Betrothed to the Demon Alpha

THE BIGGEST FOOL

CLARITY

Just like that, I was betrothed to the Demon Alpha. I agreed without hesitation to save my family, yet I have never seen them since the day I was brought here. I recovered quite well thanks to everyone’s care. I wasn’t used to it, but I can’t hide feeling happy interacting with people. Everyone tells me not to worry too much, but I can't help but feel a sense of unease.

I just hoped I could talk to Alpha Amos, too… but he’s always busy.

The preparation for the wedding quickly commenced with the Alpha’s orders. A wedding was the last thing I thought would happen to me, but there were so many reasons for me to agree with the wedding. I don’t even know if I was actually allowed to say no.

“Please lift your arms a little bit higher, Ms. Clarity.”

“Sorry,” I answered almost automatically. I did as I was told while the tailor proceeded to take my measurements for the wedding dress.

“All measurements are done.” The woman in her late thirties declared. They quickly proceeded to choose the colors and fabrics this time, not wasting any time as we were to be married in five days.

There were five people inside the room beside me, all busy doing their assigned tasks. I did my best to follow everything they requested, mostly trusting them with technicalities.

“You’ll be a beautiful bride.” One of the tailors commented a compliment after I fitted one of the sample wedding dresses they brought for reference.

I was surprised by her comment and looked at myself in the mirror. I was wearing a green dress, which I guess complemented my hazel-colored eyes. It’s been a while since I could look at myself in the mirror and feel good about it.

The same woman placed a flower crown on my head, and it accentuated the look even more.

“There. It looks perfect with your hair down, or do you want it styled another way?”

I forced myself to smile, but I was sure that I wouldn’t fool anyone with it. “Anything would do,” I said.

Preparing for my wedding would have been a beautiful memory if my family had been with me. If only I weren’t a defective she-wolf, we could have been very happy right now… I don’t even know if I could call myself a she-wolf when I didn’t have a wolf.

I was asked to try on more dresses, and I could only imagine Camille and my mom in the same room, happily helping me choose. It was something that could only exist in my imagination because I knew that even if they were here, they wouldn’t so much as smile or move a muscle to help me. But there’s no harm in wishing, right?

“Emerald green and several shades of blue fit you best, but I think blue is better. The Alpha instructed us to let you handle it, and we’ll make his attire based on your choices. It’s still up to you. What do you think?”

“I’m fine with anything,” I uttered almost automatically.

Her shoulders dropped, clearly not fond of my response. “Ms. Clarity, this is your wedding. The Alpha specified that he wanted you to be in charge, and we are only here to offer advice. Not everyone is given the chance to choose.”

My eyes wandered back to the dresses I had tried on earlier. They would make a custom one for me, but all the other dresses I tried were already good.

After a moment, I answered, “I think the navy blue is good.” I imagined Amos in a suit with a similar color palette. With his good stature, anything would look good, but that particular color would be nice.

I realized my thoughts and lightly shook my head. I was unconsciously thinking about Amos again. It had been going on for days, and it must be the bond at work.

The oldest seamstress among the group smiled. “Of course. We’ll get it done.”

They quickly wrapped up afterward. I offered to help, but they all politely refused. They all left except one, who seemed worried.

“Are you feeling okay? Are you nervous about the wedding?” she asked, almost reluctantly. I also saw guilt in her eyes, which I didn’t understand. They had all been nothing but kind to me. I didn’t think there was anything to be guilty about, although I was a little taken aback by the question.

I slowly nodded. “Maybe? I’m not really sure. This was a bit sudden for me.”

My answer was pure honesty. It's a mixed emotion, really. I don’t hate the situation. After seeing how the Alpha acted towards me and hearing what happened to the old Alpha and others he was accused of killing, I have a strong feeling that he is greatly misunderstood.

At the same time, I feel confused. He suddenly avoided me after I had agreed to the wedding, even though he was the one who wanted to marry me in the first place. As for the rest of the pack, I understood they weren’t disagreeing with the marriage because they wanted me to stand in for the position.

A Luna without any authority.

Everyone looked at me like I was entirely unaware, but I’m more perceptive than they think. I simply don’t react or try to involve myself in things that could endanger my family even more.

“I sincerely hope you feel better soon,” she offered, though she seemed limited in what she could say.

I smiled and thanked her, not bothering to ask anything else. The tailor promptly left, and I followed after a few minutes. I tried my best to familiarize myself with the place. The Alpha’s home is simply too huge for me, and I’m starting to get embarrassed whenever I get lost and have to ask for directions. Werewolves should have a great sense of direction. Even other omegas could decently navigate themselves.

I gathered my courage and tried to head out towards the garden on my own, just to catch some fresh air.

“Poor girl. She doesn’t even have any idea that her family was already ousted.”

The servants were talking a short distance away. I didn’t mean to overhear, but their conversation immediately intrigued me.

“But her parents were really mean to her. I didn’t even know that Beta Morris had another daughter. I’ve helped treat Lady Clarity’s wounds. It was really terrible. The Alpha is terrifying, but those people deserve his wrath and to be kicked out of the pack. She’s an omega, but she’s also their daughter. That’s pure evil.”

My knees buckled after hearing their full conversation. I backed away and fell on my back, alarming the servants.

“Who’s there—oh my Goddess. Lady Clarity, d-did you just arrive?” The omega shivered in fear. By their equally surprised reactions, I guessed they weren’t supposed to tell me about it.

I pushed myself up. “Where is the Alpha right now? I need to talk to him.”

“Please don’t tell Alpha Amos. We’ll get killed. Please.” The servants immediately pleaded.

“Where is he?!” I exclaimed, angry at being lied to.

They looked at each other. “He’s currently in a meeting.”

I didn’t respond and ran away. I didn’t really know where the meeting was held, but I realized that I could find him through the bond. I was already out of breath when I reached the place where I could sense him.

“What are you doing here?” The Alpha’s guards quickly approached me.

Tears had already blurred my vision, but I pushed myself to speak. “Alpha Amos, I have to talk to him.”

The door of the meeting room quickly opened before they could stop me. He came out and walked straight in my direction. I couldn’t read his expression, but I had a feeling he already knew why I was here.

He held my hand and tried to lead me elsewhere, but I pulled away from his hold. “You lied to me. You said they were safe. I trusted you.” I truly trusted his words, grateful that he spared my family, but it was all a lie.

His eyes changed in a snap. I could feel his frustration and anger. Strangely, I didn’t feel afraid anymore.

“Why can’t you see that they would never change? Everything that your so-called family did to you— isn’t that enough to open your eyes? I was trying to protect you!” he snapped, making people around us instinctively back away.

I wiped my tears and met his gaze. “You’re wrong. You didn’t protect me from anything. You just made me the biggest fool for believing you.” I was blinded by our bond and misjudged the situation.

His expression softened, and for a moment, I felt guilt from him. Unfortunately, it was too late.

“I hate you.”