Be Mine! Alpha Axel

PUNISHING HER

ARIA

I watched as my dad paced back and forth, still reeling from the shock of Alpha Axel's revelation.

Not only was my dad stunned, but I was too. The mate bond between Alpha Axel and me was unexpected, to say the least. I hadn't felt any bond with him, but I wouldn't say so to any of my family.

After Alpha Axel's announcement, my dad quickly ushered me out of the room, telling everyone to head home while we sorted things out ruining the engagement party like I wanted.

I couldn't help but think about how I had chosen Alpha Axel as a means to have my revenge on Richard and Ava. I hadn't expected things to unfold this way.

"Aria, you are going to reject him," my dad finally said after much thought.

“What?” I glanced at the rest of my family, seeing the same look on their faces.

I let out a chuckle, recalling my dad's words. "And why would I reject him?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. My dad gave me a weird look as if I should know better.

"Aria, I gave birth to you," he said, his tone stern. "You will do what I want." I rolled my eyes at this, remembering a crucial fact.

"Well, that's too bad," I said, my voice dripping with mockery. "Because the last time I checked, you made a big speech about how we need to be with our mates."

Then Mom intervened like always, her voice soft as she grasped my hands.

"Aria, you are the daughter of the gamma of this pack. Being with Alpha Axel will only put you in more danger." I snatched my hands away, my expression incredulous.

"And when have my safety and well-being ever been your concern?" I asked, my voice laced with hurt.

My mom's eyes welled up with tears. "Aria, please. You know Alpha Axel is your dad's enemy. The whole pack is against him... he can't maintain that position for long. I don't want to lose my daughter."

My hand moved to my chest in surprise. "You... that's new," I taunted, my voice cold. "You are only concerned about losing me now after finding my mate?"

Ava butted in, "Aria, listen to Mom, please. We know you are mad because of the loss of your baby, and you want to avenge Richard because you feel like Alpha Axel's position is higher than Richard's."

My smile vanished at the mention of my lost child. "Mad? No, Ava... I am in a rage. And I will stop at nothing to make both you and Richard pay for betraying me."

My dad's foot connected with my stomach, sending me crashing to the ground. His strength was still tough, but I promise I will surpass him one day.

"You will do as I say," he growled, leaning down to grab my face roughly.

"You will reject him. I won't allow my reputation to be tarnished by you.”

Wow, his reputation, that is what he acted about, not my feelings.

“The Alpha will die soon, even though he was saved from the last attack.”

I raised my brow, shocked at Dad’s words. His voice was calm but filled with poison.

“If any future partner finds out you were once the mate of the Alpha, you will be unacceptable to them. Think very carefully before choosing your next action.”

Ava rushed toward me, tears running down her cheeks as she cried out, “Stop! You’re hurting her, Dad!”

But I shoved her aside. I didn’t need her sympathy.

His grip on my face tightened painfully, his nails digging into my skin. Mum and Mason scrambled to help Ava up, not even sparing me a glance.

“That’s it,” I let out in a breathless voice, pointing at all of them. “That’s how much you all love her more than me.”

Without warning, Dad shoved me to the ground, the impact rattling my bones. My knees scraped against the cold floor as I looked up at them, every part of me shaking with fury.

Ava’s eyes widened in horror. Mum gasped while Mason stayed quiet.

“Dad, I don’t care about whatever you say,” I cried, my voice trembling. “It’s my life! And I have made my decision. I will become Luna!”

Dad's face twisted in disgust and rage as he lifted his leg and kicked me in the ribs. The pain was instant, sharp, and breath-stealing. I groaned, clutching my side.

“Guards! Lock her up!” Dad bellowed.

“No food or water until she rejects him!” At once, men in black rushed toward me. I tried to crawl away, but they were faster, grabbing my arms roughly. One twisted my wrist as the others dragged me to my feet.

“Let me go!” I screamed, kicking and thrashing. “I said let me go!” but I was ignored like every other day.

“Aria!” Dad’s voice rang out one last time, cold and sharp like a dagger. If you don’t listen to me, I will make sure he dies. You will suffer the worst pain of losing a mate.”

He meant it. I could see it in his eyes.

“It’s your choice,” he added cruelly. “Reject him, or watch your life burn.”

With that, the dungeon door opened, and I was thrown inside. The door slammed shut behind me, the sound echoing through the stone chamber like a death sentence.

I collapsed to the floor, tears spilling freely as I hugged myself in the darkness.

Everything was silent. Just me… and the emptiness.