The Alpha’s Arrangement

Mia

This whole week was quite tough. I couldn't find myself a place. Even in my room, I didn't feel comfortable, which was awkward. A door knock brought me back to reality.

“Come in," I shouted. Lea's smiley face appeared in the doorframe.

“Are you all right?” She came inside and sat on my bed. I tried my best to look okay. I guess she knows me too well. Immediately she frowns.

“I am. Do you need anything?”

“I was wondering if we can make some waffles?”

I wanted to refuse, but before I get the chance, she continues.

“With whipped cream, chocolate, and strawberries. I just need a helping buddy." She laughs and punches me in the arm.

“By helping buddy, you mean someone who's gonna clean up the whole mess afterward?” I roll my eyes but still get up. Though I ate dinner, I can't help my love for waffles.

“I knew I could count on you." She stood up as well and clapped her hands with excitement.

It didn't take us long to prepare everything. Lea was cooking, and I was cleaning at the same time, so literally, once it was ready, we could simply go to the living room and enjoy ourselves.

“Maybe we can watch something?” Lea handed me a remote.

I start Netflix and was looking for something “brainwashing," which would take the tension away. The closer to the dinner, the more nervous I was getting. I didn't want to meet him.

“I am not watching that. Kai told me about it and it is way too fucked up."

I didn't realize that I automatically selected some murder documentary. Heard of it as well but no way I would watch it.

I quickly select a sitcom and put down the remote.

“How are you getting along?” I glance at her. I was really happy for her. At least one of us would have a proper relationship.

“It's great! I mean we do argue from time to time. Just like ordinary couples do, but I really like him."

I just smile. It's not like I am jealous. As I said before, I am happy for her, but this feeling that, after all, she had a choice just brings me down.

“When is this dinner?” she asks, taking another bite of waffle.

“On Friday. Long hours on the road just to meet this asshole.”

“I swear Mom was asking Dad whether he booked flight tickets.”

“Even better, the quicker we'll get there, the sooner it all will be over.” I gasped.

“Listen, tomorrow I am meeting with Ashlee at Sandpipers. Come and join us. It's been ages since we all had girls’ time.” It would be wonderful to eat, drink, and gossip as we used to do.

“I had plans with Kai but will call him and postpone it. I miss those times when we had sleepovers, college parties, and sneaking behind Dad's Betas." She blinks her eyes and laughs.

“Great! We're set for seven p.m., as I work till five o'clock."

“Oh, that's even better. I will still meet with Kai and then will pick you up from work. What do you say?”

“Perfect, where are Mom and Dad?” I finally notice they are not around.

“They had some stuff to discuss with Brooks. I heard Mom saying something about a human turned into a wolf. Apparently there is this wild pack that works on their own."

Turning humans ?! This was forbidden. You could be sentenced to death. Obviously there were some exceptions, but still…

I mean wild packs are not forbidden. These were outcasts that had been either banished or decided to leave the pack, but no one cared about them.

“I sense trouble. Okay, I am exhausted. I will go now. We'll see each other tomorrow. Night, sis.” I kissed Lea's cheek and headed back to my room.

Immediately, after lying on the bed, I fall asleep. Again I have the same dream.

A pack was chasing me, and despite knowing what will happen and trying to go the other way, I ended up by the cliff, jumping from the edge.

“Why is this repeating like a broken record?! It keeps coming back.” I take a sip of water and go back to sleep again.

Morning came quite quickly. I got dressed, grabbed an apple, and rushed out of the house. Hopefully, I wouldn’t be late. This nightmare had made me miss my alarm. I was feeling very tired.

Nothing that makeup couldn't fix, but still I felt rough.

My day at work wasn't that bad. I had a summer camp activity program for kids, which went really well. I like kids, especially if they are showing some interest in animals.

For lunch, I just grabbed a sandwich. I really couldn't wait for tonight's dinner with the girls.

Most of the time I spent at Canadian lynxes paddock. They were truly amazing animals.

Recently we had added another female, and we had to observe whether she would slowly acclimate within the pack.

The day slipped through my fingers. I was tired, as I needed to come here by bus. When clocking out, I got a text message from Lea.

“Thanks for picking me up." I hug my sister and place my bag in the back seat.

“You look tired," she comments.

“I am. Can we just pop at home? I will change and brush my teeth.”

“Sure, I am hungry though, so be quick."

Once home, I quickly change into fresh clothes, brush my teeth, and do some makeup touchups.

Sandpipers wasn’t too far. Ashlee was already waiting.

“Got us a bottle of dry white." She smirks, and I just love her for that.

“First I need to eat. Otherwise, one glass and I'll be gone." I look at the menu, and after a few minutes, I get myself a medium rare steak, side salad, and baked potato.

“Lea, how is the mating thing going on?" Ashlee glances at my sister. And here it goes. Maybe, after all, I am jealous. I just roll my eyes.

“Good, I ate something; otherwise, I wouldn't be able to hear it again.

“It's okay I guess. It's not like we are planning marriage and kids right now. Just happy I've found him." Lea clearly avoids my gaze. I believe she knows that this is not an easy topic for me.

I pour another glass of wine and take a sip.

“So Liam Boyle needs to worry now, doesn’t he?” Both faces turn toward me, and I just exhale air out of my lungs.

“I don't even know the guy, but knowing that he was stubborn enough to continue this arrangement gives me a glimpse of what kind of a person he might be.”

“I spoke to one of my cousins from Montana, and when she heard that my friend will be getting married to their Alpha, she sounded very disappointed and called you lucky.

“Apparently he is hot.” She bites her lower lip and furrows her eyebrows.

“Yay, lucky me. At least I won't have to put a paper bag on his face." You could hear loud laughter from our table.

Ashlee wanted to know when I will meet him. She was surprised when I told her that the wedding date had been already set and only one month was left. That was the problem.

We are not two regular wolves that go on dates, have their first times, love each other. This was the arrangement, and everything about it must be rushed. To make sure that the deal is signed off.

“Listen, he may be a nice, decent guy. My cousin doesn't know him, but everyone is happy that he took over reigning over the pack.”

“He may, but I don't know him, and that's the problem. He is not destined for me. But who cares? I'll be fine.”

After we finished nearly two bottles of wine, Lea had to leave her car in the parking lot in front of the restaurant and we took a taxi.

Tomorrow I would meet Mr. Important, and if my parents saw me drunk, I would get the “you are irresponsible" talk.

I lay on my bed as soon as I got inside my room. Of course in my clothes. I couldn't tell whether it was because of the wine, but this night finally was nightmare-free.

“You are both so irresponsible!” I can hear my mom shouting from the kitchen.

“Shush. Stop shouting, my head will explode," I say, entering the kitchen and joining Lea by the island.

“You knew we are going today. How could you get drunk !? Look at yourself.”

“What?! Am I not suitable for an Alpha?!” Both my dad and sister start to laugh. My mom just rolls her eyes and throws the kitchen towel on the table.

“Okay, eat something, go take shower, and dress nicely. We have a flight in two hours, and the hotel booked for today and tomorrow.

“Let's make sure everything will go smoothly.” Mom claps her hands and rushes me upstairs.

After nearly four hours, we are driving in the cab to Liam's Boyle house. I am extremely nervous, and I keep smoothing my little black dress.

“Honey, you look beautiful. Don't worry. ” Dad puts a hand on mine. I just nod and look through the window.

“We are here.” The car has stopped, and the driver turns our way.

“Thank you, please keep the change.” Dad hands him the money and opens the door for me, holding my hand so I won't fall.

I am shocked. The place looked amazing. It was a huge wooden log house. Perfectly surrounded by trees and huge garden stones.

“Okay, let's go, hun.” Mom gently pushes me toward the entrance, while Dad rings the doorbell.

Shortly after an elderly woman stands in front of us with a warm smile on her face.

“Good evening, please come in. Mr. Boyle is expecting you in the living room.”

The house is truly amazing inside as well. The high ceiling is impressive, and I smell fresh wood. We head to the living room.

I am looking around the interior, admiring the furniture, when I hear his voice.

“Mr. and Mrs. Daniels, it is a pleasure to have you here.”

He has a warm, deep voice, and I can hear bits of an English accent. A shiver runs through my body, making me more nervous than I thought was possible.

He is standing in front of me. His black shirt exposes every single crease of his muscles.

Damn, Ashlee's cousin was right. He is handsome. The thought slips through my mind. But I guess that is an understatement. He is tall with perfect dark hair and dark eyes too.

I couldn't believe a guy could have such long eyelashes. I can barely get that effect after using four layers of mascara.

“And you must be Lea." He takes a step closer to reach my hand.

“Actually I am Amelia… Mia," I quickly correct him. “Lea is my older sister," I add and squeeze his hand.

“Apologies, I thought that arrangements considered the eldest sister," he says, confused.

Apologies, I've disappointed you, you asshole, I scream in my mind. He might be a hot guy, but obviously he is a douchebag.

“Circumstances have changed. She was lucky to meet her mate recently, and Mia decided to volunteer.” Dad seems annoyed as well.

“Yep, as a tribute." I choke on a laugh.

“Oh, I didn't want to offend anyone. Simply was curious." Liam smiles and stares at me with amusement.

“None taken," I quickly reply, trying my best to avoid his eyes.

“Mr. Boyle, dinner is ready." The same lady who opened the door for us comes in to guide us over to the dining room.

Everything looks stunning.

We all sit at a large table but still close to each other.

“Please, enjoy." The host smiles, and we all start to eat. The dinner is delicious. My thoughts are still occupied with upcoming events. I will live here with him. This is simply not happening.

I need to think of something, anything.

“How old are you, Amelia?”

I wonder if talking to him will make him change his mind.

“Mia." My mom's voice brings me back.

“Yes?” I raise my head.

“How old are you?” he repeats.

"Twenty-four.”

“Have you graduated?” Why does he keep asking so many questions!?

“Yes, with degrees in zoology and microbiology.”

“Sounds interesting, and what do you do?”

Oh please cut this crap, like you even care… Or maybe he does if he has to spend the rest of his life with me. Rest of life… Gosh, I must talk to him.

“I work at the Idaho Zoo, and what about yourself?” I take a sip of wine. The only thing that can make me feel better.

“I run a family business and have pack business on my mind as well." He looks so serious. Does he ever smile?

“That doesn't sound interesting." I say the comment out loud. Mistake! I meant to keep it for myself.

“Mia!” Mom scolds me, contrary to Dad, who is certainly having fun.

“No, that's fine. Definitely not as interesting as working with other species. Do you want me to show you the house and garden?” He looks at my parents.

“Oh yes please, the house looks amazing." Mom sounds delighted. At first, she was the one screaming at Dad, and now she is so nice. I instantly roll my eyes at her.

“Amelia, do you want to join us?” Liam looks at me, literally drilling into my brain with his eyes. My heart starts to pound, and the only thing I want to do right now is to shift and run.

“Do you?” he repeats with a raised eyebrow and a small smirk. Oh God, he realizes I was staring. I am such an idiot!

“Yes, let's go." I quickly get up and follow the rest.

He tours us around the house and garden, where there is a beautiful gazebo with a fireplace. Despite seeing all this, I still don’t want to live here, with him. I don't belong here, and this is not right.

Somewhere our mates are waiting.

We sit back in the living room. Liam and Dad are drinking scotch, Mom and I, wine. I feel so uncomfortable.

“The wedding ceremony will take place here, in the garden. Together with my pack, we will take care of everything. We will accommodate your friends and family. I'll send someone for your belongings.”

I can't listen to it. This is way too much. I quickly get up and rushed toward the garden.

“Mia!” Mom shouts, but I just ignore her. I am trying to catch my breath. Wedding, moving, changing my life, I wish this wasn't true.

“I know how you feel. Overwhelmed, isn't it?” He approaches me.

“If you know how I feel, why are we doing this? Just stop.” I don't want to look at him. His eyes are too hypnotizing.

“It wasn't my idea. An arranged marriage was not something I wished for. I am not happy either.”

I can't believe it. If he doesn't want it, what are we doing here? Aaaaarggg! I want to scream. I want to turn into a wolf and run into the woods, but I know I can't do it.

Not here, not in front of him.

“So let's finish it. I'll go my way, and you'll stay here. We don't need this.”

“You are wrong. We do. Our packs need an alliance in these times. Anyway, I gave word to my dad that I will do it, and I can't break it. This is what my pack expects me to do.”

I crouch and bury my face in my hands. I don't understand any of his words. I don't care what he promised; I haven't made any. I take a few deep breaths.

“Listen, you know that by doing this we are basically rejecting our faith. How are we supposed to meet our mates when we'll be stuck with each other? Our packs can still be allies.

“We don't have to get marri—”

“But we will and get over it!” He cuts me off with real anger then goes back to the living room.

“Just don't cry. Whatever happens, don't cry," I keep repeating.