Betrothed to the Demon Alpha

THE REAL YOU

CLARITY

We were quickly grouped to be introduced to Alpha Amos. Hearing the order, I suddenly felt like a commodity being sold at a discounted price. It didn’t sit right with me, but I kept her head down.

My mind is still panicking from the sudden stir of emotions. A part of me kept convincing myself that what I felt earlier was real, but the other part was slapping me with the reality that it was impossible. I don’t even have a wolf, so how did I recognize my mate?

The introduction has started, catching my attention. I almost forgot that I would have to face him eventually, whether I liked it or not.

I quickly checked on the first people to go, just so I would know how to act properly later. They seemed to be the ones who knew what they were doing. I assume they were from member families of the pack council.

“My name is Marie Stella Hemming, the only daughter of the fallen beta of the Blood Moon pack, Gray Hemming.” The first woman spoke with so much hatred in her voice.

I was quite far from the front, but even I could sense bitterness and vengeance in her voice. There was complete silence after her introduction. Alpha Amos didn’t flinch or react even a bit. She challenged him to speak up, to say something about her father's death and the other casualties. Instead, she was quickly escorted outside.

Shiver crawled down my spine. The new alpha had not only killed the old alpha but also two of the pack betas…

The introduction proceeded as if nothing had happened. No one dared to do the same as the first woman, but the fear many of us felt definitely increased exponentially. His eyes bore to each candidate, scrutinizing us without uttering a single word. It made me more nervous than I already was, especially with this constant voice in my head reminding me that we’re mated.

My senses continue to heighten the more I get near to him. I suddenly see, hear, and smell better, but I could only focus on his scent. It was making me fuzzy, but not in a bad way.

Finally, it was time for me to introduce myself, but I suddenly ran out of words to say.

“Go on.” My own father urged me to speak.

A wave of misery hit me, but I proceeded before I got scolded and embarrassed myself even more.

“G-greetings, Alpha.” I cleared my throat as barely any voice came out of me, “I’m Camille-” I instantly paused when he suddenly let out a low laugh that sounded like he was mocking me.

He didn’t have any idea what I’d been through before I got here, or how conflicted I am right now and he was just laughing at me?

Was he laughing because of our bond? Maybe he finds it ridiculous that we’re mated and that he is already thinking of ways to reject our bond. Of course, what am I expecting in this situation? He’ll never accept a weak mate after everything that I heard about him.

“Sorry for the interruption. What is your name again?” Alpha Amos suddenly spoke, making the whole place silent again. This was the first time I heard his voice, and it quickly made my mind blank again.

He stared at me intently, waiting for my response. I sensed desire in his eyes, which confused me even more.

“Child, the alpha is waiting.” My father quickly urged me

“I’m Camille Ylva, daughter of the beta, Morris Ylva.” I finally managed to utter. His voice lingered in my mind. Everything in me wanted to hear it again, but I knew that it was just wishful thinking.

I quickly moved on, removing myself from the way. There were around forty women to choose from, everyone ranging from the most elegant woman I had seen in my entire life to women who were part of the front-line warriors of the pack. There were also omegas like me, but only a few.

I went back to my seat, wondering what would happen next. The encounter we had was nothing like I had expected. I anticipated questions, which I’m sure I could not answer without messing up, but nothing came.

Despite many of us being brought here out of our will, it was still a formal gathering. There was a short presentation, and I would have enjoyed it if it hadn’t been for the constant pain in my chest.

I stood from my seat and excused myself to go to the restroom. I was able to breathe in relief after I realized that I was alone.

“What do I do now?” I mumbled to myself while looking at myself in the mirror.

My cheeks were flushed, but the rest of my face was pale. Even my body couldn’t decide whether to be flustered or give up with all that was happening.

Would anyone find me if I stayed here until the gathering was over?

My plan quickly backfired when I felt a familiar presence outside. Again, my senses heightened, making me dizzy like earlier.

He’s outside.

I froze on my spot, and so many questions hit my system. The men’s bathroom is on the other side of the hall. I know, because I got lost earlier, so I’m sure he isn’t here by chance. Did he follow me?

I ran my fingers through my hair, trying so hard to keep my composure, and got out. If I remained calm and went on my way, nothing would happen.

Alpha Amos stood from a distance and moved towards me as soon as we saw each other. I lowered my head momentarily and was about to go, fighting the urge to melt and slump on the ground.

“Wait,” he grabbed my arm, making me wince in pain. He wasn’t forceful, but he accidentally held the bruise my mom had inflicted on me when she was pulling me earlier. She made me wear a long-sleeved dress for that reason.

He quickly let go of me and looked surprised by my reaction. “Were you injured?”

I quickly shook my head in panic. “I-I was just surprised, Alpha Amos. My apologies.”

If I could bolt off, I would have already, but I would probably trip if I did that and I don’t dare to just leave him.

There he was again, looking at me intently as if he would devour me whole. He inched closer, making me step away in worry. He didn’t say a word and continued inching closer to me until he was near my neck.

He let out a low growl, making me shudder in both fear and anticipation. I bit my lower lip to stop myself from trembling.

“You… you were lying about something.” He uttered. It wasn’t a question but a clear accusation.

My eyes widened. Does he know that I lied about my identity?

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I blatantly lied, knowing that I’d be dead either way if I got caught here.

I caught my breath, trying so hard to remain composed, but my resolve quickly shattered. “P-please. I just want to go home. I don’t really know what you’re talking about.”

He slowly backed away. I was expecting him to be angry, but he just stared at me again. This time, he seemed curious about something.

“The gathering will be over soon. Then you can go.”

--

Just like he said, the gathering ended and we were returned to our home right after. He didn’t spare a glance at me again, and I should be thankful for that, but I couldn’t help but wonder why he didn’t say a thing about our mate bond.

“What was I expecting?” I mumbled and went back to work. I couldn’t get a proper night’s sleep because of what happened yesterday. I woke up later than usual, and now I’m punished by doing the laundry without eating breakfast. I couldn’t properly eat during the gathering and regret it. There were a lot of times when I couldn’t eat more than one meal a day if I did something wrong in my sister’s or mother’s eyes. My father, on the other hand, didn’t really care and was mostly out to carry out his duties. I should be used to this already, but yesterday’s events really took a toll on me.

“Hurry up and pick up the laundry.” I heard my sister yell from her room.

I quickly rushed from the laundry room to hers, “Sorry, I’m here.”

She threw one of her shirts to my face, “You’re so slow.”

Camille clicked her tongue and turned away from me so she could return to her studies, something I couldn’t do for a long time. I haven’t read a single book for years. I quietly picked up the garment she tossed and the rest of the laundry so I could already finish my job.

“Not now,” I mumbled to myself after my vision became hazy. I shook my head, trying to straighten out my vision, but to no avail.

As if on cue, I felt the familiar ache in my chest. This was the same feeling I got whenever he was near. I gasped, feeling overwhelmed by my senses heightening.

Fear enveloped my whole being. Why is the alpha here?

My body moved on its own. I ran towards the quarters outside to hide, using my body to block the door. I don’t know why exactly I was hiding, but I know that he was here because he knew about what we had done.

The commotion quickly ensued. I heard my mother trying to plead their innocence and my sister’s cries. A wave of guilt hit me. This is all my fault.

“You don’t have to hide. You’re not really good at it even.” I covered my mouth to suppress my surprise.

My mind is in full panic, and I don’t know what else to do but stay still. This time, I heard knocks from outside.

“I won’t hurt you. Get out of there. I’ll break the door if you don’t.” Alpha Amos calmly spoke, but I knew that he was serious about his threat.

I swallowed the lump on my throat, gathered my remaining strength to stand, and opened the door, realizing that there was no use for me to run. I kept my head low and didn’t meet his eyes out of complete fear.

“Clarity, that’s your real name, right?”

His question made me lift my head, making me dizzy even more. I slowly nodded and dropped to my knees.

“I’m sorry for disobeying your order. I… please spare my family.” I slurred my words as I felt my eyelids getting heavier with each passing second.

My body stumbled and landed on his arms.

"I'm late, aren't I?"

Am I hallucinating or am I really seeing worry in his eyes?

I reached out, wanting to hold him, but the heavy feeling in my head had gone unbearable. Everything went black after that.

“Get the pack doctor, now!”