The Alpha’s deal

Ripped!

Imani's POV

I hate him.

I hate him a lot.

"Ugh! I hate him already!" I screamed once more, for what felt like the hundredth time today.

If I were to receive a free wolf for every time I cursed that certain grumpy ingrate, my pack would undoubtedly be the most powerful in the land.

"Imani, you should get a hold of yourself. Take your mind off him; he might not even remember you a few days from now," Greta said soothingly as she moved to my side and handed me a concoction. Yes, I had fallen on my way back from wherever I had been wandering in my angry thoughts.

Greta was a very close friend of mine, practically a sister. We were seated in the throne room—well, I wouldn't exactly call it a throne room, but it was the place where I was ordained as the Alpha's successor, so it felt like one.

"I just hate the fact that the Moon Goddess decided to be unfair to me this time. Seriously?" I strained my head upward, as though I could see the celestial deity from where I sat. "Why him?"

Greta sighed, her eyes filled with concern. "Imani, you know you can't control who your mate is. It's the Moon Goddess's will, and she must have had a reason for choosing Kayden."

I groaned and took a sip of the concoction, its bitterness jolting me out of my chaotic thoughts momentarily. "Reason? What reason could she possibly have for pairing me with that rude, opportunistic wolf? It's like she's playing a cruel joke on me."

Greta placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Maybe there's more to Kayden than meets the eye. You've only known him for a short time, Imani."

I scoffed. "Short time or not, his arrogance and disrespect are impossible to ignore. I've witnessed enough."

As I continued to wallow in my frustration, my mother, Verna, entered the room. She was the calm and collected presence that our pack needed, always finding a way to resolve conflicts and maintain order. Her wise eyes met mine, and she approached, her expression filled with understanding.

"Imani," she said softly, "I heard you from outside. I know this is difficult for you, but I believe in giving everyone a chance. Perhaps, Kayden has reasons for his behavior that we don't yet understand."

I clenched my fists, my frustration boiling over. "Mom, you don't know him like I do. He's ruthless and manipulative. I don't want to be affiliated with someone like that."

Verna sat down beside me, her graceful aura filling the room. "Imani, I understand your concerns, but I've seen mates who initially clashed become the strongest and most supportive pairs. The bond between mates can change people, soften them. Give it time."

I turned to Greta for support, hoping she'd back me up, but she seemed hesitant. "Imani, your mother is right. The mate bond is a powerful force, and it can bring out the best in both of you."

My frustration deepened. It seemed like everyone was against me, urging me to give Kayden a chance when all I wanted was to escape this forced connection.

Taking a deep breath, I decided to reveal something I had been keeping to myself. "Mom, there's something I haven't told anyone. When I met Kayden, I felt a strange connection, like an invisible thread pulling us together. It scared me, and I pushed it away."

Verna's eyes widened in surprise. "Imani, that sounds like the mate bond. You felt it?"

I nodded, a sense of vulnerability washing over me. "Yes, but I didn't want to admit it. I didn't want to be bound to someone so… abrasive."

Greta chimed in, "But maybe that connection is the Moon Goddess's way of telling you there's more to him than you see. Maybe she sees a potential for change in him."

I sighed, feeling torn between my instincts and the wisdom of those I trusted. "I don't know what to do, Mom. I just don't want to end up regretting this decision for the rest of my life."

Verna's gaze softened, and she placed a hand on my cheek. "Imani, whatever you choose, we'll support you. But remember, love and understanding can transform even the most stubborn hearts. Give Kayden a chance, not for anyone else, but for yourself."

As I looked into my mother's eyes, I realized that she was right. I had to consider the possibility that the bond I felt with Kayden was more than just an inconvenience—it might be the key to unlocking a deeper connection and understanding between us.

With newfound determination, I made a decision. "Okay, Mom, I'll try. I'll give Kayden a chance and see if there's more to him than meets the eye. But if he proves me wrong, I won't hesitate to protect our pack from any harm."

Verna smiled, her approval evident in her eyes. "That's my strong-willed daughter. Remember, you have the support of our pack, and together, we can face any challenge."

With my mother's words echoing in my mind, I felt a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, this unexpected mate bond could lead to something greater than my initial frustration had allowed me to see. Only time would tell if Kayden could change and if our connection could evolve into something more profound.