The Arranged Alpha Marriage

AARON'S POV Everyone is bustling around the castle preparing for my bride's arrival, which I was just informed of this morning. Ugh, I didn't even have enough time to break the news to Bethany. She is definitely not going to take this well, but I am hoping that she can understand and respect why I have to do this. My parents explained that it is best for the kingdom to form a truce with the Blood Dawn Pack, the second in size and power. Our borders meet on the south-eastern edge and tensions have been relatively high between the members. This merger will make the kingdom even more powerful and prevent a war costing innocent lives. I need to tell Bethany before she finds out from someone else about the marriage, so I guess no time is better than the present. Ring. Ring. Ring. "Yes, love?" "Um, Bethany.. Look, You know I care about you and we have so much history..." "Okay... And?..." "My parents have arranged a marriage to merge the Royal Pack and the Blood Dawn Pack..." "Um for Emily?..." "Me. I am sorry but we can't be together anymore.." "Wh-why are they doing th-this to us?.." "Bethany, as the Prince it is my duty to the Royal pack to do what is best for them. Please remember that I am the future king of the werewolves. I have to make the best decision for peace." She just sat on the other end of the phone crying. We have known one another since we were kids and since her dad is the Beta of the Royal Pack, we spent a lot of time together while we grew up. Four years ago, we started dating and both thought we were definitely mates. Sadly, on my eighteenth birthday last month we discovered that we weren't after all and she took it really hard. I do love her and I hate hearing her cry, but my parents are not about to cancel this marriage. My father told me over and over again that my wolf would not reject marking Bethany if she was the right one for me and that the kingdom's oracle specifically agreed to this marriage as being our best chance at peace for our people. Being king to an entire supernatural species is not easy, and sacrifices must be made. I am not sure what the oracle foresaw or said to my parents, but it was the last thing needed to convince them. "I-I Have t-to go.", she choked out. Click. Knock. Knock. "Yes?" "Your highness, the king and queen sent me to fetch you. The princess will be arriving shortly and they are waiting in the entrance hall to great her.", the maid spoke softly with a small smile. I nodded my head before making my way towards the entrance hall to wait with Mother and Father. I still cannot stop thinking about how devastated Bethany was. I hate that I hurt her in that way, but perhaps she can find her mate. I always worried what would happen later down the line if we met them. Would we regret our decision? I took deep breath as I rounded the corner into the entrance hall to stand with my parents. EMMA'S POV Well today is my last day in the pack house and I can already hear everyone from the pack gathering in the front yard to bid me farewell. After my older brother was killed by rogues, it left just myself and my younger sister. My parents were devastated and tensions began to grow between our members and the Royal Pack's members. There was no longer an heir to take over the pack and it would cause even more issues if a female alpha were to take over since most other packs are stuck in the old ways. This is the only way to ensure my packs safety. My dad isn't getting any younger, even though he doesn't want to admit it, he wont be able to keep it up forever. I only hope that things will work out for the best. "EMMA JANE!! Finish packing and head down quickly, Beta Valor is here to escort you to the castle!", my father yelled from downstairs. I finished throwing the last of my clothes in my duffle bag and took one last look at my room before heading downstairs. I saw my mom holding onto my twelve year old sister as they both cried, and my dad talking to a man that looked around his age that was nearly bald with a goatee. I'm guessing he is Beta Valor? "Emma Jane, this is Beta Valor. He will escort you back to the castle.", my dad explained pulling me in for a hug. "Greetings, Princess Emma.", he said as he bowed towards me before taking my bags out the door. My parents and sister hugged me while telling me how much they love me and will miss me as we walked to the door. I hugged them all once more before walking out the door to say farewell to my beloved pack as I made my way to the low key black sedan where Beta Valor waited next to the open back door. I took one last look back to my pack and my family before climbing inside. Beta Valor closed my door and made his way to the driver seat before we made our way towards the castle. BETHANY'S POV Oh my Goddess! I cannot believe this is happening. How can they arrange a marriage for them? I know they were never very keen towards me, but I can try harder. I can make them understand that I am the best for him. I am supposed to be his princess. I am supposed to rule by his side as queen! Not some random b***h from Red Dawn. How can they choose some slut that they have never even met over me? Over someone that has been by their son's side for pretty much his entire life and have dated him for four years?! So what if we haven't marked one another, I deserve to be with him. What makes her better than me? Alpha blood? I am beautiful and smart, so what if I am merely the Beta's daughter? I am at least of a ranked member's bloodline. I cannot let this happen. I cannot let her take him away from me. I cannot let her have what is mine!!! "Earth to Bethany. Hellooo? Earth to Bethanyyy." "Huh? What is it?", I asked shaking away the thoughts as I stared at my brother. "I have been asking for the information on the Blood Dawn Pack for five minutes. Why are you so spacey?" "Luke, did you know about the marriage?", I asked raising a brow. He looked down and I knew all I needed to know right at that moment. "Why did you not tell me?" "I was told to wait for the prince to tell you himself. Dad said it would be better that way." I cannot believe they both knew and didn't even tell me. What's worse is that my own father was sent to fetch the b***h and bring her back to the castle. I don't know why he even agreed to it anyways. Why does that slut deserve my father to go to guard her and return her to my man? HMMPH.. I am definitely going to have to treat that tramp a good lesson. "Bethanyyy, you are doing it AGAIN.", Luke complained rolling his eyes at me. "I am sorry. What else is it?" "Per the King's orders, you cannot set foot on the castle grounds until Aaron has married the princess." "WH-WHAT?!", I screamed. "This is to give you both the space need to move on and come to terms with what is taking place. I am sorry sis." WHAT. THE. ACTUAL. f**k. AARON'S POV "Your majesties, she has arrived.", the butler stated as he bowed before making his way to open the intricately designed, large wooden doors. As he opened the doors I was hit with the most amazing scent I have ever smelled before. A mix of strawberries and fresh rain. MATE! MATE! Andre, our mate? YES! MATE! MATE IS HERE! My wolf was yelling and howling in excitement as the doors finally fully open. In walked the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. She looked like an angel. She was short, I am certain she would only reach around my chest, with light blonde curls that cascade to her waist, full rose red lips, snow white skin with a curvaceous body and large eyes, greener than the truest emerald. I was stunned. A growl suddenly erupted from my chest as I made my way to my wide eyed mate. I pulled her into my embrace as I greedily inhaled her scent. "Mate.", I whispered into her neck. Everyone around us just seemed to disappear in that very moment as I looked down at her face turning a light shade of rose pink. Blushing only seemed to make her even more beautiful. AHEM. My father cleared his throat pulling us back from our own little world and I could see the shocked looks on everyone's faces around the room. I am honestly just as surprised. What are the chances that she would actually be my mate? "So, mates, huh? I guess Esmerelda was right when she was so adamant about this marriage, hmm? After all she has never been wrong, son.", my father said with a bright smile. "Oh, I am so happy, Aaron! Welcome Emma!! Aaron's sister Emily will be home at dinner so you will be able to meet her then. How about you show her to your quarters, Aaron? I am sure you must be so tired from the drive, Emma. Welcome to the family!", my mother squealed as she pulled my blushing mate into a tight hug. Seeing my mother so overjoyed and in love with her just made me feel even more drawn to her. I cant believe I finally have my mate. My father chuckled and pulled my mother from the hug and led her away to leave us alone. " Well, my little mate, shall we?", I asked as I grabbed her hand in mine. She nodded and started blushing again as she looked up to me with those same large emerald eyes that I could just get lost in. We made our way up the stairs as I watched her looking around. Once we got to our room, I sat on the edge of the bed and watched as she walked around the room taking in her new surroundings. I hope she likes the room. If not, I will have it redecorated to her liking as soon as possible. Beep. Beep. Beep. Damn, I completely forgot about Bethany. Bethany: O Aaron. Bethany: I miss u so much. This is so hard. Bethany: I can't even come onto the castle grounds until u r married. Isn't tht crazy? Can u meet me now in town? Aaron: Bethany, I can't meet you. She is my fated mate. This isn't right or fair to you or her. Bethany: Isn't fair 2 her? I have been by ur side for yrs nd u want to throw me away 4 her? Aaron: Bethany, you know how the mate bond works . I owe it to her and myself to give this an honest try. I'm sorry, the Moon Goddess willed this to be so. Maybe we shouldn't talk until everything settles. I looked up to see my little mate standing on the balcony looking down at the gardens. So, I tucked my phone into the bed side drawer and went to join her, but she didn't seem to want to look directly into my eyes. BETHANY'S POV Oh my goddess! His mate? This slut is his fated mate? WHY? That was supposed to be me?! First she takes him away and my rightful place as the future queen. Now she is suddenly his f*****g mate. This is one huge joke. I will not let her stay here happily. I will definitely find a way to make her pay for taking away my life! I need to find someone that will help me take revenge on this little b***h and make her regret even coming to the castle. Even if it is the last thing I do! Bethany: Dad, I cannot handle this. I want 2 travel 2 find my mate. Only he can stop my heart from hurting plz? Daddy: I suppose I will talk with the King and the Royal Alpha about getting a few warriors since we have heard of several rogues roaming the area. I am proud of you for making this decision. Hmmph. Yeah, right, Dad. If only you knew my plan, you wouldn't be so proud, but when I have what is mine you will understand. Bethany: Daddy I dnt need warriors. I will be fine alone. Daddy: We will discuss this when I return home.  I definitely won't be able to get away with my plan if I take guards or warriors with me. I need to make sure that I can leave alone. Perhaps I can bargain with a Rogue and he can take the princess for himself or even with a witch. f*****g, b***h. You just wait.