The Alpha’s Regret

Chapter 3

Raven’s POV

Nyla enters my room, carrying a tray of breakfast and a dress so breathtaking it steals my breath for a moment. The delicate fabric glows under the morning sun, and I immediately recognize it.

“This was your mother’s dress,” she says softly, setting the tray down. “I made a few alterations so it would fit you perfectly. I thought you might want to wear it today.”

A lump forms in my throat as I run my fingers over the material. “Thank you,” I whisper, my voice thick with emotion. “I just wish this were a happier occasion.” I swallow hard, forcing back tears. “You’ve done so much for me, Nyla. Please, promise me you’ll look after Zayden when I’m gone?”

Her warm hands cup mine, her touch soothing. “Oh, my darling,” she murmurs, eyes shining with a depth of emotion, it makes my chest ache. “I loved your mother, and I love you both as if you were my own. You don’t have to worry—I’ll take care of him.” She pauses, offering a small, hopeful smile. “And who knows? This may turn out better than you expect. The Moon Goddess works in mysterious ways.”

I exhale a bitter laugh. “So far, she either despises me or refuses to acknowledge my existence,” I say dryly. “But I’ve survived worse. Zayden said the contract lasts three years. If I can endure that long, I’ll finally be free. Surviving is what I do best.”

Nyla squeezes my hand. “Maybe that’s exactly why she’s given you these trials,” she says, her voice filled with a quiet conviction. “Because you’re meant for something greater.”

Her words settle over me like a fragile promise. I want to believe her. I really do. But destiny has never been kind to me. And I have no reason to think that will change now.

I’m not so sure about that,” I murmur, staring at my hands. “I just want to be happy. I don’t need much—no greatness, no riches. Just love and happiness.”

Nyla smiles, her gaze warm yet knowing. “That’s exactly why you deserve it. But sometimes, the best of us have to suffer first. Life isn’t fair, but the strongest endure the storm while others drift aimlessly. That’s why you keep pushing forward—so balance can be restored.” Her voice carries the weight of wisdom, but I’m not sure I believe it.

“We’ll see,” I say quietly. “For now, I’ll just hold on and see where this all takes me.” But the doubt lingers, wrapping around me like an iron chain.

With a heavy sigh, I turn to get ready. I do my hair and makeup, simple, barely there. Then, I slip into my mother’s dress, the fabric cool against my skin. The white corset-style top hugs my frame, while the sleek, flowing skirt pools around my ankles. I pair it with ivory sandals, my hair cascading in soft waves over my shoulders. I should feel beautiful. I should feel something.

Instead, my stomach churns with unease. I sit down, hands clenched in my lap, my heart pounding in my chest. Every instinct screams at me to run. I have no way out.

The handle turns. The door swings open.

My father steps inside, his imposing figure casting a long shadow across the room. His cold gaze sweeps over me before he nods in approval.

“Good,” he says. “You’re ready.” Then his voice drops, turning sharp as a blade. “Now, listen to me. Don’t do anything foolish, or your brother will pay the price. I will strip him of his right to be Alpha and throw him into the dungeon.”

A chill slithers down my spine.

I swallow hard, forcing down the invisible lump in my throat. I knew this was a prison, but now I realize, there is no escape. Not for me.Not for my brother. And no matter how much I want to fight, I’m trapped.

He is such a bastard. I thought to myself.

But I keep my face blank, burying every ounce of emotion beneath a cold exterior.

“Yes, Alpha,” I say, my voice void of feeling.

“Right, let’s get going then,” he states, turning toward the garden. I follow without a word, my steps calculated. As we near the gathered crowd, he pauses, his gaze falling on me. “Take my arm,” he instructs.

I hesitate but comply, slipping my hand through his.

The moment we reach the altar, Ava stirs inside me, her excitement crackling through.

“Mate, mate! He’s here, it’s him! Alpha Damien is our mate!” Her voice rings through my mind, filled with giddy anticipation.

I steel myself. Keep it together. We can’t let them know about you, remember. And you know his reputation. Don’t get ahead of yourself, Ava. He’s not the kind of male you dream about, he’s dangerous and a w***e.

“But he’s our mate… he will love us,” she whimpers, but I was quick to shut it down. “Don’t be too sure, Ava. I don't trust anyone and I don't want you to get hurt.”

We reach the end of the aisle, and my father takes my hand, placing it in Damien’s. A jolt of electricity rushes through my entirety, but I shove the sensation aside. Before I can react, my father leans in, aiming to press a kiss on my forehead. I step away, just out of reach.

He doesn’t get to play pretend, not today. Not ever.

I yank my hand from Damein’s hold, catching the briefest flicker of irritation in his gaze. If he’s annoyed now, good. He looks about as thrilled to be here as I feel. Without a word, I turned toward the council of elders.

The wedding drags on, the words blurring together as I speak only when necessary. Damien does the same, his voice flat, his tone emotionless. We are two strangers bound by duty, nothing more.

Then one of the elders utters the dreaded words. “You may kiss the bride.”

I get up, ready to walk away, but before I can take a step, Damien’s hand grips my wrist. A sharp tug pulls me toward him, and before I can react, his lips brush mine, a mere peck, but enough to ignite fury within me.

How dare he?

I stiffen, my jaw clenching as my heart pounds. The instant he pulls back, his piercing gaze lingers on mine, as if searching for something. And then I see it, the flicker of uncertainty in his eyes.

I realize, too late, that my own eyes must have flashed, their usual color shifting just briefly, His brows furrow, and he tilts his head as though he’s questioning what he just saw.

I force myself to breathe, to stay calm. Damien shakes his head slightly as if dismissing the thought. Good. He can’t know, at least not yet.

My bags are already packed, waiting by the car. How convenient. They can’t wait to get rid of me.”Perfect. Neither can I.”

Damien’s grip is firm as he drags me forward, but before we reach the car, Zayden steps in front of us. His expression is unreadable, but there’s tension in his stance.

“Can I have a moment with her?” he asks.

Damien exhales sharply, his impatience evident. “Be quick. I’ll be in the car.” With a grunt, he releases his hold on me and strides away.

Zaybe wastes no time pulling me into a hug, holding me tighter than I expected. “Are you okay, Raven?” His voice is soft but laced with concern.

I close my eyes briefly, allowing myself this one moment of comfort before pulling away. “I’m fine, and I will be fine. Don’t worry about me,” I say, forcing a small smile. Then, my voice lowers. “Just… watch out for Dad.”

His jaw tightens, but he nods. “I will. I’ll try to visit soon.”

“I’ll look forward to it.” I sigh, glancing toward the waiting car. “I should go. At least I won’t have to put up with everyone here anymore.”

Zayden frowns as if he wants to say something, but instead, he pulls me in for one last embrace. I let myself lean into him just for a second before stepping back.

I turn and hug Nyla and the old Gamma, the only two people who have ever shown me kindness. After that, I don’t bother with anyone else.

There’s no one left here that I care about. And no one left who cares about me. With that final thought, I get into the car, sealing my fate.

I settle into the car beside Mr. Grumpy himself, Damien who looks about as thrilled as I feel. At least the other three passengers seem more approachable. They introduce themselves politely, offering a small reprieve from the suffocating hostility radiating off my so-called mate.

Just as I start to think the ride might be bearable, Damien’s cold voice cuts through the air.

“Let’s get one thing straight. I didn’t want this marriage, and I sure as hell didn’t want you.” His jaw tightens as he keeps his gaze fixed ahead. “There will be rules when we return to the pack. We won’t be sleeping in the same room, you have no say in my life or my pack, and you will stay out of my way.”

I let out a low whistle, leaning back against the seat with an amused smirk. “Well, aren’t you just Prince Charming?”

A couple of the warrior guards choke back their laughter, but Damien is far from amused.

“For the record,” I say, crossing my arms, “I didn’t want this either. Unlike you, I didn’t get a choice. But lucky for you, I have no problem staying far, far away. In fact, we can make this real simple—I’ll reject you, you reject me, and we’ll both be free to sleep with whoever we damn well please.”

His head snaps toward me, eyes dark with fury. “How dare you,” he growls. “A worthless, wolfless girl like you, thinking you’re better than me?”

I laugh, the sound sharp and mocking. “Oh, relax, Alpha. I was just trying to work out the best solution for both of us according to your charming little rules.” My voice drips with condescension as I meet his glare head-on.

“I decide if there’s to be a rejection, not you,” Damien snaps, his voice sharp as a blade. “I make the rules, and you follow them. Do I make myself clear?”

I roll my eyes, unfazed by his little Alpha tantrum. “Crystal clear, Alpha,” I mock, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “Anything else, sir?”

His glare hardens, his hands clenched into fists. “Just shut up and sit quietly. I can’t be bothered with you right now,” he growls.

Fine by me.

The rest of the journey is spent in heavy silence, the tension thick in the air. Ava, my wolf, whimpers in my head, mourning the mate bond that Damien so clearly wants nothing to do with. She wants him to know she’s here, to feel the connection, but I won’t let her.

No, we can’t tell him. He doesn’t want us. Wolf or no wolf, it won’t change a damn thing. He’s an asshole. I warn her, my tone firm.

Ava whines, her sadness tugging at my heart. What do we do, Raven?

I straighten my spine, my resolve hardening. We survive. And we don’t take crap from anyone.

My fingers tighten into fists as I stare out the window, watching the unfamiliar landscape blur past. We’re stronger than they realize. They won’t drag us down.

They don’t know it yet, but they’ve underestimated me. I conclude.

As the car rolls to a stop in front of the packhouse, my stomach twists. The massive wooden doors loom ahead, but my attention is drawn to the older woman standing at the entrance. There’s something familiar about her the way she holds herself, the warmth in her gaze.

The moment I step out, she rushes forward, pulling me into a tight embrace. The scent of lavender and something distinctly nostalgic surrounds me.

“Oh, Raven,” she breathes, pulling back to cup my face. Her eyes shimmer with unshed tears. “You look so much like Camilla, even more beautiful than she was.”

A lump forms in my throat at the mention of my mother. “Auntie Nadine ?” I ask hesitantly.

Her face lights up with joy. “You remember me!”

A smile tugs at my lips despite the whirlwind of emotions. “I have some memories of you and my mom together. When we pulled up, I thought you looked familiar.”

She nods, dabbing at her eyes. “Oh, sweetheart, I’m so happy you’re here. I miss Camilla so much. She was an incredible woman.” Her voice trembles, but she steadies herself with a deep breath. “We were best friends from the same pack before we both became mates to Alphas. We stayed in touch over the years, and I remember how you, your brother, and the other boys used to play together as pups.”

Her eyes twinkle with amusement as she adds, “You know, Damien never let his own brother play with you. He wanted you all to himself.” She laughs softly as if recalling a fond memory.

I force a small smile, but my chest tightens at the irony. If only she knew how much had changed.

“That shouldn't be a problem anymore,” I say dryly.”These days, he should be invested in other important things.” I say taking her arm as she leads me into the Packhouse.