

"I apologize for startling you, I should have let my presence known earlier." The face of the man

that carried me on his shoulders popped in my line of view, a smile on his lips.

"Are you mad? You almost killed me!" I yelled as I released my legs from the blanket's hold and

Standing to my feet. My breaths were coming out sharp.

"I'm sorry." He said, scratching the back of his head with an embarrassed smile on his face. "But

we need to be on our way, your alpha will be in his office soon and his tea has to be there before

him."

I looked at the man who stood before me from head to toe. "You're Kellan?"

He nodded, his hand outstretched.

"Kellan Thorn, Beta for the BloodVeld Pack, at your service." I looked at his outstretched hand

not sure of what to do.

A Beta that didn't act like one. Wasn't he supposed to be more serious?

He just gave me a smile and tucked his hand in his pocket.

"I'll be waiting for you outside, get dressed. The quicker we get things done, the better.

I stop him before he touched the door knob. "I don't even have anything to wear. You abducted

me from my family. Remember?"

He throws me a grin over his shoulder. "There's a training outfit at the edge of your bed. You'll

get more clothes in your wardrobe before the end of the day." He said as he walked out of the

room.

I turned to the edge of my bed to find my outfit there.

"Asshole." I hissed under my breath.