Allen's POV
As I stood on the balcony of my pack's estate, gazing out at the moonlit gardens below, I couldn't shake the feeling of suffocation that has been building inside me for weeks. The weight of my responsibilities as Alpha, the constant scrutiny of my pack and the surrounding packs, the pressure to marry the Omega of my parents' choosing... it all seemed to be crushing me, slowly but surely. And yet, as I scanned the shadows below, my eyes landed on the one person who made me feel alive, the one person I couldn't have:Akira, the Omega who was promised to another and who had unknowingly captured my heart.
FEW WEEKS BACK
Alpha Allen of the Moonlit pack stood at the front of the pack meeting, looking around at the pack chiefs seated in front of him. One could feel the tension in the air.
Allen said, "Brothers and sisters," in a calm but powerful voice. "We gather today to discuss the growing threats to our packs stability."
Thronton, the pack leader, raised his voice in a rough tone. "We all know about the external dangers, Alpha. However, what about the internal disputes?
Morale is at an all-time low and the pack is split. With a stern face, Allen nodded. "I concur. I called this meeting for that reason. We must figure out how to bring the pack together and fortify our position.
Rachel, the pack head, leaned forward and fixed Allen with her gaze. "We've talked about this before, Alpha. The only way to secure our packs future is through strategic alliances and that means marrying Omega Julianna."
Allen's jaw clenched but he kept his expression neutral. "Although I'm aware of the arrangement, I don't think it's the only option. The pack leader, Marcus, snorted. "Are you sold? Alpha, this isn't about you; it's about the pack's survival. You've got an obligation to fulfill.
Anger flared in Allen's eyes, but he choked back his response. Even though he was aware that Marcus was correct and that he had a responsibility as Alpha, the arrangement was still difficult for him to accept.
Allen finally stated, "I understand the pack's concerns," in a measured tone. Additionally, I'll think about them. However, I need time to reflect and weigh all of our alternatives. The pack leaders appeared to agree with Allen's choice as they nodded. However, after the meeting ended and the pack leaders left, Allen couldn't shake off the feeling that he had been trapped, with no clear escape in sight.
Allen went over to his sister Laurette's room to ask her opinion on the pack heads' suggestion. He entered without knocking, clearly worn out, and saw her making out with one of her guards, Lain. He cleared his throat in dismay to declare his presence. "Now is not the right time," Laurette said, pulling away from the guard and glaring at her brother. But Allen appeared to be frozen in place, his eyes saying "wrap it up" as he gazed at his sister. With a sigh of frustration, she rose from the guard's lap and waved her hands at him. The guards rises to leave, appearing embarrassed, and gives the Alpha a small bow before hurriedly leaving the room.
Allen, obviously disgusted by his sister's actions, keeps staring at her. She looks at him as though his stare does not bother her. "You need to stop this, barging into my room unannounced," she says. "I am not a child, so I am free to do as I please. Why are you here, anyway?
Upon observing the distress in her brother's eyes, Laurette sits on the chair facing him as he sights and then moves on to the couch. She asks, "What is going on?"
"Because our pack is facing threats, the pack heads recommended that I wed Omega Julianna in order to forge a solid alliance." When he looks at his sister, he expects her to protest, but instead she says, "Allen, you have to do this for the pack." I understand that it may seem difficult, but you must, my brother.
It dawns on him that the idea has the support of everyone. "You have been talking to your mother," he says. Feeling sorry for him, she gets up to sit next to him. She turns to face him and says, "You are the Alpha of this pack, so you must do what is best for the pack. Mother and Father agree with the proposal of the pack heads because it is the only other option we have."
THE MEETING
The next day, Allen was in his office working when his father's guard came to inform him that his parents along with some pack heads had gathered to meet with him, inorder to finalize the strategic marriage between the two packs.
Standing outside the conference room and inhaling deeply, Allen went inside. He was aware of the stakes: both his own future as Alpha and the future of his pack. Inside, the pack chiefs sat with his parents, the former Alpha and Alpha female, their features grim and solemn. When Allen saw the resolve in their eyes, his heart fell.
"Allen, we've called this meeting to finalize the arrangements for your marriage to Omega Julianna," his mother said in a strict although slightly affectionate tone. Anxiety wrenched Ryker's stomach as he sat down.
He said, "I understand," in an attempt to sound neutral.
The Pack Head Thornton's eyes narrowed as he bent forward. "This union, Allen, is crucial to the pack's future. The Blackwoods are a powerful ally, and this union will secure our position for generations to come."
Allen nodded, feeling a sense of duty wash over him. He knew that this marriage was expected of him, and that refusing would have serious consequences. "I understand the importance of this alliance," Allen said, trying to sound convincing. "I'll do my duty and marry Omega Julianna."
His parents exchanged a look, and for a moment, Allen thought he saw a flicker of disappointment in their eyes. But it was quickly replaced by a stern expression. "Good," his father said, his voice firm. "We'll begin making the arrangements immediately. The wedding will take place in three months' time." Allen felt a cold dread creeping up his spine as he nodded, trying to keep his emotions in check. He knew that he had just sealed his fate, and that his future was now inextricably linked to Omega Julianna's. As the meeting adjourned and the pack heads filed out, Allen's parents lingered behind, their eyes locked on his.
"Allen, we know this isn't an easy decision for you," his mother said, her voice softening. "But we have faith in you. You'll make a great Alpha, and this marriage will secure our pack's future." Allen forced a smile, trying to reassure them. But inside, he felt like he was dying, suffocating under the weight of his duty.
To distract himself from the marriage planning, Allen made the decision to go to a high-level meeting with the leaders of the Silver Mist pack to discuss a possible alliance between their packs.
A figure was standing off to the side, watching the scene with curiosity, and he couldn't help but notice it as he entered the huge meeting room.
It was Omega Akira.
Akira's eyes met Ryker's, and he was suddenly attracted to her. He averted his eyes swiftly, attempting to gather his thoughts. As the meeting got underway, Allen couldn't help but peek at Maria, who didn't appear to notice the attention at all.
At the conclusion of the conversation, the pack's Alpha stood up to speak to the group. He remarked loudly, "I think we've covered everything. Let's finalize the details and—" Akira interrupted him before he could finish. "Excuse me, Alpha," he responded, "but I think there's something we should consider."
Allen returned his gaze to Akira as she started talking, her eyes gleaming with intelligence. Allen was engrossed in what the Omega had to say, enthralled by her remarks as though they had a hidden agreement.
He was unable to articulate it, but he felt a strong bond with Akira, as though they had a secret understanding. Ryker knew he needed to find a way to speak with Maria once more as the meeting came to an end. He was unable to let this attraction subside. He had no idea that the adventure that would forever alter their lives had begun with their first encounter.