Chapter Eight - The Arrangement
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Hovering over the number that I’ve memorized in the last two years I felt the butterflies as usually but I also felt something new. Something I wasn’t used to.
Finally after almost three hours of staring at his name I got the courage to press down on the number. I clamped my eyes shut, afraid to lift my finger cause I knew the damage was done. Regret filled me to the core but I couldn’t stop from bringing the phone up to my ear as I slowly released my finger from the screen. The ringing from the phone could be heard and I gulped as I waited. And waited.
As usual he didn’t answer and I was disappointed but also overwhelmingly relieved. After Luke’s usual greeting I sucked in a breath, could this be the day I actually speak to him? Opening my mouth after the silence enveloped around me and I made a split second decision, letting out a little squeak, I ended the call.
Nicely done Rose. I scolded myself and threw my phone across the room. It landed gently on my bed and I sighed. At least it didn’t break. My dad would have for sure killed me, I’ve gotten in so much trouble already as it is.
Running over to the bed as a chime went off I stared at the phone in disbelief. He called me back. Would he know it’s me? I declined the call and waited, would he leave a voicemail?
A new chime rang out and the screen read new voicemail. Again my heart pounded faster in my chest. I just stared at the screen scared at what I’d hear on the other end of the phone.
I wasn’t prepared for what awaited me. I wasn’t even expecting what came next.
I quickly pressed the button to listen to his voice and was surprised at the voice that spoke over the speaker.
“Who is this? If you are one of my boyfriend’s fuck toys I swear I’ll rip your throat out. Stay away from Lucas.” My first thought was I called the wrong number but then she said his name. That broke me. Tears fell down my cheeks and I pulled the phone away from my ear.
I was stupid to think that he’d actually changed his mind like I did, that we’d be together, like mates. Like why did she have his phone in the first place?
A knock at my door caused me to jump , dropping my phone in the process. “Shit.” I cursed picking it up and walking over to the door.
Standing there was a very nice looking boy, he had messy blond hair and baby blue eyes but he had nothing on Lucas.
“Hey?” I questioned when he just stared at me.
“You must be Rose.” He smiled, showing off his perfect white teeth.
“Rosaline, actually.” I told him, trying to keep my voice polite. I could tell he wasn’t from my pack so I had to try extra hard. He seemed pleased that responded the way I had by the smirk on his face. “And you are?”
“You get the privilege of calling me Rex.” His voice was cocky and I hated him already.
I folded my arms across my chest and gave him a hard look. “Why are you here?”
“Didn’t you know?” He seemed genuinely surprised. “We’re in an arrange marriage. I thought you knew.”
“What?” I gasped.
“I’ve known since I was 6 that I’d marry you.” Rex responded, “Despite the fact that I might actually find my real mate one day.”
I just stared at him in awe, could this be true? I mean it wasn’t uncommon for Alpha’s and their offspring to be forced to mate with one another. I just didn’t think my father was that kind of person though, I mean he was fortunate enough that his real mate was the girl his father picked for him, my mom. I thought he’d want me to be happy to find my own real mate.
“Dad!” I yelled through the house, pushing my way past Rex. “Dad!” I called again running down the stairs. I didn’t get a response so I made my way to his office. I could feel Rex behind me as I stormed my way over.
“Dad!” I opened the door and my father looked up surprised. “Tell me it’s not true! Tell me you didn’t!”
He was confused until Rex walked in the door behind me, “Oh, so you met Rex.” He nodded.
I scoffed and crossed my arms. “Met him is an understatement.”
“Rosaline, I just want what’s best for you. Rex comes from a great Alpha line, one of the best.” He tried to reason with me. “Why won’t you at least try, give the boy a chance. For me?”
He had me. I didn’t want the hate from my father, not again. But Lucas. Could I handle the hate I’d get from him? The girl who answered his phone’s voice echoed in my head and I nodded sheepishly.
“Fine.” I whispered, my heart breaking with my words, “I’ll try with Rex.”
“That’s my girl.” My dad smiled and nodded in approval but I didn’t feel accomplished or anything, I felt worse than ever.
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Staring at my bags the sinking feeling never left. I couldn’t be making the right decision if I felt like this, could I? Was going to Rex’s pack the right move? Probably not.
“It’s going to be okay.” My dad reassured me as he placed my bags into the trunk of Rex’s expensive foreign car. “If you need me, I’m just a phone call away.”
I nodded and kept my head down. Obviously my dad thought it was a good idea and he had my best interest at heart, right? “I’m just…” I started causing my dad to pause and give me a questioning glance.
“You’re what?” He cautioned.
Redirecting my words I spoke, “I’m just sad to be leaving you...and the pack.” I sighed, as I thought of leaving Lucas, tears filled in my eyes and I tried to blink them away. “I just got you back.”
“Rose.” My dad laughed, “You knew this day was coming eventually. You couldn’t live at home forever.”
“I know.” I tried my best to brush off his nonchalance and then his words struck. “Wait. I’m only leaving for a few weeks.”
My dad shrugged, “You never know. Things could change.”
“Dad-.” I stepped forward and held up his hands to stop me.
“Rosaline.” He warned, “You’ll do what’s best for the pack. You’ll put the pack first.”
Biting my lip, I knew that I couldn’t fight with him on this. It was my duty to have my pack’s best interest at heart, regardless of my own happiness. I was the Alpha.
Nodding my head I agreed and that’s when he stepped in front of me and wrapped me in his arms. “You’re an amazing daughter, you’re going to make one heck of an Alpha.”
“Thanks dad.” I mumbled just as Rex made his way from the house. He was followed by three of his own guards and when he saw me he gave me a grin.
“Ready to hit the road Rose?”
“She sure is.” My dad laughed and pushed me gently into Rex’s direction. I had to bite my lip to stop myself from growling. My dad was making it uncomfortable for me.
Rex placed his arm around my shoulder and pulled me closer to his side as he led me to the passengers side of the car.
Following wordlessly I got in the car. It wasn’t like I had a choice.
Eh..?