Bound to the Alpha's Son

Between Fear and Hope

Alfred looked at Elena, who was trembling slightly. Was she scared of the obvious reasons, or had she heard the rumors about him? Either way, he didn't blame her. Most people feared him, even his own pack. He never understood what he had done to make his father fear him so.

He always knew he was different. He had even scared himself when he was a young pup, discovering what he could do. The first time he transformed during a full moon, or when he had accidentally tapped into his alpha abilities and controlled a wild beast to calm.

That day, he had been terrified. Running to his den, he had cried alone, wishing he could talk to someone. But who? His father feared and hated him, and his mother was dead. He wondered how she would have reacted.

His brothers used to play with him at first, but when they got older and started their training, they noticed he was faster, stronger, and a better fighter. He was also a very skilled tracker; his trainers always praised him. But his brothers mocked him, calling him the Alpha's cheat. "Cheating and manipulating, is what the Alpha does," they would say.

The other family members had mixed feelings about him. They were as attracted to him as they were scared. Some liked the thrill, the danger. The young she-wolves would give him seductive glances, but the older ones would warn them. "Be careful," they would say, "tempting people and making them sin is what he does." Some listened, some didn't.

The only people who didn't fear him or hate him were his guards. Tough wolves who didn't believe in rumors, they respected him. Still, they weren't his family; he could only talk business with them.

Alfred looked at Elena now lying beside him. The woman who was his mate now. She lay so far out on the edge he was afraid she would fall from the bed. She didn't even move, she was so stiff. Even though he told her to sleep, he could still hear her heart beating wildly inside her chest.

She had surprised him earlier with her bold questions. He liked her so far; she amused him. Alfred remembered the look on her face when he told her that he had mistresses. She was probably the jealous type. I guess I like jealous, he thought, smiling to himself. And when she played the flute and whispered his name.

That night, I had a terrible dream. I was running through a dark forest, my heart racing as something chased me. I couldn't see it, but I knew it wanted to kill me. I stumbled and fell, and a huge, terrifying wolf with glowing amber eyes appeared. I screamed as it grabbed me and shook me.

“Your Highness! My Lady!” A soft voice woke me. I opened my eyes to find Alfred leaning over me, looking worried.

“It’s okay,” he said gently, brushing a strand of hair from my face. “It was just a dream.”

I was sweating and breathing hard as Alfred held me close. His arms were warm and comforting, and he gently stroked my hair.

“Relax and go back to sleep,” he whispered.

Slowly, his steady heartbeat calmed me, and I fell back into a deep sleep.

When morning came, I woke up to the sounds of maids bustling around. Alfred was gone. Despite everything, he had not touched me. It seemed he was too tired from the journey. But tonight, our union was inevitable. Maybe I should talk to him about how I felt, but I did not know where to start.

The maids helped me bathe and dress. “His Highness wants to see you for breakfast,” one of them said as she finished my hair.

“Lead the way,” I replied.

They took me to a garden just outside my room. Alfred was standing with his back to me.

“Your Highness?” I called softly.

He turned around, and my heart skipped a beat. “Did you sleep well?” he asked.

“I did, Your Highness. And you?” I asked, though I wondered if he had slept well, given last night.

“I slept well. Would you join me for breakfast?” His polite tone surprised me.

“I would love to,” I said with a smile.

The breakfast was delicious, but I could not eat much because of the knots in my stomach. I looked around the garden. It was filled with beautiful flowers—roses, daisies, and daffodils. The carved hedges shaped into strange forms made the garden even more enchanting. Our garden at home seemed plain compared to this.

Alfred stood up and came over to me, offering his hand. “Walk with me,” he said. I blushed, surprised by his gesture and the beauty of the garden. I had rarely been outside because of my father’s strict rules.

“You don’t go outside much?” Alfred asked.

“No, my father kept me inside,” I answered.

“Well, you can walk here anytime. It’s our personal garden,” he said with a warm smile.

“Really?” I asked, excited. He nodded.

As we walked together, I decided it was time to talk about the binding ritual.

“Your Highness?” I began.

“Yes?”

“About the binding ritual... I’m not ready yet.” I looked down, my heart pounding as I waited for his reaction.

“It’s alright,” he said gently, surprising me. I felt a wave of relief.

“I could always see one of my mistresses,” he added, and I felt anger rise in me.

Why was I angry? He had the right to do what he wanted. But then he laughed, and I was confused.

“If you don’t want me to, just tell me,” he said, leaning closer.

“I don’t want you to go,” I said firmly.

I was shocked by my own words and quickly covered my mouth. Alfred stopped laughing and looked into my eyes.

“I promise I will treat you well,” he said, taking my hand and kissing it. His amber eyes held mine, and my heart fluttered.

He released my hand and said, “I have to go now. Make yourself at home,” before walking away.

I watched him go, feeling a mix of fear and hope. Despite my confusion, I felt a small spark of hope for what might come.

Now she was as timid as a rabbit. That, he didn't like.