The Alpha's Bride is a Huntress

IV-DANN’s POV “All hunters must protect the border at all costs!” A voice in the far distance, yet so clear, Rosemarie wondered. “Protect it from what!”She yelled. A spectral figure, cloaked in shadows, erupted from the gloom, a gleaming blade outstretched in pursuit. Terror, a chilling paralysis, gripped Rosemarie as she fled, her pursuer's relentless strides echoing in the night. Yet, the darkness, a cruel mistress, concealed a protector. A formidable gray beast, its fur a shroud against the night, bore her away, its gentle pat a comforting reassurance amidst the chaos. Rosemarie stirred, her eyelids fluttering open to reveal the dim light of her bedroom. A chill ran down her spine as she recalled the terrifying dream. The spectral figure, the relentless pursuit, the cold, unforgiving darkness. She shivered, pulling the covers tighter around her. A soft creak from the floorboards snapped her out of her reverie. She tensed, listening intently for any other sounds. The silence was broken only by the distant hoot of an owl outside. Gathering her courage, Rosemarie swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood up. The cold stone floor sent a shiver down her spine. She wrapped herself in a thick robe and padded over to the window. The morning sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon, casting long shadows across the forest. A deep breath filled her lungs with the crisp, clean air. The scent of pine needles and damp earth was intoxicating. As she watched the sunrise, a sense of calm washed over her. She was a huntress, trained to face danger and overcome fear. This dream, no matter how terrifying, would not deter her from her path. “Huh! Mother, what are you doing here?” Rosemarie face looked clueless. “Ohh I heard you talking in your sleep.You were so loud so I came to check on you.” Her mother said calmly, as she stroked her hair. Rosemarie could see her mother's eyes filled with worry. “Mother, it's just a dream, a confusing one, it's not even a nightmare. There's no need for you to worry” She held her mother by the hand and leaned forward to kiss her forehead. “I know, but there is something else I need to tell you” “Mother, you know I don't like it when you act like this; tell me what's on your mind?” Rosemarie said, just as she stood up to grab a glass of water by her dresser. Her room was a cozy and inviting space, filled with warmth and personal touches. The walls were adorned with hunting trophies and family portraits, a testament to her father's legacy. A large, plush armchair sat by the window, offering a comfortable spot to relax and contemplate. A bookshelf lined one wall, filled with books on hunting, herbalism, and history. The bed, draped in soft, embroidered linens, was piled high with pillows and blankets, inviting comfort and rest. “Rosemarie. You're getting married” Her mother nervously fidgeted with her hands, as her words became unclear. Rosemarie pauses as she glares at her mother, then slowly lets out a chuckle. “Wow Mother, that was an outstanding performance. You really would have made a great actress” Rosemarie said while laughing out loud. “Rose I'm not joking, I'm rather very serious” Her mother looks at her straight in her eyes with her face looking grim. “WHAT!” Rosemarie screamed as she scattered the glass of water. “The elders and the chief Hunters have already decided, it's time for the silver family to honor the peace treaty” “Mother, what are you talking about? What's this about a peace treaty?” Rosemarie's face slowly turned stern as she conversed with her mother. Hoping her mother was just jesting. “ Ooh, my sweet Rose; you ought to have been aware of this.” She spoke slowly as if each word was a heavy burden. “No mother, I don't know!” Rosemarie replied as she tried to hide her best to hide her disgust. “Sigh, after the hundred years of battle for Rezora, we, the hunters, made a peace treaty with the werewolves for us to co-exist together.” “Yes, Mother, I know that; we had to make peace with those barbaric humanoid dogs.” Rosemarie's eyes began to rage on Fury, a mere mention of werewolves made her filled with disgust and malice. “My goodness, Rosemarie! Can your mouth be less rotten and vile?” Her mother's voice grew louder as she reprimanded her. “Mother, I was simply stating the obvious.” Rosemarie responded while averting her gaze from her mother. “Sigh! To promote tolerance, respect and unity, the chief hunters and alpha Werewolves promoted intermarriage to better help understand their cultures and secure a future where werewolves and hunters could exist without boundaries.” “Since then, a member of a prominent hunter family has always been chosen as a potential partner for an elite alpha werewolf.” If you agree to this offer, you two would become a symbol of peace between our nation and theirs. Isn't peace what you always wanted? The air in her room was filled with the scent of pine needles and freshly brewed tea, creating a sense of peace and tranquility, a reminder of the life she worked hard to achieve. The absence of noise within the room following her mother's statement led to a noticeable increase in the prevailing tension. Rosemarie's lips began to quiver in sadness. “Ohh I see, so you're willing to sell off your daughter for some sort of political reasons.” “Even though you know the way I feel about werewolves, even after what they did to my father, your husband. Her mother was in a state of shock as tears began to cascade down her cheeks. “Please, Rosie, I didn't mean to… I don't believe the Werewolves are responsible for your father's death.” “There's no proof of that and you know it.” “As long as he doesn't hurt you and he takes good care of you…” “I know how hard you struggled to become a huntress, but you're not a chief -huntress, your status and reputation can't counter this.” Rosemarie's mother attempted to demonstrate compassion towards her daughter's emotions by extending her hand in a gesture for a hug, only for Rose to step away. “I can't believe you, Mother; if Father were here he would never agree to such a thing” “yes! Because he helped so.. so.. much! when he was alive.” Rosemarie's mother responded sarcastically. “I am taken aback by your comment, mother. I find it difficult to comprehend how you could utter such words.” “Rosie, please forgive me. I didn't mean to…” Rosemarie left the house angrily, tears streaming down her face. She was burdened with numerous thoughts, but the most distressing emotion she experienced was the sense of betrayal from her mother. The intense gusts of cold wind forcefully swept against her face while she ran in a disoriented manner, her physical being abruptly realizing the oversight of not having taken along a pair of boots and a coat. Her legs rapidly lost strength as the biting cold wind intensified, causing her to suddenly collapse face-first into the snow, under the looming presence of a shadow. “Hello there sleeping beauty” “Huh.. that sounded like...” An unknown individual was standing above Rosemarie, but to Rosemarie, the voice was familiar. As she lifted her head to identify the person with the recognizable voice, she realized it was Ashley, her closest friend. “Ashley?” Rosemarie responded. “Hey, what's up.” Ashley replied, subtly raising her right eyebrow and aiding her in standing upright. “I grow wary of your slang, Ashely.” Rosemarie replied with a forced chuckle. “Please accept my humble apologies, Madame Rosemarie. I hope you can pardon me for my poor linguistic habits.” She replied sarcastically with a smirk on her face. They both stared at each other silently before breaking the silence and laughing in unison. “Look at your face; it's beet red; I could call you the weeping beauty.” Ashley imposed as her giggles grew louder. “Achoo!” Rosemarie responded with a sneeze. “Let's get you indoors before you become frozen beauty.” Ashley replied. ******* Rosemarie is now in Bane's residence, Ashley's home. “Hey Rosie you need an extra blanket” Ashley asked as she handed over the folded blanket to Rosemarie. “Here's your hot tea, oh careful rose it's hot!” Ashley warned her as Rosemarie nodded in agreement. “So go on talk; clearly, something's on your mind, and I can see you're troubled by it, Rosie.” “Sigh! I know I can't hide anything from you.” “Upon awakening this morning, I was informed that I am to be wed to a noble werewolf.” Rosemarie responded with a decrease in the intensity of her tone. Upon hearing Rosemarie's statement, Ashley was so shocked that she accidentally spilled her tea and let out a scream. “What! Ohh my, Rosemarie I'm so happy for you!” Ashley replied. “I don't understand, what's there to be happy about?” Rosemarie's face looked puzzled. “I understand it's somewhat out of the blue, but you're lucky, Rosie. He's a noble.” “This has been going on for years now. It's practically a tradition; even my family, the Bane's, have participated in it. It wouldn't be easy to refuse without hurting your family's reputation,” Ashley implied. “Sighs! My family lives off my father's reputation, so what can I do now, Ashley, or should I run away?” Rosemarie responded with a somber expression on her visage. “Aw, running away has never been a solution to anything you would just be delaying what you would have to face eventually.” “I suggest you accept it. It's not going to be the end of the world.” “I once fell in love with a werewolf. He was so kind to me.” Blushing, Ashley gazed downward, immersed in memories. “You're so unbelievable.” Rosemarie replied with a slight smirk on her face as she walked towards the balcony, witnessing the sun hanging low in the sky, casting long shadows across the snow-covered fields. A biting wind whipped through the air, stinging Rosemarie's cheeks. Despite the cold, a sense of peace washed over her as she gazed out at the winter wonderland. South Rezora, even in the dead of winter, had a beauty all its own.” “ Iunderstand, as an aspiring chief huntress, I ought to learn how to be selfless.” “I will do it for the sake of my family.” “Wow, how noble of you Rosie.” Ashley replied with a chuckle. “But you know, Rosemarie, there's always plan B.” “Huh! What do you mean?” “ If he is the monstrous fiend you presume him to be, then you can apply plan B, make him hate you enough for him to reject you and call off the wedding. “ You can also dig up dirt on him and find something that the elders and the hunter-chiefs will not stand for.” “With that, all the blame will be on him and not you; you would preserve your family reputation and call off the wedding.” “It's a win on both sides but very unethical.” Ashley suggested with her gesture hinting a slight remorse for her proposing the idea. “Ashley, you're a genius; why didn't you tell me this sooner? All I just have to do is make him call it off.” “Why didn't I think of that? I won't dig up dirt on him, though I don't think I have the resolve for that, but I can make him hate me. Rosemarie dashed out of Ashley's house with a smile on her face. Swiftly dodging a herd of sheeps. “Hey, where are you going? What happened to being selfless?” Ashley yelled out from afar. **** Rosemarie then proceeded to accept the terms of the diplomatic marriage. She would be sent off to North Rezora to wed the son of Lord Rikiwulf, one of the most powerful alpha werewolves in North Rezora. “Well Mother, I guess it's time.” During the blustery cold wind, she firmly gripped her dress with her hands to keep it from flying away. Standing at the border between the South and North, as her escorts approach. “Rosie, I know you still resent me, but can I at least get a hug before you go.” She quickly turns and embraces her mother firmly. “Yes, I'm upset, but I don't resent you, mother.” Her mother stood and waved as the distance between her and her daughter's carriage grew greater. The journey had been underway for several hours when Rosemarie was awoken by a mysterious and loud howl. As she peeps through the carriage window, she sees they are followed by a pack of werewolves. Suddenly, the carriage slowed down. “Why are we stopping…” Her sentence was cut short as she heard a barrage of gunshots followed by the screams of her escorts. The sound grew louder as her heartbeat increased in panic.