Married to the Alpha

Chapter Two: Black Wolf

|MARIA|

"Why are you here!" my mom trembled, her voice filled with surprise as she saw me enter the kitchen. Her wide eyes betrayed her shock at my unexpected presence.

I clenched my teeth, grappling with a surge of emotions—anger, disappointment, sadness, confusion. I didn't know what to feel anymore. But her reaction told me she was already aware of Aunt Helen's ominous deal. She hadn't expected me to return.

My gaze fell upon the dirty plates scattered across our worn dining table. Ignoring me, she began to gather them, placing them in the sink with deliberate movements. I watched her every action, refusing to avert my eyes.

It struck me like a bolt of moonlit lightning that I had returned just in time. They had already finished their meal, a rare departure from our tradition of dining together since my homecoming. We never excluded anyone. Yet tonight, they had forged ahead without me. Did she foresee my absence, my entrapment in that cursed mansion, bound by her decrees?

I halted my inner blame game; dwelling on possibilities only deepened my anguish. I closed my eyes, swallowing hard against the lump forming in my throat. I needed to confront her, to confirm everything I'd heard from Aunt Helen.

I needed the truth.

I opened my mouth to speak, but my voice faltered. What if Aunt Helen was jesting? What if she hadn't told me the truth? But Aunt Helen wasn't known for deception. In all the years I'd known her, she'd never spun falsehoods about anything significant. Could I trust my judgment?

I took a deep breath, trying to steady the flood of 'what ifs' crashing through my mind. Panic threatened to overwhelm me, each thought leading to frantic conclusions.

Clearing my throat, I opened my eyes and summoned the courage to confront my mother. "Is i-it true, mom?" I managed to ask, my voice trembling despite my efforts to steady it.

She didn't answer immediately, instead turning to face me with a puzzled expression. "What a-are you talking a-about?" she countered, leaning against the sink, her hands gripping the edge of the kitchen counter.

"T-That..." I struggled to form the words, my throat tight with emotion. "Did I hear Aunt Helen right? That you..." A tear slipped down my cheek, and I quickly wiped it away. Biting my lip to stave off the rising tide of tears, I struggled to continue.

My mother sighed heavily, her silence deafening. She turned away, busying herself with the dishes, as though my question had never been asked. The clatter of plates and cutlery pierced the air, snapping me out of my daze.

My heart pounded painfully in my chest. Oh God, no. Please, no. Deny it, mom.

"Mom," I pleaded, desperation creeping into my voice. I needed her to explain everything, to look me in the eye and deny what I feared. I wanted her to tell me it was all a lie, that I was dreaming, or that Aunt Helen's words were beyond my comprehension. I needed her to tell me it wasn't true.

Her silence shattered the fragile hope I clung to. She focused intently on arranging dishes in the cupboard, avoiding my gaze. Determined for answers, I approached her, yearning for reassurance. But as she turned to face me, I anticipated a comforting embrace or a denial of the accusations.

My mother, always gentle and caring, betrayed an unfamiliar storm in her eyes — fury mixed with sorrow. "Why are you here?! Why did you even dare to come back?" Her words lashed out, laced with pain. "I hoped you'd stay at the mansion once you knew the truth! You should be disappointed by now! What if they decide to claim the debt—"

She cut herself off, forcing herself to look away from me, struggling with her emotions. "So... it's true then?" I managed to say, a bitter laugh escaping me amidst tears streaming down my cheeks. "That I'm really... the p*****t for all your debts to the Lancasters?!" The words came out disrespectful, tinged with despair.

I bit my lip, regretting my outburst. Instead of responding, she avoided my questions, but I caught a glimpse of her eyes. I recognized that look — one of anguish and guilt.

Then if she's hurting and guilty, Why did she do it? How could she choose me as p*****t for her debt? Surely, there must be another way!

She busied herself wiping the counter and taking over my usual tasks, it sank in that this might be the new normal, perhaps for days, months, or even years to come..

“Your mom is indirectly confirming the deal, Maria," Aunt Helen's voice cut through my thoughts, tinged with frustration.

Do you need to bang your head against reality to see the bitter truth?!

I couldn't fathom that my own mother could sell me off, use me as a bargaining chip for her debts. It made me question my worth to her, my place in her heart. Had I done something wrong? Was I a disappointment? Did she even love me? I felt like a disposable object, easily cast aside.

"Mom," I pleaded, desperate for answers, for her presence. Unable to bear my scrutiny, she stopped abruptly, turning to face me with anger in her eyes.

"Yes, it's true!" she burst out, her words laced with defiance. "You're the p*****t for my debt to the Lancaster family! I don't care if you hate me for it! I won't change my mind, no matter how much you plead or try to understand my reasons! I don't care, and I don't regret it!" Tears welled in her eyes as her confession hung heavy in the air.

I was frozen in place, her words hitting me like a dagger to the heart, each one echoing in my mind, leaving me speechless and numb with pain.

It hurts. It fvcking hurts.

So that’s it? This is the truth I've been searching for, the reason I fled the mansion and rushed home—to hear the answers. And now, my mother’s words have confirmed everything about the deal.

To be honest, my strength is my family. They are why I chose to face every challenge and survive in this world. Giving them a better life was my only goal. But now, it seems that goal is out of reach. I don’t wish for wealth or comfort, only to be with my family. For me, having them and being with them is my true wealth and happiness.

But my mother seemed to want the opposite. The complete opposite.

I was jolted from my thoughts by the sound of footsteps approaching from behind. I didn’t even turn around to see who it was; the steps were loud and familiar. It had to be my father and siblings. Maybe they’ve found out I’m home.

Home. I grimaced. Wait. Do I still have a home in this household?

"M-Maria?" A trembling voice called from behind me. I bit my lower lip at the sound of it. I didn't need to hear from him about why I was here or what the deal was. The quiver in his voice told me everything—I knew my father was aware of it all.

Damn it, am I nothing more than a bargaining chip? The thought filled me with rage and disgust at their cold, heartless reasoning.

"Ria! You're finally here!" My little brother's excited voice broke through my thoughts, calling me by my nickname.

I quickly wiped away my tears and forced a smile as he bounded up to me, his face lit up with joy. Biting my lip to hold back my sobs, I struggled to keep myself together. This might be the last time I see him, the last time I see his smile.

"H-hey Carlo," I said, squatting down to meet his gaze. He frowned as he looked at my tear-stained face.

"Did you cry?" he asked, wide-eyed. I tried to give him a genuine smile but ended up grimacing. Without answering, I pulled him into a tight hug, feeling the warmth of his small body. I would miss him terribly.

After a few moments, I managed to compose myself. Standing up, I faced my father, who quickly averted his eyes when he met mine. It was the familiar look of someone weighed down by guilt.

Well, do I have a choice to defy them? After all, they are my parents, bound by blood and duty. Their topmost priority was always our family's conformity. That’s why I will try to understand. I will understand them because I love them. And perhaps, there's a good reason they've done this to me... hopefully.

"Why?" was the only question I managed to ask.

"Forgive u-us, Ria," my father's voice shattered the heavy silence. He stepped toward me, each stride closing the gap between us until he stood just inches away. "I was the one who borrowed money from the Lancasters," he confessed, his voice thick with remorse.

My mind whirled as he continued, "Your brother was admitted to the hospital while you were studying in the metropolis. The crops from our farm couldn’t cover the hospital expenses. We had no choice but to pawn the farm to the Lancasters at a steep price. We thought we could repay the debt before it came due, but luck turned against us. The next season, pests ravaged our crops. We couldn't sell anything because of the destruction. Instead of paying the Lancasters, Carlo was hospitalized again, and we had no choice but to extend the debt. Our neighbors couldn’t help us; they too suffered from the pestilence. Only the Lancasters offered aid, and we accepted it to save Carlo's life. The old Lancaster understood and allowed us to repay in due time. But when he left and his son returned, he demanded immediate p*****t. We had nothing to give," he explained, his words heavy with desperation.

See, Maria? They had good reasons for what they've done to you. Your brother’s life was at stake. They had no other choice—I closed my eyes, trying to process my father's words. I have to accept and understand their reasons.

You're no longer a child, Ria; you're part of the family's struggle now, and you must help solve it.

I glanced at my little brother, Carlo, who was peering at us with innocent curiosity. I had no idea he had suffered so much while I was away. His heart was fragile, and we always handled him with extra care, fearing we'd lose him too soon. If I had known about this problem earlier, maybe I wouldn't be here asking questions. Maybe I would've quit school to work and help with the hospital bills. Carlo's life mattered more than my own ambitions.

"I didn't want you to know about his condition," my father continued. "I didn't want your studies to be disrupted by Carlo's hospital admission. I know how much you love your brother, Ria. You would've stopped studying just to help the family. I know you well enough to say that with certainty."

His words struck a chord within me. He was right; I would've done anything for Carlo. My education could wait, but Carlo’s time was running out.

"But why did you use me as the p*****t?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper, the pain evident in every word. "Am I not... important to you? Don't you... love me?"

"No, no, no," my father denied, shaking his head vigorously. He grabbed my hand and pulled me into a tight embrace. I sobbed against his chest. "Don't you ever think that way," he said firmly.

Tears streamed down my face as he broke the hug and held my shoulders, his eyes searching mine with intense sincerity.

"Always remember, you're a blessing given to us from above. You will always be..." his voice faltered, hinting at something deeper, but I didn't have the time to unravel it.

He closed his eyes, sighing heavily, his grip tightening on my shoulder. When he opened his teary eyes and looked at me, his gaze was filled with anguish.

"It was too late when I found out your mother had agreed to the arrangement. I was busy trying to find other ways to pay our debt to the Lancasters, but the young master played dirty tricks. That's why we couldn't repay him. When I learned of your mother's agreement, I begged him to take everything from us. But the young master didn't want anything. He only..." His voice broke, and he swallowed hard before finishing, "He only wanted you."

My eyes widened in shock. What? Did I hear him right? The young Lancasters wanted me? As p*****t? But why? What could he gain from having me?

I stared at him, seeing the sorrow and guilt etched into his features. "If I could do something about our debt, Riya..." he whispered, tears streaming down his face. He hugged me tightly, whispering endless apologies for our predicament. All I could do was hug him back, tighter this time.

What’s done is done. The only thing I could do for this family was to accept reality. It was my choice, and this choice would determine our family's future. I could be selfish and stay with them, but that decision would affect the way we lived, especially for my siblings. Or I could sacrifice my freedom for my family's welfare.

I let out a deep sigh. My mind was made up. I would return to that mansion and honor the pact. The pain it would bring me was a small price to pay to spare my family. I would sacrifice my freedom for their sake. My love for them ran so deep that their comfort meant more to me than my own.

This is your share of sacrifice, Maria.

"R-Ria..." My mother's voice trembled behind me.

I pulled away from my father's embrace and turned to face her. Her eyes were red and swollen, her face streaked with tears. She reached out and clung to me, sobbing on my shoulder.

"I-I didn’t have a choice, R-Ria. If I had held onto my pride and stubbornness, we would all suffer. We might go days without food, and I couldn’t bear that, especially with your brother so sick. If only I had another choice..." she cried, her voice breaking.

I tried to understand. In the end, she was thinking of our survival. They had no other option but to take the path that would least harm us all.

I hugged her tightly, soothing her with gentle strokes on her back. "I understand..." I whispered, which only made her cry harder. She kept apologizing, but I remained silent, accepting her pain. After a few moments, I felt others join our embrace, and I sobbed when I realized it was my father and siblings.

God, I will miss them. Please, take care of them always.

Time slipped away as we clung to each other, sharing words of love and sorrow. When I felt ready, I cleared my throat and tried to smile at them, hoping to give them a shred of comfort.

"I will return to the mansion and fulfill the deal," I finally said, steadying myself with a deep breath.

"Where are you going, R-Ria?" my little brother Carlo asked, his voice quivering as he realized I was leaving.

Ria. I'll miss that name. I knelt in front of him, forcing a smile.

"Are you... going back to school? But school is done, right? You don't need to leave? You don't—”

I cut him off with a tight hug, feeling his sobs against my shoulder. My eyes met my little sister's, Lara, who was also crying. She understood, even without knowing all the details. She was always so perceptive.

I reached for her hand, pulling her close. Hugging both Carlo and Lara tightly, I whispered to her, "Take care of Carlo, Lara." She nodded through her tears, and I smiled, holding them close one last time.

After a few moments, I reluctantly pulled away, but Carlo clung to me, refusing to let go. It took both my mother and father to pry him away, his wails echoing through the house.

I watched, heartbroken, as he struggled against their hold, Lara crying beside my father.

"Please, always be safe, for me," I said softly, tears streaming down my face.

They nodded in grim acknowledgment. I glanced at Carlo, who was trying to escape my mother's desperate grasp. My dad followed me outside, his concern palpable in the cool night air. He offered to escort me to the Lancasters' mansion, but I refused. They had explained the terms of the agreement, and one of those was that I had to go alone. Maybe that’s why Mom insisted I carry the proof of the deal by myself.

I remembered the handkerchief and the envelope, both bearing the Lancasters' crest. All this time, we weren't in debt to Aunt Helen—it was the Lancasters.

"Are you sure you're fine? The night is getting deep. I’m worried about what might happen to you," my dad asked again, his voice laced with anxiety as we stood in the shadow of our home.

“I’m fine, Dad,” I said, trying to reassure him with a wavering smile.

He took my hand, his grip warm and comforting. "Goodbye," he said, his voice cracking. I bit my lower lip to keep from crying. For one last time, I hugged him tightly, wondering if this might be the last time I ever saw him.

I pulled away and walked off, not daring to look back, afraid that doing so would shatter my resolve. The cold breeze tousled my long hair as I made my way down the muddy road. I wiped away my tears, trying to steady myself after the emotional farewell. Somehow, I navigated the dark path, each step feeling heavier than the last.

I paused for a moment, looking up at the moon hanging high above. Closing my eyes, I savored the silence and stillness of the night. When was the last time I felt such peace? I lingered for a few moments longer before continuing my journey into the unknown.

Maybe I should think of what awaits me after the deal is done. What do the Lancasters want from me? Questions swirled in my mind, distracting me from my surroundings. The moment I heard the noise, I froze, straining to focus on the sounds emanating from the woods.

These weren't ordinary noises made by animals; I could distinguish the steps of humans from those of creatures. The sounds came from my left. I could see nothing except the strands of moonlight piercing the darkness of the woods. Fear started to creep within me as the footsteps grew louder. I could now hear the rustling of leaves and the breaking of twigs.

It was too late when I realized I was being followed. But by whom? I swallowed the lump in my throat, my fear palpable. I tried to calm myself, but I failed.

"Who's t-there?" I called out, trembling in the silent woods. This place, a private property of the Lancasters, had no houses nearby. No vehicles or passers-by could be found here unless they had a reason.

When the sounds from the woods stopped, I decided to continue walking, but my pace quickened. I wished desperately to reach the mansion premises, hoping for some semblance of security.

The footsteps resumed, now from both sides of the road where tall trees loomed. It seemed I was being surrounded. Regret flooded me as I recalled refusing my father's offer to escort me back to the mansion. I thought I would be safe, but it seems the goddess of misfortune has smiled upon me.

As I ran, relief washed over me as I neared the Lancasters' gate, yards away. But my pace faltered when strange shapes emerged from the woods, one by one.

Squinting, I tried to make out what these creatures were, a few yards ahead. At first, they seemed like ordinary dogs, perhaps trying to frighten me. Yet as I approached and studied them, their differences became clear.

Their bodies were larger, more muscular than any normal dog. Growling low, they fixed their gaze on me, and a chill crept up my spine. If I moved closer, they might attack. But it was their eyes that truly unnerved me—glowing with an intense, unearthly light.

Frowning, I realized ordinary dogs' eyes didn't shine like that, especially not with such a vivid, purplish hue under the moon's faint light. Before I could fully grasp what these creatures were, they began advancing toward me, slow and deliberate.

Backing away, I weighed my options. Should I retreat home and return tomorrow with my parents? But as I turned, I discovered more of the same creatures had silently surrounded me.

Now, trapped between them, fear surged.

I choked back a gasp of horror. What now? What were these beasts? Their predatory gazes alone screamed danger.

"This isn't good," I muttered, scanning left and right, desperate for an escape. The dark woods beckoned ominously, my only uncertain refuge. Behind me, the creatures closed in, their attacks swift and relentless. Adrenaline surged, propelling me into a desperate sprint for survival.

Branches tore at my skin, but I ignored the pain, focused only on evading capture. Moonlight guided my frantic path as the creatures' haunting howls echoed through the trees, a chilling reminder of their relentless pursuit.

"Oh gods, someone help!" I pleaded inwardly, heart pounding with every step.

Time blurred as I ran, lungs burning for air. Finally, a clearing opened up before me within the dense forest. Across from me loomed a towering rock formation, its sheer face daunting and seemingly impassable. I glanced left and right, seeking an escape route, but it was too late. The creatures encircled me, their eerie howls now deafening in my ears.

It was then, in the moonlit clearing, that their true nature became undeniable. One of them shifted, morphing into human form before my disbelieving eyes. Fear gripped my chest, tightening with each breath.

"It's not just a rumor," I realized, dread settling in. "They're real."

Months had passed since rumors spread like wildfire through our town, tales of creatures thought only to exist in stories. Werewolves. The very idea seemed impossible, yet here they were, seven shadowy forms emerging from the depths of the forest.

As they growled and approached me, panic seized my senses. I grasped desperately at a nearby branch, my heart pounding in my chest like a drumbeat echoing through the night.

"Don't come near me," I managed to choke out, brandishing the branch like a feeble shield against their advance. The leader, with piercing purple eyes and a smirk that hinted at ancient secrets, stepped forward from the darkness, scrutinizing me with unnerving intensity.

Behind him, the others moved slowly, their eyes glowing with an eerie purple light, their fangs bared in a menacing display. Fear coursed through me. Was this the end? Would my torn and lifeless body be discovered by the dawn, or would I simply vanish, consumed by these creatures of myth?

Pain shot through me, a reminder of my own mortality, but I couldn't spare a moment to assess my injuries.

That's why I became vigilant when the first werewolf who shapeshifted attacked me. I immediately smashed the branch into his body with all my strength, sending him flying away from me. For a fleeting moment, I felt a surge of victory, but the remaining wolves howled in response.

The next thing I knew, they all charged at me. Panic gripped me, and I dropped the branch I was holding, screaming in terror. "Ahhhhh!"

I closed my eyes, bracing for their painful attack. This is it, I thought. This is really the end. Memories of my family flashed before me. Those goodbyes might have been my last. How ironic—I feared suffering under the Lancasters' power, but now I was about to be torn apart by werewolves.

But the attack never came. Instead, I heard groans and cries of pain, followed by a fierce growl. I opened my eyes and saw a werewolf standing between me and the pack of seven.

I froze, expecting this new werewolf to turn on me, but instead, I saw the others retreat. It was then I realized this black wolf was protecting me.

But why would a werewolf protect me?

The wolves that had been hunting me vanished into the night, leaving only the black wolf who had saved me. Though I couldn't fathom why, a flicker of gratitude stirred within me. My heart thudded in my chest when the black wolf turned to face me, and even more so when he began to shift into human form.

I had seen the transformation earlier, but it still left me breathless. My pulse quickened as he started to close the distance between us. I glanced at the branch I had used for protection, ready to grasp it again. But before I could, it was knocked away in an instant.

He had kicked it! In the blink of an eye, he was right in front of me. I held my breath as he crouched down, his eyes boring into mine. Those eyes, burning with an eerie red light, were the last thing I saw before everything went black.