Chapter 05:
Luca returns unexpectedly like a storm with a force that can not be ignored. He stood tall confronting my father in confidence which electrified the room.
"Alessia is my mate". He declared with an unwavering voice. The word hung in the air leaving everyone in shock.
My father became furious with immediate and palpable authority which was being challenged in the most direct manner.
"Who do you think you are?".
"I'm Luca, an Alpha to the moonlit pack and Alessia is my mate".
"You've no space here and if you don't mind, you need to use the back door or else you will regret the day you were born".
My father's voice was terrifying yet Luca remained unfazed, his voice fixed firmly on me.
I could see the determination in his eyes, a silent promise that he would stand with his claim no matter what.
My heart pounded in my chest with a mixture of fear and longing.
"Alessia has been my lover ever since I set my eyes on her. I discovered some certain reasons for being my mate, that's why I'm here".
"My daughter here is already married to someone who truly loves and cherishes her, not a bag of grain standing in front of me claiming what isn't yours".
"She is mine and I will fight to my last breath to get her".
The room fell silent and everyone was waiting for my father's reaction. This was not just a declaration; it was a challenge to our traditions and my father's dominance.
I watched as my father as my father's face contorted with anger, his hands clenched into fist.
Luca boldness had thrown us all into uncharted territory, and the repercussions were already beginning to unfold.
I felt a tremor of dread and excitement, knowing that nothing would ever be the same again.
As the shock of Luca's declaration settled, the room buzzed with a tension that was almost suffocating.
My father's fury radiated through the space, his authority being challenged by Luca's audacity.
Despite the danger, Luca didn't waver, he stood his ground, his eyes never leaving mine.
"This is insanity". My father spat, his voice trembling with barely controlled rage.
"You've no right". Luca's face remained impassive but I could see the fire burning in his eyes.
"I've every right, Alessia is my mate and I will never back down".
"You've taken this too far, if not I would have dealt with you like a swine".
"Mood has nothing to do with war, you better accept the defeat or face the battle".
My heart ached at the sigh of Luca standing up for me, but fear overshadowed everything else.
I knew what accepting Luca's claims would be- a war between our families, bloodshed and chaos.
My thoughts were whirlwind, torn between duty and desire. The weight of everyone's eyes on me felt crushing as if the entire world waited for my response.
I glance at my father, seeing the hard set of his jaw, the unyielding determination in his eyes. This was a battle that could be easily conceded.
I could feel the weight of the room pressing down on me, every eye watching, every ear straining to hear my response. My heart screamed at me to accept Luca, but my mind knew the consequences.
"No,". I said, my voice barely a whisper but enough to cut through the tension. "I reject you Luca." The word tested bitter like poison on my face.
My father chuckled at my claim pointing at Luca in a funny posture. "You see she doesn't love you, so stop wasting your time boy you've so many women out there".
Luca's face hardened, his jaw tightened, but his eyes remained soft with a silent please that broke my heart.
"Alessia, please," he began, but I shook my head, tears brimming in my eyes.
"This isn't just about us, it's about our families, our people. I can't risk their lives for my own happiness". My voice cracked, the weight of my decision crashing down on me
Luca took a step back, his face a mask of pain and determination. He turned and walked out, leaving a tangible bond behind.
The silence that followed was deafening, a stark contrast to the chaos inside my heart. I had pushed away the one person who stood by me, and the pain of that realization was unbearable.
Luca's departure left a palpable void in the room, the silence echoing with unspoken emotions. My father stepped forward, his face a mixture of relief and suspicion.
"You did the right thing Alessia," he said, his voice softer than before but still carrying an edge. I nodded, unable to trust my voice.
The room slowly became emptied, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I sank into a chair, the weight of my decision crushing me. I knew rejecting Luca was necessary but I didn't make the pain any less real.
My father's approval was cold comfort; I had sacrificed my happiness for the sake of duty.
The ache in my chest was unbearable, a constant reminder of what I had lost.
I replayed the scene over and over in my mind, wondering if there was another way. But no matter how I twisted it, the outcome was always the same.
The war between our families was a price too high to pay for love. I had to be strong, for the sake of our people.
Yet, as the days turned into night, Luca left behind grew larger, filling my heart with doubt and regret.
The next day my father summoned Me to his office, a place we're decisions are made.
"Alessia". He began with anger. "You understand why this had to happen". I nodded, though my heart wasn't in it.
"I do, father". He leaned back, his eyes scrutinizing me.
"Good, we cannot afford any weakness, especially now, Luca's claim was dangerous but your rejection was necessary, we must present a united front".
His words were firm and a reminder of the responsibility to adhere to.
"Yes I know". I replied, my voice barely a whisper.
"We are at a critical junction and any sign of weakness could be disastrous". His words echoed in my mind as I left his office.
The path ahead was fraught with danger, and I had to navigate it carefully for the sake of myself and my family.