I'm led to a coffee shop by Alpha George, the alpha of the Lightning Pack and Alpha Asher's uncle.
"I know this might seem sudden, but I need a luna. After careful consideration, I believe you're the most suitable candidate," he says.
I stare at him, dumbfounded.
He leans forward earnestly. "I know about your father's debt. I have my reasons for needing a luna, and I think we can help each other. I can pay off the five - million debt. In return, I only ask for your companionship and commitment to this marriage."
I'm shocked.
I'm acutely aware of who he is: Alpha George, the alpha who rules the Lightning Pack with an iron fist. His reputation for swift, unyielding decisions precedes him, and the very thought of him sends a shiver down my spine.
Yet, in the suffocating darkness of my current situation, he's the solitary glimmer of hope.
I finally steel my nerves and make my decision. "I'll do it,".
Moments later, I find myself in his luxurious car on my way home.
Before he leaves, he hands me a simple card with his details.
"One week. Sort everything out and come to me,"
I managed to scrape together enough money to pay off those ruthless loan sharks. Just as I was trying to catch my breath, my father, reeking of alcohol, burst into my place and dragged me to an exhibition.
"What on earth are we doing here, Dad?"
"Don't you get it? You've been with Alpha Asher for ages. I found out he'll be at this exhibition today. This is our chance! Make him marry you. Our family's future depends on it!" His eyes were wild
I immediately turned to leave.
I spun on my heel to leave. But at the door, I froze. There was Alpha Asher, arm - in - arm with Britney, their heads bent close, sharing private laughs.
At the sight of them, my father exploded. "You shameless hussy! How dare you steal my son - in - law!" he roared, pointing a shaking finger at Britney.
Tears welled in Britney's eyes, and Alpha Asher pulled her protectively close. "What the hell are you doing? Your daughter didn't tell you I'm done with her? I'm sick of her," he sneered.
"After eight years, you're dumping her? Who else would want her now?" my father bellowed, his voice echoing in the hall.
In an instant, all eyes in the hall turned towards us, and whispers and stifled laughter filled the air.
I felt the blood drain from my face, and my shoulders trembled involuntarily. I rushed forward and grabbed my father's hand, pleading in a low voice, "Dad, please, let's go home."
But he refused to budge, flailing his arms to break free and intent on causing more chaos. I was left with no choice but to hold him tightly and whisper in his ear.
"Is that true?" he asked, his eyes wide with disbelief.
"I promise, it's true. Now, please, go home,.
My father finally nodded and turned to leave, but Alpha Asher stepped in his way.
Just as my father turned to leave, Alpha Asher blocked his way. "Your drunk father scared my Alice. You think you can just leave?"
I looked at Britney, who was sobbing softly.
"My father was out of line. I'm so sorry. Please forgive him,"
Alpha Asher let out a cold chuckle. "Just an apology? Alice is so delicate. Even a raised voice scares her. How do you plan to make up for what your father did?"
Memories of Alpha Asher protecting me at a banquet three years ago flashed through my mind. Now, he was using the same words against me.
Fury and pain boiling over, I strode to the center of the room, where a large, ornate mirror hung. Without hesitation, I balled my fist and punched through the glass. The shattering sound silenced the whispers. Blood trickled down my hand, staining the carpet.
I turned to face Alpha Asher. "Is this enough to pay you back?"
I turned to push way through the crowd of onlookers, who were still buzzing with excitement.
But Alpha Asher called out. "What did you say to your father? Why did he leave so obediently?"
"None of your business,".
I walked out of the hall.
Back home,my phone pinged with a notification.
There was a post about Alpha Asher lavishing Britney with a gigantic, one - of - a - kind sky garden and the world - famous Heart of the Ocean diamond necklace as a proposal gift.
I reached up and touched my face, only to find it wet with tears.
