Snow White and the Alpha

Chapter 1: Preparation

|Nieves|

Before everything I loved vanished before my eyes, before betrayal shattered my world, I was once the young, innocent, and naive Nieves White of the White Pack. I was the girl who would go to any lengths to earn the approval of those I admired, the girl who took every slight and insult deeply to heart, and the girl who held steadfast faith that those she trusted with her very life would always remain her staunch allies.

"The Clarksons will arrive in three days. Are the preparations nearly complete?"

"Yes. The accommodations for their three-month stay are all set, Luna."

"That's reassuring to hear. Then..."

This was where it all began.

I found myself seated in a quiet corner of the tent, waiting for my grandmother—whom I affectionately call Lola—to conclude her meeting. To be perfectly honest, my presence here was more ceremonial than crucial. I was here solely because Lola had insisted. Under her guidance, I was learning how to be an effective Luna. Attending her meetings and errands was part of her way of imparting lessons, allowing me to observe firsthand how she managed her responsibilities. In a few months, I would also be stepping into this role, and Lola wanted me to witness the intricacies of her duties up close.

The scene within the council chambers of our pack was nothing short of pandemonium—an absolute whirlwind of disarray. The members, each a key player in our pack’s intricate web, were in a state of frantic activity. Voices overlapped in a cacophony of urgent discussions as they huddled together, exchanging updates and confirming their individual tasks with Lola, who was tirelessly managing the chaos. Panic gripped the air, especially among those tasked with preparing and accommodating the arrival of the distinguished visitors.

The Clarksons.

The very name carried the weight of significance. They were one of the two principal packs of the illustrious Ares clan, a name that commanded respect across the Aegean continent. The Ares clan itself was one of the seven most prominent clans, their influence stretching far and wide. For us, the White Pack—my own clan—this meant our obligations were both clear and paramount. We were expected to extend the highest levels of respect and hospitality to our esteemed guests.

Myrtle Peak, our secluded outpost situated in the southern reaches of the Aphrodite clan’s territory, was seldom graced by visitors due to its remote location. Yet, the arrival of such an important pack was unprecedented and solely due to one reason: ME.

The White Pack was on the brink of a historic transition. My union with Clarkson Pack’s youngest son was not merely a marriage but a strategic alliance that would seal a treaty of immense importance. This marriage, a bond between two powerful families, would cement the alliance and pave the way for a new chapter in our clan’s history.

As civilization advanced and the Ares clan, ever-expanding and swiftly gaining ground, began to challenge the dominance of the three most powerful and influential clans on the Aegean continent, my grandmother made a pivotal decision. Realizing that she could no longer ensure the safety of the entire White Pack through her own efforts alone, she chose to accept the alliance proposed by the Clarksons. It became clear to her that, given the inevitable rise of other clans and the shifting balance of power, aligning with the Ares clan was the wisest course of action. The protection and influence offered by the Ares clan would be crucial for securing our future.

As the meeting unfolded, I listened intently, a familiar presence in these strategic discussions. Whenever Lola brought me to these gatherings, it was not merely for formality. Instead of burdening me with books and reports, she preferred to immerse me in the practicalities of leadership and governance. For Lola, hands-on experience was the most valuable teacher.

I remained seated, observing with a sense of patience as my grandmother diligently carried out her responsibilities. To stave off boredom, my gaze occasionally wandered to the candle chandeliers overhead, their soft, golden light casting a warm glow around the room. I found amusement in the shifting patterns of light on the ornate furniture and the fleeting silhouettes of guards moving past the tent’s entrance.

After what felt like an eternity, the meeting finally drew to a close. The moment my grandmother, Lola, called for its adjournment, the occupants of the tent rose from their seats and began to file out, each departing in their own time. Lola's secretary, moving with purpose, approached her to discuss pressing matters and finalize a few details. The secretary stayed for only a few minutes before giving a formal, if brief, farewell and leaving the tent.

With the room now emptier, I took the opportunity to stand and make my way to the back of Lola’s chair.

“So… David and his family are set to arrive in three days?” I asked, gently placing my hands on her shoulders and starting the familiar massage that had become my ritual of support for her. It was my way of showing solidarity as she continued to manage our pack, even though her leadership was meant to be temporary.

Truth be told, I should have been the one in her position, leading and guiding our people. But being under the age of nineteen, I was not yet permitted to assume the role of authority. The trust of our people still rested firmly with my grandmother.

Following my father’s death, my grandmother had been thrust into the role of leader, taking on the mantle of authority and responsibility for our clan until I was of age. That had been four years ago. During these years, Lola had diligently prepared me for the duties that lay ahead. And in three months, the mantle of Luna of the White Pack would pass to me.

My family, along with our pack, is firmly under the influence of the branch family of the Aphrodite clan. The clan is structured with a central core and subsidiary branches: the main family comprises two packs, while each branch family is made up of three packs.

Before I am bestowed with my title, I will be marrying a man from the Ares clan, a union that, fortuitously, involves my destined mate. This man is David Clarkson, the youngest scion of the Clarkson Family. Our marriage is set to be solemnized on the very day I reach the age of twenty.

Although the White pack is a smaller pack within Aphrodite’s branch family, we command the largest territory. Yet, despite our vast lands, our relatively small numbers make it challenging to manage everything efficiently. This reality led Lola to accept the Clarksons' proposal, a strategic move to bolster our resources and support.

As I continued to massage Lola’s neck and shoulders, I waited patiently for her to respond to my inquiry. Her sighs of relief and the contented way she relaxed into the massage suggested she was enjoying the gentle pressure I applied. I decided not to press further, assuming her preoccupation with the upcoming meeting had caused her to miss my question.

However, my assumption was quickly overturned. After a moment of thoughtful silence, Lola spoke up, "Yes, the Clarksons will be arriving in two to three days." Her words brought a broader smile to my face, filling me with anticipation.

“Who’s accompanying David, Lola? Are his parents with him?” I inquired, hoping to steer our conversation forward.

“I believe it’s only his mother who decided to come. His father chose to stay behind,” Lola replied.

The mention of ‘mother’ made my brow furrow instantly. David’s mother had passed away some time ago. So, this ‘mother’ Lola referred to must be…

“Mother? Are you talking about his step-mother?” I ventured, trying to piece together the puzzle.

“Yes,” she confirmed briefly.

My lips pursed at her affirmation. As I continued to gently massage Lola’s neck and head, my thoughts drifted to the one vivid memory I had of David’s step-mother. It was from a few years back, perhaps around the time of my second meeting with David. That encounter with her was far from pleasant.

“Don’t worry about David’s step-mother, Nieves. As long as I’m here, no one will dare insult you,” Lola reassured me, as if she had sensed my unspoken concerns.