Packed Allegiance

My phone buzzed on the bar and I leaned over to check the screen. I had one new message from my mother: Where are you? I'm waiting at the restaurant. I typed back a quick response. Sorry, I'm on my way. Be there soon. "You're late," I muttered as I slid off the barstool. "As always." My mother would complain about my tardiness, but it was just dinner. We had all night to eat, and I had to work. I couldn't help it if the hours had slipped by. I hurried down the sidewalk, past the bustling restaurant with its line of people out the door. There was a time when I worked at the Italian eatery, but that was in the past. Now, I waited tables at the local bar and grill, and I preferred it. The tips were better. The hostess smiled when she spotted me. "Oh, Rena, your mom is already seated. She's not very happy with you." "When is she ever?" I laughed as I passed her and made my way into the dining room. My eyes searched for my mother, and I spotted her at a table in the corner. Her arms were crossed over her chest, and her jaw was clenched tight. "Finally," she said with an eye roll. "Sorry, Mother." I took a seat across from her and sighed. "I didn't realize what time it was." "Of course not," she mumbled. "You've been working too much. I haven't seen you in weeks. I want to spend time with you. You know how important that is for our family." I wanted to tell her that I was an adult, and I could decide how much I worked. But the waiter appeared before I had the chance. "Can I get you two some wine?" he asked. "Red," my mother answered quickly. "Do you have any white?" I asked. "Of course. Any specific kind?" "Chardonnay, if you have it." He nodded. "I'll be right back." "White wine? What is wrong with you?" my mother asked. I shrugged. "I'm not really a red wine drinker. You know that." "But that's what we have at our home. You should get used to drinking it." you. You should have an office job, or better yet, stay home. There are plenty of women in the pack who would love your position." I scoffed. "They can have it. I'm happy where I am." "That is not good enough," she said sternly. "I'm sorry, Rena, but your behavior is unacceptable." "My behavior?" I snapped. "You're the one who's being rude. I can't even go out with my own mother without her making snide remarks about everything." "Rena, this is not a conversation we should be having. This is how it is, and you need to get used to it." "Maybe I don't want to," I mumbled under my breath. "What did you say?" I shook my head. "Nothing." "Good, because this is your life. Get used to it." My shoulders sagged, and I picked at the tablecloth. It was no use arguing with her. She was right. It was my life. And she controlled it. Our food came, and we ate in silence. The tension between us was thick, and I was eager to leave. But as I finished the last of my meal, my mother ordered a bottle of red wine. "Really?" I asked. "Oh, relax. We need to have a proper send-off." "A send-off?" "Yes, Rena. The alpha from another pack is coming to visit. And you are to be his wife." "What?" I gasped. "Who decided this?" "I did. As the female alpha, it's my decision. He is a powerful man, and our packs would be strong." "But...why me? Why not Tanya?" "Tanya is married. You are the only unmarried woman in the pack." "What if I'm already engaged to someone else?" I asked. She narrowed her eyes. "Are you?" "No." "Then there's no problem." "This isn't fair. Why can't you let me choose my own husband?" "Because, Rena, this is what is best for you. For all of us." "But—" "There are no buts. You will marry the alpha, and that's final." "How long do I have until he gets here?" I asked. "A few days. We'll have a nice dinner, and then the ceremony will be held the next day." "So soon?" "Yes, Rena. This is the way it is. Get used to it." I stared at her in disbelief. How could she be so cruel? I wasn't a pawn to be used for political gain. I was a person, and I deserved to have a say in my future.But there was nothing I could do. She was the alpha, and her word was law. I slumped back in my chair, feeling defeated. "Don't look so sad, Rena. You'll get used to it. It's for the good of the pack. It's not about you." "Yes, Mother. I understand." She smiled. "Good. Now, let's have a drink." She poured me a glass of wine, and I forced myself to swallow it down. It was bitter and harsh, and it burned my throat. "It's good, isn't it?" she asked. "Yes," I lied. "Trust me, Rena. Everything will work out. You'll see." She raised her glass, and I did the same. I forced a smile as we toasted to my future. A future I had no control over.