Be Mine! Alpha Axel

SHOCKING NEWS

ARIA

“Be yours?” Alpha Axel asked again, like he was trying to recap my words, I swallowed hard seeing the gaze he shot at my brother and dad.

(Now, we face another series of embarrassment, you don't even know him that much Aria.) Zara grumbled feeling so humiliated.

“It's not my fault, I feel some weird connection that made me decide to try out my luck,” I argued.

(What is wrong with you Aria?) Mason's mind linked but I just rolled my eyes.

“Alpha, we are sorry for the misunderstanding, we didn't plan for your arrival and didn't know someone would try to mess you up.” Richard apologized, gesturing for me to step back.

“Mess?” Richard sure has a lot of guts talking to an Alpha that way, well he is the weak alpha, the one who can't create rules himself so I get it.

“Alpha, my daughter has been throwing tantrums, because her sister found her mate before her, so please I would like you to ignore her words,” Dad said, but he was mistaken. I am not going to allow anyone to shut me down today.

“Dad, I am not wrong… I want him to become mine, after all…”

“Don’t!” he yelled, pointing her finger at me as he tried his whole best to control himself.

“Don’t you get on my last nerve,” he spelled out every word which I found amusing.

Mum moved toward me, “Aria, let's leave… you are ruining your sister's party, and it is not the right thing to do.” I glanced at my father and knew he was going to punish me, so why didn't I just finish my quest?

“Well, I need to get a response from Alpha first,” I argued.

“Hey! Aria..” Richard called out but I just ignored him.

“What is she doing?”

“No one wants the Alpha, she would die quickly.”

“She is the Gamma’s daughter, still she is happy moving from grace to grass.”

A series of comments poured out from the guest but weirdly this wanted to make me try this out more, I suddenly got interested in this man.

“You seem interesting… and what if I say yes?” His deep voice rolled through the room like thunder, steady and calm, but with a sharpness that made my heart skip.

I stared at him, stunned, as a big smile slowly crept onto my face. I wasn’t expecting his answer that easily.

But the way his eyes held mine, unreadable yet focused, made me feel like the world had just shifted beneath my feet.

His yes would mean everything. It would mean I wouldn’t have to live under my parents’ roof anymore.

It would mean I would become the Luna of this pack and more than anything, it meant Richard would have to bow to me.

He couldn’t say no to an Alpha, not when the title of Beta hung around his neck like a leash.

“This is a great idea,” I said, unable to stop the laugh that left my lips.

I can finally get my revenge on Richard by becoming Luna. After all, he can’t challenge the Alpha’s decision, not when the Alpha chooses me.

I turned fully to face Axel, boldness flooding me. “Then make me yours… for life.”

“Aria!” my father’s voice bellowed like a blast of fire, but for once it didn't scare me.

“What, Dad?” I said, my voice harsh and full of spite. “I am saving you the stress of getting me a partner in the future.”

His eyes flared with rage, and without a word, he raised his hand to strike me, like he always did when I stepped out of line.

I closed my eyes, bracing for the hit. I was used to it. I waited for a few seconds but the slap never came.

My eyes flew open and what I saw made my breath catch. Alpha Axel had caught his hand.

His grip was calm, like someone who had done this many times before and was bored with the routine.

He stood between me and my father with ease, his expression blank.

No one had ever protected me before. This is the first time it's happening. Since I was a child, they always stood and watched, letting me take the beatings, the words, the bruises.

(We want him,) Zara's voice rang through at once, accepting him.

“Alpha..” Dad's words stumbled in his throat, “No one should dare touch my woman when I am standing here. I mean it.” Alpha Axel's voice boomed.

“Alpha Axel, I haven't accepted my daughter being yours, as an elder in the pack, I have every right to reject you taking my daughter as your Luna!”

Others stood beside Dad, nodding their heads in support, then Alpha Axel leaned forward and I recalled how weak he was.

I wouldn't want the man I just chose as mine to embarrass himself he is my only ticket in getting out of my toxic family house and also getting revenge on my silly sister and her so-called fated mate.

“Dad… Alpha… we are in the middle of an engagement party, don't you think this should be private?” I asked and Dad whipped his head my way, so furious.

“You caused this in the first place,” Dad announced and I rolled my eyes.

Alpha Axel let Dad go and Ava rushed toward our side, “Aria… you knew how much this party meant to me, still you are trying to ruin it”

I glanced at Ava and a smirk played on my face, “Well, just like you are getting together with your mate. I chose who would be mine. Why is that a problem to you?”

Ava’s eyes widened with her usual dramatic flair, and right on cue, she started to pant, holding her chest and stumbling a little like she was going to faint. Anything for attention, anything to turn the spotlight back on her.

(Dramatic queen,) Zara mumbled in my head and I smiled, not even hiding it.

I watched as Richard and my mum rushed to her side, panic written all over their faces.

My dad’s glare, however, was fixed on me like I was the one who set the room on fire.

The guests started whispering among themselves, some pointing, some shaking their heads.

A wave of murmurs filled the air, confusion and judgment bouncing off the walls. But me? I just stood there, smirking, enjoying every second of the chaos I had thrown into their perfect little show.

(Aria, I will make you pay for this,) Dad’s angry voice echoed in my mind.

“Enough, everyone!” Alpha Axel’s voice cut through the noise, sharp and clear.

I turned to him as he cleared his throat, his voice booming across the hall like it owned the walls.

“Now that we have had an… interesting interruption,” he said, his gaze brushing over Ava and me, “I believe it’s time for us to proceed with the engagement ceremony.”

My eyes followed him as he stepped forward. He stood with so much confidence, even the air around him seemed to settle.

I didn’t miss the dark looks Dad and Mason threw in his direction, but I ignored them. My attention stayed on Axel, curious.

The whole room went quiet again.

That’s what I liked about him, he didn't have to raise his voice to be heard. Even if people called him weak, even if they mocked him for staying in his chambers all the time, I knew there was something different about him. And if they couldn’t see it, then maybe I would be the one to bring it out.

Ava looked like she was going to drop again, clutching her chest like she couldn’t breathe.

Richard tried to hold her, whispering something to calm her down, but she pushed his hand away like she wanted everyone to see she was upset.

Their eyes both shot me a death glare, but I just stuck my tongue out and turned away.

“Let’s get this over with,” Alpha Axel said. “Ava and Richard, please step forward.”

They walked forward, slowly, like it pained them. Ava tried to act humble, but I could see her eyes darting at the crowd. Richard held her hand like it was a duty, not love.

I crossed my arms and leaned back, pleased. Not just because I had made a scene, but because I was watching someone finally put Richard in his place. He always believed he was untouchable, like he owned the pack. That arrogance was what pulled me to him in the first place… I didn’t know back then that he would become my biggest distraction.

The ceremony began. Alpha Axel stood tall, his voice steady as he recited the traditional bonding words.

The Elders climbed onto the stage, giving their fake blessings, while everyone clapped like programmed puppets.

Ava and Richard exchanged vows. I didn’t feel the pain I thought I would. I was sure I would break down and cry or run out, but nothing came. I just watched. I didn’t feel empty either.

My eyes kept drifting to Alpha Axel. I found myself studying him, wondering what was going through his mind.

The ceremony ended with a quick, awkward kiss between Ava and Richard. The room clapped like trained seals, but I just rolled my eyes.

Then Axel turned to me. His lips curled into a sly smile, one that made my chest tighten unexpectedly.

“And now,” he said, loud enough for everyone to hear, “I believe it’s time for us to discuss our own… arrangement.”

My heart skipped, I didn’t think he would bring it up again.

“Alpha Axel… I am sorry but this needs a thorough discussion,” my dad said quickly. “This pack believes in being with your mate… not just anyone you choose.”

“Yes, what do they think they are doing?” one of the guests mumbled from behind.

“He hides in his room while others do all the work. How can he understand the rules like Beta Richard?” another voice added.

Dad’s smirk returned. He turned to Axel, voice loud

“If you both get married, what happens to your mate when they show up, hmm? Or don’t you care? Maybe you are the type of Alpha who breaks the rules just to get what he wants, but I won’t let my daughter be part of that.”

(Damn it… he got a point,) Zara whispered, her voice quiet.

I nodded slowly. As much as I hated agreeing with Dad, he was right, but then Alpha Axel dropped the bomb.

“Well, too bad,” Alpha Axel said with a calmness that chilled the room. “My mate won’t be coming around anytime soon.” I turned sharply, staring at him.

“What?” His eyes met mine and a sly grin appeared on his face.

“Because your daughter… is my mate.”