Loathed by the Alpha

Part 11

/His POV/

My father, the Pack Alpha, was sitting in his study, busy reading something. His glasses sat on his nose, brows furrowed together. From a distance, I could still pick out the silver of his hair, dull and thin. I knocked on the door even though he might have anticipated my arrival. He lifted his head, closing the file and motioning me to step in.

"Hi, dad."

"Aiden" He smiled brightly. "I heard that you had finalised your Luna."

I laughed, plopping on the empty chair in front of him. "Word gets around that fast, huh?"

"I'm sorry I caught the end of your conversation." He sheepishly pointed out.

"Eh doesn't matter."

"So it's true?"

"Yes, dad" I cleared my throat. "I want to get this over with as soon as possible."

It's been years of my dream to take over and be a Pack Alpha finally. My father was treated with the utmost respect by every single member of the pack. I wanted to have that as well. As soon as I turned six years, I started my training, and now two decades later, no one could beat me. I managed to master every single move, tactic and hunting strategy that existed.

My father sighed. "It's not something you get over with, son. You are getting a mate. Someone for life. Start taking that seriously."

I rolled my eyes. It's the same thing I've come to hear from my childhood. He still believed in true love and one mate for life concept. Even after everything that went down with his bond. My dads always been a bit too optimistic for my liking.

"Please don't start, dad."

He shook his head, leaning back in his plush chair. A flicker of worry crossed his face. "Are you sure about this one? You can always wait for your mate, you know."

How do I tell him I already found her? She's Caras sister. Rose. The name rolled down my tongue. That omega was my true mate. Just thinking about it made a shudder rack through my body. How could the moon goddess do such a thing?!

Everyone close to me was aware of how much I despised omegas. Having one as a mate was unthinkable for me. The minute I saw her sneakily staring at me, I was stuck with the harsh realisation—we were mates. Thankfully Rose was still unaware of the knowledge as she's only twenty.

It will be a year from now until the omega finds out about me.

Fortunately for me, once I marry Cara, there won't be any opposition from her family. They wouldn't want me to leave their elder daughter for their younger daughter, right? That's why I chose Cara as my Luna. She's a beta.

"I don't want to wait anymore, dad." I looked away, staring at the framed paintings in the room. Why couldn't he let it go? There's only so many times I could lie to him without getting caught.

"Whatever suits you. I'm happy for you." He hesitated for a second. "You should tell your mom about it. I'm sure—"

"Can you stop? I don't want that woman anywhere near me."

Why would he bring her up during such a happy occasion? I gritted my teeth together at the mere mention of her. That woman was away from I, my dad and my entire pack, exactly how I wished the things to be.

"Aiden, she's your mother—"

"And I don't care."

A frown took over my expression. "Please, it's high time you stop defending her, dad. After what she did, you should hate her!"

He went still. My chest hurt at his sudden behaviour change. I cursed myself for bringing it up so harshly. Shame filled my features, and I twisted my lips. "I'm sorry, dad. J-Just do not bring her name up again."

My father nodded, his eyes focused on the desk. "Okay"

"Thank you."

"And you can meet Cara's family soon. We are planning on having dinner anyway. I'll keep you updated"

"I look forward to it."

***

The mating ceremony was always something for which I had been prepared, if not expecting, in future and more than willing to participate. If it would benefit my pack, help ensure its stability and its prosperity, I wanted to do my part. What I hadn't expected, however, was having second thoughts about it.

The sight of the bustling packhouse made me feel I slipped out of reality. Perhaps the closest I ever experienced to this kind of bustle was when clan meetings are held in our packhouse. But even those gatherings didn't hold a candle to this one.

It's the day of the mating ceremony.

Overhead, flags and lines of washing strewn from one building to another or dangled out of windows. The buildings were decorated with colours that are brighter and more varied than I knew existed. All the cabins appeared nothing like the log houses to which I had grown accustomed to. It was both exciting and terrifying at the same time.

Everyone gathered around me on the open lawn. My father insisted on having it in front of our pack house. That way, most of them could attend the gathering and celebrate my union with Cara. My heart raced, sweat forming on the beads of my hairline as I thought about how in few hours I would have a Luna.

My beta, Liam, nudged me. "Nervous?"

That word won't cover the inner turmoil I was experiencing. Instead of being truthful, I slipped him a weak grin, shrugging. It was better than going into detail. We both stood on the platform, waiting for Cara to arrive.

According to our pack traditions, we would exchange our vows in front of Pack Alpha—my father in our human form and then take the blessing of our moon goddess.

I held my breath, contemplating taking a seat instead of staring down the aisle. Cara was to walk all alone in a white dress. As I was about to turn around, my eyes caught her. My stomach swooped and plummeted, lips parted as Cara started walking towards me.

The white mermaid dress fit her body like a second skin, the exposed part of her skin appearing warm and sun-kissed. She had a thick veil over her face, hiding all the features behind that thin cloth. Her loose silky hair cascaded down her shoulder, the evening sun rays making them shine. I was suddenly overcome with the urge to run my hands through them.

My father clear his throat, grabbing everyone's attention in the room. "Now we begin."

***