The Luna Who Dared to Defy the Alpha

ROSE. "Rose, you are to marry Alpha Kane. The wedding is in a week." I felt a pang of shock snake its way down my spine. I stared at him, unable to believe what I was hearing. "What?” His demeanour thawed instantly. “You heard me, Rose.” “No! I can't do that!" "Rose," he began again, this time with a clenched jaw. "The Pack has gone through a lot. We have faced attacks and lost our Alpha. Refusing to marry Alpha Kane would be considered treason and I'm sure you don't like the sound of that, do you?" I felt my heart drop. "Treason?" I whispered with a trembling voice. The blood beat in my brain and it seemed like my head was swelling as I tried to wrap it around what I was hearing. "Yes," my father replied. "Alpha Arthur's death left us vulnerable. Kane inherited the crown because he was next in line. We need this union for the Pack's stability. And after very careful consideration, you were chosen. If anything, you should be happy. Do you know what this means for you? For us?" Alpha Arthur had been a strong leader. He protected us from outside threats and kept the Pack united. But a Rogue attack during the mate-finding ball had caught the Pack off guard. He fought bravely, but in the end, he succumbed to his wounds. And with Arthur gone, his son Kane took over. I shook my head, still hazy with shock. "But I'm not ready," I protested. Anybody could smell my fear now. His eyes narrowed and his jaw clenched again. "You owe this to the Pack. I don't want to remind you. After your father abandoned you and your mother died while whoring around, the Pack took you in. You are lucky we gave you a chance, I gave you a chance! Is this how you want to pay me back for everything I've done for you? And don't you forget you have a brother who's being held hostage. Are you going to accept this or are you going to let him rot like your mother did?!" I fought back the tears as a lump grew in my throat. I couldn't believe he was actually saying that to me. Yes, he threw it in my face whenever I made him angry but it was never this bad. "Father, I..." He cut me off again, sounding disconcertingly cold yet again. "You're an Omega, and that basically makes you useless. I shouldn't remind you that, Rose. You're worthless but you still want to forsake nobility for serfdom. What kind of daughter are you?" "If I'm worthless, then why!..." I paused as the tears rolled off. "Why then does he want me? I can't do this. I want a life of my own. This was your doing, right?" He scoffed. "Your reaction to this is unbelievable. And it doesn't matter if it was my doing or not. Alpha Kane has agreed to the deal." His voice was cold. I felt my world crumbling. "He won't even like me. I haven't even shifted into my wolf yet. What will he do to me when he finds out his Luna hasn't shifted. Are you sending me out there to die?" "That doesn't matter," he snapped. "The decision has been made." I felt an onrush of chills, causing my teeth to chatter. My life was falling apart. "Why are you forcing me into a life I don't want?" "Because you owe us," he repeated. "This is your duty and my decision is final. You dare not question me or talk about this again. Do you understand me?" “I will not marry him, father! I will never-” A brutal slap cut me off and floored me instantly. I lay there, cradling my bruised, red cheek, sniffing as the tears began to pour. I was a sobbing mess now. “i***t!” He growled, before turning and walking away. His harsh words echoed in my head as I tried to sleep that night. I couldn't stop worrying because I felt sick to my stomach. I was a Pack reject, just like my brother, Aiden. We were discriminated against because we were Omegas, always seen as less, always unwanted. And the prospect of marrying Kane surely wouldn't make it any better. It would, in fact, make things worse. Nobody would accept me as their Luna and Kane would surely treat me like a reject. The kind of life that awaited me was nothing but doom. It was in the air, I could smell it, I could feel it in my bones. The whole week passed in what seemed to be a blur and the day of the wedding soon came. I was still in shock even as the stylists did my makeup. I sat there silently, still trying to understand if this was really happening. I was so scared that my hands were trembling in my lap. The female stylist smiled and gave me a kind smile, but it did nothing to ease the fear and dread. "Are you nervous?" She asked, suspiciously sounding so gentle and kind. This wasn't always the case. I nodded. I didn't trust myself to speak without my voice shaking. "It's normal to feel that way," she said, continuing to work on my hair. "Everyone gets nervous on their wedding day. Just take deep breaths." I tried to follow her advice, inhaling deeply and letting it out slowly. It didn't help much, but if anything, I appreciated her trying to calm me. "You know," she stylist went on, "I felt the same way on my wedding day... I was so scared, but once I got through it, I found happiness. You will too." I forced out a ghost of a smile, knowing that wasn't possible. "I hope so," I whispered. Maria tilted her head, examining her work. "You look stunning, Rose. Here, see for yourself." She grinned, and handed me a mirror. I looked at my reflection and saw a girl who looked like a princess. My hair was done up in soft curls and my makeup was expectedly flawless. But all I felt inside was emptiness. It was like looking at a stranger. "Thank you," I croaked before setting the mirror down. The reality of what was happening was too overwhelming. I was being forced into a marriage with a man I didn't know and who didn't care about me. All I wanted was to run away, but there was no escape. My father had made sure of that after he'd told me I'd be marrying Kane. He had guards surround the hours and watch my movement. That was the moment the door opened, jeering me out of my reverie. Alpha Kane! It was him! He walked in, making my heart jump! And for that split second, I could swear his chiselled features and piercing eyes left me breathless. His tailored tuxedo accentuated his broad shoulders and his muscular physique, showcasing his regal aura. But when I saw the look in his eyes, I snapped out of it. There was no life there and it had me wondering if he felt like I did. He didn't say a word to me as he stretched his hand forth. I took it and linked our arms in bridal style before starting for the door. The walk to the church was the longest walk of my life. My legs felt like rubber and my ankles did no good too because I could barely keep up with his pace. When we walked in, the church organ was already blaring and the congregation was waiting. The church was filled to the brim. The first person I spotted was my foster father who was smiling at me. I forced myself to smile back, even though I was angry and scared. The priest began speaking as soon as we got up to the altar. "We are gathered here today to witness the union of Alpha Kane and Rose. Do you, Alpha Kane, take Rose to be your wife, to cherish and protect her?" "I do," Kane said. His voice was loud and clear. The priest turned to me. "And do you, Rose, take Alpha Kane to be your husband, to love and obey him," My heart was racing. All it would take was a 'yes' and my whole life would change. I took a deep breath, noting the murmurs that were starting to go around. "Yes," I whispered. And just like that, my fate was sealed.