Arranged To The Beast Alpha

Shadows of tradition

DAMIAN

Sitting at the long, polished table in the council room, I felt the weight of every pair of eyes on me. The council elders watched like hawks, their faces unreadable, eyes sharp.

I knew their looks all too well—the judgment, the constant weighing of everything I did. It made my blood boil. But I held my tongue, out of some leftover respect for their loyalty to my family. For as much as they irritated me, these were men who have stood by me, even after everything the pack suffered. I couldn’t let my anger show. Not yet, anyway.

“We want to see your Luna, Alpha Damian,” Gamma Stanley finally spoke, his voice carrying that damn familiar tone of authority. “Beta Kai has informed us of her worthiness, but it’s not enough. We need to see her ourselves, to know in our hearts and minds that she’s fit to stand beside you.”

I clenched my jaw, resisting the urge to roll my eyes. They didn’t trust my judgment, it seemed. Kai, my Beta, my right hand—they didn’t trust him, either. The room was heavy with their collective nods, like a school of fish silently aligning in the same direction.

With a forced calm, I replied, “I trust you all know Kai’s loyalty to me. He wouldn’t make the mistake of bringing me the wrong kind of woman. Whatever you’ve heard about my Luna is true. As far as I’m concerned, that should be enough. Her appearance, her loyalty—you don’t need to worry about that. No one dares go against me.”

I could see them bristle at my tone. They exchanged glances, silent and questioning as if I hadn’t given them the answer they wanted. These old men were stepping into matters that didn’t concern them, testing my patience, and pushing limits they probably didn’t even realize existed.

“Is there any opposition to my words?” I asked, letting my gaze sweep over each of them. I knew my expression left little room for discussion, but murmurs filled the room all the same.

Then one of the elders rose, the scrape of his chair loud in the silence. General Gregory, ex-military, is one of my father’s oldest allies. He was a tough man, hardened and loyal, which was why he held a place on this council. But I wasn’t in the mood for lectures.

“When your mother was chosen to be Luna,” he said, his voice steady and unshaken, “she was presented to the people. A grand feast was organized in her name, and the pack celebrated because they knew they had a new mother. We only ask for the same respect for your Luna. It’s what your people deserve.”

His words hit me like a bitter pill. Memories clawed their way to the surface—my mother, her silent pleas, her dead eyes, her constant gnashing of teeth, it was her choice. Not mine. I wasn’t about to let tradition dictate my every move.

I stood, my gaze sharp as it moved over each of them. “My wedding ceremony will be enough of a declaration. Nothing else will be done.” My tone left no room for argument.

Without waiting for their approval—or their disapproval—I turned and walked out, leaving the council elders with their old traditions and expectations floating in the air behind me.

THE NEXT DAY

"Have dinner with her," Kai urged, his pacing abrupt and agitated.

"Can you please stop that?" I warned my tone firm and brooking no argument. A sharp glance from me was enough to silence him, and he let out a frustrated sigh.

"Andy has prepared an exquisite spread," Kai continued, his words tumbling out in a relentless stream. "Can you at least make an effort to join her, to alleviate some of the burden she's carrying? You yelled at her last night, and since then, you've refused to see her or even inquire about her well-being. Your wedding is just a week away, and she needs to feel welcomed."

I clenched my jaw, recalling the events of that night. "She was trespassing, snooping around like a meddlesome detective. She deserves her own space; I won't share mine with her."

Kai's persistence was unyielding. "Reconsider, Damien. The council members are watching, and we can't afford to let them discover that you're at odds with your soon-to-be wife."

My response was instinctive. "She's not my wife."

Kai's tone softened, annoying me even further. "She is your wife and the Luna of this pack. You can't deny it.”

I scoffed, knowing he was right. I had to make her feel welcomed, this facade Kai was forcing me into would put my people at ease.

“Fine.”

He heaved a sigh, his eyes gleaming with gratefulness. “I will have her informed, please hurry…” he paused, realizing the words that left his mouth. “I mean breakfast is getting cold.” He quickly added and dashed out.

Kai slipped in again, “Thank you for connecting them.” He said, causing my lips to twitch.

“I will see you later.” The door closed.

My eyes traveled to the laptop I had sent to Leah. She was frustrated, trying to connect with her sister, but to no avail; someone ruined the connection, and I had just had to fix it, to see her at peace after scaring her.

Why I went to that room, I didn't know, but at least my presence saved her from dwelling in sadness that alone filled me with contentment.

I rolled my eyes, so much for being pleasant and humane.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I entered the dining room and met her there. She was seated quietly, hands folded in her lap, staring down at the empty plate in front of her. She looked like she would rather be anywhere but here, yet something was captivating about her. From the very first day we met, I couldn't pinpoint it, but I knew for sure.

Her dark hair framed her face in soft waves, and her posture spoke of a quiet strength, a resilience I didn’t expect. She looked up as I approached, her gaze flickering with something I couldn’t quite place—curiosity mixed with caution.

"Good morning," I said, trying to keep my voice neutral.

"Good morning," she replied softly, barely meeting my gaze.

I sat across from her, stealing glances as the maids present filled out plates. There was a tension in her shoulders, she's probably still affected by it. But why do I care, that pendant is my private property, and she couldn't just go around touching it like it belonged to her.

"Did you sleep well?" I find myself asking.

"Yes, thank you." Her voice was polite and reserved like she was trying not to step out of line.

After a few moments of silence, with just the cluttering of our utensils, I couldn’t help myself, “I am sorry.” I winced, the words tasting bitter on my tongue; I am not the type to apologize.

She looked up, a shadow crossing her face. "I…I am sorry too," she replied, but her tone was too tight, too controlled.

"Are you close with your family?" The question slipped out before I could stop it.

She tensed, her gaze lowering, and then she looked up, forcing a smile. “Yes. My father and I have a special bond; my sister and I are best friends, and my brother is very protective of me.” She said, stuttering in between.

She was lying, but why would she lie?

“Come with me, I want to show you something,” I said, dragging my chair backward and standing up.

She stood, ever so slowly. “I don't plan to kill you.” I cautioned. “Let's go.”