I wrote this story to prove the mate bond right.
"When deep down in the core of your being you believe that your soulmate exists, there is no limit to the ways he or she can enter your life."
- Arielle Ford
Chapter 1
“Leila! Are you ready?” I heard my mom call from outside in the hall.
I didn’t reply, as I finished running a brush through my hair. They warned me not to touch it. I was supposed to sit still on the bed, until they called out for me.
I was wearing a floor length, lace white dress that clung to my body- with some white, crystal stone, decorated heels.
The first thing my mom said after I slipped on the dress was, “It better look exactly like that when I come back. No wrinkles.”
I knew that meant I was to stay put.
My straight black hair was loose. Only a blue gem covered pin was decorating my hair and keeping it in place.
“Leila!” My mother yelled once again.
This time, she made her way inside my room.
“I’m ready,” I finally answered.
When her eyes landed on me, a smile spread on her lips.
“Oh, look at you,” she said, walking over to embrace me.
I smiled into her neck, so she wasn’t able to see me.
“Your dad is waiting for you downstairs. Everyone is already at Jackson’s house,” she informed me.
I nodded, and followed her out.
When my dad caught sight of me, he looked even more excited than my mom.
“My little princess,” he said, as I walked down the stairs of our house.
I was glad that my father seemed happy. It was the only reason I was going through all of this. I kept thinking I would run away. I didn’t want this. I didn’t want to marry Alpha Nicolas.
But, everyone in my pack thought I was the luckiest girl there.
Even some She-Wolves began talking to me. They had always made a point to stay away from me. After Alpha Jackson arranged the marriage with Alpha Nicolas, people from the pack were more welcoming.
“Daddy,” I said, finally reaching him.
He kissed my cheek, and was careful not to mess my hair or my dress.
“You look like an angel,” he told me, wrapping his arm around my waist- as he led me out of the house.
“I can already imagine the pups you and Nicolas will have. My grandchildren will be strong, like their daddy and grand dad,” he said, putting his hand under my chin, and making me look up at him.
He looked so happy. I couldn’t help but smile up at him. I had already come to terms with what was going to happen. I at least appreciated that Alpha Nicolas seemed to care for me.
My stomach was in knots all the way to Alpha Jackson’s house. One of the pack members was going to marry us, while Alpha Jackson made the announcement about joining the packs. Everyone was excited, both Staten and Raven pack.
I was able to see all of the shifters gathered in the large back patio of Alpha Jackson’s house. There were flowers everywhere, something that my father had insisted on. He knew how fond I was of orchids, and I could see them decorate many areas of the patio.
Most of the pack was in dressy clothes, while a few of them were shifted into their Wolves.
Down the aisle, I could see Alpha Nicolas waiting for me. He looked serious, but his eyes were concentrated on me.
Alpha Jackson was standing beside him. He had a grin on his face. I was still angry with him- with his decision to hand me over to another pack.
I’d had this conversation many times before with my dad. He told me I needed to understand my place in the pack. I was the lucky one. I was marrying an Alpha, and he would give me fortunes and strong pups- who would one day lead Raven pack.
Many times I stared at myself in the mirror, looking at my flat stomach. I tried imagining myself with a belly. Thinking about having a child of my own scared me, much more if he was from Alpha Nicolas- who I still feared.
A small chorus formed by the younger kids from the pack started singing. It was my cue to make my way down the aisle.
My dad walked by my side, looking tall and proud to be holding me.
Standing next to Alpha Nicolas was strange. My Wolf didn’t complain. She wasn’t sure what to make of the situation.
“You look beautiful,” he complimented, running his hand over my cheek.
I forced myself to smile at him, and turned to look at the pack member who would be the minister for the wedding.
After the small ceremony was over, Alpha Nicolas turned to face me- expectant of our first kiss as a married couple.
I didn’t move from where I was, or try to inch closer to him.
Being a foot taller than me, he had to lean down. I felt his arms wrap around my waist, and his head was falling closer to mine.
I remained still for a moment after his lips pressed against mine.
His arms tightened around my waist, and his lips turned more forceful. In the background, I could hear Wolves howling and people clapping or cheering for us.
I pulled away, only to have him search my lips once again. Alpha Nicolas kissed me one more time, his lips softening, as his arms held me tighter.
The congratulations were coming from everywhere. Both of my parents cried, even though my dad tried to hide it. The people were celebrating, and all trying to catch a glimpse of us. There were too many pack members, so I was sure I didn’t get around talking to everybody.
Once we were declared husband and wife, Alpha Nicolas didn’t let me leave his side.
His hand remained around my waist for the rest of the afternoon. The only time he let go, was when we sat at our table to eat. Even then, he was holding my hand. Any chance he got, I felt his lips lightly kissing my cheeks.
His compliments didn’t let up either.
“I’ll take care of you, I swear it on my life,” he said at one point during the evening.
It was one of the things that stuck to me most. I was well aware that I reminded Alpha Nicolas of his deceased mate- Isabelle. She’d been killed by Rogues six years ago. Any time he made comments like that, I felt he was trying to fix any mistakes he thought he made with Isabelle- by making it up to me.
I couldn’t help but wrap my arms around him after he’d said that. I knew he had been in pain. I didn’t want this marriage- but Alpha Nicolas didn’t know that. I had strict orders to behave myself when he was around.
It wasn’t fair that because of the wants of my pack- I treated Alpha Nicolas bad. He’d only ever been kind to me.
Even though my dad was sad to watch me leave, he seemed more excited about my current position.
I was now a Luna.
“Are you alright?” Alpha Nicolas asked me.
I nodded at him, and continued staring at the scenery passing us by.
There were suburban trucks ahead of us and behind us- all belonging to Raven pack. All of them were people that wanted to attend the wedding of their Alpha and future Luna, but some were also part of the guard.
“You look sad,” he said, stroking my cheek.
The two men on the front seat were keeping to themselves. They were there to protect Alpha Nicolas. One of them was the Beta of the pack- Robert. The driver, whose name I didn’t know yet, was one of the trackers.
“I’m going to miss home,” I replied, turning to look at him.
I offered him a small smile, not wanting to make him unhappy. I didn’t even want to think what Alpha Jackson would do to me if Alpha Nicolas returned me. It wouldn’t be the first time something like that happened in packs. The fact that Alpha Nicolas and I weren’t mates just worried me more.
He chuckled, and wrapped his arm around my shoulder.
“We can come and visit them after you settle down in the pack. I want everyone to meet you, to know you are the new Luna. My new Luna,” he said, leaning down for a kiss.
I responded, but I kept my hands on my lap.
I felt his arm around my waist, while the other was still over my shoulder. The way we were, with him practically over me- was making me feel so small.
It was embarrassing that two men were sitting in front and could see what we were doing in the back.
I lightly pressed my hands on his chest to push him away.
“I can’t wait,” I said, hoping my words would make up for moving away.
He smiled, and nodded at me.
For the rest of the ride, the topic of conversation was more on the pack.
Alpha Nicolas and Robert were discussing the new rounds they were planning. After an Alpha, a Beta, or the third in command found their mates- there was usually trouble around the pack. I wasn’t Alpha Nicolas’ mate- but I was basically the equivalent of it.
If any neighboring pack, or Rogues wanted to attack- this was when it would be the most vulnerable for a pack. Alpha Nicolas wasn’t too worried though. They hadn’t had a Rogue attack in years.
Robert drifted the subject to lighter topics. Rogues usually brought a bitter taste to Alpha Nicolas’ mouth. Today though, he didn’t seem to mind.
“Nothing Rogues try to do will hurt us. I have Leila now,” he said, giving my shoulder a squeeze.
Robert grinned, looking happy that Alpha Nicolas seemed better. I smiled along with him, glad that Alpha Nicolas hadn’t gotten upset.
It was hours before we made it to Raven territory.
Only two trucks were following us now. I assumed the rest of them had gone home.
“I’m going to have a quick meeting with some of my men, I’ll go inside right now,” Alpha Nicolas said, as he pressed me closer to him.
His forehead was resting against mine, and I could feel his hands running up and down my back.
“I feel better now that I have you here with me,” he whispered, catching my lips with his.
“You can enjoy your wife later in the night,” Robert chuckled, as he slapped Alpha Nicolas in the back.
I was slightly pushed to the back with how hard the slap had been, but Alpha Nicolas kept me in place.
Alpha Nicolas turned around, and began play fighting with Robert. It was strange seeing him like that. Robert was a five years younger than Alpha Nicolas. I had heard he’d just turned thirty. It was a strange sight, especially with how composed and serious Alpha Nicolas usually was.
“Take her things up to my room,” Alpha Nicolas ordered one of the guys. The guy nodded, and began carrying my suitcases.
My mom only allowed me to bring two. They were filled with pictures, my laptop, and things that held personal value. I was hardly permitted to bring clothes.
I was told that Alpha Nicolas had already bought me a complete wardrobe of clothes, which had my mother more excited than the night she heard of our engagement.
“I’m Vincent,” the guy that was leading me upstairs introduced himself, nodding at me with a smile on his face.
“Leila,” I replied, smiling at him nervously.
“I know. The ceremony was really cool. We’re all really happy you married my uncle,” he said, his smile morphing into a grin.
I nodded, but didn’t add anything to his comment. I didn’t want to lie to him since I wasn’t exactly thrilled with the marriage. There was no way I was going to tell anyone from this pack that I was forced to marry their Alpha.
“The pack is really excited about meeting you. Everyone wanted to go over to Staten Pack for the wedding. Uncle Nicolas said we couldn’t all go- someone had to stay behind and watch over the pack. He said we’re having another celebration here though,” he continued talking.
By this time, he’d walked me to what I was assuming was the master bedroom.
The huge room had a king sized bed in the middle, with dark silk sheets.
A white carpet took up the entire floor, which made the room look too clean, but completely bare at the same time.
Two black leather couches were on the side, facing a large flat screen TV. I was impressed by the balcony, which had sliding doors. I could see a table with chairs outside.
A fancy stereo was resting on a clear crystal table, which looked really expensive.
Other than the few decorations here and there, the room was almost empty.
“This will be your room,” Vincent said. He didn’t step inside, because he said Alpha Nicolas would kill him if he dirtied the white carpet.
“I can leave your suitcases here, and my uncle will probably take them in later on when he gets back,” he told me, again smiling.
“Thanks,” I said, taking one of the suitcases from him.
Once Vincent was gone, I went to look out the balcony. It was already dark outside, and the air felt cold.
Alpha Nicolas had an amazing view though. I was enchanted by the woods ahead, and how bright the moon looked this night.
“If there is anything you need, you just have to tell me,” I heard Alpha Nicolas say.
I could hear his footsteps making their way over to me, but I didn’t dare turn to face him.
“How are you feeling?” He asked, wrapping his arms around me, and resting his hands over my stomach.
“I’m fine,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.
“I want you to be better than fine,” he said, placing a kiss on my shoulder. I had changed into a regular white dress before leaving home. It was shorter than my wedding dress, which my mom had also made me pack.
“I’m still getting used to things,” I told him.
It was silent for a while. I kept staring out at the distance, wondering what my pack was doing now. I was missing my dad. I wanted to see him.
I’d been wondering if Alpha Nicolas would let me call him, but I wasn’t sure what my dad would say about that. The last thing I wanted was for him to think I was weak and already trying to back out.
“Alpha Nicolas,” I said.
He turned me around, managing to keep me pressed to him while he did. I was now facing him, with my hands resting on his chest.
“Leila,” he said, running his hand over my arm.
“Don’t call me Alpha Nicolas. You can simply call me Nicolas from now on. We’re married now. There is no need for the formality,” he said, smiling at me.
I hadn’t seen him smile so much before, as I had seen him today.
I dropped my gaze, trying to get it programmed in my mind that I could drop the ‘Alpha’ title from his name whenever I called him.
“Nicolas,” I said, his lone name sounding strange on my lips.
He chuckled, and I felt myself blush.
I tried to suppress the embarrassment something so simple was causing me.
“What is it Leila?”
“Do you think I can call my father tomorrow? I want him to know we got here safe and that I’m doing fine,” I told him.
“I’ve already called Jackson, but if you want, you can call your dad tonight,” he replied.
I shook my head, feeling slightly panicked.
“I’ll call them tomorrow, if you let me,” I told him.
The moment Alpha Nicolas began moving us inside, I felt my heart beat pick up.
His hands trailing down to my lower back weren’t exactly helping to settle my nerves.
“You’re perfect,” he whispered, while trailing kisses over the skin in my neck and down to my shoulders.
I knew what was going to happen, but I didn’t want it. My Wolf was begging me to step away. I couldn’t let Alpha Nicolas mate with us. Silent tears left my eyes, but he didn’t seem to notice or to care.
It wasn’t until I felt his teeth grazing around my neck that I felt it. He wasn’t going to mate with me- at least not yet.
Alpha Nicolas was going to claim me.
Comment and vote if you'd like. The Alternate Reality will be a short story. If you didn't want to read it- then I'd rather not receive bad comments about it. I hope you like it- thanks for reading.