CHAPTER 3-FORCED DECISION
1058 Words
"Miss, are you alright?" the elderly patrolman inquired when I entered the security division of the pack.
“I am all right,” I said, when I’m reality I was not. “I came to report a lost wolf . My sister. She has not been home since last night and her phone is off.”
He rearranged his spectacles and shook his head.
“When was the last time you saw princess Aria and when did you notice she was missing.”
"Since yesterday morning was when I saw her last, but she was with father down to noon I think."
"Has it been twenty-four hours since you noticed she was missing?"
"Not yet," I said. "Maybe twelve or more."
He sighed. "Then we cannot file a report. Return when the twenty four hours are over or a written message that the alpha has sent to us telling us to act.”
I felt my chest tighten. “But she has never gone away before. Her phone is off. Today she is supposed to be having her mating ceremony. Something is wrong. Her scent can’t be traced.”
The man shook his shoulders as though it were indifferent. "Rules are rules."
I waited a few moments hoping that he would change his mind. He didn't. I walked out.
By the time I got to the pack house it was already daylight. I struggled up the steps, one step more difficult than the next. The guards unlocked the doors to me and I headed straight to the throne room. Had I not reported what the officer had said to my father, he would have accused me of time wasting.
He was sitting on the throne. His Beta stood with him, uncomfortable.
My father stared at me as soon as I entered.
"Are you done?" he asked sharply. “Or do you and your sister still want to play games?”
“I said I was not playing any games” I said, even though I was out of breath. "I've searched everywhere. I visited every one of her friends. I even went as far as to visit the patrol station.”
"And?" he asked.
“They said she had not been away twenty-four hours yet, and they would not get the report and search party started yet unless I should send them a written notice.”
My father sneered and got on his feet. "You're lying."
"I'm not lying," I said quietly. "I don't know where she is. Father, will you please, write the report. You're the Alpha. They will listen to you."
"No," he said flatly. "I will not embarrass myself. What kind of Alpha does not know where his own daughter is before a mating ceremony ?”
He moved nearer, and his eyes were cold.
“You have me to go before the council, and tell them that Aria disappeared out of my roof? Do you want me to look weak?"
“It does not matter how you look,”
I said in a small voice. "I care about Aria."
“And I am concerned about the pack and my reputation,” he retorted.
I was going to say something, but he interrupted me.
"I know Aria is hiding," he said. "And you are covering for her."
My heart dropped. "That's not true. Why would I cover for her?"
He did not heed my inquiry and waved his Beta. "Bring the doctor."
I frowned. "Why?"
He didn't answer. The doctor came in two minutes later carrying a small case. He stared at me in anxiety, and at my father in terror.
"Alpha Rowan?" he said.
"Do it," my father ordered.
I did not even get time to inquire what it was. The physician put open his case and drew out a small vial and a syringe.
"What is that?" I asked.
“A stabilizer, “said the doctor. It will seal the bleeding to a few hours.
My father crossed his arms. You cannot appear on a social event with blood coming out of all your holes. You too ought to know that.”
I stiffened. "I'm not going to a ceremony."
He didn't bother to argue. He only nodded at the physician once more.
The doctor stepped closer. "It will sting a little."
He held my arm and gave me the drug.
The doctor stepped back. "It should hold for six hours."
My father didn't thank him. He simply brushed him off as a servant.
Then he turned to me again.
“You must replace Aria, “ he said slowly, “in case you are telling the truth, and in case Aria is really gone, and you had nothing to do with it...”
I froze. "What?"
"You heard me. The ceremony must happen. The pack is watching. Alpha Darius is anticipating a mate. And should Aria make her escape, then you will occupy her place.”
"I can't," I whispered. "Dad, I can't do that. I'm sick. I.."
"I know," he said. That is the reason why I am giving you something.
He came nearer, and spoke in a low tone.
"If you obey me today... I will pay for your treatment. I will get a doctor, a specialist, a person, who could assist you. Before twenty-one I will not allow you to die, if you do this for me."
My legs felt weak. I was not even able to breathe a second.
“This is your opportunity. You have never wanted to die sooner. Always you wanted medicine, care, support. That is how I could give it to you.”
I shook my head, and tears were in my eyes. “Why am I replacing her? Why me?"
“You are like her,” he said, “because you look like her. "And because she is not here."
I swallowed hard. "Dad... please. This isn't fair."
“You have never had a fair share of life,” he answered. "Be useful for once."
His words hit me like a slap.
I was about to respond, when the maids came in with the ceremonial gown. It was light silver and white embroidered. Aria picked it herself. They held it out for me.
"Put it on," he ordered. "Now."
I didn't move.
“And henceforth,” he said, “your name is Aria.”
- Writer
