The Witches Fated Mate

Betrothed

Jackson

I paced in the kitchen as I waited for her. She had messaged that things were changing and I was anxious to hear what was going on. The pack had gathered the night before and held funerals, the pyres smoldering long into the night. The feeling still sat with me and my father remained angry. Michael had begun to struggle with losing Elyse when she was married and Sarah was losing her fight against being married off as well. As much as our problems weighed on me, I was happy to see her. The lake house had become our secret little love nest and everytime I was with her the world couldn’t reach us. I heard the door and turned to find her coming inside. She smiled as I crossed the room and pulled her into my arms.

“I missed you.” I murmured as I kissed her.

“I missed you too.”

“So what’s going on?” I asked as we sat on the couch. She explained what they thought the hunters were going to do next. Silence stretched out between us while we considered what to do next.

“I think what we do next is go to bed. Then tomorrow we go speak to my father.”

“Your father hates me.” She argued as I led her to the bedroom.

“He doesn’t. He is just.” I hesitated before adding. “Old.” She giggled at my calling my father old as we crawled into bed and she settled into my arms. We lay in silence for a few moments before she sat up and looked at me.

“I’m not that tired.” She said as she pulled her shirt off over her head. Grinning I tackled her back onto the bed, intent on wearing us both out.

I lay with her snuggled in my arms, thinking about how I could never get used to this. I loved this woman and she was everything I could have ever wished for. I wanted to stay with her forever. I woke up early though so I could get back and meet with my father about the threat looming. Leaving her sleeping I headed to the pack house.

“Here he is now.” My father walked out of the living room, throwing his arm over my shoulder and steering me into the room. My mother was seated with another couple I had never met. “My son, future Alpha Jackson.” He said proudly. “This is Alpha James and his wife Luna Claire.” He introduced as I shook hands with James and nodded to his wife. “This is their daugher Olivia.” He introduced us and she smiled at me from her chair.

“Father, I had hoped for a word.” I said quietly.

“Sure son. In a bit. I have news.” He waved me off as he stepped over to my mother and she stood up, linking her arm in his. “Your mother and I have reached a treaty with James to tie our packs together. Olivia will be your wife.” He smiled. I looked around and they were all grinning.

“I.I am what?” I stuttered. “What are you talking about?” I frowned as his words ran around my brain.

“You are betrothed. Congratulations my love!” Mother came over and hugged me excitedly. I stood there in shock that my father would do this, let alone that he would spring it on me. My father was busy passing out glasses of champaign and I felt a numbness filling my body.

“I figured with our little witch problem, we could use all the help we can get with strengthening our packs.”

“By marrying off your children?” I asked, mother almost choking on her drink.

“By forging strategic alliances.” My father responded struggling to maintain his posture. “The same way we did with Elyse. The same way we will do with Sarah. As Alpha you will learn to make difficult decisions.”

“Difficult decisions? Is it difficult to marry off your children without their consent? What about the mate bond?” I asked incredulously.

“You are starting to sound like your sister.” He stepped closer to me, his eyes threatening me to shut up.

“Maybe Sarah has a point.” I gritted. “Listen Olivia right?” I turned to look at her. “You are beautiful and I am sure you are lovely, but I am not about to marry someone I don’t know. Especially someone who isn’t my mate.” I turned to leave the room, my father grabbing my arm.

“Jackson you are embarrasing your mother.” He attempted to pull me back into the room but I broke contact, yanking my arm away.

“She should be embarrased. This entire situation is embarrasing!” I shouted, the room falling silent. I turned on my heel and left the room. I was about to walk out the front door when he grabbed me from behind, slamming me up against the wall.

“Jackson I don’t know who you think you are but you will do as I tell you.” He snarled in my face.

“You do not get to decide who I marry.” I growled.

“You will do exactly as I say boy!” He boomed in his alpha voice. “You think I don’t know your little witch is your mate? I have seen the way you look at her.” He mumbled. “There is no way any son of mine is embarrasing me by choosing a witch. Mate or not. You will marry Olivia and she will be your Luna. End of discussion.” He was still using his Alpha voice but his tone had quieted. “I would suggest you go break things off. The contract is signed with her father. You will be married in two weeks time.” He let me go and turned on his heel, stalking off back towards the living room to smooth things over. I stood there watching his back vanishing into the room, a deep hatred beginning to fester within me. I stepped outside, my heart hammering in my chest, as I contemplated how I was going to get out of this one. My head was crowded with noise as I headed back towards the lake, knowing she would be awake soon and our battle had just gained another front to fight on.