Bound by Fate: The Alpha's Promise

Chapter 9- The Invitation

Maya stood behind the counter, wiping down the last of the surfaces as the café buzzed with the chatter of people stopping for their afternoon caffeine fix. “Iced caramel latte!” Sasha’s voice rang out from the other end of the bar, and Maya couldn’t help but chuckle as she playfully slapped Sasha’s hand.

“Whoa! You’re too loud, babe,” she teased, shaking her head.

Sasha grinned, unfazed. “Then only the customers can hear me! Oh my Goddess!” She gasped suddenly, her eyes widening as they both turned to see Beta Lucas and Gamma Vans stroll into the café.

Their confidence radiated through the room as they moved, catching the attention of several patrons. Maya rolled her eyes, trying to focus on her task while Sasha leaned eagerly against the bar counter, a dreamy look in her eyes. “They look so good, don’t they?” Sasha whispered, her voice laced with admiration.

“Always eyeing the officials, huh?” Maya replied, playfully scrunching her nose as she wiped down the washer area.

“What’s wrong with that? I’m single and mate-less, so I can—” Sasha’s words trailed off when she noticed Lucas and Vans approaching the counter.

Clearing her throat nervously, Sasha managed a smile. “Hello, Beta Lucas and Gamma Vans! What would you like to order?”

“It’s okay, we came here for other business,” Lucas said, his demeanor serious as he handed Sasha an envelope.

Maya stepped closer, her curiosity piqued. The envelope was addressed to “Maya Smith and Sasha Noble.” “What’s this?” she asked, peering over Sasha’s shoulder.

Lucas smiled, his eyes twinkling. “This is an invitation for both of you.”

“For what?” Maya asked, her brow furrowing in confusion.

“For Ms. Bella Morrison’s 18th birthday party,” Vans chimed in, a smirk playing on his lips.

Both girls gasped in surprise, their eyes wide with disbelief. The two officials exchanged amused glances at their reaction.

“And please feel free to join the party; the invitation is from Alpha Ryan himself,” Lucas added, his tone casual.

Maya and Sasha exchanged incredulous looks, their hearts racing. “Thank you so much for the invitation, Beta. We appreciate it, and it’s our pleasure to join the party,” Maya said, trying to keep her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions.

“See ya,” Vans said, and with that, they turned and exited the café, leaving Maya and Sasha stunned.

Once the café quieted down again, Sasha could hardly contain her excitement. “Oh my Goddess, Maya! We’re going to a party hosted by Alpha Ryan! This is huge!”

Maya couldn’t help but smile at Sasha’s enthusiasm. But a nagging thought crept into her mind. “The party is in two days, and we don’t have any nice dresses to wear,” she said, her eyes widening in realization.

Sasha waved her off, her confidence unwavering. “We can buy some, babe! Tomorrow after class, we’ll go shopping. I’ll check if there are any promotions going on.” She pulled out her phone, scrolling through various stores.

Maya shook her head, considering her bank savings. “I don’t know, Sasha. I’m not sure if I can afford it.”

“Don’t think too much! We can manage it!” Sasha insisted, her eyes sparkling with determination. “You know we must go. The last party I attended was three years ago! When was your last party?”

“Rick’s birthday,” Maya replied, her voice a mere whisper.

“See? At least we need something to entertain ourselves! You know Alpha Ryan invited us! Please, let’s go to the party.” Sasha’s voice was almost pleading now.

Maya couldn't help but smile at her friend's passion. “And let that old Luna see what my mom leaves for her. Who knows, maybe I can be her daughter-in-law?” Sasha added with a cheeky wink.

Both girls burst out laughing, the tension of the day melting away as they reveled in the excitement of the impending party.

The next day, after class, Maya and Sasha headed to a shopping complex to find dresses. Their mouths dropped open in shock at the price tags hanging on the racks. “Why so expensive?” Maya asked, her tone laced with worry.

“Don’t worry! We’ll find something. There are still a few boutiques left.” Sasha pointed to a small shop at the end of the hall. “Let’s check that one out!”

They managed to find several beautiful dresses at more reasonable prices, and a wave of relief washed over Maya. “This is too revealing,” she said, standing in front of the mirror in a stunning but daring dress, her palms pressed against her chest in embarrassment.

“Not at all! You look hot, babe,” Sasha exclaimed, adjusting Maya’s dress with a playful grin. “You’re getting this dress, and I’m getting this one,” she continued, gesturing to the elegant gown she was wearing.

They bought their dresses and matching heels, their excitement palpable as they headed to a nearby restaurant for dinner.

“I really need to pee,” Sasha said, placing a hand on her belly as they sat down at their table.

“Do you want me to come with you?” Maya asked with a laugh.

“No, I’ll be quick. I’ll be back in five minutes!” Sasha said, already getting up from the table.

Maya smiled and shook her head as she watched her friend bounce away. Just then, an all-too-familiar scent wafted through the air, making her stomach twist in knots. She turned to see Alerick striding toward her with that infuriatingly smug grin plastered across his face.

“Pretend not to see me?” he taunted, pulling out a chair and sitting down beside her without invitation.

Maya kept her gaze fixed on the table, feeling her heart race in a mix of anger and anxiety. “What do you want, Alerick?” she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper.

“My little Omega doesn’t want to look at me, huh?” he leaned closer, brushing his nose against her ear, making her shiver with disgust.

“Get away from me,” she snapped, pushing him back.

“Wow, you dare to push me? Interesting,” he said with a sly smirk, his eyes glinting with malice.

“Why are you here?” Maya asked, trying to control her anger.

“I want you,” he replied simply, the sarcasm dripping from his tone.

“Why didn’t you answer my calls or reply to my messages?” he asked, feigning innocence.

“Why should I? There’s nothing between us,” Maya shot back, her voice gaining strength.

“Where did you get this courage? You’ve never talked to me like this before, must be that b***h- ” he sneered.

“Stop it! No more words about my friend,” Maya interrupted, feeling a surge of bravery.

Alerick fell silent for a moment, taken aback by her defiance. “Let me ask you again: why didn’t you contact me recently? Why are you acting like this?”

“Because there’s nothing between us anymore! When are you going to reject me?” she demanded, her heart pounding as she confronted him.

Alerick burst out laughing, his arrogance palpable. “Are you out of your mind, Maya? You were dying to get marked by me, but now you want me to reject you? You’re becoming more interesting baby.”

“Just reject me, or else…” She hesitated, gathering her courage.

“Or else what?” he taunted, leaning closer.

“I will reject you!” she declared, her voice steady despite the fear coursing through her veins.

Alerick’s face turned pale, his expression shifting from amusement to fury. He stood up abruptly, grabbing her wrist in a vice-like grip. “Stop it,” she warned.

Maya tried to pull her hand back, but he tightened his grip, causing her to whimper in pain. “You want to reject me? I’ll show you what it means to be Rick’s mate tonight,” he hissed, leaning in as if to kiss her.

“Leave her alone!” Sasha shouted as she rushed toward them, her voice fierce. She pulled Maya to her side protectively.

“This is between me and my mate. Get your ass out of this,” Alerick warned, his eyes narrowing at Sasha.

Sasha crossed her arms defiantly. “Mr. Alpha from whatever pack you belong to, just remember you’re standing in my pack. I’ll collect all your words and report you to my Alpha. Oh, and I heard you have some business with our pack—don’t get that spoiled.”

“You threatening me?” Alerick asked, his jaw tightening in anger.

“Maybe. Now stay away from me and my friend for your own good,” Sasha warned, her voice steady.

Maya watched in awe as Sasha stood her ground against Alerick. The tension in the air crackled like electricity. Alerick glanced at Maya, his expression darkening. “Now I know where you got all this courage,” he said, stepping closer again.

Just then, one of his officials approached him and whispered something in his ear. Alerick’s demeanor shifted slightly, and he turned back to Maya, his voice low and threatening. “I’ll be back. And about the rejection—forget it. You can’t reject me.”

“Why not?” Maya shot back, her voice trembling with anger.

“Because I’m an Alpha, and you’re a low-life Omega. You can’t just reject me unless I reject you,” he sneered, and with that, he turned and walked away. Maya’s heart sank as Alerick strode away, leaving her feeling hollow. Tears filled her eyes, rolling down her cheeks as the weight of his words settled heavily on her.

Sasha immediately wrapped her arms around her. “Don’t let him get to you, Maya. We’ll find a way to reject him. I promise.”

Maya leaned against her friend, her heart aching but grateful for Sasha’s unwavering support. The stakes were high, the tension thick in the air, but she knew she wasn’t alone in this fight. Together, they would navigate the storm that was brewing around them.