The Alpha’s Fake Bride

Bree It is my mating ceremony. He is my mate. I repeat the words again, as if saying them can somehow change the present, as if saying them can somehow make me happy and make me forget the fact that my stepfather is selling me off to the most dangerous Alpha. Alpha Kane Brentwood son of the Alpha king of Agsord and an alpha to a good number of packs in the kingdom. Involuntarily I form a fist, my palm is sweaty and I feel hot and cold all at the same time. I know that I must deal with the nerves but it is hard to be rational when I see my future slipping from my finger. Being mated to this man could be closer to death than anything I know. " Stop sulking and smile, " my step father huffs, " You're already too pale, now you just look like a god-damned corpse" he mutters, I stiffen. It's not like he is lying, I am not a rare beauty– in fact most would say I am not attractive at all. I am too tall, for what men love in a woman,a little too pale with enough freckles over my nose, my red hair is too curly taking the stylist hours to straighten just for today's event, my eyes a pale white washed green, and I have curves that men seem to prefer in the women they bed and not mate. I know this and more but to hear him speak to me that way, the more it hurts more than anything, more than all the guest at this wedding who are sitting here wondering just why the ruthless and famous alpha, the son of Nick Brentwood would be marrying me.step My stepfather extends his arm to me and I take it, it will likely be the first and last time he does something that fatherly for me. I stiffen the closer we get to the podium, I can see my future alpha, Kane Brentwood. He is tall, taller than I am, his hair a soft black that falls just below his neck, from a brief visit I know that his eyes are a soft brown– eyes that could be filled with annoyance and disgust at any pointbut always remain blank " don't do anything to mess this up" he grunts as we walk down, I don't know why he thinks he has to repeat it to me. I know how important this mating is to our families, it's been drummed into my head for over two years this will be the merger of the two packs,while my stepfather is the alpha of the Black wolves ,he is not the most astute Breeder and has expensive tastes and horrible judgement which is why I am an offering to pay for his mistakes a way to buy him security that the Crimson Wolves offer. I reach the podium where the priestess and my groom stand, my stepfather offers him my hand " Take care of her for me will you" he says like he even really cares, Kane nods " I promise I will, " He offers taking my hand, we turn to the priestess who begins the ceremony. I tune her out for most of it, I still speak when I'm meant to but for the most part I try to ignore this ceremony. I am not the best at many things but I wanted better than this better than a life of living with a man who would never come to care for me. The ceremony ends and we both turn to the guest hands clasped together Kane grip tightening around mine. Applauses ring through the hall as we walk down the aisle and to the car that is waiting for us, I try to smile as the lights from the camera's blind us reporters taking pictures. I open the door, I can hear some of the guests and reporters whispering in the background " He's very handsome, how did he end up with such a woman" "She's such a plain Jane" someone else mutters, behind me Kane freezes then gestures for me to get in, I do so ignoring them. The ride to the reception venue is quiet, we barely say any words to each other, when we arrive at the venue Kane opens the door and reaches for me, I pause surprised at the unexpected help but I take his hand as he helps me out, another stream of reporters are already taking pictures– this will be the most covered wedding in the country. Kane is only twenty eight years old but he runs several pack lands, this one another not on his belt by the time his father dies and he becomes the Alpha king he will be the most respected man. We walk into the venue, greeting guests as they come. I smile and pretend to care what they think of me, pretend I do not hear the hurtful words they say behind my back. Kane excuses himself, and I'm left alone. My mother is across the room looking pretty as always, she catches my eye and smiles coming to join me " Are you enjoying yourself" she asks taking my hand in hers I try to smile, I don't want to worry her. Mother is soft and naive, she is an omega, she is convinced my step father loves me as he loves her, she couldn't be more wrong. " I'm fine and you. Are you enjoying the party" I ask she smiles softly " Yes, it's all so elegant. The Brentwoods have been very kind to us" she offers I smile, " They have" of course they have, their reputation is on the line with this event. " Where is your mate" she asks and I shrug " I don't know, " I reply and she huffs " He's your mate,go look for him" she urges and I sigh " I'm sure he'll be down soon" I reply taking her hand and my mother arches her brow " Your father need this to go on without a hitch, so go and find him" I sigh, walking across the room, and up the stairs, my heels click across the hardwood floor, I check the first two rooms and find it empty, the next room is a dressing room, I turn the knob hearing the sounds of shuffling feet and hushed voices, something falls to the floor, I should stop, I should turn away, I know what I'll see if I open the door but I can't help it I push it open, slightly. Kane is facing the door, and in his embrace as they kiss with a passion that is almost obscene is my step sister Flora.