A Contract with the Alpha

Marcella stood by the edge of the crowded room, her heart pounding in her chest as she watched Alex lean in closer to Freya. The laughter and chatter of the party faded into a dull hum, and all she could focus on was the sight of her husband, the man she had built a life with, wrapped up in a moment that felt like a dagger to her heart. “Hey, Marcella! You okay?” Jenna, one of their friends, approached with a concerned look. “Yeah, I’m fine,” Marcella replied, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Just… enjoying the party.” Jenna glanced over at Alex and Freya, who were now sharing a laugh. “Looks like they’re having a good time.” “Yeah, they are,” Marcella said, her voice barely above a whisper. She wiped a tear that threatened to spill over. “I just… didn’t expect to see them so close.” “Do you want me to get you something? Maybe a snack?” Jenna offered, her brow furrowed with concern. “No, I’m good. Just… lemonade, please.” Marcella tried to sound casual, but the tremor in her voice betrayed her. As if on cue, a waiter approached with a tray of drinks. “Lemonade?” he asked, his eyes scanning the room. “Yes, please,” Marcella said, taking a glass and forcing herself to breathe. “Thank you.” “Enjoy,” the waiter said, moving on to the next group of guests. Marcella took a sip, the sourness cutting through the sweetness of her emotions. She glanced back at Alex, who was now brushing a strand of hair behind Freya’s ear. The sight made her stomach churn. “Marcella, you’re too quiet,” Jenna said, nudging her gently. “What’s really going on?” Marcella sighed, her voice trembling. “I just… I thought we were happy. I thought we were past all this.” “Past what?” Jenna asked, her eyes narrowing in concern. “Past high school crushes and… and old flames,” Marcella admitted, her voice cracking. “I didn’t think it would still matter.” “Alex loves you, you know that, right?” Jenna said, her tone firm. “Freya’s just a friend. It’s harmless.” “Is it?” Marcella shot back, her eyes glistening. “It doesn’t feel harmless when he’s looking at her like that.” “Maybe he’s just being friendly,” Jenna suggested, trying to soothe her. “You know how he is. He’s just—” “Charming?” Marcella interrupted, her voice rising. “He’s always been charming. But I don’t want him charming her.” “Marcella, you need to talk to him,” Jenna urged. “Don’t let this fester. You’re stronger than this.” “I don’t want to ruin the party,” Marcella said, her gaze drifting back to Alex, who was now leaning in to kiss Freya on the cheek. “I just… I don’t know if I can face him right now.” “Then let’s get out of here,” Jenna suggested, her voice softening. “We can go for a walk, clear your head.” Marcella hesitated, her heart heavy. “What if he thinks I’m overreacting?” “Then he’ll know how much you care,” Jenna replied, her eyes steady. “And that’s what matters.” Taking a deep breath, Marcella nodded slowly. “Okay. Let’s go.” As they moved toward the door, Marcella cast one last glance at Alex and Freya, her heart aching. “I just hope he sees me,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “He will,” Jenna assured her, linking arms with her. “He will.” The music thumped in the background as Marcella stood near the exit, her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her dress. Jenna leaned against the wall, sipping her drink. “Are you sure you want to leave?” Jenna asked, glancing at the crowd. “Come on, Marcella. It’s just a kiss on the cheek. You know how they were in high school,” Jenna said, trying to lighten the mood. “Yeah, but that was years ago. They were practically inseparable,” Marcella replied, her voice tight. “And now she’s here, all over him.” Jenna leaned closer to Marcella, whispering, "It's Just a friendly reunion.” “Right,” Marcella muttered, crossing her arms. “A friendly reunion that looks like a scene from a rom-com.” As they stepped outside, the cool night air hit Marcella’s face. Jenna looked at her, concern etched on her features. “You okay?” “I don’t know,” Marcella admitted, her voice shaky. “I just… I don’t like feeling like this.” “Like what?” Jenna asked gently. “Like I’m competing with a ghost,” Marcella said, her eyes glistening. “Freya was a part of his life long before I came along.” “Marcella, you’re not competing with anyone,” Jenna reassured her. “You’re his wife. That means something.” “Does it?” Marcella whispered, glancing back at the party, where laughter and music still echoed. “Because right now, it feels like I’m just… invisible.” "You don't have to feel that way" Jenna said. " You think I don't know that Freya has been here since 2 days ago and everything that has been going on between her and Alex, and how I am being gossiped among others in the pack on how a Luna cannot keep her husband." Marcella spilled looking Jenna's shocked expression.