MATED TO THE WRONG ALPHA

ARIANA Her laughter echoed through the quiet halls. I stared at her, amused by the joke, and let out a faint chuckle of my own. Thankfully, the hallways were empty, devoid of any students—just Maya and me. “I really hate when Chloe acts like a sassy queen,” Maya said. “She looks like a queen, alright—the queen of moths.” I burst into laughter while Maya tried to hold hers back. “At least tomorrow is the weekend. I won't have to—” I stopped listening as reality clicked in. Not that I had ever forgotten; I couldn't. Tomorrow was the most important day of my life, as it is for every werewolf. Tomorrow was— “Hello, girls.” I snapped out of my thoughts and drifted my gaze toward him. Standing at 6'1", lean with beauty that shimmered under the sunrays which perked through the hall windows. Dressed in a white top and jeans, he drew closer, his gaze locked on me as if I were the only person in the room and to him I was. A smile curled onto his lips. My Leon. My love. My future mate. “Hi, baby.” He extended his hand, and I took it. He gave Maya a slight nod before focusing his full attention back on me. “How was class, sweetheart?” My cheeks flushed pink. “F-fine.” “Great. I wouldn't want you to be too worn out...” “For tomorrow?” I interjected, a smile creeping onto my lips. Tomorrow was the day I had been dreaming of since Leon first asked me to be his girlfriend. At first, I thought he was joking; a prank, perhaps. I might be an Alpha’s daughter, but so was almost everyone at Weston Academy, a school for purebred wolves. It wasn’t the easiest school; I was never the "interesting" one or the “sassy” one. I was a shadow, never seen or noticed until Leon walked in. I had loved him for years, and when he finally admitted he felt the same, I wanted to burst into tears; tears of joy. We had been dating for three years, and I loved him more with every passing day. He was different, he was special. He was always there for me, shielding me and loving me even when I felt I wasn't worth it. I felt I had never offered him anything meaningful in return. Words weren't enough; I wanted to give him my whole being,I really did but I couldn't. It wasn’t just about morals or being the next Alpha after my father; it was because I had hyperesthesia. I couldn’t stand being touched. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t overlook it. Every time I was touched, I flinched, my brain flips into a defensive mode. I hated it. And I hated myself because Leon loved me even when I couldn't give myself to him physically. He didn't leave; he stayed, he loved me more hoping I would feel at ease one day. Well, tomorrow was our eighteenth birthday. It was the most important year for a wolf; the year our inner wolves would finally emerge. Plus, it was a full moon. It felt like the Moon Goddess was giving us her blessing; a full moon meant a hundred percent chance of finding my mate. Not that I didn't already know who it was. It was Leon; I didn’t need a fortune teller to tell me that. It made logical sense. We loved each other, we had been together for years, plus the whole pack knew about our reading and they were happy with it. There was no room for doubt. I giggled and tucked a strand of brown hair behind my ear. He was talking, but I wasn't listening; I was just gaping at him shamelessly. He was mine. “Baby,” he called out. “Should I drop you home?” I opened my mouth to say no, father had already sent a car but Father could wait. Spending a few more moments with Leon was more precious. “Yes.” The drive home was lively. He talked about his plans while I listened in admiration. Leon might be a second son, but he had everything it took to be an Alpha. And he would be. Once we sealed our bond, I would make him the Alpha of my pack after my father. ~~~~~~ THE BALL The hall glittered with white and blue decor, the atmosphere buzzing with lively conversation. I could hear giggles from behind the door where I stood, and I felt a sense of happiness creeping into my skin. I exhaled a shaky breath. It was 11:02 PM. Fifty-eight more minutes until I turned eighteen, until my wolf finally came out, and until I finally sealed my mating bond with Leon. The butterflies I thought I had buried erupted into a dance, swaying to the rhythm of my drumming heart. I couldn’t wait! “My little girl is stunning.” I inclined my gaze to stare at the woman clothed in pure silk that flew down her almond skin, she moved closely eluding a regal aura. “My baby!!.” Mum gushed and palmed my cheeks, placing a kiss on them. “Mom,” I winced slightly. “You look beautiful.” I didn't really look that good. I wore a sky-blue ball gown layered with tiny diamonds. It featured a V-neck and a sapphire necklace that rested against my skin. My blonde hair was swept up into a clean bun with loose strands fanning my face. My makeup was light, highlighting my lips. I avoided pressing my lips together to keep from ruining my lipstick, but my nervousness wasn't helping. “Time to grace the hall.” I looked into her blue eyes, which mirrored my own. “I know you’re scared.” She entwined her fingers with mine. Thankfully, I didn't flinch; I never did with my parents. “The Moon Goddess will give you someone deserving.” “Of course, and that’s Leon,” I said, ignoring the twist in my gut. “Sure,” she answered, but a hint of doubt lingered in her gaze. I didn't push it; in a matter of minutes, I would be proven right. The next few minutes was spent laughing and dancing. My father might be the Alpha, but with me, he was just a sweet, caring dad. I sat watching the festivities, my gaze shifting frequently to the clock. 11:45 PM. Fifteen more minutes. Fear gnawed at my stomach. I shook off the feeling and focused on the dancers. I looked at my father, who turned away almost immediately. I didn't have to ask; I could feel his worry. He must have sobbed about me being big and growing up quickly. I smiled widely at him and mouthed that I was okay. He nodded but both of us knew he didn't believe it. I returned my gaze to the dancers, my fingers tapped against my legs in rhythm of the song, plus it was better than biting down on my lips. Suddenly, a sharp pain stabbed at my gut. My breath hitched as a wave of agony slammed into me so hard I almost screamed. The pain intensified, spreading through my being like a soaring fire. I clutched my gown, my grip tightening by the second. Was I poisoned? Before I could think, I heard the unmistakable sound of my bones snapping. They must had heard it too cuz the dancers stopped, the music halted and the dimmed light brightened “Father!” I cried out, falling to the ground. My fingers elongated, and sharp nails shot out. I was transforming. My wolf was here! “Get a blanket for the Princess!” Father thundered and before they could process what was happening. I push myself up. It was considered a shame for the princess' first turning to be witnessed by non royals. One of the reasons father didn't want to throw the part. I pushed myself up and ran. My feet stomped hard against the tile as I suppressed the pain that rang through my joint. The cold night breeze slapped my face as I burst outside. I crumbled onto the floor on all fours, my teeth sharpening into fangs. A loud howl erupted from my throat. “Mate!” the voice inside me roared. I didn't think twice. I dashed into the woods, hurling over the 6 foot gate and into the woods. My speed was crazy, my strength even better, my bones were vibrating, a storm ragging through my being, a storm that can only be calmed by my mate. I reached a familiar gate and leaped over it, shifting back to human form mid-air. “Princess Ariana!” the guards shouted, I ignored them. My wolf had brought me to Leon’s mansion. I was right! Leon was my mate! Tears streamed down my face as my wolf growled, begging for control. I shoved her back and dashed into the hall where his birthday party was being held. Everyone turned to look at me. Leon stood to the side. The scent of my mate grew stronger, I ran towards him, towards the scent but as I inched towards Leon, the blood drained from my face. I realized the scent wasn't coming from him. I froze. Before I could process the shock, my wolf took over, forcing my body forward until I was standing in front of the true source of the scent. My body went rigid. There he sat on his throne, looking down at me with dangerous intensity and pride in his green eyes. Levi. Leon’s elder brother. “Mate!” my wolf growled, falling to her knees at the foot of his throne. He leaned in, his voice low and commanding. “It’s about time you know who you truly belong to.”