ALPHA

CHAPTER 2

Leyale's Pov

Leyale stood nervously in the foyer as she heard her dad's summon to come to his office and knowing him he was probably furious after the stunt that she had pulled. Seeing her expression her mother became concerned " What is it dear?" she asked.

"Dad wants to talk to me in his office" she said wringing her hands together nervously hearing this Liam whistles " Dam he must know your back good luck little sis" Liam said causing both Layale and her mother to glare at him and he chuckled raising up his hand in surrender.

"Liam, that's not helping," Sophie said, her voice firm but amused. She turned to Leyale, her expression softening. "Don't worry, dear. Your father's bark is worse than his bite. Just tell him the truth and apologize for worrying everyone."

Leyale nodded, taking a deep breath. She knew her father's temper was legendary, but she also knew he loved her and wanted what's best for her. She glanced at Liam, who was still grinning.

"Good luck, sis," he repeated, this time with a more serious tone. "I'll be here if you need me."Leyale rolled her eyes and headed towards her father's office, her heart pounding in her chest. She knocked on the door, and her father's deep voice called out,

"Come in." an authorative voice spoke. She took another deep breath and pushed open the door, stepping inside to face her father's scrutiny. The office was dimly lit, with the scent of old books and leather filling the air.

Her father sat behind his massive wooden desk, his eyes fixed intently on her."Close the door, Leyale," he said, his voice calm but authoritative.Leyale pushed the door shut behind her and approached her father's desk, her eyes cast downward.

She knew she was in for a lecture, and she was ready to listen. Alpha Kael Blackwood, the alpha of the North River Pack, sat behind his massive wooden desk, his piercing green eyes unlike her brother's that where warmer, his where completely different they where piercing and authorative and where firmly fixed upon on Leyale as she entered the office.

His ruggedly handsome features, etched from years of leading the pack and protecting its members, softened slightly as he gazed at his daughter. His dark hair, flecked with threads of silver, was cropped short, revealing a strong jawline and a small scar above his left eyebrow – a reminder of a battle long past.

As Leyale approached, His expression turned serious, his deep voice commanding attention. "Close the door, Leyale," he said, his tone firm but laced with a hint of concern.Leyale pushed the door shut behind her, her eyes cast downward as she approached her father's desk.

He leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together as he regarded his daughter. He was a man of great strength and wisdom, respected by his pack for his fairness and leadership. But as a father, he was also fiercely protective of Leyale, and his expression showed the worry and frustration he felt about her recent actions."Take a seat, Leyale," Kael said, his voice gentle but firm. "We need to talk."

Leyale sat down in the chair opposite her father's desk, her hands folded in her lap as she looks down at her hands unable to meet his gaze. She could feel her father's gaze on her, his eyes searching for something. " Look at me" he commanded his voice authorative, Breathing out a sigh she mustered up the courage and finally raised her head.

As she looked up, meeting his gaze, and saw the concern etched on his face." So, Leyale," Kael began, his voice measured. "I hear you've been going off on your own again, without telling anyone where you're going or when you'll be back. Care to explain why?".

Leyale took a deep breath, feeling a mix of guilt and defensiveness as she looked at her father's stern features. "I just needed some space, Dad. I love the pack, but sometimes I feel suffocated by all the rules and expectations."His expression didn't change, but his voice took on a hint of disappointment.

"I understand that, Leyale. But you're not just any member of this pack. You're my daughter, and your safety is my top priority. When you go off without telling anyone, it puts the entire pack on edge. We have rogues and ferals to worry about, and I won't have you putting yourself in harm's way like this."

Leyale nodded, feeling a pang of regret. She knew her father was right, but she couldn't shake the feeling that he was holding something back. "Is there something specific you're worried about, Dad? Something you're not telling me?"

His eyes narrowed slightly, and he leaned forward, his elbows on the desk. "Let's just say that there are... developments in the packs territory but they're nothing to concern yourself with right now. For now, let's focus on your behavior and how to make sure you're safe I need you to promise me you won't go off on your own again can you promise me that" he said his eyes searching her's."

"I promise dad no more sneaking out or going out on my own without telling you" she said earnestly and he nod. "Good but theirs one more thing the real reason I summoned you".

Kael stood up from his chair, his movements fluid and powerful. He walked over to the window, gazing out at the forest beyond the pack's grounds. His back was to Leyale, and for a moment, she couldn't read his expression.

"Leyale, there's something else we need to discuss," he said, his voice low and measured. "Something that's been on my mind for a while now."Leyale's instincts prickled, sensing that something was off. She waited, her heart pounding in her chest.

"I've been considering an arranged marriage for you," Kael said, his words dropping like a stone into a still pond. Leyale's mind went blank. An arranged marriage? She felt like she'd been punched in the gut the wind being knocked out of her.

She couldn't breathe as she gripped her seat hard."Who?" she managed to squeak out, her voice barely above a whisper.Kael turned to face her, his expression serious. "Ryker Eastwood. The Eastwood pack has been a valuable ally, and this marriage would strengthen our ties and secure our packs future."

Leyale's world spun around her. Ryker Eastwood? She'd met him once, briefly, and he seemed... nice. But an arranged marriage? to a literal stranger? She felt a wave of panic rising up, and she knew she had to object, to make her father see reason.

"Dad, no!" Leyale exclaimed, her voice rising in protest. "I won't do it. I won't marry some stranger just to secure an alliance. that's not fair."His expression remained firm, but Leyale saw a glimmer of understanding in his eyes.

"Leyale, I know this isn't what you want to hear, but this marriage would be beneficial for the pack. Ryker is a good man, and he would take care of you". Leyale shook her head, feeling a sense of desperation creeping in. "But what about love? What about finding my mate? Don't I get a say in this?" He sighed, his shoulders sagging slightly.

"Leyale, you're almost 21 years old. You've had plenty of time to find your mate, and it's clear that's not going to happen. This marriage would ensure your safety and security, and it would be a good match for both our packs against the rogues and ferals and those dam we'rewolf hunters"

Leyale felt tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. She couldn't believe her father was doing this to her. "But Dad, I don't even know Ryker. How can you expect me to marry him?". Her father's expression softened, and he walked back to his desk, sitting down in his chair.

"Leyale, I know this isn't easy, but I'm doing what's best for you and the pack. You'll learn to love Ryker, and he'll take care of you and it will secure a powerful ally for our pack. That's all that matters"

"I won't do it, dad," Leyale said, her voice shaking with emotion. Tears streamed down her face as she looked at her father, pleading with him to understand. "Please, don't make me do this. I'll find my true mate, I'll... I'll do whatever it takes."

His expression softened, and he stood up, walking around his desk to Leyale. He knelt down beside her, his eyes level with hers. "Leyale, sweetie, I know this is hard, but—".

Leyale shook her head, interrupting him. "No, Dad, you don't understand. This isn't just about me, it's about my future, my happiness. Please, don't do this to me."

Kael's face hardened slightly, and he stood up, his voice taking on a firmer tone. "Leyale, as your alpha, I have made my decision. You will marry Ryker Eastwood, and that is final."The alpha card. Leyale felt a chill run down her spine as she realized her father was using his authority as her alpha to force her into this marriage.

She knew she had no choice but to obey, but she couldn't help feeling trapped and helpless."I won't forget this, Dad," Leyale said, her voice barely above a whisper. She stood up, her eyes flashing with determination. "I'll do what you say, but I'll never forgive you for this.".

His expression didn't change, but Leyale saw a flicker of sadness in his eyes. "I'm doing this for your own good, Leyale. You'll see that one day."Just as Leyale was about to leave, her mother, Sophie, walked into the office, a concerned look on her face.

"Honey, what's going on? I could sense the tension from outside. Kael turned to Sophie, his expression still firm. "Leyale and I were just discussing her arranged marriage to alpha Ryker Eastwood."Sophie's eyes widened, and she turned to Leyale, who was still visibly upset. "Oh, Leyale, sweetie, I didn't know it had come to this."

Leyale's eyes welled up with tears again, and she turned to her father, pleading. "Dad, please, just give me one chance. Let me go to the gathering tonight, and if I don't find my mate, I'll... I'll accept the arrangement."Kael raised an eyebrow. "What gathering?".

Leyale took a deep breath. "The winter solstice gathering. It's tonight. All the unmated wolves from all the packs will be there, and it's the perfect opportunity for me to find my mate.

"Sophie stepped forward, her voice gentle as she placed a comforting hand on her daughter's shoulder in support as she addressed her husband. "Kael dear maybe we should give her this chance. It's not every day that the solstice aligns with the full moon. This could be a special night for Leyale."

Kael hesitated, clearly weighing his options as much as he wanted to refuse he knew he would not only damage his relationship with his wife but daughter too if he refused their request. "What makes you think this gathering will be any different from all the others?" he asked, his tone skeptical.

Leyale's heart skipped a beat. "Because, Dad, the winter solstice is a magical time. It's when the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest, and the energy of the moon is at its strongest. If my mate is out there, this could be the night I find them."

Sophie nodded in agreement. "Kael, it's worth a try. Let's give Leyale this one chance. If she doesn't find her mate, we'll proceed with the arrangement."

Kael looked at his mate and daughter, then nodded slowly. "Alright. You have tonight, Leyale. If you don't find your mate, the arrangement with Ryker stands."

Leyale's face lit up with hope as she thanked her father. "Thanks Dad. I won't let you down."His expression remained serious. "I want you to take Zoey and Alex with you tonight. They'll keep an eye on you and make sure you're safe.".

Leyale nodded, knowing that Zoey and Alex were her closest friends and the packs beta children. She trusted them with her life."Okay, Dad. I'll ask them to come with me," Leyale said, feeling a sense of relief wash over her.

Kael nodded. "Good. Now, go get ready. You don't want to be late for the gathering."Leyale smiled, feeling a sense of excitement and hope. She turned to leave, but her mother's voice stopped her.

"Leyale, be careful tonight. The winter solstice can be a wild time, and you never know what might happen," Sophie said, her eyes sparkling with a knowing glint as she winked.

Leyale nodded blushing before she smiled, feeling a shiver run down her spine. She knew that her mother was right, and she was ready to face whatever the night might bring.