Mated By Alpha

Thoughts of Bewilderment

In the next five hours, she would become lifelong mates with a guy she had never met. He would be her partner. She was now unable to even consider the rest. She understood the process of mating. Although the pack didn’t keep s*x a secret, she had always assumed it would be with a familiar and significant other.

“I have to leave, Chareen. There are other matters to take care of before the farewell party. After giving her a quick kiss on the forehead, her father gently pushed her away, essentially dismissing her. "Go find Kate. She has been told to assist you with getting ready. As Mark’s wife, Kate served as a kind of surrogate mother to her. Years before, hunters had murdered Chareen’s own mother, and her father had never chosen a new partner.

For a moment, she thought about hiding and fleeing, but she realized that wasn’t an option. Other than getting in a vehicle and leaving, there was nowhere to hide if she couldn’t be located. But then what? She has nowhere to go and no money to speak of.

The remainder of the day seemed to fly by. Chareen attempted to inform Kate of her doubts, but she was ignored. It served the interests of the pack. Having a partner who is an Alpha would confer prestige. He would look after her well. The kind words whirled all around her.

She yearned to go look for Manue, to weep on his shoulder and experience his embrace, providing solace for the last time, but even that desire was thwarted. It would be inappropriate. There was not enough time. Were these only pretexts, or were they real causes? In any case, the outcome remained the same.

The farewell party had started, she found herself sitting next to her father at a table. With her pulse pounding fiercely, she peered around and saw that the finest tableware was laid out and that the hall was decked up with autumn mus. The tables were laid with linens, and a variety of rolls, salads, and meat and vegetable dishes were served. Chareen was always in awe of Kate’s ability to prepare a feast for a small army at any time. She was unable to eat, despite the food’s obvious deliciousness.

Members of the pack gathered to celebrate her and their foreseen victory over Miguel’s pack. They sang and danced joyously. It was a long time of play and jubilation, after which they retired to their seats to eat the delicacies that Kate and the other women prepared. The news of her departure had spread to the entire pack, people brought presents to cheer her up while her friends and relatives gave sweet and comforting remarks, as well as encouraged her with the claim that the Youchong’s were very peaceful and would definitely love and welcome her. It was a soothing party, one enjoyable enough to brighten her mood, but she didn’t give a damn, being lost in thought throughout. The party was over, it was almost time to go to the south city of Oaxaca.

Chareen headed to her bedroom. Upon getting to the doorway, she noticed everything had been packed for her, the room was empty. Entering, she ran her palm over the white dresser and opened a few random drawers to see if anything had been forgotten. Naturally, there had been nothing. The packers worked quickly.

Glancing inside the closet, she saw that there were only a few hangers left on the rack. She groaned, wondering how her whole existence could have been collected and compressed into a box in such a short amount of time. She walked up to the window and took in the well-known scene of the yard and the surrounding woodland. A nostalgic grin crossed her mouth as she thought back to all the times she had dreamed of the future and planned her life around this little world where she had grown up.

It had never occurred to her to leave. Rather than that, she had seen herself as a pack mate, raising her puppies in this area and showing them all the hidden spots in the forest that were a part of their domain. Tears threatened, and she quickly blinked away from the cherished vision. All of it has now passed.

With a sharp swallow, she made her way to her bed and gently pried it from the wall, enabling her to feel along the baseboards. She felt the concealed area behind it as she moved a loose part. Was it still present? Surely, nobody had discovered it. She reached in more until, at last, her fingertips found a cushioned surface. She took it out and gave the leather-bound book a shake to remove any dust. It was an old journal, one she had intermittently maintained over many years.

Even though she hadn’t been writing in it lately, she was unable to part with it. Who knew who might be using this room later on? Chareen didn’t want an unknown person to be privy to her private thoughts. She looked around the room again and tucked the book into the big handbag she had thrown over her shoulder before making her way to the door.

She turned and took one final look around the room, paused for a moment, then switched out the light and silently closed the door on her childhood. Standing in the corridor, her chin twitched, but she pushed her feelings aside. She inhaled deeply before making her way down the stairs to meet her father, who was ready to drive her to her new house.

“Hello, good evening.” She was startled when she heard a voice behind her. She turned and saw Manue standing a short distance away. His sandy brown hair was glowing a golden color from the sun. “Manue!” As she was about to give him a hug, her buddy got up about a foot away from her, making her heart skip a beat. She immediately stopped her reckless rush as he moved.

Manue? What’s wrong? “Why are you acting strangely? You are aware of the issue. Chareen shook her head and scowled. “Jamal will be your partner now. I detect even the sound of his name", Manue scowled at her with a nasty tone. His remarks pierced her like a dagger. How was he able to be so cruel? However, you are aware that wasn’t my decision! The need for union was determined by my father and the Elders. You are aware of it. You were there at the farewell party some minutes ago and heard the remarks. Manue grimaced and averted his gaze, I am aware.

Simply put, he seemed to be engaged in some kind of internal conflict before he let out a big breath and gave her a regretful expression with his hazel eyes. “My goal was to be your partner.” “I am aware.” Chareen stepped forward to place a hand on his arm. “I had anticipated the same outcome.” She shook hands with him. Just because I will be given to another man for the benefit of the packs doesn’t mean that I no longer care about you.

”And you are still in my heart.” Manue extended his arm to caress her face, gazing deeply into her eyes before shifting his attention to her lips. Chareen saw that he was leaning closer to her, making it clear that he intended to kiss her while silence stretched between them. She felt a twinge of guilt and realized she needed to move on. Jamal will be her partner in a few hours, not Manue. Before she could react, they heard footsteps and Manue sprang aside, removing his hand from hers.

Turning, they both saw her father standing close by, his angry eyes focused. “Chareen, thank you for finding something to do while I finish up traveling arrangements”. Chareen’s skin prickled with apprehension as he spoke with an angry edge. She stumbled. “I was just talking to Manue.” She recoiled like something in his look alarmed her.