Alpha Valerius

Magical Anguish

As the last chain of thoughts passed through my mind, I was finally pulled back to reality. The sound of people chattering and music playing invaded my ears and I turned around to look at the mass. There was so many people. Rich people. Wives of high military men, and those that advised the higher ups. I caught a glimpse of our Luna, but she disappeared soon after.

It was a nightmare. I felt appalled by the noise, stepping further and further away from the crowd. But I couldn't go far away.

The bond that Valerius and I had was tugging on me softly, as if relaying that it's dangerous to go any further. I hated myself for agreeing to that notion, but I had no choice. As an omega, I have to be careful of my whereabouts and the people that are around me. One small mistake could be fatal.

However...the night was young.

As I looked up into the sky, the moon shone brightly above. It gave me some sort of reassurance, washing away the fears that slowly crept in. As I stared, I counted the minutes as they passed. Already, half an hour had passed. In another 30 minutes, Valerius would look for me, in order to take me away.

My bottom lip trembled.

I had to refrain from letting my emotions get the best of me, swallowing back the sorrow that has been eating me up. I would deal with this, just as I have dealt with many things before.

Reminding myself that it was almost time, I slowly waltzed back to where my family was. My sister was alone, standing near one of the tables while worriedly looking around. I knew she was looking for me, but somehow the sight of her made me feel even more hollow.

Once we part, who know when we will see each other again. I would part ways with her with the memory of the fight that occurred between me and my father.

It hurt.

But there was no other choice.

I approached her with a forced smile. Her eyes widened at the sight of me and she was instantly by my side.

"Where were you! You shouldn't walk away by yourself like that, you know that it's dangerous."

She argued, scolding me softly as her worried eyes searched mine. Her touch was gentle, her hands warm and my heart picked up its pace. I hugged her, slowly, accepting the healing warmth of her body.

"Sorry...I needed to clear my head for a bit."

Her body relaxed instantly and she returned the hug passionately. I felt the tremble in her hands, although I could sense that she was trying to hide it as much as possible. I didn't want to question it, but she might be taking all of this just as hard as I am.

"Sorry."

I repeated my words, my hold on her tightening. We separated after a couple of moments, and my eyes fell upon the gracious smile that adorned her lips. Her eyes were sad, glassed over from the threatening tears. For a moment, I felt stupid I had reacted like that. But...I didn't regret what I said.

"It's okay..It's okay."

She said reassuringly.

"Listen, Rosalie...This is probably very hard to accept, but...if he is your mate then everything will be different."

She began, her voice trembling as she continued on.

"You found your mate, you found your real home. So don't think so much about it, okay?"

I looked down at our intertwined hands.

On another level, she was right. Now that I know that he was my mate, the circumstances change. But that doesn't change the fact that I was bought by his money in order to meet and be with him.

I still bit back the words that I wanted to say. Smiling gently at her, I nodded.

"Yeah, you're right."

"There you are!"

My mother's voice cut off our conversation. She strode over to us, huffing softly.

"Your father has gone to check if everything is prepared. You will be leaving soon."

She said in a hurry, fixing up her dress and dismissing the words she had definitely heard. It was clear, she didn't want to linger on the aftermath. She didn't want that to ruin the night and the celebration.

Our pack had won a battle, my family had gotten a shot for a better future.

Taking in a deep breath, I straightened my back and nodded at her.

It'll be okay.

I thought to myself. Chanting those words over and over in my head, I somehow forgot about one little thing.

What will, my little flower?

His voice echoed in my head. As if it was made that way, my mind and body instantly reacted. My emotions went haywire and I felt a pleasurable shiver run down my spine. A blush spread across my cheeks, the sudden warmth making me feel lightheaded.

The fact that he heard me was embarrassing, but the fact that he could easily break down my walls and enter my mind through our bond like that, was frightening.

Still, his voice gave me the chills and a major storm of butterflies. I stayed quiet, focusing on closing the possibility of him hearing what I was thinking.

"Ladies."

But the devil himself decided to show up uninvited.

My eyes instantly flickered to him, the wolf inside me happily urging me to come closer to him. He was a magnet and the cause of all of my emotions. I had to swallow the urge to bathe in his scent. It was strong and overwhelming. His pheromones filling my nose, inviting me in and chaining me to the addiction that was him.

Our eyes met and he knowingly nodded at me.

He was allowing me to come closer.

Don't.

Before I knew it, I subconsciously refused and let my mother do the talking. His eyes flashed the bright yellow, as if he was surprised that I was resisting.

"Sir, everything is prepared."

My mother said in a calm voice, looking up at him in admiration and gratitude.

It made me feel sick.

"It's okay."

My sister whispered into my ear and rubbed my back in a comforting manner. As if she was saying that there was no reason to be afraid.

As if she was letting me go.

I don't want to go.

I don't.

Please, don't make me go.

Once again, I felt the pressure. And before I knew it, he was so close to me, that I was left without a breath.

His height was intimidating. His scent confused my senses and his aura made me want to bow my head in shame.

I refused my alpha and now he was taking other measures.

Everything else was wiped out.

My mother, my sister, the people and the party. The noise, the chatter, the music. It was gone. It was just him and me.

His eyes bore into mine. Those golden orbs that instilled fear. For a moment, mine lingered on the scar on his face. But I didn't find it repulsing. Instead, somehow, I thought it made him even more attractive. It corresponded to his strong presence, gave that final touch to make him seem even more terrifying.

But all I saw was...how attractive he was. How gentle those golden eyes seemed, warm and welcoming.

Entranced, his hand came up slowly. His fingers grazed over my left cheek, sending off a chain of pleasant sparks along my skin. I leaned into his touch subconsciously. My worries were gone, my fears dispersed and I was left with nothing but mere want and attraction to this man.

His lips parted and so did mine. He inhaled a breath, I exhaled. I could hear the beating of our hearts, gently thumping in the same rhythm.

It was magical.

And agonizing.

Reminded by memories of today's events, I turned away from his touch and took a step back. The pain in my chest spread and I felt the disappointment seeping out from both of us. His stare continued to linger on my face, but I didn't want to turn to look at him.

I don't...want to look at him.

But in the last second, I took a glimpse at his face...and caught the way his eyes squinted in anguish. As if he was crushed by the reality...that his mate was slowly rejecting him.