Fated To The Enemy

A welcome break

As I strolled out of the grand entrance of my home, my mind replayed the meeting with Alpha Marcus. It had gone exactly as my father had expected—smooth, calm, and composed—but it did nothing to ease the unease swirling inside me.

He had been everything I was supposed to admire: polite, strong, dependable—every bit the Alpha I was meant to respect. But there was no spark, no pull. Nothing that made me feel the way I’d imagined a mate should.

I walked on, lost in my thoughts about Marcus, when Sara’s voice cut through my head like a knife—sharp and unfiltered.

“So… that was it, huh? The big, mighty Alpha Marcus? That’s the guy your father thinks is mate material?”

I sighed. “He’s everything I’m supposed to admire, Sara. Polite, strong, dependable…”

“Mhm. Dependable like a rock, maybe. And just as thrilling,” Sara quipped, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Honestly, Lila, did you feel even a flicker with him? Or was it just as flat as it sounded?”

I couldn’t stop myself from thinking about Derek. His amber eyes holding mine for just a moment the night before. There had been a pull. A spark I hadn’t expected—and definitely hadn’t felt with Marcus.

“Now we’re talking,” Sara said slyly, sensing the shift in my thoughts. “Admit it. Derek’s the one who’s got you wondering, not Mr. Perfectly Proper Marcus.”

I bit my lip, shaking my head. “Sara, I only just found out Derek is my mate. I hardly know him,” I said, trying to make sense of my own feelings. “And he’s dangerous.”

“Oh, please. Dangerous? Sure, he’s intense. But you’re not exactly dreaming of Marcus while you’re standing here trying to convince yourself otherwise, are you?”

I struggled to find a retort.

“Face it, Lila. The Moon Goddess doesn’t play games. There’s a reason you feel drawn to Derek, and we both know it.”

Her words hit me harder than I wanted to admit. I fell silent, my heart racing with the truth I didn’t want to face.

The warm scent of something sweet pulled me toward the kitchen, a place that had always felt like home. I pushed open the swinging door, greeted by the familiar sounds and smells that always wrapped around me like a hug. The kitchen was bustling with activity, as it always was.

And there she was—Mrs. Dawson, my childhood nanny and now the head cook of the pack. Her presence brought an immediate smile to my face.

Pots clanged, pans sizzled, and the rich aroma of roasting meats and baking bread filled the air. Mrs. Dawson stood at the center of it all, hands on her hips, barking orders with the authority of a general, but her eyes softened the moment she saw me.

“Well, there she is, my little Lila,” she called warmly, her voice carrying over the noise. She wiped her hands on her apron and without hesitation, pulled me into a tight, affectionate hug. “You’re a sight for sore eyes. I don’t care how grown-up you are now, you’ll always be my little pup.”

I laughed, genuinely, and for a moment it felt like the tension that had been building inside me melted away. "Mrs. Dawson, I'm hardly a pup anymore," I teased, letting the warmth of her embrace soothe my nerves.

“Nonsense,” she said, waving me off with a chuckle. Then she reached for something behind the counter.

“Here, fresh from the oven. You look like you could use something sweet.” She handed me a still-warm muffin, its golden top dusted with sugar and cinnamon.

The scent alone made my mouth water. I took a bite, the soft, buttery sweetness melting on my tongue. For a brief moment, everything seemed to lighten. “It’s my new doughnut muffin recipe I’ve been working on. What do you think?”

“You’re a miracle worker, Mrs. Dawson,” I said, savoring the taste. But before I could linger, she swatted me playfully on the arm.

“Off with you, now. You know I don’t like anyone underfoot when I’m preparing a grand lunch. Go on, before I put you to work!”

I laughed again, feeling lighter than I had in days. “Alright, alright, I’m going!” I waved goodbye as she shooed me out of the kitchen, still grinning.

As I wandered back to my room, nibbling on the muffin, my thoughts drifted to Avery, my best friend. She was away at her sister’s wedding, and I missed her more than I realized.

I reached my room and grabbed my phone, which I’d left charging the night before. A number of missed calls from Avery flashed on the screen. I hadn’t spoken to her in days and was desperately missing her presence.

I needed someone to talk to—someone who could help me make sense of everything, even if I couldn’t tell her the full truth.

Without hesitation, I pressed the dial button. Avery answered almost immediately, as though she had been waiting for my call.

“Lila! Finally! I was starting to think you’d forgotten about me!”

I smiled, settling back against the pillows. “Forget about you? Never. I miss you like crazy.”

“I miss you too.”

“How was the wedding?” I asked.

“This wedding has been the bane of my existence,” Avery complained dramatically. “My sister has driven me insane! It’s been nonstop. The alpha and Luna here are so traditional, sticking to all the boring formalities too… Anyway, I was calling to wish you a happy birthday! How was it?” Her voice was full of warmth and curiosity.

I paused, the weight of the truth pressing down on me. I wanted to tell Avery everything—about Marcus, the arranged marriage, the bond with Derek that had shaken everything up—but now wasn’t the time. Avery was caught up in her sister’s wedding and I didn’t want to burden her with my problems.

“It was good,” I said softly, my voice not matching the words. “Just family, you know. Nothing too crazy. I met my wolf—her name is Sara. She’s a bit sassy. We’re already in disagreement over a few things…”

There was a long pause before Avery spoke, her tone laced with concern. “Lila, are you sure everything’s okay? You don’t sound… yourself.”

I swallowed, my throat tight. “It’s nothing, Ave. Really. I’ll tell you everything when you’re back. I just needed to hear your voice.”

Avery didn’t press, but I could hear the concern in her voice. “Alright. But you better not hold out on me when I get back. We’ve got a lot of catching up to do, and we need to celebrate your eighteenth birthday together, just us.”

“Promise,” I said, forcing a smile. “I can’t wait until you're back.”

After we hung up, I stared at my phone, my thoughts spinning. Avery would know what to do—she always did—but I wasn’t sure if even she could untangle the mess I was in.

A knock at my door snapped me out of my thoughts.

I opened it to find Jacob standing there, his youthful face serious, but a flicker of warmth in his eyes.

“Can I come in?” he asked, glancing down the hallway as if making sure no one else was around.

“Of course,” I said, stepping aside to let him enter. “What’s going on?”

Jacob closed the door behind him and sat on the edge of my bed. “I was in the office with Father and Marcus,” he began, his voice low. “Marcus proposed to Father that he negotiate a peace treaty with Alpha Derek after the marriage. He thinks it could help prevent more bloodshed.”

My pulse quickened. “And Father? What did he say?”

Jacob’s expression tightened. “He refused. He said he can’t let go of what is rightfully his and that he wants the land back. Marcus then told him he’d make sure reclaiming the land would be a part of the peace treaty.”

I swallowed, frustration flaring inside me. Of course, Victor couldn’t let go of his pride and old grudges, even if it risked the future of the pack. “Typical,” I muttered.

Jacob hesitated, his brow furrowing with concern. “There was more… Marcus started mentioning a bigger problem with an old friend, but before I could hear any details, Father kicked me out for a private conversation.”

My heart sank. There was always something hidden beneath the surface. “Do you think it’s another threat to the pack?” I asked, trying to read Jacob’s eyes.

“I don’t know,” Jacob admitted. “But whatever it is, I’m sure it’s serious. If Father’s keeping it from us, it’s not good.”

There was a brief silence before Jacob’s gaze softened. “Lila, you don’t have to marry Marcus,” he said quietly. “I know you’re doing this for the pack, but when I’m Alpha, I’ll bring peace. I promise I’ll make things better.”

His sincerity struck me hard. He was only sixteen, yet already speaking with a determination that belied his age.

I reached out, squeezing his hand, offering a small, sad smile. “Jacob, the problem is if Father keeps going the way he is, there may not be a pack left for you to lead if I don’t marry Marcus.”

Jacob’s face fell, guilt flashing in his eyes. “I’m sorry, Lila. I hate that you have to do this.”

“Don’t be,” I replied gently, pulling him into a tight hug. “There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you or the pack. We’re family, and we protect each other, no matter what.”

He hugged me back, his grip tightening. I closed my eyes, hoping my sacrifice would be enough to secure the future Jacob deserved.

Another knock on the door interrupted us, announcing that the grand lunch was ready and that everyone was expected in the dining room.

Jacob pulled back, offering me a small, reassuring smile. “Come on,” he said. “We shouldn’t keep everyone waiting.”

I nodded, forcing a brave face. "You go ahead. I just need to freshen up."

“Okay. I’ll see you in the dining room,” he said, stepping out of my room.

As I fixed my makeup in the mirror, I resolved that no matter how much I dreaded what lay ahead, I would do whatever it took to protect Jacob and the pack—even if it meant tying myself to a future the Moon Goddess had not chosen for me.

I took a deep breath, straightened my dress, and tried to pull myself together. The dining hall awaited, full of guests, my family, and most importantly, Alpha Marcus—the man I would marry.

With one last glance in the mirror, I left my room, heading toward the inevitable with a heart full of doubt and a smile that didn’t quite reach my eyes.