ALPHA’S HEART, My Haven

Episode-2

Aria’s Point of View

In helpless confusion, I screamed as I stood up from my father’s lifeless body. Not knowing what to do, then suddenly a strong grip seized my arm. I struggled against his hold, but his grip tightened, and I was too weak to save myself. And there it ended with the death of my parents as the men from my pack surrendered to the Darkmoon pack.

I was awakened from my painful recollection by the gentle tap of my friend, who was the princess of the Darkmoon pack. She has always been so helpful and caring to me. I feel it was because I was her age mate, and she finds my company very interesting to her. Princess Chloe has been the only one caring for me since I got to the Darkmoon pack. I really enjoy and love her company.

“Aria, here you are! I have been looking for you everywhere. What happened?” She asked.

I faked my smile. “My Princess, I’m just tired,” I said as my stomach grumbled in hunger.

I was hungry, but Luna Lilian wouldn’t give me any food as the punishment of breaking her favorite vase. I licked my dry lips and cried out. “I’m hungry, but I got on the bad side of Luna today.”

“Oh, don’t worry, I will get some food for you.”

“What if you get caught by your mother?” I said as I nodded hesitantly.

“Don’t worry, I won’t get caught.” She replied.

“Be careful…” I whispered.

It'd been over a while since she left, and I was feeling uneasy, but she suddenly appeared, and I jumped for joy.

“What took you so long? I thought you were caught!”

“No,” she replied as she gave me the food and water. She closed the door gently.

“Thank you so much my princess!” I said as I hugged her tightly.

“It’s nothing. Come on, eat.” She nodded as she opened the bottle of water. “I have something to tell you”.

“What is it?” I asked softly.

“I have news... important news.” Her eyes sparkled with excitement.

I knew that whatever princess Chloe was about to say was serious.

“Father has arranged my marriage,” she whispered, as if saying the words too loudly would make them more real. “To Alpha Dorian, one of the twins of the late Alpha Alexandra.”

My heart stood still for a moment, as the name hung in the air like a curse. Alpha Dorian. I had heard of him, of course. Everyone had. He was one of the wealthiest, most powerful alphas in the region. And now he was coming to claim Chloe as his bride.

Chloe gave a weak smile and her fingers twisted in her lap. “He is arriving tonight. Father says this marriage will secure the future of the kingdom. But I’ve never even met him. And now I’m supposed to spend the rest of my life by his side.”

“Do you know what he looks like?” I asked.

Chloe shook her head. “I’ve heard he’s tall, handsome, and... well, intimidating. But that’s just gossip. I’ll find out tonight.”

“Do you... want this?” I asked cautiously.

Princess Chloe’s smile faded. “It doesn’t matter what I want. This is what’s expected of me, what’s necessary for the kingdom.” She sighed deeply. “But I hope, at least, that he’s kind.”

I nodded, though my thoughts were far away. I tried to push down the strange sensation growing inside me, the uneasy pull that had been building ever since the princess mentioned his name.

Before I could respond, the sound of footsteps echoed through the halls. Chloe's face brightened with a smile as she stood up to her feet immediately to smoothen her gown.

“Alpha Dorian is here, let’s go.” she whispered as she dragged me to the grand hall.

The door swung open, and Alpha Dorian stepped in. He was taller than I had imagined, his dark hair was neatly combed, his eyes were like molten gold. He wore a tailored black suit, the kind that screamed wealth and authority, yet there was something primal about him.

“Alpha Dorian, it is an honor to meet you.” Princess Chloe greeted excitedly.

Alpha Dorian’s gaze was over her briefly before settling on me. The moment our eyes met, something inside me snapped, a jolt of recognition that nearly took my breath away. The feeling was unusual.

Alpha Dorian’s eyes never left me, even as he spoke. “Princess Chloe,” he said, his deep voice filled with warmth, “it is a pleasure.”

Chloe smiled as she spoke, “I hope your journey was comfortable, Alpha?”

Dorian nodded, but his gaze remained locked on me. Chloe turned to me with a soft smile.“Aria,” She said suddenly, “could you please bring some refreshments before father and mother arrive?”

I nodded quickly as I was grateful for the excuse to leave the room. I turned quickly, and moved toward the door.

But as I reached for the handle, a soft voice that was impossible for me to ignore stopped me. “Aria,”

I froze, my hand slipped gently away from the door as I turned slowly. Immediately our eyes met again, my wolf purred and pounced around, almost wanting to tear out of my skin.

“Mate” rang through my head, too loud and clear for me to think I heard wrong.

His scent wrapped around me, he smelled like burning wood and coffee, it made my legs feel weak. The feeling is undeniable, but then I had not expected to feel this way, not even from someone as important as Dorian.

My throat tightened with fear and confusion. No. This can’t be happening. This was wrong. He was here for princess Chloe, not for me. I was just a maid, just an omega. I couldn’t be his mate.

“I...” Before I could say anything more, the sound of footsteps interrupted the moment. The doors to the grand hall swung open, and Alpha Lupa and Luna Lilian entered.

“Alpha Dorian,” Alpha Lupa said in a warm tone. “Welcome.”

Dorian shifted his look away from me, to greet Lupa and Lilian. Immediately, I slipped out of the hall as my heart kept pounding in my chest.

The bond between us was undeniable, but I couldn’t face it. Not now, not ever!