Bet My Life to Alpha Jace

"f**k off, dogs," I growled while dashing out of this dense woodland. The pack's soldiers are on the hunt for me like they usually do. Well, none of us are allowed to cross the border at night. It was said to be for everyone's safety, which I always violated. There's no fun in being a puppet. Besides, I am not some damsel in distress that needs saving. I can save myself. The moon glides alongside as I keep running, providing me with some catastrophic light. I didn't let my wolf out, as I would enter the human realm and it's pretty risky for me to do that. Each stride was exhausting, and my breathing began to slow down. 'Ah, what a life.' I climbed up the fence that separated us from the rest. Life in the pack is dull with nothing but training and how to be a strong warrior. Today is my supposed vacation, so why can't I wander and do what I like? As an extrovert, a little adventure is all that matters to me. I am Solene De Vera, the beta's daughter. I have my way different from the rest, which my pack seems to oppose...it's nothing new to me anymore. They viewed me from a perspective that is not in the same lens as I do. I've been ridiculed and, of course, been lectured a lot. I've heard far worse comments and insults even during childhood. I wasn't as rebellious as I was before, but some circumstances forced me to change. They're telling me how to behave like a beta's daughter, which I always detest...now. The set of principles and morale is just too much for me to bear. I believe that my title doesn't equate to what I should be as a person. That kind of logic is bullshit. I stand on my ground, and I don't get swayed by some hurtful words. I am 19, free, and independent. I whistled in happiness as I eyed my favorite roadstead. My feet immediately strode onwards into one of the clubhouses of Saphamore, our neighboring town where humans live. "Oh, Solene, you're here," Lithia, the club owner, whom I befriend, welcomes me with a broad smile as I open the door. "Of course," I winked as I gave her a tight hug. She guides me to one of the VIP rooms, where we usually hang out. "Where have you been? It took you two days to be back, ha!?" she spat in a random voice. I raised my brows upon remembering what had happened. "Behave yourself, Solene. The Alpha plans to kick you out. Do you really want to be a rogue?" my father spoke angrily as he lectured me. I rolled my eyes in annoyance. As if he would let his only daughter be a rogue. My father may look intimidating, but as his daughter, I know better. Behind that rigid face is a loving father. "Don't test my patience, Solene. I'm giving you two days to self-reflect. You are not allowed to go out of your room," he added, before leaving my room. I groaned, vexed by what he had said. I always had methods to get away but I decided to keep a low profile for a while. Perhaps I need to give dad a day off from all of his stress and nagging. "Just resting, Lithia. Why? Are you sulking?" I uttered as I bumped her shoulder and smirked. Humans are easy to fool. That's a fact. "Nah! Btw, here's your drink—a friendly reminder. Don't get too drunk, okay?" I nodded in response before she went out. I started to drink my tequila. A drink that could literally quench my thirst. I let out a heavy sigh as I spread my arms on the couch like some mafia boss. 'Ah, this is what life looks like.' Shot after shot. Drink after drink. Embracing the freedom offered to me at this moment while letting myself get soaked in alcohol. A few more shots and my world started to spin. My vision began to fold, and my view clouded. I felt so wasted. My head grew heavier each passing moment. I tried to concentrate, but it seemed like concentration was the most challenging thing to do at that moment. "Solene, someone is looking for you," Lithia spoke as she entered the room. I can't clearly see her face, but I ought to recognize her voice. I tried my best to look normal, but the effect of the alcohol was manipulating my body. I close my eyes tightly as I can no longer hold my eyelids open—damn alcohol. I aspired to listen to my surroundings idling for someone to speak to me. It certainly took me a minute of observation when I suddenly felt my body rise up on the couch. Someone carry me out. I scrunched my nose as the familiar smell lingered in it. The room fell silent like some holy beings just passed through it. Who could be my visitor? I tried to open my eyes only to meet the piercing and hostile face of Alpha Jace. It's like my drunken body suddenly reoperates. One look at him and my drunkenness suddenly washed out. I later realized our position, me in between his stumps. My eyes widened, and I immediately jumped off his clutch. I almost slammed my butt on the tiled floor when I lost my balance. "Careful, stubborn woman," Jace spoke in a chilly tone as he held my wrist. His touch sends shivers to my whole body, like cold snow in the summer solace. I retrieved my hands from his firm grip, managing my exposure. "Why are you here?" I asked, using my most unceremonious voice. "Shouldn't I ask you that, Solene?" he replied, gritting his teeth. I usually don't give a damn about Jace. But somehow, at that moment, his presence made me tremble. It's not a feeling of dread. It's unknown, and I can't put a name on it because it felt brand-new and foreign to me. "I'm here for pleasure. How about you?" I replied, trying to challenge him. His stare heightened as his jaw locked. "Pleasure, ha?" "I can provide you with that, Solene," Jace muttered as he began to take my post. His every stride caused me to take a step backward to avoid his bold gaze, but not until I reached the wall that allowed him to envelop me. He placed his right hand on my side and grabbed my chin with his other hand, motioning me to look at him. For the first time in my life, I'd accepted defeat as I couldn't win over his intent gaze. I tried to shove him away, but his weight was too much for me. I looked around only to see Lithia, watching us with wide eyes. I gathered all my strength and pushed Jace away. "My friend is here," I spoke while looking at his distressed expression. Jace looks back, raising his brow while sending a cold scowl at Lithia. My poor friend stuttered as she excused herself. "Let's go back home, Solene." I watched as Jace turned his back to me while I was still frozen at my post. I was gradually digesting the situation. What just happened? Why did he come here? I tried to give myself a pinch just to make sure I was not hallucinating things, only for me to realize that everything was real. Jace is real. My mind is on haywire, knowing that the man who arrived never came to me when I rebelled. I shook my head in short disbelief, then later reclaimed my cool. I decided to strip off any random chimera related to him and programmed my mind into something else. That man isn't worth a penny of my thoughts.