Fated To The Enemy

First Impressions

The next morning, I woke to the sounds of excitement filling the pack house. Sunlight poured through the sheer white curtains of my room, casting a warm, golden glow across the space. My grand canopy bed, once a sanctuary, felt far too big and empty now.

Memories of the previous night flooded my mind, and irritation surged through me at the thought of Derek and the power he now held over me. To make matters worse, Alpha Marcus—my soon-to-be betrothed—was arriving soon with his pack. How did everything spiral out of control in less than 24 hours?

I sat up slowly, my mind shifting to my younger brother, Jacob. At just sixteen, he was next in line to become Alpha, but I knew he wasn’t ready. He had the heart of a leader, but not the strength or experience to protect our pack from Derek’s growing influence and the rogues. Marrying Alpha Marcus wasn’t just a duty; it was a necessity if I wanted to secure a future for Jacob. My father’s senseless war had left our pack broken.

I lost myself in thought as I mindlessly stepped into the shower. The hot water was a welcome relief, beating down on my back, easing some of the tension.

As I lathered my hair with my favorite shampoo, my mind wandered to Derek. I couldn't help but imagine him in the shower, his muscular build naked under the water, droplets sliding down his tanned body, the steam swirling around him.

Sara’s voice broke through my thoughts, laced with amused sarcasm.

“Oh, so that’s what we’re thinking about now?” she teased. “I thought you were immune to his charms. All that ‘he’s a threat to my family’ talk, and now you’re picturing him in the shower?”

I scowled internally, trying to shove the image away, but it clung to me, like steam in the air. “It’s not like that, Sara,” I muttered, though even I didn’t sound convinced.

“Oh, really? Because it looks like you’re about two seconds away from inviting him in here,” she quipped, her tone dancing with laughter. “Face it, Lila. You can’t deny the mate bond forever.”

I gritted my teeth, lathering my hair with more force than necessary. “He’s dangerous, Sara. I’m not letting myself get distracted by—by—”

“By that body?” Sara finished for me, her voice dripping with cheekiness. “Please. Just admit it. You’re drawn to him. Whether he’s dangerous or not, he’s got you thinking things you shouldn’t be thinking.”

I sighed, feeling my face flush. “It’s just… complicated.”

“So are you,” Sara replied softly. “But maybe that’s exactly why he’s on your mind.”

I stood under the hot spray, wrestling with the truth I couldn’t deny, the pull I felt toward him.

Just then, a gentle knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. “Lila? Are you awake?” my mother’s soft, warm voice called.

“Yeah, I’m awake,” I replied, my tone more irritated than I intended.

My mother, Amelia, entered the room, already dressed in a sophisticated cream dress. She smiled at me, a sad yet understanding smile, ignoring the edge in my voice.

“You look lost in thought,” she said gently, walking over to me. “I know today is a big day, and it must be overwhelming.”

I nodded, biting my lip to hold back the flood of emotions threatening to spill over. “It’s just... everything is changing so fast. And I—”

She placed a hand on my shoulder, offering silent comfort. “You’re doing the right thing, Lila. Marcus is the Alpha of the most powerful werewolf pack. You will have a good future at Silver Star Pack as Luna. This marriage will secure your future and that of our pack. And Jacob… he’ll be safe. With Marcus’s protection, your brother will have the support he needs to grow into his role as Alpha one day.”

Jacob. My heart clenched at the thought of him. I loved my little brother more than anything, but he was so young, so innocent. The idea of him facing the dangers ahead without the strength of the Silver Star Pack was unbearable. I couldn't let him be vulnerable. If it meant sacrificing my future, so be it.

“I know,” I whispered. “I’m doing this for him.”

My mother nodded, understanding in her eyes, and helped me into a sage green, knee-length dress she’d chosen from the closet. The fabric was soft, luxurious, but it felt like a weight around me, like a shackle binding me to a future I hadn’t chosen.

She guided me to the vanity, where she brushed out my hair and styled it, letting my long waves cascade down my back. I applied a bit of blush to my cheeks, some mascara, and finished with a light coat of tinted rose lip balm.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror as my mother styled my hair. I looked so much like her—our turquoise eyes, the same features. It was as if I were her mirror image, separated by time. The only thing that set us apart was our hair—mine dark and gleaming, while hers was silver.

“What if he treats me badly?” I asked, my voice tinged with uncertainty.

“Marcus is a good man,” my mother replied, her voice calm and reassuring as she continued styling my hair. “I’ve known him for a long time. He’s someone I’ve always trusted.”

I frowned. “What do you mean? How do you know him?”

My mother hesitated, a flicker of something unreadable passing across her face. “Our paths crossed in the past, that’s all,” she said, her voice trailing off. “But he’s always been someone I could rely on. That’s why we believe he’ll make a good husband.”

Something about the way she said it made me press further. “So you knew him before all of this?”

Her expression tightened slightly, her gaze turning distant. “It was a long time ago,” she murmured, as if the words pained her.

I fell silent, feeling a knot of uncertainty tighten in my chest. There was something my mother wasn’t saying, but I knew she wasn’t ready to share.

When she finished styling my hair, I looked at our reflections. I couldn't help but feel not only did I resemble my mother, but I was also walking down the same path—marrying not for love, but out of obligation.

“Why did you marry Father?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. I had never fully understood it, and no one ever spoke about it.

My mother cleared her throat. “One day, we’ll talk about it,” she said softly. “But right now, we must focus on making a good first impression. We can’t afford distractions.”

Just then, a knock on the door broke the moment, and Jacob’s voice came from the hallway. “Lila, Mom? Alpha Marcus is here.”

I took a deep breath, my heart racing. My mother gave me a reassuring smile, and together we descended the stairs, where Alpha Victor was already waiting. He stood tall, his cold gray eyes scanning me from head to toe. He offered no warmth, no comfort—only that same calculating disapproval he always had.

“You look suitable,” he said flatly, ignoring my mother entirely, his voice indifferent. “Remember, this is about the pack and your brother. You know your duty.”

I swallowed hard, nodding. My father had never shown affection toward me, and today was no different. I had learned long ago that defiance had no place in his world—only obedience.

Outside, the pack had gathered to welcome Alpha Marcus. The black SUVs pulled up the long driveway, and as the doors swung open, I felt the weight of my fate settle on my shoulders. Marcus stepped out first, his tall, imposing figure drawing all eyes. His dark hair gleamed in the sunlight, and his sharp dark eyes immediately found mine. He exuded strength and authority, just as I had been told.

Beside him was his young son, Ethan, clutching a stuffed wolf in his small hands. He looked up at me with wide, innocent green eyes, and for a brief moment, my heart softened. The boy had lost his mother, and now his father was considering marrying me, a stranger. I felt a pang of sympathy for him.

Behind Marcus, his beta and his wife stepped out. The beta, tall and stern, cast a watchful eye over the proceedings, while his wife remained quiet, her gaze downcast. I wondered if she disapproved of this arrangement.

Alpha Victor stepped forward, his voice booming with pride. “Alpha Marcus, welcome. We are honored to have you and your pack join us today. Please, come inside.”

Marcus nodded, his gaze shifting to me as he stepped inside the entrance. “The honor is mine, Alpha Victor,” he said smoothly, his voice deep and commanding. He shook hands politely, then turned his attention fully to me. His eyes lingered on me, appraising.

Victor wasted no time. “And this is my daughter, Lila,” he said, pushing me forward with a force that made my breath catch.

Marcus took my hand and placed a gentle kiss on it. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lila. You truly are as beautiful as everyone has told me.”

I forced a polite smile. “Thank you, Alpha Marcus,” I replied, pulling my hand back.

His compliment felt hollow, lacking any warmth or affection. It wasn’t a compliment meant to make me feel cherished or desired. It was an evaluation, a statement of approval for the role I was about to play. I knew Marcus didn’t care about me beyond what I could offer his pack—a strong Luna and a mother to Ethan. My appearance was merely a bonus.

After the formalities, the group moved deeper inside the pack house. The men, including my little brother, retreated to my father’s study to discuss business, while my mother led the beta’s wife to her room.

Left alone, my mind wandered for a moment. I considered fleeing, rejecting the expectations placed upon me. But then I thought of Jacob, and my resolve hardened. This was for him, for the future of our pack. Even if it meant sacrificing my own dreams, I would do what needed to be done.

Yet, as I stood there, I couldn’t help but feel the heavy chains of duty tightening around my heart. Derek’s face flashed once more in my mind.

Damn this stupid mate bond, I cursed under my breath, as I turned on my heel, determined to banish Derek from my thoughts once and for all.