Claimed By The Enemy Alpha

Borrowed Hours

I did not see William again that night, not that I cared, but I found it odd that he sent Kaelen to make sure I got home safely. Which was outrageous. I was over a thousand-year-old predator. I didn't need a babysitter.

And Kaelen being the obedient mutt that he was did not answer any of my questions. Only provided me with a short response. William had an emergency and was busy.

I ignored him after that, not willing to waste my time on the matter any more, they could be secretive all they wanted.

The ride back to the penthouse was silent, the tension between us thick enough to choke on. When we arrived, he didn't just drop me off. He followed me up the elevator and took a post outside my front door.

I went inside and texted Yui almost immediately.

Me: I need everything on these names.

I typed out the names of the men William had introduced me to and sent it to her.

Yui: Working on it.

Yui messaged back immediately followed by.

Yui: By the way, have you seen the news? You’re trending.

I left the chat and pulled up a borrow tab, typing my first name into it and immediately the pictures that were taken tonight had already been posted across different articles and platforms.

Some had even capitalized on the business idea of it, calling it the merger of the century.

I sigh and lock my phone, not even getting undressed. I spent the rest of the night staring out the large floor to ceiling windows of my penthouse.

Before I knew it, the sun was up and the first ray of sunlight peaked through the morning clouds. My eyes felt dry, and the back of my neck was stiff.

By mid-day, I got a notification and reached for it, expecting it to be Yui but it was a message from William. It contained a digital copy of a wedding program, a location for a private chapel on the outskirts of the city, and a time: 10:00 AM.

What had seemed like a short timeline yesterday was now a countdown of less than twenty four hours.

And a little while after that, Kaelen showed up at my front door with a dozen people I did not recognize. Some carried heavy garment bags made of white plastic, while others hauled metal crates filled with hair products and makeup kits.

My penthouse was suddenly swamped. My home invaded by the territorial musk of werewolves

"What is this?" I demanded, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Preparations," Kaelen said. "William wants you ready and on time. These people are here to make sure that happens."

I watched as a woman unzipped one of the bags, revealing numerous white gowns for me to choose from.

Which I did not, eventually she grew frustrated with me and picked a style she thought fitted me best.

The hours passed in a blur and in no time the sun was rising again.

By the time the sun was fully up everything was done. The stylists packed their bags and filed out, leaving only Kaelen and two guards by the door.

"It is time to go," he called out.

I looked at my reflection and didn't recognize the woman looking back. I let out a deep sigh, then turned and followed Kaelen out the door. I had officially run out of time to find an escape from this. From here on out, I was playing the long game.