Mated To The Wrong Alpha

Duty and Desire

Chapter 7

Freya's POV

I freeze in the middle of the corridor, heart still racing from what just happened. Julian stands a few steps away, his eyebrows drawn together as he glances down the hallway behind me.

“Freya? Where did you just come from?” he asks, his tone carrying a hint of suspicion. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

I force a quick, shaky smile and tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “I got lost. This place is massive. I wandered too far and couldn’t find my way back. Sorry about that.”

Julian watches me for a long moment, searching my face. His gaze flickers once more toward the direction before returning to me. I know I probably look flushed and guilty, but he eventually sighs and gives me a small, understanding smile.

“You can just tell me next time if you want to explore. Just… not that area. It’s my father’s private place. He values his privacy.”

Relief washes over me, though the guilt sits heavy in my chest. “Right. I won’t go there again.”

He takes my hand gently, his fingers warm around mine. “Come on. They’re wrapping up the rest of the engagement ceremony in the main hall.”

We walk back side by side. His thumb keeps stroking the back of my hand in slow, soothing circles. It should feel sweet. Instead, every touch feels slightly wrong. My skin prickles with discomfort.

In the grand hall, guests are still milling about. Several people approach us with gifts beautifully wrapped boxes, bottles of aged wine, and symbolic pack artifacts.

Julian keeps his arm loosely around my waist, pulling me closer for photos and introductions. I smile until my cheeks hurt, but my mind keeps drifting back to what had happened earlier.

Once the last guests and few elders begin leaving and the hall starts emptying, Julian stops a passing maid. “Have you seen the Alpha anywhere?”

The maid bows her head quickly. “No, Alpha Julian.” she says immediately and hurries off.

Julian’s jaw clenches visibly. “Where the hell did he go? He couldn’t even stay long enough to see everything through.” Hurt and frustration drips in his voice. “Typical.”

I open my mouth, wanting to say something to ease the tension, when my father’s loud voice comes across the hall.

“Freya. Julian. Come over here.”

We walk toward him. My father stands tall near the head table, his chest puffed with satisfaction, looking far too pleased with himself. My mother stands slightly behind him, and gives me a smile.

“Now that the engagement is done,” my father says the moment we reach him, “we should set the wedding date. No point dragging this out.”

I blink, caught completely off guard. “Already? We just finished the engagement ceremony today. I haven’t even had time to properly know Julian yet.”

Julian glances at me, then nods at my father. “One month from now,” he says firmly. “It gives us enough time to prepare.”

Logan’s face breaks into a wide, satisfied grin. “One month it is. Excellent.”

My mother forces a polite smile, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. Liora and Eva watch me with sympathy. One month. The words settle like stones in my stomach.

Why is my father so obsessed with rushing this? These Cross wolves are dangerous. And I’m supposed to live among them now.

The discussion finally ends. Julian excuses himself. “I need to find my father. I’ll see you soon, Freya.”

My family starts heading toward the exit. I move to follow them, desperate to leave this place, but my father's sudden voice stops me.

“Freya. You’re staying here tonight.”

I stop dead in my tracks. “What?”

“You will remain in Stormfang from now on. Start getting to know your future mate and the pack.” His tone is final, brooking no argument. “Your belongings will be sent over tomorrow.”

Devastation hits me hard as I stare at him. “No. I want to go home with Mom and my sisters. Please, Papa!”

His eyes flash with an authority that has me keep shut. “This is not up for discussion. You belong here now.”

I look desperately at my mother. She opens her mouth but says nothing, eyes lowered. As my father leaves for the car, Liora and Eva come forward and wrap their arms around me.

“It’s okay,” Liora whispers. “We’ll visit you soon.”

Eva nods, trying to smile. “You’re strong, Freya. It’ll be fine.”

They leave. I watch the car drive away, taking my family with it.

Fury surges through me so violently I can barely think. When Julian reappears beside me, I snatch my hand away from his and storm off down the corridor, my heels striking the floor angrily.

“Freya, wait!” he calls, hurrying after me.

He catches up and gently catches my arm, turning me to face him.

“Hey… take a breath. I know your father can be overwhelming. I don’t always see eye to eye with him either.” His voice softens, warm and charming.

A bitter laugh escapes me and I scoff. “You have no idea.”

We stand there in silence for a moment. Julian smiles, that crooked, genuine smile of his. “At least we already have that in common.”

I chuckle and smile everything. He leads me to a sitting room, pours two glasses of wine, and raises his in a small toast. “To our own celebration.”

“Yeah.”

I take the glass and drink faster than I should. The wine spreads warmth through my veins quickly after such a day. Soon everything feels natural.

Is this how Moon Goddess is trying to punish me?

Julian helps me up when I sway slightly. He walks me slowly to my new room, keeping a steady hand on my lower back.

I barely check out the space when my back hits the softness of a bed and Julian's voice comes, a distant from me.

“I’ll take care of you, Freya. I promise.”

I smile at his words, to exhausted to speak, my vision blurry with drowsiness.

When I try to see him clearly, his back his the last thing I see before he strides out.

I fall into a dreamy state.

Ronan’s face suddenly appears right in front of me, those storm-grey eyes staring down at me.

I blink slowly, a dreamy smile tugging at my lips. “Ronan…” I murmur hotly, “You’re in my dream again.”

He steps even closer and angles down. His breath brushes my neck as he leans in, voice low and scolding. “Drinking with my son, huh? You really are testing me, little wolf.”

My lips part and my eyes widen. He doesn’t fade away. The heat of his body feels solid. His dark cedar scent wraps around me completely.

This isn’t a dream.

He’s actually here.

How did he get in?