The Arranged Alpha Marriage

LOVE HURTS

AARON'S POV

I was in a daze staring down at him as he sat against the tree next to the pond. I can not believe what I just heard. Is this why she has held back compared to other mates? The door slammed open with a bang, I watched silently as she ran to the bed burying her face into the pillows. She was crying. The realization soon hit me, she doesn't know that I am still here. She must think I have already left to deal with the kingdom affairs with my father, but I saw everything just now. I watched for a few moments before gathering the courage to walk over. When my weight hit the edge of the bed she shot up quickly with wide eyes full of confusion. How can I look at you the same now, my little mate?

"I heard."

She gasped and began crying even more heavily.

"I-I am so sorry.", she choked out looking up at me.

"Do you love him?"

"I did before, but now I don't know. I am so confused. I never imagined being given another chance and with someone like you at that. Before he showed up, I felt so afraid to let you in. Afraid that you too, will not want me, but bound to me by an agreement. Now, I am torn by my past and my future. I know there is no going back when he rejected me, but I still care for him. I don't want to lose you."

I pulled her into my arms and held her as she silently sobbed. She doesn't know? Does that mean one day she may reject me for him? Can Andre and I handle a rejection?

No. Our Mate!

I know she is our mate, but how is it that she had a mate before us?

I don't know, but I will make him regret the day he made our little mate cry, Andre warned in a sinister tone.

He was getting increasingly aggravated and I could feel his rage reaching a dangerous point. I felt the same way in all honestly. I don't understand what the Moon Goddess has planned for us. I know we are suppose to trust her and she never makes mistakes blah blah blah. How is this not a mistake? My long lost cousin is now my love rival? I was with Bethany for years, and never once felt a fraction of what I feel for Emma. I was brought back to my senses when I felt her pulling away from me.

"I will never put you through the pain I went through. He will have to learn to let me go. He made his choice that day in the horse stable."

"Are you certain? I want you happy. As much as it pains me to say this, whether it is with me or him."

"I know you are so loving, patient, and kind.", she gushed as her lips curled into a small, yet sad smile.

"I love you already, Emma."

Every doubt I had was washed away with her reassurance. I know this is going to take time to work through, but I am willing. Once, we complete the mating process, the pull that remains with Shane should completely dissipate. I just have to be patient for a little longer now.

BETHANY'S POV

It has been a few days since I left and honestly there for a moment, I didn't think my dad was going to let me when I refused to let a guard escort me. I am traveling through neutral land about three hundred miles south west from home. This forest is even more beautiful than the one surrounding the village back home.

Mate.

Mate.

Mate is near!, my wolf howled.

What? No?! This cannot be happening. I cannot accept anyone, but Aaron. I love only him and I must be queen. I deserve to be queen! Why is this happening to me?! Suddenly a large gray wolf with a black diamond between his eyes was standing directly in front of my face staring me down. I froze as the smell of peppermint filled my senses. My mate. The wolf was beautiful. His fur was a smoke-like gray and extremely fluffy. Within the next moment, he shifted back to human form. I couldn't help but look him over, his hair was jet black, his eyes silver with specks of dark gray, he had a charming smile, a pointed chin, tanned skin, and was extremely fit. He towered over me as I struggled to even breath. Wait. What is that other smell? Oh my Goddess! He is he is-is a rogue?! No!! This is even worse than I could have even imagined! I cannot be with him. I need to stick to my plan and be queen! How can someone like me be with a rogue? What would my father say? Or even my brother? What would the king and queen say?! What would my beloved think? I would be a laughing stock. Not to mention there is no guarantee that they would even let him join the pack. I cannot leave my pack to be with him. I cannot live as a rogue. Why couldn't Aaron just be my mate?!

"You wanna reject me. Don't cha?", he finally spoke what was on my mind.

His voice pulled me in. It was deep and dreamy with a thick southern accent. I need to be strong though and fight this mate bond. I need to remember I still haven't taught that b***h a lesson.

"Is it 'cause I'mma rogue?", he continued.

"I-I um it's just n-not what I expected.", I choked out.

The look of hurt in his eyes made my knees buckle. What is this feeling? How can I feel like this for him? I love Aaron! I do! I know for a fact he will be the only man I can ever love. He nodded and turned to walk away, before stopping in his tracks.

"I won't be far, sweetie. If you want to reject me just follow my scent over that way.", he quietly whispered in defeat.

My wolf was fighting to come forth and howling out in agony at our mates words. She was pissed at me without a doubt for not embracing our mate when we laid eyes on him. She was already to the point she wanted to claim him where he stood. I have to reject him tonight. I cannot let the mate bond strengthen. I have a mission that I cannot let go of. I started to drag my feet slowly towards the peppermint scent.